When it comes to securing large properties—like farms, acreages, or industrial lots—standard Wi-Fi often falls short. This is why brands like Swann have introduced new “Long Range” systems (often branded as MaxRanger) utilising Wi-Fi HaLow™ technology.
But what happens when even “Long Range” isn’t long enough?
In this case study, we examine a recent customer scenario in which a standard retail security system was transformed into a true long-range surveillance solution through RF Shop’s 900 MHz antenna expertise.
The Challenge: “Long Range” vs. Real World Reality
A customer recently visited our workshop with a common problem. He had purchased a Swann Wireless Security System from a local retailer (Bunnings/JB Hi-Fi). He chose this specific model because it promised “long-range” capabilities and the ability to punch through obstacles better than standard Wi-Fi.
He was right to choose it. The system uses Wi-Fi HaLow (900 MHz), a protocol designed specifically to travel further and penetrate walls better than the 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands used by standard Wi-Fi.
The Limitations: While the technology inside the Swann Hub is excellent, the physical hardware has limits:
- Placement: The Hub usually sits indoors, near a TV or router, often behind brick walls or metal roofing.
- Stock Antennas: The included antennas are small “rubber duck” dipoles with low gain, limiting the broadcast power.
- Fixed Cameras: The cameras themselves usually have fixed antennas that cannot be upgraded.
The customer needed to cover a large property with potential obstructions (trees, sheds), and the stock setup was struggling to maintain a reliable link at the edge of his property.
The Solution: The “HaLow” Upgrade Kit
The beauty of the Swann Hub (and similar Wi-Fi HaLow NVRs) is that it operates in the 900 MHz ISM band (specifically 915–928 MHz in Australia). This is a frequency band RF Shop specialises in.
Even better, the Swann Hub features a standard RP-SMA External Antenna Port. This allows us to bypass the small stock antenna and attach a high-performance solution.
The RF Shop Custom Setup: To solve the customer’s range issue, we bypassed the indoor limitations entirely:
→ Antenna: We deployed the RF Shop 900MHz High-Gain Omni Antenna. This antenna is tuned specifically for the 900–930MHz band, making it a perfect match for Wi-Fi HaLow signals.
→ Cabling: We added a 10-meter low-loss coaxial cable (LMR195 equivalent).
→ Elevation: This allowed the customer to mount the antenna outdoors, high up on a roof mast, while keeping the Swann Hub safely indoors.
Why This Works: The Physics of 900 MHz
Many customers ask, “What is Halo/HaLow and why is it better?”
Wi-Fi HaLow (IEEE 802.11ah) is a game-changer for Australian properties. Unlike standard Wi-Fi, which bounces off walls, 900 MHz signals have a longer wavelength. This allows them to:
- Diffract: Bend around obstacles like trees and sheds.
- Penetrates: Passes through brick, timber, and even some concrete walls with much less signal loss.
By moving the broadcast point (the antenna) to the roof, we achieve Line of Sight (LOS) over immediate obstacles. Combined with the high gain of our Omni antenna, we effectively “shout louder” and “listen better” to the cameras scattered around the paddock or yard.
Results: From 100m to Beyond
While standard manufacturer claims often cite “up to 100m,” these are best-case scenarios. With the RF Shop Upgrade Kit, users can push these boundaries significantly.
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Reliability: For cameras within the standard range, the signal strength (RSSI) is drastically improved, eliminating “buffering” and dropouts.
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Range: We have seen potential for these systems to reach 200m, 300m, or more, depending on the terrain. In clear Line-of-Sight conditions with high-gain antennas, Wi-Fi HaLow is theoretically capable of reaching up to 1km.
Upgrade Your Security System
If you have a Swann MaxRanger or any Wi-Fi HaLow (900MHz) system and need more range, don’t buy a whole new system—upgrade your physics.
Link: RF Shop 900MHz Omni Antenna: https://rfshop.com.au/product/iot-antenna/
Not sure if your system is compatible?
Contact our engineering team for a quick consult.
📞 +61 (08) 8342 7444 📧 enquiries@rfshop.com.au