Mobile Ad Hoc Network (MANET) IP Mesh Radio for UAV and Drone
Overview
The Vcan1806 MANET IP Mesh Radio is a high-performance bidirectional broadband wireless communication system designed for UAVs, drones, ground stations, and mobile communication networks. Built on advanced OFDM technology, it enables reliable transmission of IP video, audio, telemetry, and control data over long distances.
Supporting dual-antenna 2T2R MIMO, automatic frequency hopping, and multiple networking modes, this MANET radio provides flexible connectivity for demanding wireless communication applications. It can operate in point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, and customized mesh network configurations, making it suitable for systems that require scalable connectivity between multiple mobile nodes.
With dual 5 W power amplifiers, a compact design, and support for advanced encryption algorithms, the Vcan1806 is designed for long-range wireless links in challenging RF environments.
Key Features
1. Long-Range Wireless Communication
Supports air-to-ground communication over distances of up to 100 km under suitable conditions. Actual range depends on antenna configuration, installation height, bandwidth, terrain, and the RF environment.
2. High-Speed Bidirectional Data Transmission
Supports an air-interface data rate of up to 100 Mbps, enabling the transmission of IP video, audio, telemetry, and other network data.
3. MANET and IP Mesh Networking
Supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connections, with star networking for up to 64 nodes and customized mesh networking for up to 32 nodes.
4. Dual-Antenna 2T2R MIMO
Equipped with two SMA antenna connectors for dual-channel transmission and reception, helping improve wireless link performance and reliability.
5. Automatic Frequency Hopping
Supports operation in the 566–678 MHz or 1420–1530 MHz frequency bands. A dual-band configuration can support cross-band frequency hopping to improve resilience against interference.
6. Adaptive Modulation Technology
Supports adaptive QPSK, 16QAM, and 64QAM modulation to balance data throughput and link robustness according to channel conditions.
7. Multiple Communication Interfaces
Features dual Ethernet ports, two configurable UART serial interfaces, and an SBUS interface for integration with IP cameras, flight controllers, telemetry systems, and other compatible equipment.
8. Advanced Communication Security
Supports AES128, SNOW3G, and ZUC encryption algorithms for applications requiring protected wireless data transmission.
9. Compact and Lightweight Design
Measures approximately 113.9 × 83.7 × 24.5 mm and weighs approximately 255.3 g, making it suitable for integration into UAV and other mobile platforms.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Model | Vcan1806 MANET Radio |
| Wireless Technology | OFDM |
| Network Type | MANET / IP Mesh |
| Frequency Bands | 566–678 MHz / 1420–1530 MHz |
| Channel Bandwidth | 1.4 / 3 / 5 / 10 / 20 / 40 MHz |
| Maximum Air-Interface Data Rate | Up to 100 Mbps |
| Modulation | Adaptive QPSK / 16QAM / 64QAM |
| RF Output Power | 2 × 5 W |
| Receiver Sensitivity | -95 dBm @ 20 MHz bandwidth |
| Antenna Configuration | 2T2R MIMO |
| Antenna Connectors | 2 × SMA |
| Ethernet Interfaces | 2 × RJ45 |
| Serial Interfaces | 2 × Configurable UART |
| Remote Control Interface | 1 × SBUS |
| Networking Modes | Point-to-Point, Point-to-Multipoint, Star, Customized Mesh |
| Maximum Star Network Nodes | Up to 64 |
| Maximum Mesh Network Nodes | Up to 32, customized configuration |
| Encryption | AES128 / SNOW3G / ZUC |
| Power Supply | DC 24–30 V |
| Power Consumption | Less than 23 W per node; less than 10 W for the center node |
| Dimensions | 113.9 × 83.7 × 24.5 mm |
| Weight | Approximately 255.3 g |
| Management Interface | Web-based configuration interface |
Note: Specifications may vary according to the selected frequency band, networking configuration, and hardware version. Please confirm the final configuration before ordering.
Frequency Configuration Options
The Vcan1806 MANET radio can be configured according to different project requirements.
Single-Band Configuration
- Operating frequency: 566–678 MHz or 1420–1530 MHz.
- Maximum air-interface data rate: up to 100 Mbps.
- Recommended for applications prioritizing high data throughput.
Dual-Band Configuration
- Supports both 566–678 MHz and 1420–1530 MHz bands.
- Supports cross-band frequency hopping.
- Maximum data rate: up to 50 Mbps according to the manufacturer's stated configuration.
- Recommended for applications prioritizing interference resilience and communication reliability.
Single-band and dual-band configurations have different performance characteristics. Confirm the required frequency configuration when placing your order.
Applications
UAV and Drone Communication
- Long-range wireless video transmission.
- Flight telemetry and control data communication.
- Air-to-ground broadband wireless links.
- Communication between multiple UAVs and ground stations.
Public Safety and Emergency Response
- Temporary wireless communication networks.
- Remote video monitoring during emergency operations.
- Field communications where fixed infrastructure is unavailable.
Industrial and Infrastructure Monitoring
- Remote inspection of industrial facilities.
- Wireless transmission of sensor data and IP video.
- Communication links for mobile inspection platforms.
Mobile Robotics and Unmanned Systems
- Wireless networking between mobile nodes.
- IP data communication for compatible robotic platforms.
- Integration with Ethernet-based monitoring and control systems.
Broadcasting and Remote Video Transmission
- Wireless IP video backhaul.
- Live video transmission from remote locations.
- Temporary outdoor wireless communication links.
FAQ
Q1: What is a MANET IP Mesh radio?
A MANET radio is a wireless communication device designed for mobile ad hoc networks. It enables compatible nodes to communicate without relying entirely on fixed network infrastructure. IP Mesh configurations can allow multiple nodes to exchange data and relay communications through the network.
Q2: What is the maximum transmission distance?
The product information specifies air-to-ground communication distances of up to 100 km under suitable conditions. Actual performance depends on line of sight, antennas, RF interference, installation height, bandwidth, and the selected configuration.
Q3: What is the maximum data rate?
The maximum specified air-interface data rate is 100 Mbps for the single-band configuration. The dual-band frequency-hopping configuration has a stated maximum data rate of up to 50 Mbps.
Q4: Does the radio support automatic frequency hopping?
Yes. The system supports frequency hopping within the configured band. The dual-band configuration can also support hopping between the two supported frequency bands, subject to the selected configuration.
Q5: What interfaces are available?
The radio provides two RJ45 Ethernet ports, two configurable UART serial interfaces, one SBUS interface, and two SMA antenna connectors.
Q6: Can it connect multiple UAVs or ground stations?
Yes. The system supports point-to-point and point-to-multipoint communication. Star networking can support up to 64 nodes, while customized mesh networking can support up to 32 nodes.
Q7: What power supply does it require?
The specified operating supply is DC 24–30 V. Ensure that the power source can meet the device's voltage and current requirements.
Q8: Can the frequency and networking configuration be customized?
Configuration options should be confirmed with the supplier before ordering. Please provide your required frequency band, network topology, transmission distance, and target data rate so the appropriate version can be selected.