SmartLink overview
SmartLink is Airthings' proprietary communication protocol, enabling long-range data transmission between sensors and the Hub with minimal power consumption.
Communication frequencies by region
SmartLink operates on the IEEE 802.15.4g standard with frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) at 50kbps. To comply with regional regulations (e.g., FCC and ETSI), the protocol uses specific radio frequencies depending on the region. Many sensors are pre-configured for a particular region, indicated by a sticker beneath the battery cover.
Region | Frequency Band (MHz) | Sticker |
Europe/ETSI | 868-870 | Blue |
North America, Costa Rica | 902-928 | Red |
Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand | 920-923 | Black |
India | 865-870 | Green |
Oceania, Japan | 923-928 | Yellow |
No preconfigured region | / | / |
Not all devices work in every region mentioned above!
Range and signal strength
Indoor Range & Placement: For optimal performance, place the Hub within 40 meters of a sensor. The system supports up to 3 thick concrete walls or floors, or 10 drywall partitions in an office setting, though signal strength may vary depending on the number of walls and the layout of the space.
Robust Communication: A signal strength of -85 dBm or better (closer to 0 dBm) indicates a good connection. However, signal strength lower than -85 dBm increases the risk of data gaps
Changing/setting device regions
To ensure proper configuration, we recommend installing Airthings devices using the Airthings Business App. The app connects to the device via Bluetooth to verify and, if necessary, adjust its region settings to match the building location.
If the region settings need to be updated, the app will automatically reconfigure them during the setup process. You can also use the troubleshooting feature in the app to verify the current region settings of a device.
Challenges in wireless communication
Wireless communication is a complex and nuanced topic that can appear straightforward in theory. However, in practice, many factors affecting wireless links are beyond direct control, despite what theoretical models might suggest. These factors include multi-path fading, interference, and ambient noise.
To address these challenges, we have developed a robust and resilient communication protocol. While it performs well in most environments, certain locations—such as old industrial structures or deep underground areas—may still pose difficulties. These environments should be carefully assessed before deployment.