Learning outcomes
- Explain the key principles of radio, cellular and ip telemetry design.
- Carry out a structured practical check or configuration task.
- Recognise common faults, risks and evidence needed for diagnosis.
Module 11 · Lesson 3
Radio, cellular and IP telemetry design
Design resilient remote communications using radio, cellular, VPN, antennas, signal budgets and store-and-forward concepts.
Before you begin
Site survey, coverage data and network/security requirements.
Safety: Use site procedures, approved test equipment and competent supervision. Never bypass a protection or interlock without formal control.
Step-by-step learning
- Define bandwidth, latency, availability and power requirements.
- Assess line of sight, antenna height, cable loss and environmental exposure.
- Select secure addressing, VPN and remote-management methods.
- Provide local autonomy so the site remains safe during communications loss.
Ian's practical tips:
- Telemetry should supervise control, not make a remote site unsafe when the link disappears.
- Antenna placement and feeder loss often matter more than transmitter power.
Fault-finding questions
- What should be happening, and what evidence proves it?
- Where is the last known correct signal, voltage, state or process condition?
- What changed immediately before the fault?
- Can the system be divided into smaller testable sections?
Practical activity
Create a one-page test record for this lesson. Include expected values, measured results, equipment used, risks controlled, defects found and the final proven condition.