Skip to content

Introduction – How to Maximize Range with MIVO Connect#

When working with wireless data collection using Wireless M-Bus, coverage and range are critical to ensure reliable performance. Many factors affect how far the signal can reach—and how well it penetrates walls, floors, and other obstacles. This makes it difficult to give exact answers about range.

That’s why we’ve created this guide, focusing on what’s important during the planning and installation of MIVO Connect and its wireless antennas. The guide includes guidelines, recommendations, and real-world examples—from individual stairwells to entire residential areas.

Antenna Placement Is Key#

  • Install the antenna as high and centrally as possible, preferably outdoors.
  • It's usually better to run a longer antenna cable (15–30 meters) than to compromise on placement.
  • An outdoor antenna directed toward the building performs significantly better than one installed indoors.

Transmission Interval and Power#

  • Choose meters/sensors with 25 mW transmission power and a frequent transmission interval.
  • Rule of thumb: The sensor should transmit 3 times more frequently than the data resolution you want.

Example:
If you want 15-minute readings, the sensor should transmit every 5 minutes.

Range Recommendations for Quoting/Planning#

  • Indoors: Up to 50 meters
  • Outdoors, line of sight: Up to 150 meters

Repeater When Needed#

If buildings are more than 150 meters away or the signal needs to pass through many walls/floors, plan to install a Wireless M-Bus repeater to boost the signal.

Field Examples for Reference#

Example 1#

An outdoor antenna placed centrally covers all stairwells in an area, with approximately 170 meters connected.

Example 2#

An antenna mounted on a TV mast, about 10 meters above ground, covers around 200 water and heating meters. The most distant house is 200 meters away – the system works, but a repeater would have provided extra reliability.

Example 3#

An antenna placed on a chimney, about 5–6 meters high, covers buildings up to 110 meters away. In this case, data is collected from 42 water meters with excellent reception, despite the meters being behind inspection hatches.