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| Eko Tek Principles |
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Each EkoTek product is a node that forms part of a self-organising radio mesh network. Each node in the network searches for links to nearby nodes to form the network mesh. Organising the network is an automatic function carried out by the nodes themselves – configuration is not required. As the network is self-organising it is also self-repairing. Should a node (Repeater) fail, the network will automatically re-configure around the failed node. |
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The dimensions of the network are defined by the layout and distribution of Repeater nodes, the layout being arranged to meet the requirement e.g. reception and public areas of a hospital accident and emergency department or all floors of a building for security guard loneworker protection. Sizeable networks can be easily built due to the large number of Repeaters supported by EkoTek |
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Repeaters are normally installed on walls and/or ceilings. The Hub is installed either on a wall or on a desk so that the Hub display can be easily seen. |
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| Frequency Hopping |
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EkoTek radio links can be configured to operate on a fixed frequency or to hop across all 16 available frequencies. Frequency hopping increases the immunity of EkoTek systems to radio interference : if a message is lost due to interference on a frequency, the loss is immediately detected and the message retransmitted on the next frequency in the hopping sequence. Frequency hopping is especially useful where the local radio environment may be unknown or subject to change : EkoTek’s combination of message loss detection, automatic message retransmission and frequency hopping makes for a very robust radio infrastructure. |
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| Accurate Location Reporting |
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When a user raises an alarm signal, it is important to know the location of the user to ensure that assistance arrives as quickly as possible. EkoTek provides accurate location reporting based on location signals sent out by Repeaters. When a user signals an alarm, the user identification (name), location and alarm type are included in the alarm message displayed on the Hub and sent to Pagers. |
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2-Way Acknowledgement
For peace of mind of the User, acceptance of the alarm at the Hub or a 2-Way Pager by someone who will be going to the aid of the user is signalled back to the user by the Call Fob lamp and beeper changing their alert patterns |
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2-Way Radio
All EkoTek radio links are 2-way, providing the ability to signal both to and from all devices on the network. 2-way radio provides the ability to quickly detect and correct any lost messages e.g. when a message is relayed from one Repeater to a second Repeater, the second Repeater will acknowledge receipt of the message. |
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If the first Repeater does not receive an acknowledgement, it retransmits the message. |
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This ability allows EkoTek to function even in environments where there is radio interference or poor signal. A further benefit of 2-way radio is the ability to download configuration to all devices from the Hub using over air programming: devices do not hold their own configuration as this is sent by the Hub on request when devices are powered up. |
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Hence even Pagers have their configuration held at the Hub, making it unnecessary to recall mobile devices for configuration change as updates are made at the Hub. |
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