Review of M900 and M900 Outdoor microcellular bases from Snom

Microcellular system idea

We invite you to remember what a microcellular system is in general.
A microcellular system is several DECT base stations united into a single network and allowing DECT handsets to work in a single space, transferring between base stations without interrupting the conversation. This is how these systems differ from systems from the same base, such as the Snom M325. The transition between the bases is carried out due to the synchronization of the base stations with each other, we have already mentioned this earlier. Moreover, unlike the M700 system, synchronization is carried out not only “over the air”, but also “over the wire”, so that you will not have to divide the system into clusters when connecting part of the bases behind a radio-impenetrable obstacle. The transition of handsets between bases allows using microcellular systems to organize communication not only in individual rooms, but also to provide them with communication in entire buildings, such as factories, auto repair shops and, for example, medical institutions.

Connectable tubes

Here I would like to immediately mention one of the handsets designed to work with the M900, namely Snom M90…

This tube has a degree of protection against dust and moisture IP65, but this is not the main thing. Snom M90 is coated with a special antibacterial coating, in accordance with JIS-Z801 standard. In addition, this handset has the ability to work with Snom BLE Bluetooth beacons, which allows you to track the location of the handset, which is very important for a quick response to unforeseen situations in medical institutions.
However, this is not the only Snom handset with this functionality. Similar functionality also has Snom M80 and Snom M70which also work with M900…

Both of these tubes also have a shockproof casing and are similar in appearance, however, the M80 has a dust and moisture protection at the IP65 level, and is more adapted to work in aggressive conditions due to this.
M900 also supports the connection of handsets such as Snom M25, M65 and M85, which we have already considered earlier.

Base station M900

But back to the main element of the system – the base station.
System based Snom M900 can consist of 4,000 bases, allowing you to cover really large-scale objects, taking into account the fact that each base provides communication up to 50 m indoors and up to 300 m in line of sight. In this case, the microcellular network is entirely built on base stations, while solutions from third-party manufacturers, in addition to them, must include DECT managers, devices for controlling the microcell. Building a system from equivalent elements and the absence of the need for additional licensing significantly reduces the cost of the solution, removing unnecessary elements from it, and also provides additional fault tolerance.
If the coverage of the bases directly is insufficient in any remote premises, up to 100 repeaters can be additionally connected to the system Snom m5, which also significantly reduces the cost of covering certain segments of buildings and simplifies setup in locations where high call density is not required. Total to the system M900 connects up to 16,000 tubes.

Externally M900 looks laconic and impressive. Complements the first sensation and weight of the base, weighs M900 about 300g, which is quite a lot for a base station, although it will hardly affect anything other than the feel of the equipment during installation. The connectors are located on the back of the case, under a special cover, which makes mounting the base somewhat easier. There are only two connectors for connecting an Ethernet cable through which power is supplied via PoE, and for a power supply, which is rarely used in the case of microcellular bases.

The power adapter is not supplied with the base station and we recommend that you use PoE to power this equipment. But, complete with the base station, there are elements for mounting on the wall, and, of course, a user’s manual.

In addition to the indoor version, there is also a version Snom M900 Outdoor… This kit is a familiar base in a protective case, allowing you to place it outdoors. At the same time, the protective case is completely radio-penetrable, not at all affecting the quality of communication and the radius of signal propagation. The housing allows you to expand the range of used temperatures to values ​​from -20 to + 60º C, has a degree of protection against damage IK08 and passed fire and water (tested for water and flammability according to European standards UL746C and UL746C 5V), it will protect the base station in harsh environments.

Power supply of the base station in the case is carried out, as usual, via PoE, using a cable wound from the bottom of the case. The case does not have active components and does not require a separate power supply, which means that I will have to supply the electrical network, it is enough to connect only the Ethernet cable.

Summarize.

Snom M900 Is a global solution for covering large buildings and building complexes. Thanks to a wide range of different handsets and a secure base station version, you can get the system to work in any conditions, and the number of devices in the system will allow you not to limit yourself in the desire to provide communication where you need it.