UQOMM
Spread Spectrum: long‑range industrial radios for backhaul, SCADA, and critical operations
At UQOMM we design and integrate point‑to‑point and point‑multipoint wireless links for operations where fiber optics are not feasible. We deploy DSSS and FHSS radios in 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5 GHz to support backhaul, SCADA, telemetry, and critical backbone networks.
UQOMM
What is Spread Spectrum and why does it remain relevant
Spread Spectrum is a family of radio modulation techniques that distribute the signal over a wider bandwidth than strictly required to transmit information. What may seem at first like spectral waste is actually a fundamental advantage: it enables coexistence with other signals in the same band, resists interference (intentional or accidental), reduces power spectral density to levels that are difficult to detect, and operates in license free ISM bands when local noise conditions allow. The two major families are DSSS (Direct Sequence), which multiplies the signal by a pseudo random chipping code, and FHSS (Frequency Hopping), which rapidly hops between frequencies according to a pattern agreed upon by transmitter and receiver.
In industrial environments, Spread Spectrum is the backbone of thousands of critical links: backhaul for cellular microsites where fiber is unavailable, interconnection of distributed electrical substations in mountainous terrain, SCADA collection in hydrocarbon wells, and more. It does not compete with Private LTE or fiber optics; it plays a complementary role that neither solves equally well: long range (tens of kilometers with line of sight), moderate traffic, proven robustness against interference, and a total cost of ownership significantly lower than high capacity licensed alternatives.
At UQOMM we design, implement, and integrate Spread Spectrum networks for mining, utilities, and oil & gas across Latin America, North America, and Europe. Each project begins with a technical study that considers link budget, site spectral occupancy, and the best solution for the operation. This is how we develop reliable links prepared to operate in critical environments from day one.
UQOMM
How a Spread Spectrum network operates
A full industrial Spread Spectrum network consists of four principal components:
Technology
Available frequency bands
Choosing the band is the primary engineering decision in any Spread Spectrum project. It depends on the required range, the throughput needed, the site’s spectral occupancy, and local regulatory availability:
| Banda | Frecuencia | Typical Range / Throughput | UQOMM |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISM 900 MHz | 902–928 MHz | 40–80 km · 1–20 Mbps — robust against obstacles | Compatible |
| ISM 2.4 GHz | 2,400–2,483 GHz | 5–30 km · 5–50 Mbps — ubiquitous but congested | Compatible |
| UNII / 5 GHz | 5,150–5,850 GHz | 10–60 km · 50–450 Mbps — high capacity PtP | Compatible |
| Licensed 3.6 GHz | 3,65–3,70 GHz | 10–40 km · 20–150 Mbps — in regions with available licensing | Compatible |
| Licensed 4.9 / 6 GHz | 4.9 GHz / 5.9–7.1 GHz | Licensed corporate backbone links | Selective |
| Licensed Sub GHz | 400 / 700 / 800 MHz | Very long range telemetry and SCADA (SRD/LMR) | Selective |
UQOMM
Where does Spread Spectrum apply?
Utilities / Energy
Oil & Gas
Offshore
UQOMM
Technologies
Spread Spectrum
in underground mining
Spread Spectrum links provide backhaul from the mine portal to the corporate datacenter, interconnection with perimeter geotechnical monitoring points, links to perimeter meteorological and air‑quality stations, and backhaul for Private LTE stations deployed on the open pit when fiber is unavailable. Spread Spectrum is not used in underground galleries; the correct technology in those environments is Leaky Feeder combined with Private LTE/5G.
- Backhaul for Private LTE stations on the open pit
- Interconnection with perimeter geotechnical monitoring points
- Trunk links between mining buildings and camps
- SCADA collection from remote auxiliary assets
Spread Spectrum
in Oil & Gas and Offshore
In oil & gas, it has long been the standard technology for SCADA collection from wells, regulators, and flow meters deployed across wide geographic areas where fiber is not feasible. In offshore environments (platforms, lighthouses, buoys), long range links in sub GHz bands are the only practical solution.
- Long range offshore sub GHz links
- Interconnection with platforms, lighthouses, and buoys
UQOMM
Why UQOMM for your Spread Spectrum project
RF DESIGN BASED ON ENGINEERING, NOT IMPROVISATION
Every link is designed using RF engineering studies that evaluate link budget, Fresnel zone, required availability, line of sight conditions, and actual terrain characteristics. This approach guarantees a dependable infrastructure from day one.
MULTI VENDOR ARCHITECTURE, NOT BRAND DEPENDENCE
We design open architectures and select the technology that best fits the available band, required capacity, operational environment, and expected growth. Our approach is technical: we choose the solution that most effectively meets the demands of each project, without enforcing reliance on any particular manufacturer.
MANAGEMENT, MONITORING, AND CYBERSECURITY
We integrate every network with management platforms that enable real‑time oversight of availability, performance, and link quality. We apply segmentation, security hardening, and configuration traceability to provide an infrastructure ready for uninterrupted operation in industrial settings.
UQOMM
FAQ
1. What is Spread Spectrum and what is the difference between DSSS and FHSS?
Spread Spectrum is a family of modulation techniques that distribute the signal over a wider bandwidth than strictly necessary, gaining robustness against interference and enabling coexistence in shared bands. DSSS (Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum) disperses the signal by multiplying it with a chipping code. It provides higher throughput and lower latency in environments with moderate interference. FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) changes the carrier frequency many times per second according to a pseudo‑random pattern. It delivers better performance in environments with intermittent interference or strong noise bursts. As of 2026, most high‑capacity industrial links use DSSS/OFDM, but FHSS remains relevant in highly congested bands or in low‑rate telemetry applications.
2. When is Spread Spectrum preferable to Private LTE or fiber optics?
Fiber optics is always the preferred option wherever terrain and budget allow: virtually unlimited bandwidth, minimal latency, and immunity to interference. Private LTE is optimal when wide‑area data and voice coverage with mobility is required (trucks, shovels, personnel). Spread Spectrum is the correct choice when fiber is not viable due to terrain or cost, when traffic is moderate and predictable, when a point‑to‑point link spanning tens of kilometers is needed, or when a redundant path independent of cellular service is required. In practice, these three technologies coexist in mature operations. We combine and adapt them according to each specific use case.
3.What real range can a Spread Spectrum link achieve?
The range of a Spread Spectrum link depends on the band, regulated power, antennas, and line‑of‑sight conditions. At UQOMM, we analyze each project to determine the best combination of 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or sub‑GHz bands according to distance, capacity, and environmental conditions. Before implementing the solution, we perform a full link‑budget calculation, evaluating obstacles, interference, and the specific operational scenario to define the expected range and performance.
4.Do Spread Spectrum radios operate in underground mining environments?
They are not suitable for underground galleries. Spread Spectrum requires line‑of‑sight (or near‑line‑of‑sight) and free‑space propagation; rock and curved tunnel geometries attenuate the signal to the point of making it ineffective. In underground mining, the standard technological combination is Leaky Feeder (voice, emergency radio, basic data) together with Private LTE/5G using distributed antennas (industrial data). Spread Spectrum is relevant for the surface portion of an underground mine: backhaul from the mine portal to the datacenter, links between administrative buildings and LTE base stations, and connectivity for perimeter geotechnical monitoring points.
5. Can Spread Spectrum be used for SCADA and telemetry with DNP3 or Modbus?
Yes. At UQOMM we deploy Spread Spectrum networks for SCADA and telemetry applications using protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, IEC 60870‑5‑104, and IP/UDP. When operations include legacy systems, we integrate solutions with Modbus RTU, serial DNP3, IEC 60870‑5‑101, and serial/IP gateways, ensuring compatibility with the existing infrastructure. We design each network considering latency, availability, redundancy, and operational continuity requirements to meet the SLAs defined for each project.
6. How is a Spread Spectrum link protected against deliberate or accidental interference?
Through a combination of measures: selecting the least congested band (based on on‑site spectral analysis before defining the project), proper channelization, dynamic power control, high F/B ratio directional antennas to isolate side lobes, automatic channel switching (auto‑channel) when applicable, and— in critical environments— partial or full migration to licensed bands where only the license holder transmits. For deliberate attacks (jamming), effective defense combines NMS‑based detection, the ability to rapidly switch to an alternative band, and— in high‑risk environments— redundancy using heterogeneous technologies (for example, Spread Spectrum plus a backup satellite link).
7. Does it make sense to invest in Spread Spectrum today, or is it a declining technology?
Spread Spectrum is not a declining technology — it is redefining its role. It no longer competes with LTE/5G as the primary coverage layer, but it remains the best option for long‑range backhaul, distributed SCADA, point‑to‑point links in regions without fiber, and as a redundant path independent of cellular networks. In practice, the three scenarios where we recommend investing in Spread Spectrum today are: (1) backhaul for Private LTE base stations where fiber is not available; (2) redundant trunk links to fiber, independent of provider and technology and (3) distributed SCADA collection for utilities, oil & gas, water, and substations. Typical investments achieve amortization within 2–4 years, depending on the case.
Caso de éxito
Backhaul troncal de utility eléctrica — Cordillera Andina
Red Spread Spectrum de recolección SCADA y backhaul para una distribuidora eléctrica con 34 subestaciones distribuidas en un corredor cordillerano de 280 km sin cobertura celular fiable y sin fibra desplegada en los tramos altos. Arquitectura híbrida: 9 enlaces punto-punto en banda licenciada sub-GHz para la troncal principal (7–25 km por tramo, hasta 20 Mbps), 3 sectores punto-multipunto en 5,8 GHz desde cerros repetidores hacia las subestaciones clúster (hasta 60 km por sector), antenas parabólicas de alta ganancia con certificación estructural por viento, alimentación redundante con solar + banco de baterías en los cerros repetidores. Integración SCADA con IEC 60870-5-104 sobre IP y DNP3 sobre TCP hacia el centro de control. Tras doce meses: disponibilidad del 99,94% medida sobre el troncal, reducción del 78% del tiempo de reconexión ante fallas de distribución gracias a telemetría en tiempo real y eliminación total de la dependencia del operador celular público para la red de control.
Ver caso completo
Tecnologías desplegadas
9 enlaces PtP licenciados sub-GHz
3 sectores PMP en 5,8 GHz
Antenas parabólicas de alta ganancia
Cerros repetidores con solar
Banco de baterías
NMS centralizado
integración IEC 60870-5-104 y DNP3
UQOMM
Complementary Technologies
Spread Spectrum integrates natively with UQOMM’s broader technology portfolio:
Technology
Private LTE
How it combines with Spread Spectrum:
Spread Spectrum provides backhaul for Private LTE base stations when fiber is not available along the route. It is also the typical redundant path when fiber exists but independence from provider and technology is required.
Technology
Private 5G
How it combines with Spread Spectrum:
As with LTE, Spread Spectrum supplies backhaul and redundancy for 5G base stations. In geographically extensive operations, Spread Spectrum links interconnect 5G coverage islands that cannot reach each other on their own.
Technology
Leaky Feeder
How it combines with Spread Spectrum:
In mining, Leaky Feeder covers the underground portion and Spread Spectrum covers the surface: interconnection of the mine portal with the control center, links to perimeter geotechnical monitoring points, and backhaul for auxiliary facilities.
Technology
Mining / Industrial Wi‑Fi
How it combines with Spread Spectrum:
Wi‑Fi serves dense zones with high bandwidth; Spread Spectrum interconnects Wi‑Fi zones when they are separated by distances beyond Wi‑Fi’s reach and fiber is not available.
Technology
IoT Technology for Mining / Industry
How it combines with Spread Spectrum:
Point‑to‑multipoint Spread Spectrum radios are a classic layer for aggregating long‑range IoT data (well telemetry, remote geotechnical sensors, weather stations) and delivering it to the central IoT platform.