Q-Link

In most Quuppa Systems, Ethernet cables are used to provide both power and connectivity for the Quuppa Locators. However, sometimes it may be very difficult or even impossible to run Ethernet cables to all of the Locators in a system. In such cases, the Q-Link feature can be enabled so that normally cabled (using Ethernet cables) Locators can be used to provide wireless connectivity to Locators without an Ethernet connection. This makes it possible to extend the positioning system to previously out of reach areas and reduces deployment costs as Ethernet cables don't need to be run for all of the Locators in the system.

When making a decision on whether to take the Q-Link into use, it's important to note that a wireless connection cannot offer the same capacity and reliability as a wired system. The Q-Link feature works well in Smart Building-type use cases that already have a high Locator density and that don't require high-accuracy tracking with minimal latency. The Q-Link feature with Q35 Locator is also beneficial in yard management use cases where running Ethernet cables is difficult and costly.

As Ethernet cables provide higher data quality and reliability, they are always the recommended connectivity choice for mission critical use cases where centimeter-level accuracy and minimal latency are requirements. For example, a typical Smart Building application of "find my colleague" works well even if some data is lost and there are small delays, but an access control use case requires uninterrupted real-time data for the system to function and allow access whenever an authorised person attempts to enter a restricted area. If you are considering using the Q-Link feature, please contact us at support@quuppa.com to discuss the requirements of your use case.

Once you have established that the Q-Link feature is suitable for your use case, please proceed to the instructions outlined in this document. Please note that in this document, the Locators used to provide wireless connectivity (that are powered and connected using Ethernet cables) will be referred to as hub Locators and the Locators using the wireless connection (powered either using USB cables or even a battery pack for short-term demonstrations) will be referred to as satellite Locators. This terminology is used descriptively to differentiate which Locator is being referred to as both "roles" are filled by the same Quuppa products, the Q17 or Q35 Locator. For example, in the image above, 1 hub Locator provides connectivity for 4 satellite Locators.