A Comprehensive Guide to DECT Wireless Systems

DECT wireless systems are designed to provide reliable and secure communication in various settings, including homes, offices, and public spaces.

DECT technology operates on a specific frequency band, typically between 1.88 and 1.90 GHz, to minimize interference with other wireless devices.

This frequency band is allocated for DECT use in many countries, allowing for widespread adoption and compatibility.

The DECT standard ensures that devices from different manufacturers can communicate with each other seamlessly, expanding the system's versatility and user base.

In a typical DECT system, a base station connects to a central control unit, which manages the system's configuration and settings.

A unique perspective: Digital Access Carrier System

DECT stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications. It's a technology used for wireless communication between devices.

DECT operates on a specific frequency band, typically between 1880 and 1900 MHz. This frequency band is reserved exclusively for DECT devices.

DECT devices use a technique called frequency hopping spread spectrum to minimize interference with other wireless devices. This technique involves rapidly switching between different frequencies to maintain a stable connection.

The range of a DECT device is typically around 30 meters, although this can vary depending on the environment and the presence of obstacles.

Related reading: What Is Broad Band

DECT uses Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) with Time Division Duplex (TDD) in its physical layer. This allows for efficient use of bandwidth and minimizes interference.

The DECT physical layer specifies RF carriers for the frequency ranges 1880 MHz to 1980 MHz and 2010 MHz to 2025 MHz, as well as 902 MHz to 928 MHz and 2400 MHz to 2483.5 MHz ISM band with frequency-hopping for the U.S. market.

DECT devices scan all idle channels at regular 30s intervals to generate a received signal strength indication (RSSI) list, allowing for dynamic channel selection and assignment.

Here are the technical properties of DECT:

The maximum allowed power for portable equipment as well as base stations is 250 mW, with a portable device radiating an average of about 10 mW during a call.

Explore further: Node B

The DECT physical layer uses a unique combination of techniques to ensure reliable and efficient communication. It employs Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) and Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) access with Time Division Duplexing (TDD).

The DECT physical layer uses Gaussian frequency-shift keying (GFSK) modulation, which codes binary ones with a frequency increase of 288 kHz and binary zeros with a frequency decrease of 288 kHz. This modulation technique allows for high-quality connections.

DECT devices can use multiple modulation schemes, including 2-, 4-, or 8-level differential PSK modulation (DBPSK, DQPSK, or D8PSK), which can transmit 1, 2, or 3 bits per symbol. This allows for a range of transmission speeds.

The maximum allowed power for portable equipment and base stations is 250 mW, with an average transmission power of 10 mW (250 mW peak) in Europe and Japan, and 4 mW (100 mW peak) in the US.

Here are the different modulation schemes used by DECT devices, along with their corresponding transmission speeds:

In addition to these modulation schemes, DECT devices can also use dynamic channel selection and assignment, which allows the mobile terminal to choose the transmission frequency and time slot. This helps to minimize interference and ensure reliable communication.

The data link layer of DECT is where the magic happens, allowing devices to communicate with each other. It uses Link Access Protocol Control (LAPC), a variant of the ISDN data link protocol called LAPD, which is based on HDLC.

The data link layer is responsible for controlling the physical layer and providing connection-oriented, connectionless, and broadcast services to higher layers. It's a crucial part of the DECT protocol, enabling devices to send and receive data efficiently.

The DECT data link layer uses GFSK modulation, which has a bit rate of 1152 kbit/s and a frame of 10ms, containing 24 time slots. Each slot contains 480 bits, with some reserved for physical packets and the rest for guard space.

The data link layer supports several types of physical packets, including:

The data link layer also includes a synchronization code (S-field), which is a 32-bit constant bit string, and a data field (D-field), which contains the actual user data. The resulting full data rate is 32 kbit/s, available in both directions.

Eco Plus is a technology that builds upon the benefits of ECO DECT by providing a 100% reduction in transmission power in standby mode, even when multiple handsets are registered.

This means that with Eco Plus, you can enjoy the same level of energy efficiency as ECO DECT, but with the added convenience of not having to position a handset on the base station.

The full benefits of ECO DECT are only realized when a handset is connected to the base station, which is why Eco Plus was introduced to address this limitation.

For your interest: Open Handset Alliance

The classic DECT standard has a range of up to 500 metres.

Developed with a focus on voice, messaging, and networking applications, it's no wonder DECT dominates the cordless residential market and the enterprise PBX market.

The classic DECT standard was first developed in the era of PSTN and ISDN, and it's made to be compatible with the standards and protocols relevant at that time.

Suggestion: DECT Ultra Low Energy

This compatibility has allowed DECT to be enhanced and adapted over the years to answer new market developments, such as the migration to VoIP and the advent of Home Gateways.

DECT has developed regional variants like DECT 6.0 for the US, J-DECT for Japan, and K-DECT for the South Korean market.

The classic DECT standard offers a complete repertoire of signalling and procedures for PSTN and ISDN scenarios, making it unrivalled by any other technology for telephony applications.

DECT uses a 64-bit encryption, which can be vulnerable to attacks, but some manufacturers use higher rates of encryption.

The standard encryption for DECT devices is 64-bit, which is considered fairly weak.

A group of engineers from the Technical University of Darmstadt published information about how DECT calls can be intercepted in 2009, resulting in manufacturers issuing serious security updates.

DECT devices can be secured with the DECT Standard Authentication Algorithm 2 (DSAA2) and DECT Standard Cipher 2 (DSC2), both based on AES 128-bit encryption, which were included as optional in the NG-DECT/CAT-iq suite.

The DECT Security certification program, launched by DECT Forum, mandates the use of previously optional security features in the GAP profile, such as early encryption and base authentication.

DECT uses UHF radio, similar to mobile phones, baby monitors, Wi-Fi, and other cordless telephone technologies, which raises health and safety concerns.

A European DECT cordless phone's radiation has an average output power of 10 mW but is in the form of 100 bursts per second of 250 mW, a strength comparable to some mobile phones.

Most studies have been unable to demonstrate any link to health effects, or have been inconclusive.

Security is a top concern for many of us, especially when it comes to our private conversations. The DECT standard includes authentication of handsets to the base station using the DECT Standard Authentication Algorithm (DSAA).

Unfortunately, very few DECT devices on the market implemented authentication and encryption procedures. Even when encryption was used, it was possible to implement a man-in-the-middle attack impersonating a DECT base station and revert to unencrypted mode.

In 2012, an improved authentication algorithm, the DECT Standard Authentication Algorithm 2 (DSAA2), and improved version of the encryption algorithm, the DECT Standard Cipher 2 (DSC2), both based on AES 128-bit encryption, were included as optional in the NG-DECT/CAT-iq suite.

DECT devices use 64-bit encryption, which is considered fairly weak. Some manufacturers also use higher rates of encryption, but this is not the standard.

To establish a secure connection, DECT headsets require a number of "handshakes" with the base station, creating a secure link. This makes the conversation highly secure.

Here are the encryption rates of DECT and Bluetooth:

The DECT Forum has launched a DECT Security certification program, which mandates the use of previously optional security features in the GAP profile, such as early encryption and base authentication.

DECT devices can be vulnerable to attacks when using a repeater, as encryption will no longer be in place. This is because a repeater is essentially a connection from handset to handset.

DECT uses UHF radio, similar to mobile phones, baby monitors, Wi-Fi, and other cordless telephone technologies. This means it's not unique in emitting radiation, but rather part of a larger group of devices that do the same.

The UK Health Protection Agency claims that a European DECT cordless phone's radiation could actually exceed the radiation of a mobile phone. This is due to a mobile phone's adaptive power ability, which can increase radiation in certain situations.

Most studies have been unable to demonstrate any link to health effects, or have been inconclusive. This suggests that the radiation from DECT devices is not a major concern for our health.

Electromagnetic fields may have an effect on protein expression in laboratory settings, but have not yet been demonstrated to have clinically significant effects in real-world settings. This highlights the need for further research into the long-term effects of radiation from DECT devices.

You might like: Comparison of Mobile Phone Standards

The World Health Organization has issued a statement on medical effects of mobile phones, acknowledging that the longer term effects (over several decades) require further research. This shows that even experts are still learning about the impact of radiation on our health.

Here's a comparison of the average output power of different systems:

DECT devices with 0.05-0.1 W/kg remain well below the maximum load of 2 W/kg, which is the legal limit for radiation power. This suggests that DECT devices are relatively safe in terms of radiation.

DECT technology offers several advantages that make it a great choice for home and office use. One of the key benefits is its long range, allowing you to move freely without losing connection.

With DECT, you can enjoy high-quality sound and make free internal calls. This is especially useful for households with multiple family members or for businesses with multiple departments.

DECT handsets are also very energy-efficient, which is a plus for the environment and your wallet. You can expect to use them for a long time without needing to recharge.

The separate frequency range used by DECT is not dependent on WiFi, making it a reliable choice for areas with poor internet connectivity. This also means you can use DECT handsets in areas with high WiFi interference.

DECT technology offers a versatile application, making it suitable for a wide range of users and environments.

Here are some of the key features of DECT technology:

You can use multiple handsets at the same time with DECT, making it easy to share phones in households or offices. This also means you can keep your phone in one place and still make and receive calls from other rooms.

The ability to use handsets at several base stations is another convenient feature of DECT technology. This allows you to move freely between rooms without losing connection.

DECT has a set of standards that define its operation, including the classic DECT technology and the newer DECT-2020 NR standard. The classic DECT standards are defined in the ETSI EN 300 175 series, which consists of eight parts.

The classic DECT standards cover various aspects of the technology, including the physical layer, medium access control, and network layer. The standards also define the data link control layer, which ensures reliable data transfer over the DECT network.

The ETSI TS 103 634 standard defines the Low Complexity Communication Codec plus (LC3plus), which is a new codec that enhances audio quality in DECT systems. The LC3plus codec is designed for high-end and professional audio systems, where low latency and high data rates are essential.

The DECT-2020 NR standard is a newer variant of the DECT technology, designed to meet the needs of modern wireless communication systems. The DECT-2020 NR standard is part of the ETSI TS 103 636 series, which defines various aspects of the technology, including radio reception and transmission requirements.

See what others are reading: Radio Link Control

Here is a list of the classic DECT standards:

The DECT-2020 NR standard is still evolving, but it promises to bring significant improvements to the DECT technology.

The history of DECT standards is a fascinating story that spans over three decades.

The first DECT standard was released in 1990 by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), and it was designed to provide high-quality digital voice and data services over wireless networks.

In the early 1990s, DECT was primarily used for cordless telephones and other consumer devices.

The introduction of DECT in 1990 marked a significant shift towards digital wireless technology.

By the mid-1990s, DECT had become a widely adopted standard for wireless local loop (WLL) networks, offering improved voice quality and increased capacity compared to analog systems.

DECT's popularity continued to grow in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with the introduction of new features such as security and quality of service (QoS) enhancements.

The DECT standard has undergone several updates since its initial release, with the latest version being DECT 6.0, released in 2006.

Broaden your view: Hybrid Access Networks

DECT standards are a crucial aspect of the technology's evolution. The ETSI Technical Committee DECT (TC DECT) is responsible for developing and maintaining the DECT standards portfolio.

The DECT standards are divided into two groups: the original or "classic" DECT technology and the new DECT-2020 NR (New Radio) standard. The classic DECT standards are maintained and improved on an ongoing basis.

The classic DECT standards are based on the EN 300 175 series, which includes parts 1 to 8. These standards cover the physical layer, medium access control layer, data link control layer, network layer, identities and addressing, security features, and speech and audio coding and transmission.

The EN 300 175 series is complemented by other standards, including the EN 300 700 standard for Wireless Relay Station (WRS) and the EN 300 444 standard for Generic Access Profile (GAP).

The DECT-2020 NR standard is a new addition to the DECT standards, offering improved technical enhancements and features such as low latency audio and enhanced support of advanced chipset features.

Consider reading: New Spectrum Cable and Internet

Here are some key DECT standards:

DECT 6.0 is a North American marketing term for DECT devices manufactured for the United States and Canada operating at 1.9 GHz.

The "6.0" designation doesn't refer to a specific spectrum band, but rather was chosen to avoid confusion with other frequency bands.

DECT 6.0 devices have some limitations, including half the bandwidth of European DECT devices and a 4 mW average transmission power that reduces range compared to the 10 mW permitted in Europe.

These limitations result in DECT 6.0 products not being usable in Europe, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Africa due to interference with local cellular networks.

In contrast, European DECT products are not compatible with American and Canadian cellular networks, making them unusable in the United States and Canada.

DECT 8.0 HD is a marketing designation for North American DECT devices certified with CAT-iq 2.0 "Multi Line" profile, which is essentially the same as DECT 6.0.

Here are the frequency bands used by the three regional variants of DECT technology:

DECT has defined various access profiles, including the Generic Access Profile (GAP) – ETSI EN 300 444.

The Generic Access Profile is one of the most widely used profiles, offering a standardized way for DECT devices to communicate with each other.

Here are some of the main access profiles defined in the DECT standard:

The new CAT-iq profile has been introduced to support multimedia and broadband applications, allowing for HD quality voice calls and internet services such as audio streaming or smart home functions within a DECT system.

NG-CAT-IQ is a certification program that expands the capabilities of DECT technology. It's maintained by the DECT Forum and based on New Generation DECT (NG-DECT) standards from ETSI.

NG-CAT-IQ contains features that enhance the generic GAP profile, including high-quality wideband voice, enhanced security, and multiple lines. These features facilitate VoIP calls through SIP and H.323 protocols.

There are several CAT-iq profiles, each defining supported voice features. These profiles include:

CAT-iq allows any DECT handset to communicate with a DECT base from a different vendor, providing full interoperability. This means you can use a handset from one company with a base from another company.

Bluetooth and DECT have some key differences. Bluetooth range depends on the class used, with Class 1 covering around 100 meters, Class 2 around 10 meters, and Class 3 only 1 meter.

In an office environment, a Bluetooth base station is often Class 1, but a smartphone is usually Class 2. This means the headset will adjust to the Class 2 power level when answering a call from the smartphone.

A DECT base station, on the other hand, can support a range of around 100 meters, which can be both a blessing and a curse. In a dense office environment, companies may run out of available channels, even if users are within range of the base station.

To minimize interference in high-density environments, DECT range can be turned down to about 20 meters.

Bluetooth can connect to up to 8 other devices simultaneously, making it a great option for those who need to manage calls across multiple devices. This is especially true for people on the move who require hands-free convenience and clarity.

If you're looking for a headset that can be used with both office and mobile phones, Bluetooth is a good choice. A single ear Bluetooth headset can provide a simple and practical solution for those who need to stay connected while on the move.

However, if you're working in a call center or a busy office environment, a DECT headset might be a better option. DECT headsets can provide secure and stable connections, even in high-density areas.

In fact, DECT headsets have a far greater range than Bluetooth, with a maximum range of around 100 meters (330 feet). This is in contrast to Bluetooth, which has a range of around 100 meters (330 feet) for Class 1 devices, but can be as low as 1 meter (3 feet) for Class 3 devices.

Here's a comparison of the different Bluetooth classes:

Keep in mind that while DECT headsets have a greater range, they can also be prone to interference in high-density environments. To minimize this, it's essential to carefully plan the office setup and potentially reduce the DECT range to around 20 meters (60 feet) in areas with high user density.

A different take: Verizon High Speed Internet

People are concerned that others may be able to tap into their call via the wireless connection, but that is almost impossible to do once authentication is established.

Bluetooth uses a 128-bit encryption, which provides a high level of security for your wireless conversations.

In comparison, DECT uses a 64-bit encryption, but once the headsets are appropriately paired with their base stations, the chance of someone effectively listening in on a call is virtually nil.

This is because both DECT and Bluetooth establish an authenticated connection with the base, requiring a number of "handshakes" and creating a secure link before passing encrypted data.

Here's an interesting read: Voice Call Continuity

DECT technologies are designed for local area wireless communications, which can be adapted for many applications and can be used over license exempt frequency allocations as well as over licensed International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) frequencies.

The DECT-2020 New Radio (NR) standard series is part of the IMT-2020 technology family, developed to address the future digitalization needs and optimized for local area wireless applications.

A fresh viewpoint: Location Area Identity

DECT technologies are developed as European standards and are also adopted by many other countries, including the US and many countries in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region.

Classic DECT supports applications such as home and enterprise voice applications, low latency professional audio and Smart Home applications, making it the worldwide de-facto standard for cordless telephony application.

DECT technologies are designed for local area wireless communications, which can be adapted for many applications.

They can be used over licence exempt frequency allocations as well as over licensed International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) frequencies.

The DECT-2020 New Radio (NR) standard series is part of the IMT-2020 technology family.

Classic DECT standards series is part of the IMT-2000 technology family.

DECT-2020 NR is developed to address the future digitalization needs.

It's optimized for local area wireless applications, which can be deployed anywhere by anyone at any time.

These technologies can be adapted for many applications supporting digitalization such as industry 4.0, utility and public services, audio and media industry use.

Discover more: Broadband Global Area Network

Autonomous operation and device to device direct communication enable reliable communication networks.

DECT-2020 NR supports a wide range of applications which could operate below 6 GHz frequencies in unlicensed and licensed spectrum.

Classic DECT supports applications such as home and enterprise voice applications, low latency professional audio and Smart Home applications.

DECT technologies are developed as European standards and they are also adopted by many other countries, including the US and many countries in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region.

This has made classic DECT the worldwide de-facto standard for cordless telephony application.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Network Interface Device

We're part of a larger community that's working together to make a positive impact. Our role is to provide support and resources to those who need them most.

We believe that everyone deserves access to the help they need, and we're committed to making that a reality. Our team is made up of dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

We're not just a service, we're a partner that can help you achieve your goals. We've helped countless individuals and organizations achieve their objectives through our expertise and guidance.

Our expertise spans a wide range of areas, from education to healthcare, and we're constantly learning and growing to stay up-to-date on the latest developments. We've worked with numerous organizations and individuals to develop effective solutions to complex problems.

We're not just about providing information, we're also about empowering people to take action. We've seen firsthand the impact that our support can have on people's lives, and we're committed to continuing that work.

A unique perspective: Fios Tv Remote Volume Not Working