LED Sign Communication Methods
One of the most important parts of any electronic sign product is how to communicates with the software and how you can update it. Lots of factors need to be considered to decide about the best communication method. To choosing which communication method suites your needs, you need to answer the following questions:
- How often do you change the sign information?
- What is the distance between your computer and the LED sign?
- What is elevation of your sign and how accessible is it?
- Can you provide cable or Wi-Fi internet connection in the sign location?
There are lots of different communication methods and each method has its advantages and disadvantages.
USB Communication
USB communication method is the most basic type of communication. In this method, software exports the new message and design as well as new settings to a USB drive. Then, the USB is plugged in to the USB port of the sign to transfer the data. After new data is transferred automatically, the USB drive can be detached.
Advantage
This is the most basic type of communication. It means no extra cost and more reliable and easy repair and maintenance method hence there is no multi-step complex parts between your computer and your LED sign. It could be used as a backup communication in case of any faulty with other communication methods.
Disadvantage
To use USB communication method, you need to have access to the LED sign USB port. In case of the signs installed in high elevation or out of access, USB communication needs cabling or special consideration.
Wi-Fi Communication
Wi-Fi communication has been standard option for LED sign communication because it is inexpensive and doesn’t limit the location of the sign and location of the content management software. In this method, content management software communicates with internal Wi-Fi module of LED sign directly using 2.4 GHz standard Wi-Fi frequency. This is the most common type of communication because it doesn’t need any other Wi-Fi or networking equipment.
Advantage
Wi-Fi communication is the best is you have a LED sign or LED display installed out of access within 100m or if you want to update your LED display very often. It is inexpensive, flexible and doesn’t need extra communication devices installed.
Disadvantage
This communication method is limited up to 100m in open area. Building or walls may reduce the coverage range result in shorter communication distance.
Internet Communication
This communication method is best for controlling one or several electronic sign from far distance. In this method, controlling software communicates with the LED sign or LED display through internet connection. In the back-side, Content Management Software send the new design or settings to a could sever by using any type of internet connection. In the sign side, the sign can download the data from cloud sever using another internet connection and update the settings and information. Therefore, there is not distance limitation between the controlling PC and the sign.
Advantage
Can control the LED Sign or LED display from any computer with the software installed and connected to internet. It is not limited to distance. Can use Secure TCP/IP.
Disadvantage
Internet connection needs to be provided in the sign location. Monthly connection fee is required If there is no internet connection available in the sign location. Internet connection in the sign location may need modem (ADSL or 4G) installation or cabling.
Mobile Data - GPRS Communication
This communication method is best for controlling outdoor or mobile electronic signs from far distance. For this type of communication, we use specific control cards with data SIM Card option. Similar internet communication method, controlling software communicates with the LED sign or LED display through internet connection. In the back-side, Content Management Software send the new design or settings to a could sever by using any type of internet connection. In the sign side, the sign downloads the new design from cloud sever using SIM Card mobile data (GPRS/3G/4G) and update the settings and information.
Advantage
Can control one or several LED Signs or LED displays from any computer with the software installed and connected to internet. LED Signs can be mobile or fixed. It is not limited to distance. Doesn’t need any data cabling in the sign location.
Disadvantage
Mobile Data is not as reliable as Wi-Fi or cable. Monthly connection fee is required regarding mobile data plan.