How Mesh Networks Boost Wireless Column Lift Safety & Reliability

For workshops that need to quickly adapt on-the-fly - while avoiding the trip hazards associated with cabled lifts – investing in wireless columns makes perfect sense.

But when it comes to digital communication, not all cable-free lifts are equally reliable.

Some wireless columns use less reliable radio communication or Bluetooth to talk to one another, which can lead to unexpected downtime or even safety issues.

That’s why Stertil-Koni’s wireless mobile column lifts use mesh networking technology to stay connected, for a smarter and more dependable lifting solution.

Here’s why column lifts using wireless mesh networks deliver unrivalled performance:

Many-to-many communication

Standard radio-based networks operate as a ‘daisy-chain’ or ‘peer-to-peer’, making them vulnerable if a single column drops out.

By contrast, mesh systems allow every column to act as both a transmitter and receiver, forming a continuous, self-supporting digital network.

This ensures every lift remains in sync, even if one column experiences a weaker signal.

The result: a system that stays connected and coordinated, without interruptions or interference.

Easy to operate

Setting up the mesh system used by Stertil-Koni’s wireless lifts couldn’t be simpler.

Engineers select each lift using an RFID key, double-tap the last column in the set to confirm, and the system locks in the configuration.

The same key can even be used to create multiple sets of lifts, giving workshops complete flexibility to handle different vehicles and maintenance tasks simultaneously. 

On top of that, intuitive touchscreen controls show key information such as the number of columns in the set – giving engineers complete peace of mind.

Constant connectivity

Because the mesh network constantly searches for the strongest available signal, mesh-based systems maintain real-time synchronisation at all times.

If a column moves out of range or experiences interference, the network instantly reroutes communication through other columns.

The communication channel can even shift automatically, sometimes referred to as lane-changing, without affecting lift performance.

This means a steady, uninterrupted flow of data that keeps every column perfectly in sync.

Safety and reliability

Systems using basic radio or Bluetooth communication can experience signal clashes or interference, especially if multiple lift sets are being operated nearby.

In rare cases, this could result in the wrong columns responding to a command - a serious risk in a busy depot.

While mesh-based lifts independently verify every signal within their own network, making incorrect activation practically impossible.

For this reason, workshops can operate with complete confidence that their lift sets will stay safely synchronised.

Scalable and adaptable

Another advantage of a mesh-based system is that it can easily expand.  

While radio-based systems may be limited to only 8 columns per configuration, the mesh-based system used by Stertil-Koni can operate up to 32 columns in a single configuration.

Providing greater versatility to handle a wider variety of vehicles.  

Differences at a glance

If you’re still weighing up the options, the comparison below highlights the key differences between mesh networks and conventional radio/Bluetooth systems:

Still unsure?

Busy workshops demand equipment that is reliable and safe, and this is no different for wireless mobile column lifts.

With mesh networking built in, Stertil-Koni’s wireless columns stay synchronised and connected, even in challenging environments.

So if you’d like to understand more about our wireless mobile columns and how they can support your lifting requirements, our team is here to help.

Contact Stertil-Koni on 01604 662049, or email lifts@stertil.co.uk.