Wireless is not for every application, but if an application uses mobile equipment that is controlled over a TCP/IP network, or the cost of installing wire conduits at the site is prohibitive, then setting up a wireless local area network (WLAN) is a viable alternative. The IEEE 802.11 standard established a way to use radio frequency (RF) technology to send Ethernet packets over the air. Applications that include TCP/IP will run on 802.11-compliant WLANs the same as they do over Ethernet. By common agreement between regulatory agencies around the world (FCC, ETSI, etc), a WLAN transmits over unlicensed spectrums, with only minor variations from country to country.
Typical wireless network configurations
A wireless LAN is configured for either Ad-hoc mode or infrastructure mode. In Ad-hoc mode, stations use peer-to-peer transmission to send information from station to station, without requiring an AP (access point) to connect to a wired network. This is the easiest and least expensive way to set up a wireless network. Alternatively, Infrastructure mode requires using an AP. The AP can be used by itself to set up a WLAN, or can be used to connect the WLAN to a wired network. In either case, all wireless communication goes through the AP.
Features that make wireless networking a natural choice for many networking requirements include:
* Flexibility: Wireless networks work anywhere, anytime.
* Easy deployment: Wireless networks are ideal for those hard to wire areas.
* High performance: Wireless networks have the bandwidth and safeguards needed to keep essential applications running continuously.
* Cost effective: Wireless networks can be installed quickly, and help reduce the cost of cabling and maintenance.
Moxa's wireless solution for industrial markets
One of the biggest concerns raised by potential users of WLAN technology is safety. Since data is transmitted by radio waves, how can users guarantee the confidentiality of their information? To provide secure transmission over wireless networks, MOXA provides Wi-Fi protected access (WPA) security specifications to overcome weaknesses in wired equivalent privacy (WEP). These wireless products also incorporate several important features to meet the stringent demands of industrial applications, including redundant power inputs, operating temperature range from 0 to 60°C, and DIN-rail mounting capability. The enhanced reliability of these products makes them a sensible choice for wireless industrial applications.
The silent risk inside data centres RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
In recent years, data centres have become prime targets for cybercriminals. While most attention is often placed on protecting IT infrastructure such as servers, routers and cloud connections, there is a hidden vulnerability that many organisations overlook, the operational technology inside their facilities.
Read more...Harnessing the power of OT networking RJ Connect
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Businesses are increasingly embracing IT/OT convergence to stay ahead and capitalise on advantages such as smarter factories and higher efficiency. This article provides practical insights and guidance to help you navigate these challenges effectively.
Read more...Enhancing cybersecurity for connected serial devices RJ Connect
Editor's Choice
Industrial network security is not a luxury option, it is a necessity. Moxa’s secure serial device servers and protocol gateways have helped our customers ramp up their connectivity security in a variety of industrial applications.
Read more...Protecting industrial networks with resilient defence RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
Network security is no longer just about preventing hacking or data breaches. For operational technology networks, resilient defence and consistent uptime are crucial. They are the core tenets that underpin Moxa’s guarded uptime and resilient defence (GUARD).
Read more...AI accelerates energy transformation RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
With the rapid expansion of generative AI applications, data centre power demand is reaching unprecedented levels.
Read more...AI accelerates energy transformation RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
With the rapid expansion of generative AI applications, data centre power demand is reaching unprecedented levels.
Read more...Prevent cyber attacks RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
The EDR-G9010 Series delivers advanced industrial networking with multi-port secure routing, firewall/NAT/VPN, and managed Layer 2 switching.
Read more...RFID tunnel solution for intralogistics
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Turck Banner’s new UHF-SYS-TUNNEL RFID tunnel offers a ready-to-use, flexible detection solution for the automation of intralogistics processes.
Read more...Industrial wireless AP/bridge/client RJ Connect
Industrial Computer Hardware
The AWK-3262A Series 3-in-1 industrial wireless AP/bridge/client is designed to meet the growing need for faster data transmission speeds through IEEE 802.11ax technology for aggregated data rates of up to 1.775 Gbps.
Read more...AI-driven innovations with CCTV and cyber security RJ Connect
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The fast progress of artificial intelligence (AI) and video analytics is redefining the rail surveillance landscape. Advancements have bolstered proactive event detection, predictive maintenance and enhanced situational awareness.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version