Fieldbus & Industrial Networking


Possibilities for wireless Ethernet

September 2010 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

Making industrial wireless LANs even more powerful.

IAC has extended its range of Hirschmann products to include the new Hirschmann BAT controllers for centralised management and monitoring of large-scale WLAN networks, as well as the two new access points – BAT300-F X2 and BAT54-Rail Single.

The three new BAT controllers – WLC25, WLC50 and WLC100 – ensure fast data communications and optimum network availability. These controllers are designed for use in switch cabinets and can be used to configure and manage 25, 50 or 100 WLAN access points respectively. They possess four freely configurable gigabit Ethernet ports plus one USB 2.0 and one serial interface and communicate with the access points via a CAPWAP tunnel, while supporting all standard Ethernet LAN and WAN protocols.

When the WLAN network is set up the controller automatically finds all the available access points, checks their firmware and configures the equipment appropriately for the installed application. During normal operation the controller provides the administrator with all the necessary network information. In the event that an access point fails, the controller immediately recognises which device should replace it and automatically integrates it into the network. With their integrated firewall and VPN gateway, these controllers can also be used for security between LAN and WLAN or to link a number of wireless networks over large distances.

Product manager Olaf Schilperoort comments: “WLAN controllers are expensive for small-scale wireless networks, which still need independent industrial standard access points. But where 25 or more access points are used, the investment will always pay off, because it enables the administrator to manage and monitor the network from a centralised location.”

BAT300-F X2 and the BAT54-Rail Single

The BAT300-F X2 is an Atex Zone 2-certified industrial WLAN access point that complies with the IEEE802.11n standard and offers maximum data throughput in environments with high explosion risk. This enables high speed WLAN networks to be installed in hazardous areas rated Ex zone 2. The integrated MIMO antenna technology (multiple input multiple output) ensures a stable wireless connection. Other features of these access points include extensive management, security and quality of service functions plus layer 3 IP routing.

The access point’s wireless module operates either in the 5 GHz or 2,4 GHz waveband. The fast roaming function facilitates uninterrupted connections while passing from one radio cell to another. The integrated IP router can be used to form up to eight sub-networks, and analogue or DSL modems can be connected for WAN routing or remote maintenance. The network can be managed using web interface, Telnet, TFTP, FTP or SNMP V2 and the redundancy methods Rapid Spanning Tree and VRRP ensure a high level of network availability. The quality of service functions as specified by IEEE 802.11e facilitates features such as prioritisation of voice or video streams.

The BAT54-Rail Single complements the lower segment of the product range. This device is designed for mounting on a top-hat rail and can be used both as access point and access client. Unlike the BAT54-Rail, this new access point has only one WLAN interface, making it a cost-effective alternative for applications that do not require a second interface. In common, however, the BAT54-Rail Single offers the full range of functions supported by the powerful HiLCOS operating system.

The series is equipped with integrated firewalls and IP routers, enabling network segments to be isolated and reliably safeguarded. An RJ45 LAN port (10/100 BASE TX) is available for connection to terrestrial networks.

For more information contact Vladimir Milovanovic, IAC, +27 (0)12 657 3600, info@iacontrol.co.za, www.iaconline.co.za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

PCIe digitiser cards for optimal GHz signal acquisition and analysis
Vepac Electronics Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The addition of two new PCIe Digitiser cards from Spectrum Instrumentation extends the company’s flagship M5i series to deliver optimal GHz signal acquisition and analysis capabilities.

Read more...
Precise, synchronised control for automated steel mesh handling system
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Automation specialist Hambi Maschinenbau has developed a world-first system that automates the cutting, handling and stacking of heavy reinforcing steel mesh – a task that previously required up to six human operators.

Read more...
Loop signature Part 2-3: Feedforward Control: Part 2
Michael Brown Control Engineering Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Feedforward control tuning is not nearly as critical as feedback tuning, and fairly simple models are usually fine for the purpose in hand.

Read more...
Upgrading radiological surveillance systems in nuclear facilities
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Nuclear plant operators face an uncomfortable reality. Many of the control and monitoring systems still in use today were never designed to support the full operational lifespan of the facilities they serve.

Read more...
Next-level CAN Software enables easy access to CAN XL
Industrial Data Xchange (IDX) Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
With the release of its PCAN-Explorer 7, PEAK delivers a major update that adds full support for CAN XL, multiple symbol files per connection, Python scripting and flexible licensing including floating licenses.

Read more...
Loop signature Part 2-2: Feedforward Control: Part 1
Michael Brown Control Engineering Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Feedforward control is a powerful technique that can dramatically improve control variance in cases where load changes cause big deviations from setpoint and the actual process dynamics are too slow to allow the feedback controller to operate fast enough to catch these disturbances.

Read more...
10G TSN endpoint IP core for deterministic high-speed Ethernet networks
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems has introduced a new 10G TSN endpoint IP core, enabling deterministic real-time communication at data rates of up to 10 Gbit/s.

Read more...
Beckhoff expands economy drive system
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Beckhoff’s new AM1000 servomotor joins the company’s economy drive system. The compact, powerful motor and the AX1000 servo drive provide users with a perfectly coordinated, cost-optimised drive system.

Read more...
CC-Link IE Field supports egg carton production
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Huhtamaki’s Franeker plant in the Netherlands manufactures more than 11 million egg cartons every week using recycled paper. To support its highly automated lines, the site has begun upgrading its automation systems from older serial network standards to CC-Link IE Field, an open industrial Ethernet technology that offers faster performance due to gigabit bandwidth and better diagnostics.

Read more...
Ultra-compact industrial PCs exploit advances in CPU technology
Beckhoff Automation Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Beckhoff’s C60xx scalable series of ultra-compact industrial PCs combines high computing power in an extremely compact format with a wide range of options for installation in the control cabinet.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved