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, [email protected], www.iaconline.co.za
| Tel: | +27 12 657 3600 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.iacontrol.co.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about Industrial Automation & Control (IAC) |
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