The RadioLinx 802.11abg Water Resistant Industrial Hotspot model RLX-IH65W brings real-time wireless access for the most demanding, hazardous and time-critical applications. This is a cost-effective wireless solution for plant and field engineers who need real-time access to remote or mobile equipment, particularly when the environment is exposed to harsh temperatures, moisture, dust, and weather. The radios allow users to reduce costs including those associated with downtime, labour and installation, and leased-line or wireless service fees.
Field applications exposed to severe conditions, such as on an oil rig or in the wash down area of a manufacturing plant, can benefit from this latest addition to ProSoft Technology’s RadioLinx wireless product family. This radio functions as an access point, repeater, or client. It also offers Power over Ethernet (PoE), which allows it to be installed close to the antenna, reducing antenna cable loss and so maximising range.
IGMP Snooping
The RLX-IH65W is equipped with RF-based Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) Snooping, a tool which allows multicast filtering at the wireless level, so that the radio transmitting data from the producer (such as a distributed I/O block) is able to identify the consumer (e.g. PLC) and transmit the producer data directly to the consumer as opposed to multicasting the information to the entire wireless network. Since the RLX-IH65W sends the data directly to each of the consumers, it is able to confirm receipt of the data and retransmit the data if necessary. RF-based IGMP prevents crowding over the air by sending messages only where they need to go and it increases reliability by confirming receipt of the data.
Industrial design
The IP65 rated enclosure protects the device from water jets and against dust. The RLX-IH65W can be used in industrial operating temperatures, and is vibration and shock resistant.
Security
The radio offers cryptographic strength security with WPA2 (802.11i-128/192/256 bit) Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and CCM (Counter with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code) integrity check. The radio is also equipped with MAC ID filtering to limit access to approved device MAC IDs. It also monitors the wireless environment for approved and rogue radios.
OFDM modulation
The hotspot uses OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) modulation for high noise immunity at maximum speeds. This technique distributes data over multiple carriers which are assigned individual frequencies, translating into less distortion or interference.
Additional product features
These include:
* Dual frequency band (2,4 GHz and 5 GHz).
* OPC server included to embed diagnostics in HMI clients.
* Programmable RF power output to meet regional regulations.
* Support for high-speed applications like video and EtherNet/IP I/O.
* UL1604 Class 1, Div 2 approved for hazardous environments.
* Support for Voice over IP (VoIP).
* Automatic network configuration with self-healing network.
* Multiple master network architecture for large networks such as scada.
* Includes bracket for mounting to poles up to 3 inches in diameter.
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