Description

Secure transmission of large data volumes –  Management of expansive IWLAN plants

Wireless communication is used in industrial automation, as well as in industry-related applications such as logistics, where laying cables would be too expensive or difficult to implement or where high flexibility or even mobility of machines and plant components is required.  In addition to communication between controllers, I/O modules and HMI systems, there is an increasing demand for other services such as video transfer, Internet data traffic, or even voice communication (voice over IP) in all of these applications, for example, when the IWLAN is connected to the company network.

In these cases, higher data rates as offered by the new SCALANCE W generation guarantee efficient wireless communication, even in the harshest environmental conditions. The MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) antenna technology used ensures not only a large bandwidth but also wider ranges – and, due to the so-called multiple path propagation of the signals, even increased transmission reliability. Three series of models, optimized for the respective operational environment, possess these features: SCALANCE W786 RJ45 with expanded temperature range and extremely resistant housing for outdoor use, SCALANCE W788 M12 for indoor use outside of a control cabinet and SCALANCE W788 RJ45 for use in a control cabinet. The corresponding Client Modules, or the option to switch the operating mode from Access Point to Client Module, are also available. The main distinguishing characteristics are the different connection methods for industrial Ethernet (RJ45, M12), the antenna connections (R-SMA, N-Connect) and the degree of protection (IP30, IP65).

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SCALANCE WLC – Industrial Wireless LAN Controller

For larger installations with multiple Access Points, the best choice is the use of the new controller-based SCALANCE W78xC Access Points in combination with the new SCALANCE WLC711 IWLAN controller. This central station, based on the Simatic Microbox hardware, supports up to 32 Access Points and configures, monitors and controls from this central location. Consequently, commissioning and operation are considerably easier and more cost-effective. In redundancy mode with two controllers, 64 Access Points are supported per controller, which further increases network availability. These innovations allow IWLAN to meet the requirements of constantly growing networks and always guarantee completely reliable communication.

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