Siemens F80 computer center in Erlangen / Germany

WLAN meets IWLAN – Integrated, wireless communication in the office and manufacturing world

The computer center is one of two redundant computer centers in a redundant dark fiber backbone (fiber-optic rings)
Support for IT services and administration of local and interconnected networks
Management and operation of IT infrastructure
Individual network services
Information security, network planning, etc.

Customer requirement:

Reliable, economic wireless communication in the office and manufacturing worlds on a network of locations – The F80 computer center has overall responsibility for WLAN and IWLAN

Initial situation

The network consists of two centrally structured computer centers operating on the network (technically and organizationally)
Interconnection via a high-performance IT network
The goals of a interconnected network are:
- Consolidation and smoothing of operational processes
- Rationalization and optimization of IT services and processes
- Reduction of IT infrastructure costs

Office-optimized HiPath Wireless components and robust, industrial-strength access points of the SCALANCE W780 product range form the bridgehead in the network topology between office and factory.
Scalance W786-2 HPW (Thin Access Point) for operation with a HiPath Wireless Controller from SEN (Siemens Enterprise Communications).
   - This allows the benefits of controller-based technology and HiPath Wireless (HPW)
     architecture, widely used in the office world, to be implemented in industry and outdoor
     operations.
   - In total, around 360 HiPath Access Points and 80 SCALANCE W Access Points are
     installed on this MAN.

a) From IT perspective:

Central administration and management of wireless infrastructure in interconnected network
Use of uniform infrastructure
Simple connection of APs to the LAN in existing LAN architecture
Complete product line with office and outdoor machines
Prerequisite is that the industrial-strength and office-optimized wireless components can be jointly administered and operated in one and the same wireless network
Redundancy

b) From user perspective

Users can move freely in an interdivisional wireless network and use the services offered everywhere – in meetings, in a mobile office, at a desk, or in production.

c) From management perspective

Based on standardized, cost-effective and transparent processes, such as firewall, information security, and server operation
A common wireless infrastructure for office and industrial applications not only saves on hardware but also reduces the cost of installation and administration