Managing industrial wireless LAN

Fast wireless standard and central management for Industrial Wireless LAN

Siemens Industry Automation Division has developed a package of coordinated industry-compatible components for wireless communication complying with the WLAN (Wireless LAN) standard IEEE 802.11n. The new range consists of the access points SCALANCE W786 and W788, the client module SCALANCE W748 and the IWLAN controller SCALANCE WLC711. The main advantage of the components is the data rate of up to 450 Mbps.

The high data rates of the new IWLAN components allow even large amounts of data to be transferred securely and quickly. Potential fields of use include applications with video, visualization or voice data. With the use of Mimo (multiple input, multiple output) technology with three antennas per wireless interface, these SCALANCE W products achieve long ranges and a high degree of robustness in wireless communication. This means that the Siemens components are suitable not only for wireless communication in an automation environment, but also in industry-related areas such as logistics, airports, road and underground railway tunnels or crane systems. Typical applications for wireless data transmission via IWLAN are the monitoring of safety-critical areas for the protection of persons or the monitoring of processing and storage procedures in high-bay storage systems.

The access points are available in three versions. With an extended temperature range and extremely resistant housing, SCALANCE W786 is suitable for outdoor use. SCALANCE W788 is designed for indoor operation with degree of protection IP65 and for a control cabinet with degree of protection IP30. With the client module SCALANCE W748, any stationary or mobile devices with Ethernet capability can be integrated in the wireless network.

The IWLAN controller SCALANCE WLC711 represents a significant expansion of the portfolio. The controller allows central configuration and monitoring of up to 32 access points and client modules. A controller-based wireless network solution reduces effort and costs during commissioning and operation of larger IWLAN installations. With parallel operation of two SCALANCE WLC711 IWLAN controllers, the availability of the communication network can be increased. The device is installed in a housing without a fan and is suitable for DIN rail mounting. In addition to all this, there are the new access points and the client module also with integrated controller functionality in the versions SCALANCE W786C, SCALANCE W788C and SCALANCE W748C.