Weidmuller launches IE wireless access point/bridge/client
29 November 2011
Wireless transmission technologies further expand the breadth of possible applications. Plant operators now demand that broadband data transfer is possible to all their end points. They want to be able to obtain up-to-date operating data, control the plant at little cost and effort and also use mobile units as flexibly as possible.
Wireless communications are preferred when working with mobile applications or difficult-to-reach areas. Currently, wireless LAN can be used for industrial manufacturing plants or facilities; it is ideal for use anywhere where traditional cabling is not suitable or where a mobile network connection is required. For example in logistics AGB (automatic guide vehicles) are connected over WLAN. Here it is important that roaming between different radio cells is possible, thereby creating an individually configurable radio coverage.
Weidmuller's versatile WLAN module can be used as an access point, bridge or client. It is quite simple to integrate into existing infrastructures because it has an alternative Power over Ethernet supply (using the data cable for the power supply).
Support for RADIUS services and WPA2 secure encryption guarantees that your data is fully protected. Multiple wireless zones can be set up so that clients can move with versatility by quickly roaming between the different radio/wireless cells. Multiple zones can be specified (multiple SSIDs) and different VLANs can be assigned for each wireless cell. This allows you to implement a one-to-one forwarding of the cable-based infrastructure to the wireless zone.
Wireless Operating Modes
The Weidmuller Wireless Access Point / Bridge / Client is a universal, industrial-suited wireless radio module for:
· Connecting wireless components in a wired Ethernet network (AccessPoint)
· Radio-coupling of two wired Ethernet networks (LAN-to-LAN Bridge)
· Connecting wired components in a wireless Ethernet network (Client)
Turbo Roaming
A WLAN radio cell has a limited range depending on the antenna used. To maintain communications between devices which move over a long distance requires the connection to be passed from one access point to another. The roaming technology offers a seamless wireless connection and permits a swift change between different wireless access points without the risk of an interruption to the data communication.
Integrated digital inputs / outputs
Wireless access points are often located in distant or inaccessible places in an industrial plant, Weidmuller's WLAN access points therefore have an integrated digital input/output which sends alarm messages over the network in real time to the responsible maintenance personnel.
WMM for prioritising communications
Quality of Service (QoS) is a network term for controlling and measuring data transmission rates, throughput and error rates. It is an essential part of wireless communication when transmitting multimedia data like audio and video. Important data, for example, require a high priority with respect to the data throughput and low error rates. The advantages lie in the prioritising of important data and the associated improvement of the communication quality.
Features:
· IEEE 802.11 a/b/g compliant. Data transfer rate 54 Mbit/s (supports 2,4 and 5 GHz band)
· Turbo Roaming (50 ms) for seamless wireless connections
· Multi-SSID and VLAN support
· STP/RSTP support to prevent network loops and increased reliabilty
· WEP, WPA / WPA2 and WPA2-Enterprise encryption provides high security level
· Power input by redundant 12-48 VDC or Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)
· Integrated relay for alarming
· 2 digital inputs for monitoring and warning by eMail, SNMP or relay output
· Windows based management software, Configuration by Web-Interface, Telnet or SNMP
· International approvals: CE, FCC, UL,
Extended diagnostics
The device features a signal strength display which helps you to align the antenna, thus simplifying installation. The integrated DI/DO contacts can be used for monitoring and alert functions
Easy to integrate
Power can be supplied to the device using Power over Ethernet or redundant power connections. The redundant power supply ensures that the WLAN module can operate continually with no interruptions.
Optimised security
WPA/WPA2 encryption and RADIUS server authentication (IEEE 802.1X) prevents any unauthorised access to the wireless networks.
Weidmüller Industrial Ethernet
Weidmüller Industrial Ethernet components are the perfect link the data communication between Ethernet enabled devices in industrial automation. By supporting various topologies and protocols, they can be used in many industrial applications.
As a complete provider of industrial network infrastructure for machine and equipment manufacture, we offer a wide range of switch products to suit the individual needs of our customers. In particular, Gigabit Switches (unmanaged and managed) and media converters, Power-over-Ethernet switches, WLAN modules and serial/Ethernet converters to meet the highest requirements and provide a reliable and flexible Ethernet communication. An extensive passive product portfolio consisting of RJ 45 and fibre optic connectors and cables make Weidmüller your partner for industrial Ethernet solutions.
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