Which wireless technology is the best choice?
One wireless technology alone cannot offer all the functions and strengths that meet the specific requirements of different applications.
Therefore, there are several standardized wireless technologies, such as WLAN (also known as WiFi ), Classic Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy (also known as Bluetooth 4.0), as well as some proprietary technologies, and it is important to select the most suitable standard for each situation. Special requirements may include high data throughput, maximum robustness, the best possible real-time behavior or low energy consumption.
WLAN or Bluetooth ?
As a rule of thumb: Bluetooth is the right choice if robustness and stability of the connection are the key criteria. WLAN is the right choice when high data throughput is required.
- WLAN is often used for production planning and data acquisition as well as for applications with fast roaming.
- Bluetooth is often used for Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), programming, service/maintenance and real-time.
- In recent years, other technologies have become increasingly popular, such as Bluetooth Low Energy, when connecting sensors, actuators and other small devices.
Wireless communication in industrial applications
... determining trends
There are three main areas that determine the industrial use of wireless communication:
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
- machine health
- Cyber security and safety
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
... Tablets and smartphones as mobile HMIs
The buzzword "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) describes the trend in which smart devices such as tablets or smartphones are used to parameterize and operate machines and retrieve diagnostic data. Tablets and smartphones come with wireless technology as standard and offer visualization options similar to classic HMIs. What could be more obvious than using smart devices as mobile HMIs? With the BYOD concept, typical queries, such as the current operating status of the machine, production quantities or diagnostic data, are not carried out via often expensive, permanently installed HMIs, but via the smart device. This leads to a reduction in costs for interlinked systems, such as printing and packaging machines. Where previously an expensive, permanently installed HMI was required for each individual machine in the interlinked system, the technician can access each individual machine directly via their tablet or smartphone "on the fly".
Machine Health
... putting machines through their paces
The buzzword "machine health" characterizes the trend in which tiny sensors and actuators collect additional data. These small, often battery-operated sensors use Bluetooth 4.0 technology, which is often referred to as Bluetooth Low Energy or Bluetooth Smart. The sensor data obtained in this way allows the operator to better assess the dynamic behavior and material wear of the machine, thus helping to reduce downtimes and increase the reliability of the system. The battery-powered sensors can be mounted anywhere on the machine - even in places that are difficult to access - and measure pressure, wear, vibration, temperature, etc., opening up new possibilities for diagnostics and predictive maintenance. Due to their position on the machine or their size, the transmission of the collected machine data to the automation system is usually only possible via wireless technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy.
Cyber Security
... Safety aspects
With the increasing networking of devices, IT security is becoming a key factor. Opening up a previously closed system for smart devices increases the risk of unauthorized access. Along with the use of wireless networks and the connection of systems to industrial clouds, the issue of cyber security is becoming increasingly important. Companies must identify and assess these risks and take appropriate measures. Encryption, password protection and multi-level security concepts are the common buzzwords here.
The compact Wireless Bolt
Wireless access point and client for wireless access to machines via Bluetooth® or WLAN. The Wireless Bolt enables you to connect machines to wireless networks.
The WiFi 6 Wireless Access Point 802.11ax
Industrial dual band 802.11ax 2400 Mbps wireless access point with 5x 10/100/1000T EtherNet ports
to top
Contact
Request form