The Challenges in Implementing an Industrial Wireless Network

Is your Environment Too Harsh?

Industrial environments, especially factory environments, are harsh. Heavy vibration, power and radio frequency (RF) spikes, and extreme temperatures are all factors one might deal with while trying to connect industrial wireless devices. Let's take a closer look at these common factors, and how these conditions affect the implementation and performance of your industrial wireless network.

Heavy Vibrations

Depending on where your wireless access points and clients are installed, they can be exposed to heavy vibrations from surrounding machinery and equipment. An example of this would be when wireless devices are mounted on automated storage and retrieval (AS/RS) systems or automated guided vehicles (AGVs). While mounted, the devices suffer from constant vibration which cause the internal components and connectors to become disconnected or loose.

Solution: To combat this, Moxa’s AWK series of products are designed to endure high levels of vibration. Our hardware meets the IEC 60068-2-6 standard for anti-vibration performance with its unique case design and placement of antenna mounts. For more information on the AWK series, please fill out the form on this page.

Power and RF Spikes

In a factory environment, electromagnetic interference (EMI) can be an issue. Power spikes and in-rush currents often come from motors, generators, and various heavy machinery and high powered devices on the factory floor. Along with power spikes, EMI spikes can be present and often come from heavy machinery in the form of electrostatic discharge (ESD), which can erode radio modules and degrade reception over time.

Solution: The Moxa AWK series of products have dual-isolation that combats this issue and protects the power and RF modules. The power module is protected by isolating the inrush of current to keep the system voltage stable. The RF module is protected by isolating ESD attacks to ensure wireless transmissions. For more information on the AWK series, please fill out the form on this page.

Extreme Temperatures

Most industrial environments are not climate controlled, which means that temperatures can fluctuate to the extreme ends. Some people think that fans in wireless device products will maintain the temperature range. However, fans bring on more issues than benefits. Avoiding fans is paramount as the industrial environment’s dirty nature causes fans to gather dust and particles and trap them into the wireless device. Furthermore, a fan is a moving component and is prone to failure.

Solution: Moxa’s wireless devices are able to withstand temperature extremes from -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F). In addition to that, all of Moxa’s wireless devices go through extreme testing before leaving the factory. This is to ensure against premature failures in the field.

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