Wireless Plant Network Components

Smart Wireless solutions for plant operation applications include key components that all work together to deliver a secure, consistent and reliable wireless infrastructure.

Mesh Access Points

Outdoor wireless mesh access points provide a universal standard network infrastructure for easy integration of all the wireless applications in your plant, including video, personnel and asset tracking, and mobile worker productivity solutions. They allow client devices to connect to the network and communicate. Mesh access points are Class I, Div 2 certified and support dual band radios compliant with IEEE 802.11a and 802.11b/g standards.

Root Access Points

These are exactly the same piece of hardware as the mesh access points, but they join the wireless to the wired network. They communicate wirelessly with the mesh access points that are strategically located where you need wireless.

Wireless Control System (WCS)

The WCS allows network managers to design, control, and monitor enterprise wireless networks from a single location. It oversees a series of wireless LAN controllers, which are responsible for network-wide wireless functions such as security policies, intrusion prevention, RF management, Quality of Service (QoS), and mobility. This software provides network management including diagnostics and troubleshooting tools to keep the network running smoothly.

Wireless LAN Controller

The wireless LAN controller manages access points. It provides real-time communication between wireless access points to manage mobility issues and deliver centralized security policies to ensure only authorized users and devices are able to access the network.

Backhaul Mesh Network

The backhaul mesh ties all of the access points together into one wireless network, replacing the cable that would normally join the devices together in a wired solution. The mesh access points “self organize”, find each other, and create a robust mesh network.

Client Devices

Any client devices that are certified for Wi-Fi 802.11b/g radio communications will be able to utilize the wireless plant network infrastructure. These include PDAs, handheld PCs or laptops.