Functions and wireless technology
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PHOENIX CONTACT
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Functions and wireless technology
Wireless technology based on IEEE 802.11b/g is always used when a full coverage
wireless network with high data transmission rate is required.
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Wireless technology applications
In industrial environments, users are often confronted with situations where devices can
only be connected via copper cables under difficult conditions or sometimes not at all.
These are often applications where data is transmitted to moving, rotating or mobile
devices.
The high requirements in terms of data transmission quality are very difficult to meet using
mechanical solutions, due to the constant mechanical strain and the associated wear on the
cables.
The use of wireless technology offers additional advantages in temporary installations, i.e.,
any applications that are frequently converted and modified. Wireless technology also
offers advantages in applications where individual devices are very remote or difficult to
access. The key advantages of wireless technology are therefore:
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The transmission medium is not subject to mechanical wear.
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Mobility and freedom of movement for the devices.
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Large radio fields allow flexible integration of devices independent of the location.
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Bridging of large distances or problematic zones, such as streets or railway lines.
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Spontaneous integration of new or temporary devices.
With simultaneous operation of several wireless technologies, interference and conflicts
between the wireless systems may occur. The following measures can be used to enable
the coexistence of different wireless technologies:
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Reduced transmission power – The transmission power is lowered to the level that is
required to maintain communication.
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Radio field planning – The careful selection of antenna characteristics, e.g., flat top
antenna or directional wireless antenna, can limit the radio field to the required area.
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Use of specified channels – Careful radio field planning can be used to select channels
used so that no areas/channels overlap during operation.
Phoenix Contact offers simulation software for use in planning wireless systems for
industrial environments. It can be used to estimate the later number of wireless
components and their positions as well as to simulate the quality of wireless coverage
(FL WST BASIC, Order No. 2692254).
