IWLAN – the WLAN for challenging industrial applications

Industrial wireless communication – a key element in the digital transformation

The advances being made in the digitalization of industry would be inconceivable without state-of-the-art communications technology. To provide businesses with the best possible infrastructure for exchanging data of all kinds, Siemens has developed dedicated Industrial Wireless LAN (IWLAN) products with special additional functions to meet the specific demands of WLAN in industry. These are particularly useful for applications in automation, for example in automotive manufacturing, transportation and logistics, and the oil and gas industry.

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Easy, compact solutions

WLAN from the control cabinet

Implement wireless networking of machines easily and economically – with SCALANCE W760 Access Points and SCALANCE W720 Client Modules! Due to their practical SIMATIC design, minimum space is required in the control cabinet when integrating automation components such as a SIMATIC ET 200SP seamlessly into an industrial WLAN, in accordance with the IEEE 802.11n standard and with data rates of up to 150 Mbps.

Demanding solutions

Wireless both inside and outside the control cabinet

Transfer data wirelessly from the control cabinet, or you can even use our devices with IP65 protection class outside the control cabinet. The SCALANCE W770 Access Points and SCALANCE W730 Client Modules in SIMATIC design reliably and flexibly implement wireless communication between the controller and an I/O system like the SIMATIC ET 200MP.

High-performance solutions

WLAN for indoors, outdoors, and in harsh environments

Using wireless communication where high-end, powerful and reliable data transmission is required: The SCALANCE W780 Access Points and SCALANCE W740 Client Modules support data rates of up to 450 Mbps in accordance with standard IEEE 802.11n. Devices with IP30 protection class are suitable for use in the control cabinet, whereas IP65 devices are perfect for use outside the control cabinet and outdoors under harsh environmental conditions. In combination with the iFeatures functionalities, a whole host of additional applications is enabled, such as real-time or redundant communication.

With the latest WLAN standard IEEE 802.11ac Wave 2, SCALANCE W1780 Access Points and SCALANCE W1740 Client Modules enable applications to be implemented in harsh industrial environments that need particularly large bandwidths, e.g. for high-performance video transmission.

Moderate environments

High-performance WLAN in moderate environments

The SCALANCE W1750D controller-based Direct Access Points support radio transmission according to the latest WLAN standard IEEE 802.11ac Wave 2. This new technology offers very high data transmission rates as required, for example, for video streaming. The high-performance SCALANCE W1750D, which are available in different country-specific versions, manage wireless networks with up to 128 Access Points. Typical areas of application include moderate ambient conditions such as those in assembly halls and adjoining offices or open warehouses. Due to their attractive design, the Direct Access Points can also be installed in cafeterias and conference rooms.

Antennas and accessories

Antennas for every application

A broad antenna portfolio rounds off the comprehensive IWLAN solutions from Siemens. These include omnidirectional antennas for a large-area radio field in all directions, directional antennas for a wireless field aligned in a specified direction, and sector or wide-angle antennas for a large radio field. In addition to many types of antenna, we also offer cabling technology as well as mounting accessories such as cables, lightning conductors and plug-in connectors.

As a special antenna solution for SCALANCE W components, the RCoax radiating cables ensure reliable wireless connections along defined radio links. The coaxial cable, with its special radiating characteristics, is rugged and easy to install, and is suitable for use in areas susceptible to explosions (Zone 2), without special approvals. It is connected to SCALANCE W Access Points as an external antenna.

Smart additional functions

iFeatures expand opportunities in industry applications of all kinds

Wireless communication via Industrial Wireless LAN (IWLAN) is already used in countless solutions, e.g. by mobile network participants in Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGV) or in crane applications. Not only the hardware, but also the software of the network components must meet special requirements for use in the industry.

Siemens has developed special iFeatures for use in industrial environments which are enabled by KEY-PLUGs or CLPs inserted into the devices. These smart additional functions can be easily activated as software – also subsequently – on various IWLAN Access Points and Client Modules. These additional functions are suitable for all industries and all kinds of application. The following typical examples of application offer more detailed information. 

IWLAN for transportation systems

Increased availability and the potential for interference demand redundant solutions via WLAN. Thanks to Industrial Parallel Redundancy Protocol (iPRP), our IWLAN solutions in the transportation area ensure redundant and thus reliable communication.

IWLAN in logistics

The logistics sector involves many time-critical applications with participants moving freely in the field that have to communicate wirelessly with a controller. The Industrial Point Coordination Function with Management Channel (iPCF-MC) ensures that our solutions meet real-time communication requirements.

IWLAN in the automotive industry

IWLAN with Industrial Point Coordination Function (iPCF) enables maximum availability in automotive manufacturing to avoid plant downtimes. Typical applications include the use of overhead monorails in combination with RCoax or safe human-machine interaction.

Safe amusement parks thanks to IWLAN

Visitors’ safety is the top priority for amusement parks. Industrial Point Coordination Function (iPCF) makes the necessary deterministics and fast roaming in PROFINET and EtherNet/IP applications possible, as a means of implementing safety-relevant applications using PROFIsafe.

Expand your opportunities with iFeatures – find out more!

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Benefits of IWLAN

Unlimited communication

Requirements on industrial networks are constantly increasing in the course of digitalization. Particularly when dealing with wireless data transmission, the network components are subject to very specific requirements: our IWLAN solutions guarantee maximum reliability and performance.

Many applications, exact solutions

No matter which industry or which application you need, our wireless communication components cover a wide range of applications for both indoor and outdoor use. They are uniquely suited to industrial applications, even under the harshest conditions. The open Industrial Ethernet standard PROFINET or Ethernet/IP as well as PROFIsafe via WLAN also ensure increased efficiency, flexibility and safety.  

Effective Industrial Wireless LAN diagnostics with SCALANCE W

Reliable wireless communication connections without interruptions are possible due to three integrated diagnostics tools: Spectrum Analyzer, Signal Recorder and Remote Capture.

Discover the benefits and find out about the many possibilities for creating your individual network solution with IWLAN.

Cable-free connections

Wireless connections are ideal for applications where it would be too complex or even impossible to lay cables. Using our SCALANCE W portfolio, you benefit from total flexibility and fail-safe communications at all times, even without a wired connection.

Secured communication

While data security is an increasingly important element in communications, personal safety is also absolutely essential in production processes and in applications involving passenger transport. Security and integrity of all data is provided by the currently applicable protocols (e.g. IEEE 802.1X) and encryption. You can use PROFINET with PROFIsafe to implement safety applications with an emergency stop function via WLAN to assure the necessary safety for employees in production or passengers in transport applications.

Precision timing of data transmission

Moving data packets quickly from point A to point B is a must for many communication applications. SCALANCE W devices and iFeatures make easy work of real-time communication using PROFINET and EtherNet/IP.

Reliable communication

To ensure data arrives not only quickly but also reliably, redundant communication is essential – that way no information is lost. Various diagnostic options incorporated in the SCALANCE W products also provide the option of rapidly identifying and fixing the problem if a fault occurs.

Robust and flexible

SCALANCE W devices with IP65 protection class are suitable for use outside the control cabinet, e.g. in production halls, and outdoors under harsh environmental conditions. Various approvals for traction applications and also areas susceptible to explosion are available for our devices that are used in enhanced environmental conditions (EEC).

Easy configuration

Use our Network Management System SINEC NMS to establish wireless networks with little effort. Extending the network with additional components and continuous monitoring to avoid errors is also not a problem. Firmware updates can be performed on any SCALENCE W device from a central location, for example.

Find out more about the SCALANCE W portfolio

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Professional Services

Expert support for future-proof communication networks

Professional services for industrial networks: first-class network components alone will not be enough to create a first-class industrial communication network. A thorough understanding of network designs and how to implement them is at least as important. Our certified solution partners and Siemens experts give you professional help in developing your network solution, tailored to meet your specific requirements.

Support from design to implementation

How can you ensure that a communication network will meet all current and future industry requirements? And how do you get the most out of the potential offered by state-of-the-art networks? The best way is to work with a reliable, skilled partner that’s every bit at home in industrial automation as in designing and implementing communication networks. With Siemens you receive on-site service and support, consulting services for network design, support with integration and deployment, and training services for your employees. A site survey and planning as well as the right choice of components prior to putting wireless solutions into operation are essential to ensure smooth operation. We’re happy to provide support when you need it.

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References

IWLAN in practical use

Our IWLAN solutions are already being used in practice with success – including in combination with other industrial communications network components, of course. Find interesting customer reference stories here.
Constellation Brands Inc.
Mexico

Brewing bigger and better

  • Upgrade plant's industrial communication network in line with best practices

  • Usage of SCALANCE X, S and W network components

  • Wireless network for laser-guided vehicles avoids interference issues

Read the success story
National Oilwell Varco
Denmark

Boost of reliability and availability

  • With the new network infrastructure and the upgrade of equipment, unplanned stops are eliminated

  • Detailed process monitoring for seamless quality documentation

  • Roboust wireless network in harsh environment and emergency stop via IWLAN

Read the success story
Siemens Wind Power
United Kingdom

Industrial network as blueprint for other locations

  • High-availability network enables totally smooth manufacture of rotor blades for wind turbines 

  • Reliable wireless communication under harsh conditions, even in humid and salty air

  • Entire network implemented in accordance with strict safety regulations

Read the success story
LogoTek
Germany

Integration creates efficiency

  • End-to-end monitoring of materials between manufacture and delivery in Vietnamese steelwork

  • Robust design of IWLAN Access Points and minimal susceptibility to faults ideally suited for industrial setting 

  • Flow of information for warehouse logistics mainly via WLAN infrastructure

Read the success story
Bierbaum Group
Germany

Your fellow robot on the WLAN

  • Integration of proANT transport robots into the process automation of the Bierbaum factory

  • Fully automated logistics chain between the dye kitchen and the printing presses: required color is requested by the employee at the printing press; the request triggers a transport order, which is autonomously carried out by the robot

  • WLAN throughout the factory: Communication via SCALANCE W730 Client Modules integrated in the robots 

Read the success story
Europa-Park Rust
Germany

Wireless safety along the flight path

  • Fail-safe IWLAN communication controls the “Flying machines modeled after Leonardo da Vinci” in the Europa-Park amusement park

  • Antenna segments of various lengths made from RCoax cables are routed along the entire path, emitting radio signals in a defined range

  • Safety via WLAN reliably prevents personal injuries

Read the success story
Further information

Downloads, Support and Services

Additional information about our products and services are available.

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The fastest way to the experts

Proposed solutions for your queries and direct access to our experts in Technical Support

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Service offers

To remain competitive over the long term, companies in industry must ensure – and ideally increase – the availability and productivity of  machines and plants. As your partner, we offer a unique range of services and support based on our extensive technology and industry expertise.

Service offers

Well trained for excellent handling

Receive standardized or individual expertise directly from the manufacturer – with training centers in more than 60 countries

Training Services

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News on all aspects of IWLAN

The latest technical articles and flyers on wireless communication and SCALANCE W.

Everything about IWLAN

Direct path to fast, reliable and robust IWLAN

To develop or modernize your wireless communication system, Siemens not only offers the ideal hardware and high-performance additional functions designed especially for the needs of industry; our experts will also advise you and put the ideal solution in place for you, individually tailored to your application. Don’t delay – talk to us now.

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