SIEMENS
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Siemens IK PI · 2015
Industrial Wireless Communication
IWLAN – Client Modules IEEE 802.11n
Overview
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Application
The client modules of the SCALANCE W700 product line are
designed for indoor and outdoor industrial applications as well
as for low-cost integration in control cabinets or mobile ma-
chines. They provide a reliable wireless link with fast handover
from one access point to the next (roaming). This allows pro-
cesses to be monitored and loss of production due to machine
downtimes to be avoided. Industrial Wireless LAN (IWLAN) can
also be used in time-critical applications in factory automation
(PROFINET IO) or for safety-related signals (PROFIsafe).
SCALANCE W products are silicone-free and can therefore
also be used in paint shops. The client modules with high IP65
degree of protection and extended temperature range from
-20 to +60 °C are especially suitable for industrial applications.
The client modules are especially suitable for use in automated
guided vehicle systems or suspended monorails.
When using the RCoax cable (radiating cable), operation is
particularly reliable in conveyor systems and all track applica-
tions (e.g. storage and retrieval systems, suspended monorail).
Application examples:
•
Automated guided vehicle systems and suspended
monorails;
prevents wear and offers high flexibility for traffic routing
thanks to the wireless transfer of data to the vehicles. It is also
possible to transfer PROFIsafe via IWLAN.
• Cranes;
high flexibility due to access to data communication with the
moving unit independent of the location
•
Tunnel application;
reliable wireless link since the devices can handle multiple
path propagation better by using the MIMO technology
•
Communication with moving stations (e.g. mobile controls and
devices), container logistics, storage and retrieval machines,
conveyor systems, conveyor belts, rotating machines, trucks
•
Wireless coupling of communication segments and bridging
of large distances for fast commissioning and cost-effective
networks in applications where cable routing would be
extremely expensive (e.g. on public roads, rivers, lakes, train
lines)
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Function
SCALANCE W700 client modules make it possible for a node
with an Industrial Ethernet interface (e.g. a controller) to move
seamlessly and with no wear and tear in an Industrial Wireless
LAN RF field. The node logs on in the RF field via the client mod-
ule and can exchange information with the entire data network.
If the client module moves, for example, on an automated
guided vehicle system, it is automatically and transparently
handed over from one access point to the next (roaming).
This is possible over distances of up to 30 m indoors (approx.
100 m outdoors). Additional directional antennas can be used
outdoors to achieve ranges of several thousand meters.
Apart from a reliable wireless link, a major feature of the
SCALANCE W700 client modules is their support of IT mecha-
nisms:
•
IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n for different frequency ranges
•
IEEE802.11e for wireless multimedia (WMM)
•
IEEE802.11i for security
•
Sending the log entries of the SCALANCE W devices to a
Syslog server
•
Modern security mechanisms (e.g. network security such as
IEEE 802.1x, RADIUS, EAP mechanisms)
Security
A high degree of data security is achieved by means of the
WPA2/IEEE 802.11i mechanisms. These define modern proce-
dures that control a regular exchange of the complete 128-bit
key as well as performing the access check (authentication) of
a node. The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is available
for data encryption.
On top of this, access to the devices (HTTPS) is encrypted and
a secure logon (SSH) is possible. If a security concept in combi-
nation with SCALANCE S is required, the security requirements
can be increased using Virtual Private Networks (VPN).
Functional scope
Depending on the product version, the SCALANCE W700 client
modules can manage the wireless connection for up to eight
connected devices with Ethernet interface. It is possible for
mobile units with a small Ethernet network (up to eight devices)
to be linked into an IWLAN RF field.
© Siemens AG 2014