Types of Industrial Wireless Communication Systems


A Wireless Communication system is transmitting the data or the information without any help of wires or cables. We come across many wireless communication devices such as Wi-Fi systems, mobile phones, GPS systems, wireless computer mice, wireless headphones, and even cordless telephones in day-to-day life.  We have witnessed many evolutions in wireless technology. These were the examples of few consumer-related products which we are quite familiar with. Do you know that companies have started using these wireless communication systems to ease their operational processes even in various industry sectors?

Wireless Communication is not restricted to only consumer-related services, but it has also spread its wings in industrial sectors. The systems used by these industries are totally different than the ones we use at a consumer level. Wireless communication in the industry works based on various factors, including Electromagnetism, Wireless transmission, Frequency, Spectrum, Wavelength, Radio waves, ELF frequencies, VHF Frequencies, UHF frequencies, Signal attenuation, Signal encoding-decoding, and more. There are many types of wireless communication systems available according to the industry. Here we will discuss a few of these types. Let’s proceed!

Serial cable replacement

Most organizations prefer serial interfaces such as RS422, RS232, and RS485 to connect with their programming tools. Due to this, the tools are connected whenever there is a need for reprogramming or reconfiguration. Above all, these tools work on any standard PC. Serial cable replacement works as a built-in wireless adapter that internally connects all the devices. This external wireless adapter helps with the air transmission of the data.

Ethernet Cable Infrastructure

The demand for Ethernet Cable Infrastructure is increasing day by day. Companies that are using the Intranet for internal communication prefer the Ethernet cable structure. The protocols like Industrial IP, Profinet, and MODBUS TCP transmit the messages through the intranet. Here for the set up a transparent ethernet or a gateway is used. It is generally used in industries where it requires a rotating, mobile, or temporary installation.

Fieldbus Cable replacement

The fieldbuses such as DeviceNet, InterBus-S, Profibus, and CANBus have a wide range of available products with a larger installed base. Due to this huge number, there is an increase in demand for fieldbuses. Here Fieldbus can be replaced with a Fieldbus cable replacement.

Wireless Actuators and Sensors

Wireless communication to the sensors has been trending in recent days, and it has a great future in coming years as well. These wireless sensors help keep the track record of utilities, controlling devices, and energy usage. Since these devices operate on batteries and are not part of the networks, there has been a tremendous demand for wireless sensors and actuators due to this core reason. These sensors and actuators function in a different way as per the company. Here you need to install the software of this sensor into the wireless chipset CPU.

The Mobile App

We all are familiar with the app concept but never knew that these third-party programs can be even used in wireless communication industries. Here a company gets an app designed as per their process requirement and shares it with the smartphone users to install it. These apps are generally used for wireless communication as well as for data storage. This app can even be designed to perform any other task, such as working as an HMI panel.

Seamless Roaming

Seamless Roaming uses Industrial wireless radios as a technology that generally requires staying connected with the moving devices such as Automatic Guided Vehicles. With the standard procedure, the device needs to stay connected to the nearest access point, and if it gets disconnected, it needs to be reconnected with another nearby access point.

To avail these above-mentioned wireless communication systems, the companies also need to have a proper setup, including advanced security features, Real-time deterministic detector, increased temperature range, Reliable and robust connection, and similar configuration as automation tools. It could vary from technology to technology. For example, Bluetooth technology is suitable for Fieldbus, Serial, and Industrial Ethernet networks. In contrast, Bluetooth low energy technology is suitable for sensors and actuators, which requires low power consumption. Wireless LAN is useful for configuring, monitoring, and acquiring the data. With the built-in roaming function, it is highly used in factory automation applications with moving devices.

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