Модули Ethernet клиентов IEEE 802.11n Siemens

Область применения

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 machines. They provide a reliable wireless link with fast handover from one access point to the next (roaming). This allows processes 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 applications (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)

Обзор

The client modules from the SCALANCE W700 product lines are optimal for integrating Industrial Ethernet stations into Industrial Wireless LANs (IWLANs) for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

• High data rates (up to 450 Mbit/s in connection with Channel Bonding) as per IEEE802.11n
• Reliable wireless link by using of MIMO technology (Multiple Input, Multiple Output). For this, SCALANCE W Client Modules use up to three streams for simultaneous sending and receiving.
• SCALANCE W700 Client Modules are suitable for any application: for installation indoors without a control cabinet and for installation in a control cabinet
• Reliable thanks to a rugged enclosure, protected from water and dust (up to IP65), resistant to shock, vibration and electromagnetic fields
• Demanding applications with real-time and redundancy requirements, such as PROFINET with PROFIsafe
• Conformant to standards through supporting IEEE802.11; expanded software functions especially for use where increased reliability is required, e.g. cyclic real-time data traffic and very high-speed roaming (iPCF, iPCF-MC)
• Configuration support by means of wizards and online help; easy management via Web server and SNMP
• Configuration and diagnostics using Web based Management, Command Line Interface, and SNMP. Devices and networks can be configured using STEP 7 (TIA Portal). For cyclic monitoring, diagnostics and documentation (reporting) in network mode, the SINEMA Server software is recommended.
• Enabling of further functions using the KEY-PLUG swap medium (iPCF, iPCF-MC)
• Fast replacement of devices if a fault occurs thanks to use of optional KEY-PLUG/C-PLUG (Configuration Plug) swap medium

Функции

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 module 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 mechanisms:

• 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 procedures 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 combination with SCALANCE S is required, the security requirements can be increased using Virtual Private Networks (VPN).

Scope of functions

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.

iFeatures (only in conjunction with KEY-PLUG or SCALANCE W722-1 RJ45))

iPCF (industrial Point Coordination Function):
The iPCF mode is a good choice for applications with requirements for real-time and predictable response times (deterministic response), even when mobile nodes are roaming from one access point to the next. This ensures that wireless PROFINET IO is supported and that safety-related signals, e.g. emergency stop, can be linked into the RF field.

The iPCF mechanism expands the IEEE 802.11 standard and must be available on both the client module and the access point. In an RF field in which iPCF is used, no IEEE 802.11-compliant nodes can be operated.

iPCF is recommended for applications where wireless network nodes move along predefined paths (e.g. suspended monorail). RCoax radiating cables or directional antennas must be used for this purpose.

Linking in an automated guided vehicle system using iPCF with the SCALANCE W722-1 RJ45

iPCF-MC (iPCF Management Channel) ^1):
iPCF-MC is available as a further development of iPCF. This mode should be used if IWLAN stations that also support iPCF-MC move freely about in the coverage area (especially when using omni-directional antennas) and are to exchange data deterministically. This functionality can only be achieved in connection with access points with two wireless interfaces and the KEY PLUG.

Note:
These iFeatures cannot be used in parallel.

Diagnostics and management

• Web-based (HTTP/HTTPS) management tool for configuration and diagnostics using a standard browser
• LEDs for signaling operating status and fault/error states
• Signaling of faults by means of SNMP trap or e-mail to a network management tool
• Configuration and diagnostics using Web based Management, Command Line Interface, and SNMP. Devices and networks can be configured using STEP 7 (TIA Portal). For cyclic monitoring, diagnostics and documentation (reporting) in network mode, the SINEMA Server software is recommended.

1) Available soon

Особенности

• Predictable data traffic (deterministic response) and defined response times on the wireless link
• Reliable wireless link, e.g. by using MIMO technology and monitoring the wireless link
• Cost savings due to one single wireless network both for process-critical data and for non-critical communication
• Future-proof because all products are compatible with the internationally recognized WLAN standard IEEE 802.11, suitable for license-free 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands (ISM bands)
• Implementation of data-intensive applications such as video streaming
• Reduced operating costs, because there is no wear and tear on rotating and moving plant sections
• Cost-effective connection to devices which are remote, difficult to access or installed in hostile environments
• Investment protection because flexible feature expansions (iFeatures) are possible by using the KEY-PLUG