Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

Wireless LAN is internationally standardised as IEEE 802.1. In Europe, it uses the frequency bands 2.4GHz 5.15-5.35GHz and 5.47-5.73GHz. WLAN is already aligned with existing company networks (Ethernet). WLANs based on the 802.11 standard can be integrated into Ethernet networks in protocol transparent manner.

Large WLAN-based wireless networks with several hundred participants can be set up; however these share the available bandwidth. The gross data rate varies, depending on the standard supported within IEEE802.11 and can be attained wirelessly with the lesswire WLAN module 54 Mbit/s.

In the industrial sector, WLANs are used everywhere that relatively large data volumes need to be flexibly transmitted to industrial systems, without the use of fixed landline circuits (e.g. for the transmission of photos or moving images).

Unlike wireless transmission with WLAN in the home and office area, wireless WLAN components must meet extremely high standards in industrial environments.

Interference resistance and mechanical insensitivity
Based on the IEEE 802.11 standard, lesswire has adapted the WLAN radio modules to reflect the mechanical and climatic requirements in factory automation, as well as for use in exterior areas. Characteristic of the lesswire industrial WLAN modules is that the radio components can be used in a broad temperature range (-40° to +85° Celsius). Moreover, the modules are not affected by interference, and also comply with the stringent AEC Q100 automotive regulation. The lesswire module can transmit with both WLAN and Bluetooth.

Transmission reliability
Standardised security functions such as WPA, WPA2, and 128-bit encryption protect the transmission networks from unauthorised infiltration or tapping. They also have a high service grade, as transfer errors are recognised and bypassed. Quality of Service features round off the spectrum, guaranteeing the bandwidth required by users.

With lesswire’s universally embedded industrial WLAN modules, OEM customers can concentrate on their core competence areas. They receive an optimal WLAN/Bluetooth solution from wireless specialists that can be easily integrated for machines and systems, one that also enables a wide range of wireless applications.