Overview
What are Industrial Wireless Access Points?
Industrial Wireless Access Points (APs) and Clients are specialized networking hardware designed to provide reliable data transmission in environments where physical cabling is impractical or impossible. Unlike standard office hardware, industrial APs are engineered with high-ingress protection (IP30 to IP67), shock and vibration resistance, and specialized circuitry to handle high electromagnetic interference (EMI) from motors and drives. They serve as the bridge between mobile machinery—such as Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)—and the plant-wide Ethernet backbone.
Main Manufacturers
Reliable industrial wireless infrastructure is built on hardware from legacy automation leaders and specialized networking firms. Key brands include:
- Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation): Known for seamless integration with Logix controllers.
- Siemens: Focuses on high-speed SCALANCE modules for PROFINET environments.
- Phoenix Contact: Provides versatile WLAN modules for DIN-rail mounting.
- Moxa: Specialists in ruggedized connectivity for rail and hazardous locations.
- Schneider Electric: Offers wireless solutions within the Harmony and ConneXium lines.
Popular Product Families
When sourcing replacements or expanding networks, these series are the industry standards:
- Stratix 5100: A versatile Allen-Bradley series for workgroup bridge or access point modes.
- SIMATIC SCALANCE W700: Siemens’ premier line for high-reliability Wi-Fi in harsh environments.
- FL WLAN: Phoenix Contact’s compact modules for cabinet-based wireless.
- AWK Series: Moxa’s ruggedized AP/Bridge/Client solutions designed for industrial mobility.
Typical Applications
- AGVs and AMRs: Maintaining constant communication between mobile robots and the central PLC.
- Remote I/O: Connecting I/O racks in locations where trenching or cable trays are cost-prohibitive.
- Warehouse Automation: Providing roaming coverage for handheld scanners and forklifts.
- Condition Monitoring: Collecting vibration and temperature data from rotating equipment.
Selection Guide
Choosing the right wireless hardware requires evaluating three technical criteria:
- Environment: Does the application require an IP20 DIN-rail mount for a cabinet or an IP67 rating for outdoor/washdown areas?
- Throughput vs. Range: Standard 2.4 GHz offers better range and penetration through steel, while 5 GHz and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) provide the higher bandwidth and lower latency required for high-speed motion control.
- Topology: Determine if you need a standard Access Point, a Bridge for Point-to-Point links, or a Client/Workgroup Bridge to connect a non-wireless device to the network.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between industrial and commercial wireless access points?
Industrial access points (APs) are ruggedized for extreme temperatures (-40°C to +75°C), high vibration, and electromagnetic interference (EMI). Unlike commercial APs, they often feature M12 connectors, DIN-rail mounting, Redundant Path Management (PRP/HSR), and specialized industrial protocols like PROFINET or EtherNet/IP prioritization.
Which wireless protocols are used in industrial networking?
Common protocols include IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6). For industrial automation, these units prioritize low-latency traffic for EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and Modbus TCP. Many industrial APs also support specialized modes like Workgroup Bridge (WGB) or Mesh for mobile equipment like AGVs.
What are the typical voltage and power requirements?
Most industrial-grade wireless units operate on 12V to 48V DC, often with redundant power inputs to prevent downtime. Some models also support Power over Ethernet (PoE/PoE+) via the RJ45 port, simplifying installation in remote areas.
How do I ensure reliable wireless connectivity for AGVs and mobile platforms?
To ensure stability, use directional antennas for Point-to-Point links and omni-directional antennas for local coverage. Implement WPA3-Enterprise security and use managed access points with "Fast Roaming" (IEEE 802.11r) to prevent connection drops as mobile machinery moves between coverage zones.
Can I replace an older 802.11n access point with a newer Wi-Fi 6 version?
Yes, most modern units are backward compatible. For example, replacing a legacy Stratix 5100 with a newer Wi-Fi 6 model usually allows older 802.11n clients to remain connected, though updating both ends of the link is recommended to utilize higher bandwidth and improved security.