Choosing a cellular solution for connecting devices to a WWAN.
Recent developments in the wireless and industrial automation fields have spurred businesses to consider using wireless technologies to connect remote devices. In the past, using wireless for communicating between remote devices or remote offices and the central office was not feasible due to problems with cost, speed, and reliability. However, wireless technologies have now reached a level of sophistication that makes it a feasible solution for a variety of applications.
Cellular technology for WWAN applications
Cellular technology is currently the most popular choice for implementing wireless WAN applications. This is because of the extended range and coverage that cellular technology offers.
Cellular technology is usually classified into the two standards that are widely used in various parts of the world today – GSM/GPRS and CDMA. Current estimates put the global market shares at 80% and 20%, respectively. The GSM/GPRS standards comprise several generations, with each generation offering higher data rates than the previous one.
The following table lists the various GSM/GPRS generations and the data rates supported:
With the increase in data rates and reliability that cellular technologies (especially GSM/GPRS) now offer, they are becoming the primary data communication method for a number of industrial automation applications.
Cellular modules
A cellular module is a supplementary module (or add-on) that provides a device with basic cellular capability. The module enables the attached device to connect to the cellular network using simple AT commands. Cellular modules are primarily used to enable host devices to send data back to the central office. In real-world applications, cellular modules are used as a backup data communication channel.
Cellular modules are developed by various companies and are used by hardware vendors that want to add basic cellular capability to their own devices, such as machines, gateway devices, and routers. The modules are usually supplied with a serial interface to support 2G and 2,5 or a USB interface to support 3G and 3,5G standards.
Readers wanting to understand more about wireless WAN applications and the solution options available in the market can download the full Moxa white paper at: http://instrumentation.co.za/+C14893
Ensure seamless integration and reliable performance with CANbus solutions RJ Connect
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Modern industrial applications require robust and effective communication. The CANbus product range guarantees smooth integration and data transfers throughout systems.
Read more...The industrial era of wireless telemetry and radio communication Schneider Electric South Africa
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Today’s advanced wireless telemetry offers a range of benefits that go beyond cost savings, including greater flexibility and mobility, remote monitoring capabilities, and enhanced safety.
Read more...Connecting every transport node RJ Connect
Editor's Choice Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Stockholm's bus system strategically links urban mainline, suburban mainline, non-mainline routes, community service buses and night buses. To acquire and process data from multiple sources and analyse onboard information on their moving buses, Transdev sought a dependable and powerful onboard computer. It teamed up with CatAB, Moxa’s local representative, known for delivering top-notch industrial data communication boards and equipment since 1988.
Read more...Paratus South Africa boosts Tantum IT’s connectivity with Eutelsat
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Tantum IT is a leading IT service provider specialising in remote IT management, cloud services, and secure data handling for industries in remote and high-demand environments. To overcome its connectivity challenges, Tantum IT chose Paratus, an official distributer of Eutelsat OneWeb’s Low Earth Orbit services, to provide the solution.
Read more...Moxa launches high-bandwidth Ethernet switch portfolio RJ Connect
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Moxa has announced its new MRX Series Layer 3 rackmount Ethernet switches that support 64 ports with up to 16 ports of 10GbE speed to accelerate data aggregation for industrial applications.
Read more...Why battery storage is the backbone of future smart grids RJ Connect
Electrical Power & Protection
Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming more and more crucial in modern smart grids as the global energy transition speeds up. Smart grids rely on them to balance and stabilise their loads.
Read more...Integrating networks in CNC machinery RJ Connect
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A leading global manufacturer of industrial machinery wanted to aggregate multiple applications into its CNC machines. Due to the use of different proprietary networks, integrating the networks and maintaining the components required substantial effort.
Read more...Wireless communication system for remote access to data KROHNE
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
KROHNE has introduced the OPTIBRIDGE 3880 IIoT data logger for remote data services, acquisition and evaluation. It is a fully autonomous battery- or mains- powered wireless communication system for remote access to measurement data.
Read more...Enabling multiple applications on a unified TSN network RJ Connect
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
A leading global manufacturer of industrial machinery wanted to aggregate multiple applications into its CNC machines. Due to the use of different proprietary networks, integrating the networks and maintaining the components required substantial effort.
Read more...New industrial tablet series for non-ex applications Pepperl+Fuchs
Data Acquisition & Telemetry
Pepperl+Fuchs is introducing a rugged tablet series in accordance with MIL-STD-810H. The slim Windows-based devices are available with a 20 or 25 cm display, offering numerous customisation options and an extensive range of accessories.
printer friendly version