Wireless Flexibility - Siemens

The Scalance W-786
family of access points
for industrial wireless
LANs (IWLAN) is
particularly suitable for
installation in outdoor
radio networks, for
instance in public areas,
mass transit systems,
ports, offshore
equipment, or container
logistics
Rugged Scalance W788 cabinet free
assembly is needed in harsh industrial
environments that are installed outside the
control cabinets. IWLAN components from
Simatic NET have been designed with IP65
degree of protection and for operating
temperatures between – 20 °C and + 60 °C
with condensation and fulfill the strict
Simatic requirements with respect to shock
and vibrations. The connectors are
vibration-proof and shakeproof. Sinema E
(Simatic Network Manager Engineering) is a
software tool for efficient planning,
simulation and configuration of industrial
WLAN applications in accordance with the
802.11 a/b/g standards. It allows the design
and simulation of entire IWLAN networks.
The new software for industrial and office
networks, including outdoor areas, is
suitable for network engineers in the field
and planning engineer
Radio Field Planning Tool
Prior to the installation of any wireless devices, detailed
planning of the required radio field is an important
element of the security concept. Using the
right tools, the radio field can actually be designed so
that reception is possible only where the receivers
such as robots or transport systems are located. This
will significantly deter attempts to tap communication
without authorization from outside the permitted
facility zone.
With Scalance Sinema E software, Siemens provides
a planning, simulation and configuration software for
IWLAN applications that makes IWLAN networks visible.
It displays field strengths, data rates, signal-tonoise
ratios and overlaps between different radio
fields, taking environmental aspects and device properties
into account. With Sinema E, users gain a detailed
overview of the radio field prior to start-up.
Optimizations of the radio field zone can be easily
and transparently carried out on the PC in a short
amount of time. The software simulates and detects
obstacles that could affect signal strength and uses
simulation functions to calculate the required number
and optimum installation points and parameters
for the IWLAN devices.
With the Security Wizard tool, Siemens assists users
in setting the required security level and access
rights. The tool guides users through a range of
menus from which the relevant security features can
be selected with a simple mouse click. This straightforward
configuration not only saves time but also increases
the user’s readiness to consistently apply the
implemented security measures. Furthermore, uninvited
guests are kept at bay.
Manufacturing plants have various machinery and
equipment that are tied together to perform specific
task. These machines or equipment have automation
system which needs to transact data. Communication
over Ethernet have adopted and implemented successfully
in manufacturing environment providing
robust and stable communication platform.
Conventional cabling method may be difficult to
some areas due to constraints in accessibility, distance
and temperature. Using Scalance technologies is an
attractive option when cabling is extremely complex
and time-consuming, or when a high degree of flexibility
is called for, or even when the environment is
highly contaminated. These can significantly reduce
the effort required for maintenance. p
Practical Security Configuration
Data security should not be compromise. However, security
measures often require a degree of expert
knowledge from users.
info
contact
www.siemens.com/simatic-net
zavior.kuladasamy@siemens.com
ideas singapore | 2008