Learn More about Industrial Communications
Industrial communication applications require reliable and secure data transfer. Every device in the network represents a specific point of interest for a company. Industrial communications enables you to transmit data over long distances securely and reliably.
Means of Communication
There are multiple means of communication in an industrial application that enables a vast range of use cases. A few medias used for industrial communication are: Serial, WiFi, Cellular, Unlicensed Radio, Licensed Radio.
Serial
Serial ports are used for configuration and serial data retrieval from an external device. These ports are useful for troubleshooting devices that are not able to be reached over the Internet. This does require the technician to be at the site of the industrial communication device.
WiFi
Similar to your office or home network, industrial communication devices can communicate over 802.11 b/g/n WiFi. While the range on WiFi interfaces is significantly less than Cell or Radio, you provided more bandwidth to transmit more data. These units are great for warehouses or factory floors.
Cell
Cellular communication is completed through a carrier provider (i.e. Verizon, AT&T). Cell provides the ability to connect to the internet easily using the carriers pre-built infrastructure. Cell is also easier to connect wide spread devices to a single network, as the device simply needs to be in range of a cell tower. Cell can provide better bandwidth when compared to Radio units. Cellular units do require you to have a data plan set up with a carrier, so you end up paying for the amount of data transmitted.
Unlicensed Radio
Radio devices transmit data over specified narrow band frequency. An unlicensed band requires no governmental permit, so there is no fee to transmit your data. With this low cost solution comes the possibility that there are other devices in the proximity of your device that can transmit at the same frequency. This causes signal loss, and can even result in your data not being successfully transmitted. There are techniques, such as Quality of Service (QoS) that can be performed to help mitigate this.
Licensed Radio
The technology used in Licensed Radio is the same concept as Unlicensed Radio, but the radio is using a pre-purchased frequency from the government. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides these frequencies. While there is a cost up front to purchase the frequency, you are able to guarantee that you are the only one who should be transmitting in that frequency, which reduces the risk of data loss to due noise in the radio signal.
General Radio Note
For both Unlicensed and Licensed Radio solutions, it is important that site surveys are performed. Geographical factors, such as trees, buildings, etc., can affect signal strength and transmission range.
