Dual-Band Radio resists harsh environmental conditions.

Press Release Summary:



Featuring IP65-rated water-resistant, dust-proof enclosure, RadioLinx RLX-IH65W 802.11abg Industrial Hotspot(TM) functions as access point, repeater, or client and can be installed in washdown areas, offshore oil rigs, and outdoor towers. Unit offers Power over Ethernet, IGMP Snooping for wireless multicast packet filtering, and OFDM modulation. For applications needing secure connection, device features cryptographic strength security with WPA2 AES and CCM integrity check.



Original Press Release:



ProSoft Technology® Introduces RadioLinx® Water Resistant / Dust-Proof 802.11abg Industrial Hotspot(TM)



BAKERSFIELD, Calif., October 1, 2007

Field applications exposed to severe conditions, whether it be an oil rig or the wash down area of a manufacturing plant, can now benefit from the latest addition to ProSoft Technology's RadioLinx wireless product family: The 802.11abg Industrial HotspotTM with IP65-rated water resistant, dust-proof enclosure (RLX-IH65W). This radio functions as an access point, repeater, or client and its water resistant enclosure permits it to be directly installed in areas which are exposed to harsh industrial or environmental conditions, including wash down areas, offshore oil rigs, and outdoor towers.

The RLX-IH65W offers Power over Ethernet (PoE), which allows the radio to be installed next to the antenna, reducing antenna cable loss and maximizing range. The 802.11abg radio is designed for global applications and uses an advanced combination of features to create a reliable, versatile solution for even the most demanding industrial networks. Features of the RLX-IH65W include:

IGMP Snooping, for wireless multicast packet filtering
The RLX-IH65W is equipped with RF-based Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) Snooping, a tool which allows multicast filtering at the wireless level, so that the radio transmitting data from the producer (such as a distributed I/O block) is able to identify the consumer (i.e. a PLC) and transmit the producer data directly to the consumer as opposed to multicasting the information to the entire wireless network. Since the RLX-IH65W sends the data directly to each of the consumers, it's able to confirm receipt of the data and retransmit the data if necessary. RF-based IGMP prevents crowding over the air by only sending messages only where they need to go and it increases reliability by confirming receipt of the data.

IP65 Rated Water Resistant Enclosure
The IP65 rating for enclosures guarantees that the product will be protected against low pressure water jets from all directions, with a limited tolerance for ingress, as well as total protection against dust. This rating equates to a water resistance, dust-tight form factor. The RLX-IH65W can be used in industrial operating temperatures, and is vibration and shock resistant.

Security: WPA2 with AES-CCM Encryption
For applications needing a secure connection, the RadioLinx 802.11abg Industrial Hotspot offers cryptographic strength security with WPA2 (802.11i-128/192/256 bit) Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and CCM integrity check (which stands for Counter with Cipher Block Chaining Message Authentication Code). The radio is also equipped with MAC ID Filtering to limit access to approved device MAC IDs, and it monitors the wireless environment for approved and rogue radios.

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) Modulation
The 802.11abg Industrial Hotspot uses OFDM modulation for excellent noise immunity at maximum speeds. This technique distributes data over multiple carriers which are assigned individual frequencies, so that each carrier only sees its own, translating into less distortion or interference.

Product Highlights:
o Power Over Ethernet (PoE)
o Dual frequency band (2.4 GHz & 5 GHz)
o OPC server included to embed diagnostics in HMI clients
o Programmable RF power output to meet regional regulations
o Support for high-speed applications like video and EtherNet/IP I/O
o UL1604 Class 1, Div 2 approved for hazardous environments
o IP65 rated for water resistance and dust-tight
o Support for Voice over IP (VoIP)
o Automatic network configuration with self-healing network
o Multiple master network architecture for large networks such as SCADA
o Includes bracket for mounting to poles up to 3 inches in diameter
o Die-Cast Aluminum enclosure
o Supports distances of up to 5 miles (8 kilometers) at 54 Mbps

The RadioLinx 802.11abg Water Resistant Industrial Hotspot brings real-time wireless access for the most demanding, hazardous and time-critical applications. They are a cost-effective wireless solution for plant and field engineers who need real-time access to remote or mobile equipment, particularly when the environment is exposed to harsh temperatures, moisture, dust, and weather. The radios allow users to reduce costs including those associated with downtime, labor and installation, and leased-line or wireless service fees.

The Water Resistant Industrial Hotspot is ideal for users needing to:
o Connect moving or remote equipment, provide wireless coverage to mobile workers' PDAs and laptops
o Combine voice, video, and data on a single high-speed industrial wireless network
o Supports many packets per second of data or who need to meet high aggregate data requirements such as I/O messaging and client/server based HMI

ProSoft Technology®: Where Automation Connects
ProSoft Technology® specializes in the development of communication solutions compatible with the large automation supplier's controllers such as Rockwell Automation and Schneider Electric. The primary focus is to provide connectivity solutions that link dissimilar automation products. ProSoft Technology's offerings consist of four primary product families: Protocol and network connectivity modules known as inRAx® for Rockwell Automation and ProTalk® for Schneider Electric, stand-alone gateways, protocol converters, and wireless gateways known as ProLinx®, and industrial serial and Ethernet wireless modules known as RadioLinx®.

Over the last 20 years, ProSoft Technology's product lines have grown to over 400 communication modules supporting more than 60 different protocols. ProSoft Technology provides field-proven connectivity and communication solutions that bridge between various automation products as seamlessly as if they were all from the same supplier. These connectivity options enable controller platforms to provide solutions in areas such as computing gas flow calculations and SCADA telemetry applications. These solutions also enable interfacing to motor controls, drives and other devices in industries such as water/wastewater, power generation, oil & gas, machinery, packaging, and production.

ProSoft Technology is committed to providing localized sales and support to customers worldwide. Sales, product engineering and support services are provided internationally by over 600 distributors in 52 countries and served by Regional Area Offices in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific.

All ProSoft Technology products come with a one year minimum warranty and unlimited technical support. Sales are available worldwide; contact your automation equipment distributor or ProSoft Technology, Inc.

For information on the IP65 Industrial Hotspot, visit www.prosoft-technology.com/prosoft/products/industrial_wireless/radios/industrial_hotspot?rlx_ih65w, call +1 (661) 716-5100, or e-mail prosoft@prosoft-technology.com.

All Topics