Next-Gen Smart Factory Connectivity Driven by Wi-Fi 6/6E Technology
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Industry 4.0, Wi-Fi 6/6E is making its mark as a crucial player in the communication infrastructure of smart factories.
The latest iteration of Wi-Fi technology, Wi-Fi 6/6E, is set to coexist with 4G/5G cellular networks, providing wide-area communication access in these advanced manufacturing environments. This synergy ensures seamless connectivity for mobile operator tools like tablets and handheld terminals, ensuring stable and reliable communication.
However, smart factories are not relying on a single wireless technology. Instead, they are utilising a combination of Wi-Fi 6/6E, Bluetooth, and 4G/5G cellular networks. This multi-technology approach offers flexibility and scalability, allowing for the optimal selection of communication methods based on the specific needs of each device or application.
Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E, developed as part of the IEEE 802.11ax standard, have been making waves in the industry. Contributions to the development of these technologies have come from various industry players, including Infineon Technologies, which showcased its Wi-Fi 6E product in recent years. Wi-Fi 6 was commercially released around 2019, with Wi-Fi 6E, which extends Wi-Fi 6 into the 6 GHz band, following after regulatory approvals between 2020 and 2021.
One of the key advantages of Wi-Fi 6E is its extended range, ensuring robust coverage across large and challenging factory layouts. This is particularly beneficial for battery-powered sensors in industrial automation, as they gain extended life and reliability due to Target Wake Time and reduced interference with Wi-Fi 6E.
The increased capacity offered by Wi-Fi 6E is critical for dense factory floors, doubling the capacity required for these high-density environments. Control systems and actuators in industrial automation also benefit from low latency and consistent quality of service with Wi-Fi 6E.
The combination of Wi-Fi 6/6E, Bluetooth, and 4G/5G cellular networks creates a flexible, scalable, and future-proof foundation for Industry 4.0. This multi-technology approach ensures that smart factories can adapt to the ever-changing demands of modern manufacturing, while also supporting new digital workflows such as augmented reality (AR) devices like smart glasses, which achieve higher data rates and responsiveness with Wi-Fi 6E.
In summary, Wi-Fi 6/6E is proving to be a valuable addition to the communication infrastructure of smart factories. Its ability to coexist with other wireless technologies, combined with its extended range, increased capacity, and low latency, makes it an essential component in the future-proof foundation for Industry 4.0. With its availability in countries like the US, Canada, South Korea, and partially in Europe, Wi-Fi 6E is poised to revolutionise the way we approach manufacturing in the digital age.
Read also:
- Linde Wins Major Engineering Design Contract for Equinor's Low Carbon Hydrogen Project at H2H Saltend, Progressing Towards a Greener Future
- Economic Growth of Nitric Acid for Electronic Applications Anticipated to Reach 5.8% by 2034
- Transportation via roads plays a critical role in India's shift towards clean energy.
- EU Commission President von der Leyen emphasizes continuity, affirming that Europe's automotive future will be powered by electricity
