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Using Operator Interfaces to Optimize Performance of Industrial Wireless Networks

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This article will explore the use of a wireless diagnostic OLE for Process Control (OPC) server technology to embed diagnostic information in human machine interfaces (HMIs), thus optimizing industrial wireless network performance.

Wireless communications is becoming increasingly popular for factory and process control automation systems.  Part of this growth is due to the emergence of very reliable radio frequency technologies capable of handling the extreme conditions present in industrial plants.  The other factor driving growth is the realized benefits that wireless presents including reduced installation costs, elimination of phone line charges for remote sites, reduced mechanical wear to moving platforms (thus improving performance of material handling systems) and providing crucial information for production and maintenance workers wherever needed.

The acceptance of wireless strategies to reduce costs and improve productivity has lead to wireless being relied upon in many crucial processes.  As more systems become dependant on wireless networks, it is important to include intelligent diagnostics to detect network degradation and prevent communication failures before they occur.  Changing conditions are a given in most plants, however, those changes can affect wireless performance.  Therefore the continuous monitoring of the RF network is good practice and can eliminate unexpected shut downs.

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