Industrial Wireless Spectrum Management in a Global Economy

June 16, 2014
A European standard intended to reduce the likelihood of signal interference in the ISM bands could have a significant impact on how Industrial wireless networks will be designed and operated. Because the standard applies to any device generating above 10mW, it will be relevant to present radio based field sensor networks. The ETSI /EN standards that are being driven by commercial /consumer interest groups will have significant implications for the industrial sector. Industrial wireless manufacturers and the lack of cooperation between our wireless camps which prevents a coordinated response to this document is certainly not helping in any way.

The ETSI EN 300 220-2 European standard that are being driven by commercial /consumer interest groups intended to reduce the likelihood of signal interference in the ISM bands could have a significant impact on how Industrial wireless networks will be designed and operated. Because the standard applies to any device generating above 10mW and the two industrial wireless network consortia are not publically indicating how they are going to address this issue, including something as simple as what energy level their devices do use or what shorter distance will be required between nodes in a ‘canyons of steel’ plant environment. Perhaps they are hoping that future radio sets will need less power so this will not be an issue by the time the standard comes into force.

Industrial wireless manufacturers and the lack of cooperation between our wireless camps which prevents a coordinated response to this document is certainly not helping in any way. Though the ‘Heathrow’ initiative does not seem to have accomplished much now is the time for WirelessHART and ISA100.11a suppliers to come together on this one.

For those interested, the standard itself is available at http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_en/300200_300299/30022002/02.04.01_40/en_30022002v020401o.pdf

Sponsored Recommendations

Make Effortless HMI and PLC Modifications from Anywhere

The tiny EZminiWiFi is a godsend for the plant maintenance engineers who need to make a minor modification to the HMI program or, for that matter, the PLC program. It's very easy...

The Benefits of Using American-Made Automation Products

Discover the benefits of American-made automation products, including stable pricing, faster delivery, and innovative features tailored to real-world applications. With superior...

50 Years of Automation Innovation and What to Expect Next

Over the past 50 years, the automation technology landscape has changed dramatically, but many of the underlying industry needs remain unchanged. To learn more about what’s changed...

Manufacturing Marvels Highlights Why EZAutomation Is a Force to Be Reckoned With

Watch EZAutomation's recent feature on the popular FOX Network series "Manufacturing Marvels" and discover what makes them a force to be reckoned with in industrial automation...