Aware and ready-to-wear wireless

Its reach and tools are more capable than ever, but wireless networking still requires conscious investigation and design to succeed

Feb. 12, 2026

Hand tuning an old-style radio knob on a dark background

Wireless can get data acquisition, monitoring, maintenance and even control into all kinds of process areas they couldn’t reach before—but this doesn’t mean users can check their brains at the door.

The capability and convenience of wireless isn’t supposed to pave the way for neglect, even though some users may desire it. It’s supposed to free users to identify and complete value-added process improvements they wouldn’t have time for otherwise, including performing several crucial tasks that wireless needs to function properly. Set it and forget it isn’t an option.

Mainstream wireless monitoring and maintenance: LyondellBasell deploys a WirelessHART mesh network and Preem uses wireless corrosion and erosion transmitters.
Have lower power, will travel—by wireless: Yokogawa develops LoRaWAN and deploys cybersecure wireless network for wastewater treatment plant in Eugene, Ore.
Electricity over nearby wireless data network: Phoenix Contact debuts wireless power and data transmission device in the near-field, centimeter range.
What wireless needs to look sharp: Thorough site surveys are still essential to determine speed ranges and data volumes—and overcome obstacles.