Glossary · Industrial communication
Wireless communication
Also known as: Wireless data transmission, Radio communication
German: Drahtlose Kommunikation
In industrial automation, wireless communication is data exchange over radio or optical links instead of cables, used for mobile or rotating equipment, hard-to-wire locations and sensor networks. Technologies include Wi-Fi, 5G, Bluetooth, WirelessHART, ISA100 Wireless and proprietary radio systems.
- Industrial communication
In one sentence
Wireless communication exchanges industrial data over radio links, for mobile equipment, hard-to-wire places and sensor networks.
Example
A rotary indexing table transmits sensor data to the PLC via a wireless I/O system instead of a slip ring.
How it applies
- Engineering: Radio links are shared, can be disturbed and have variable Latency and Packet loss. Designers plan coverage, channels and interference from other systems, and choose protocols and update rates that tolerate this.
- Safety: Safety-related communication over wireless is possible with suitable safety protocols, but the loss of the link must lead to a safe state, and availability suffers if the link is weak. The complete Safety function needs validation, including radio behavior.
- Security: Wireless networks extend beyond walls. Strong encryption, authentication and segmentation are mandatory.
- Documentation: The documentation team states frequency bands, radio approvals for target markets, range under stated conditions and behavior on link loss, and provides the regulatory information required for radio equipment.
Wireless communication vs. wireless network
Wireless communication is the general capability. An Industrial wireless network is a specific infrastructure (for example a WLAN or WirelessHART network) that provides it.