Understanding how to design IIoT networks and select industrial wireless solutions benefits both productivity and the bottom line. The Carotek IIoT Selection Guide makes it easier to contribute to the Industry 4.0 network, wireless and mobile solutions design and selection process.
With widespread use of interconnected technology to enhance industrial processes today, engineers and managers are often asked how to design Industrial Internet of Things IIoT networks and select wireless solutions.
Whether the task is to integrate a new sensor into an existing system or to automate a completely new process, knowledge of industrial internet networks design and selection considerations helps identify the right solution.
IIoT generally refers to a network of interconnected sensors, instruments, and other devices controlled by industrial software applications. IIoT connectivity enables efficiency and productivity improvements through the collection, exchange, and analysis of data. Investments in IIoT wireless technologies allow you to collect critical component monitoring data, while saving operator time.
The architecture of an IIoT solution can be thought of in layers – the content layer (UI devices), service layer (software), network (communication and wifi), and devices (hardware like sensors).
Generally, industrial internet networks design and component selection follows a process similar to this:
The first step in industrial internet networks design and selection is to choose the protocol, such as a WirelessHART network, which can interoperate with any existing HART devices. The ideal communication environment should be easy to configure, quick to deploy, well suited to the environment, and within budget. Standardizing on a protocol provides a framework for developing powerful monitoring solutions.
Industrial wireless sensor networks using WirelessHART have three main elements:
Once the protocol has been selected, there are a number of devices available for monitoring, sensing, and controlling processes, depending on the project goals. An engineering design of the IIoT solution should include things like device placement, software for controllers and other applications, databases, and interfaces. An RF design process should map the facility to create a model that can be tested to confirm signal performance and access point placement.
With a scalable solution, increasing the number of end points generally has little effect on network reliability. Because WirelessHART uses an easily scalable mesh network, a single WirelessHART network can contain up to 250 devices, and each device can serve as a router for messages from others. The overall the range of the network is extended because each device can forward messages to the next device rather than communicating to a gateway.
After technical modeling of the process, the design should be validated iteratively to make sure the expected results can be achieved.
Connectivity is a key to IIoT, and sensors are nearly as important. IIoT sensors collect a vast array of data compared to traditional analog sensors, and this additional intelligence allows end users to analyze a much larger set of data. IIoT sensors feature embedded intelligence that enables them to self-identify on a network. Self identification is one advantage of IIoT sensors that can take a lot of effort out of identifying which sensor is which. IIoT sensors can also have the embedded intelligence to perform additional tasks like turning off a switch when a pressure limit is reached.
Factors for selecting an IIoT sensor include:
Contact Carotek for expert assistance with industrial network, wireless and mobile solutions design and selection. Or browse our selection of IIoT solutions to research some options for your application.
Carotek is a recognized industry leading supplier and solutions provider for IIoT industrial internet networks, wireless, and mobile solutions. Carotek offers extensive local product inventory, expertise, and support for a range of leading IIoT solutions.
