Digital systems have become indispensable in the trades, many of which require a network connection. An overview of current network standards and options for system optimization. (Photo: © mavoimage/123RF.com)
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Digital Crafts - Theme specials
October 2020
Industry 4.0: Many tradespeople's offices are now wirelessly networked: Most devices simply connect to the internet via Wi-Fi. But how can businesses make optimal use of their Wi-Fi network? And how can they achieve greater range?
Today, no company needs to lay cables to connect PCs, notebooks, smartphones, tablets, printers, external hard drives and Connecting smart home componentsAny device can be easily and quickly integrated into the network via WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network). The benefits of Wi-Fi often save companies time and money: A clear strength of wireless technology is the uncomplicated networking – with fast transmission rates and high ranges. In addition, there is no need to drill through walls, there is no cable tripping hazards and Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire company premises, so new devices can be added to the network regardless of their location.
All you need is a Wi-Fi-enabled router. Costs vary widely: Depending on the manufacturer, performance, and features, costs range from 30 to several thousand euros. Once the router is connected to the broadband network, all PCs, laptops, and other devices can access the internet. A Wi-Fi USB stick (starting at around 15 euros) makes even older PCs and laptops network-capable in seconds or brings them up to the latest Wi-Fi standards.
There are now more and more products that already incorporate Wi-Fi technology, such as video, surveillance and digital cameras, doorbells, speakers, televisions and even light bulbs. This saves networking effort in many areasDigital cameras with Wi-Fi, for example, transmit images wirelessly to notebooks, PCs, or storage devices on the company network. External Wi-Fi hard drives are ideal for fast data backups. And surveillance cameras with Wi-Fi offer significantly greater security: Live or archived images can be accessed directly via the internet on PCs, notebooks, smartphones, or tablets.
The technical standard for Wi-Fi networks is "IEEE 802.11" ("Institute of Electrical and Electronical Engineers"). Details such as the maximum transmission speed and radio frequencies can be read off using small letters. The most recent standard, which only a few devices support so far, is called "IEEE 802.11ax" (Wi-Fi 6): This theoretically transmits up to 1.200 megabits per second per data stream (Mbps), of which approximately 700 remain in practice. By comparison, most DSL connections currently offer between 16 and 100 Mbps. Wi-Fi transmissions only achieve a maximum range of up to 100 meters outdoors – under truly optimal conditions. In buildings, walls significantly impair the wireless range, which is why it is often only 25 to 50 meters. Reinforced concrete walls and bulletproof glass panes, which are almost impenetrable to radio waves, are a complete stop.
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If the Wi-Fi range in your own company is insufficient, repeaters (approximately €20 to €400) significantly amplify the wireless signal. Better devices incorporate a so-called mesh network on, that forwards connected devices to the optimal Wi-Fi access point without interruption. There are also external or replaceable router antennas (approximately €30 to €700, depending on performance) that can be used to extend the range. Another option is access points (approximately €20 to €6.000), which are particularly recommended for larger company locations: These create a Wi-Fi network around the company's location—for example, on various floors of a company building. To do this, they simply need to be connected to the router via a network port.
Is the Wi-Fi signal too weak for structural reasons? Or is it impossible to lay cables at your own company location? Then wireless DLAN technology ("Direct Local Area Network", also "Powerline" or "PowerLAN") a possible alternative – or a useful addition to Wi-Fi. Data transmission takes place via the power gridTo do this, a DLAN adapter is connected to a power outlet and then to the router via a network cable. The DLAN receivers are also placed in the power outlets. Individual devices can now be easily connected to one of the DLAN adapters via a network cable – and the wireless network is ready. Some DLAN adapters also function as WLAN access pointsby simultaneously providing the company's own Wi-Fi network around their own location. The theoretically achievable data transfer rate of DLAN is 2.400 megabits per second, of which in practice, between 350 and 680 Mbps usually remain. The maximum range is 300 meters within a single electrical circuit. However, the data speed decreases significantly over long transmission distances or when multiple electrical devices are used simultaneously on the same electrical circuit.
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