Wireless backbone solutions for wide areas or networking buildings

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NUREMBERG. Large-scale Wireless LANs without access point cabling from Funkwerk Enterprise Communications (FEC), a Funkwerk AG company. Network connections in large production facilities or between several buildings can be very complex and costly due to the cabling required. Alternatively, companies can deploy a wireless network. The access points from the Nuremberg company form a wireless backbone, thereby eliminating cabling between several buildings. Companies can realize a wireless backbone solution of this type with Wx002 or WI series access points from Funkwerk Enterprise Communications.

Up to three internal radio modules provide a wireless data connection to their neighboring devices. For example, complex cabling is often required in production facilities if sensors applied to machines are to send measurement data to a central computer for production monitoring. On the other hand, a wireless backbone solution bridges large spatial distances in production facilities without any complex and expensive cabling. A wireless backbone can also be used to network two or more buildings. Access points may also serve as amplifiers, i.e. relay stations, to improve signal strength.

When planning a wireless backbone, the user must ensure a free line of sight between the antennas of the two access points: Free line of sight means that there must be a virtual tunnel free of obstructions, whose diameter is determined by the separation and the frequency. Funkwerk Enterprise Communications offers an online configuration tool to simplify networking of several buildings which, after entering the distance to be covered, specifies a combination of devices including antennas for amplifying the radio signal.

Access points from FEC regulate data flows using virtual LANs for trouble-free operation of the WLAN. Separate frequency ranges for client and backbone connections ensure constant data throughput for the WLAN client. The transmitted data are protected with AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). The WLAN Management System available from Funkwerk Enterprise Communications at the end of Q1 2008 provides a highly efficient administration system for access points.