Integration of access points and clients in Profinet and Ethernet/IP networks

New to this firmware version, however, is that it permits access points and clients to be integrated into Profinet and Ethernet/IP networks without requiring additional management software, thus allowing flexible administration. In the future, HiLCOS 8.50 firmware will be offered as a standard for all devices in the Hirschmann™ BAT54 and BAT300 series. In addition, the firmware will also be available as a free-of-charge download from www.e-catalog.beldensolutions.com enabling customers to update older access points and clients.

The use of protocol stacks for Profinet I/O and the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) from Ethernet/IP makes it possible to visualize access points via the network controllers. In that way, WLAN devices can be both easily configured and securely monitored. Over and above this, the firmware provides a number of WLAN-specific functions including signal strength and data rate of the wireless connection which are also available via the controllers. It is also possible to define threshold values and link these to alarms.

Belden's introduction of HiLCOS 8.50 will give further impetus to the successful use of WLAN in industrial environments. Product manager Olaf Schilperoort says: Profinet and Ethernet I/P are currently used in around 30 percent of all automation systems worldwide. This new firmware means WLAN networks can now be used easily with such systems, opening up completely new perspectives in the automobile industry or in sectors such as oil and gas.