WiFi for Control Network AC 800M - 800xA 6.0

Hi Fellows,

Is it possible to use some WiFi Adapter to communicate with AC 800M PM864A ? If it is not valid, what is the impact on Control Network by using such type of Wireless equipment ?

Thanks in advance

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OkazakiBR Rank: 296

Asked 10 months ago

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As far as I know, there is no wifi adapter available in the standard ABB offer.

To the second question I would like to make a comparison with the differences between solar/wind power and traditional sources like water/nuclear power. The first deliver if the sun is shining or wind is blowing while the second deliver when you push the button.

Wireless Ethernet (IEEE802.11) cannot compete with wired Ethernet (IEEE802.3) in terms of availability.

If you can accept temporary loss of connection or delayed data due to radio congestion wireless may be an option.

There are several vendors available on the market that sell bridging devices (access points, wireless routers, etc)

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by OkazakiBR Rank: 296 on 10/10/2018 4:54:41 AM | Like (0) | Report

Ok, but assuming that I can deal with some latency. Can I suffer some problem on overall control network (network storm or whatever) if I mix wired connection and wirless connection between controllers ?

by Stefan Stromqvist AKS expert

Rank: 1 on 10/10/2018 5:19:03 AM | Like (1) | Report

A wireless connection probably have a much larger palette of "known issues" than a traditionally wired one.

Control network traffic is a delicate matter tuned since long ago for using traditionally wired & reliable connections. I would move very slowly and choose my hardware and configuration with great discretion.

One of the reasons ABB did not go for Tropos was due to its trouble with forwarding of multicast traffic during all stages of a network link's life. RNRP is dependent on a solid network where its multicasts reach all recipients. A missed RNRP telegram may drive re-routing (this is actually monitored by RNRP and it will flag if too many routing telegrams go lost in multicast transit). If Tropos has issues with multicast, other vendors will probably be affected as well. AC 800M support RNRP, but does not require it for controller-to-controller communication over singular network.

Personally, I have a wireless uplink at home for test purposes. In this tiny configuration I have noticed that Spanning Tree telegrams (also multicasted) go lost several times per hour on a very moderately used wireless link. Each time this happen, the Spanning Tree may react by assigning new Root Bridge to cover for the lost one. This may or may not cause upset in larger networks (depending on geometry and circuirtry).

We have known working examples of control network traffic over radio, but then we speak private point-to-point connections with an application prepared for network latency and high tolerance for missed telegrams.

Personally, I would not attempt to use traditional wi-fi (wireless routers, accesspoints, client stations) on a control network. Better go for a professional point-to-point solution where you can lock down who gets access, restrict the volume of allowed traffic, fine tune performance parameters, etc.

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Stefan Stromqvist AKS expert

Rank: 1

Answered 10 months ago

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As an addition to Stefans answer, ABB has Tropos line of wireless equipment. https://new.abb.com/network-managemen...

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WvanWees

Rank: 7

Answered 10 months ago

We have used wireless communication for service laptops in the plant area (then is it HSI Network) and for small pumping station out in the field (mostly radio based but some with WiFi). It's a good solution if the signals are not critical. As Stefan said, you may experience a connection drop from time to time, depending on weather or other conditions.

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erik

Rank: 26

Answered 10 months ago

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WiFi for Control Network AC 800M - 800xA 6.0

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