RS Components announces availability of cost-effective Industrial Ethernet access point from Phoenix Contact

Quick and easy to install Phoenix Contact wireless module enables Ethernet communication across wide range of industrial applications

RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc, the global distributor for engineers, has announced availability of an innovative Industrial Ethernet access point from Phoenix Contact. Offering quick and easy installation, the new WLAN1100 wireless LAN module is a reliable, rugged and safe device that combines access point and antenna technology in a single unit.

Ideal for use with machinery, mobile vehicles and control cabinets, the module enables easy integration of industrial Ethernet technology to new and existing applications, helping to link smart devices to machines across a range of industry sectors and applications such as machine building, industrial automation, maintenance engineering, and the Industrial IoT and the Industry 4.0 smart factory concept.

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Figure: Wireless LAN Ethernet Port Adaptor

Designed for use in harsh industrial environments, the module is shockproof to IK08 and enables the simple and inexpensive integration of automation devices and PLCs via Ethernet connection to a wireless LAN, when compared to the traditional way of implementing communications in industrial applications via antennas and routers.

Combining transceivers and a WLAN access point via two purpose-built antennas with MIMO technology in a single device, the WLAN1100 module’s design is simple to retrofit, and saves space and installation time via single-hole assembly and use of a Phoenix Contact COMBICON connector with push-in technology and an RJ45 connector.

High levels of data protection are also enabled, as the device supports the highest available standards for IEEE 802.11i access points with AES encoding. Other features of the module include: protocol-transparent data transmission; low latency; configuration, diagnostics and connection control via SNMP and AT commands; DHCP server and client operating modes; and wireless approvals for Europe and North America.

The Phoenix Contact WLAN1100 wireless module is shipping now from RS in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.