Wireless (Wi-Fi) Equipment

A RF Access Point is a device that connects your wireless devices to your Local Area Network (LAN). Access Points are typically located very close to the antennas that provide the wireless coverage. You need to have a LAN connection (usually Ethernet) and power available where the access point resides. With an appropriate antenna or antenna array installed, it provides you with a cell of wireless coverage for your wireless network. You can have a many cells as you like to provide you with extended coverage and perhaps redundancy. Access points can range from simple domestic quality devices with inbuilt antennas, right through to rugged construction, dust, water and wind resistant, industrial access points with external antennas.

Access points typically support wireless speeds of 1, 2, 5.5 and 11 Mbps and even faster with newer technology available these days depending on the devices used and types of antenna installed. (Standards: Wi-Fi, 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g).

TIG International supplies Symbol and Intermec access points and can install these or other manufacturers’ devices in a heterogeneous wireless LAN network.

Antennas are probably the most crucial part of your wireless network. A good antenna can provide substantially more wireless coverage than a built in antenna and they can also focus the radio power to the most appropriate area. You can have many different types of radio spread, including radial, bipolar, semi-circular, tunnel and directional. TIG International can provide specialist advice on which antennas would best suit your environment and how best to install them.

TIG International supplies a range of accessories and adaptors to ensure that all the connections between different devices, cables and mounting points are secure and resistance to the hazards of typical industrial environments.

Depending on the type of application deployed and the architecture of your Wide Area Network (WAN), you may wish to deploy a wireless network controller. These can either be software controllers running on a Personal Computer (PC) or dedicated hardware devices installed somewhere on your network. Wireless controllers can provide many additional features to your wireless network such as automatic device configuration management, software updates, the ability to go out of radio range and return, and the ability to disconnect the battery for extended periods without dropping host connections.

Additionally, wireless controllers can sometimes add higher level software interfaces to your application environment. They can provide screen remapping functionality or scripting support for those situations where you do not have full control over the application being deployed. Such features can make the operator’s job much easier without compromising the security or reliability of your wireless network.

Installation of your wireless network is often the trickiest part of the process. You need to mount antennas, provide safe enclosures for devices, ensure that power is available and ensure that there is LAN cabling to the access points. Sometimes, it is inappropriate to run additional power cables. Under these circumstances, you can install an Ethernet power adaptor (pictured above) to provide suitable low voltage power across your Ethernet Category 5 cabling.