MESH Ethernet routers maximise infrastructure investment

iWAP200-M routers produce single infrastructure for multi-user, multi-service wireless networks in zone 2 hazardous areas.

Congleton, UK, 8th September 2008:
Extronics, a leading supplier and manufacturer of intrinsically safe and explosion proof electrical and electronic equipment, has today launched the iWAP200-M zone 2 wireless MESH Ethernet router for extreme environments. Extronics’ iWAP200-M routers provide reliable Ethernet connectivity over a high-performance, self-forming wireless mesh backbone for operation in potentially explosive, harsh, wet and corrosive environments, whether indoors, outdoors or on moving vehicles. Powered by Firetide, Extronics’ mesh network securely handles concurrent video, voice and data applications, meaning a single infrastructure can be used for site safety video, Wi-Fi access, enterprise VPN and voice traffic.

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By acting as a powerful self-contained network, or integrating seamlessly as an extension to an existing network, Extronics’ iWAP200-M nodes maximise the investment used to install wireless networks in zone 2 hazardous areas. Moreover, the mesh’s self-forming and self-healing properties enable rapid deployment and dependable operation.

“One of the main benefits to industrial facilities of wireless networks is that infrastructure cost are significantly reduced compared to traditional wired solutions,” said John Hartley, Technical Director of Extronics. “Our iWAP200-M routers further improve the cost savings by handling multiple applications on a single infrastructure, removing the need to build out dedicated wireless networks for extra services and users.”

To maximise performance, Extronics’ iWAP200 nodes support two radio modes. In “bonded” mode both radios combine to operate as a single unit. This doubles the bandwidth compared to a single radio equivalent, enabling bandwidth-intensive operations such as video surveillance. In “linear” mode both radios operate independently enabling sustained bandwidth levels over long linear topologies.

Extronics’ iWAP200 mesh nodes provide up to 70 Mbps throughput and operate at 2.4 GHz, 4.9 GHz or 5 GHz. The iWAP200-M has also been designed for use with one or two standard antennas or Extronics’ own iANT200 intrinsically safe antennas.

Optional features include surge arrestors for lightning suppression in outdoor installations, multimode fibre inputs for the Ethernet and enclosure heating or cooling for extreme ambient temperatures and anti-condensation.

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About Extronics
Extronics supplies and manufactures a wide range of intrinsically safe and explosion proof products to companies in the process industries who need to mobilise and track their workforce within hazardous facilities. Its unrivalled understanding and experience of equipping potentially explosive environments, and its focus on wireless networks and devices, enables companies to receive automated and efficient access to process information throughout their facility at any time.

For more information about Extronics, please visit:http://www.extronics.com/

Editorial contacts
Jo Emmerson/Ben Smith
Extronics@eml.com
+(0)44 208 408 8000

Sales contact:
Paul Lazor
paul@extronics.com
+(0)44 1260 292651