Machinery in modern facilities relies on data more than operators to function. This reliance on data has sharply risen with the introduction of the Internet of Things (IoT) in manufacturing operations. IoT devices enable machine-to-machine (M2M) communication where devices in your facility can share information. IoT also enables the communication between devices and cloud computing infrastructure, which helps to process information, says Patrick Chown is owner and president of network installation company, The Network Installers.
The communication infrastructure of your facility delivers the data for IoT devices and M2M communication. It serves as the backbone of the facility’s communication. As a result, businesses must carefully consider the network they choose to connect their IoT facilities. As the number of connected devices continues to grow, the choice of network is becoming increasingly important for IoT facilities. The simplest classification between network types is wired and wireless networks. Both of these have their pros and cons, making it important to understand which one will best suit your facility’s needs.
Considerations for choosing the right network
When choosing a network for your IoT facility, it is important to consider several key factors, including:
- Cost: The upfront and ongoing costs of each network, including installation, maintenance, and upgrades.
- Security: The level of security provided by each network, as well as the potential for hacking and data breaches.
- Scalability: The ability of each network to expand and adapt as your facility grows and changes.
- Bandwidth: The amount of data that your facility needs to handle, and choose a network that can accommodate those requirements.
- Latency: The latency that is required to make the facility operations perform smoothly.
- Flexibility: The ease with which you can add new devices or make changes to your network.
- Physical environment: The physical environment of your facility, including any potential sources of signal interference, and the availability of power sources. Wired networks may be more suitable for facilities with stable power sources, while wireless networks may be more suitable for facilities in remote or hard-to-reach locations.
- Specifications: The specifications of the device that need to be connected to the network also play an important role. Some devices support only wired networks of certain protocols. Others might only support wireless connections.
In addition to all the considerations mentioned above, the specific requirements and constraints of your facility are also important factors in determining the right network for your IoT facility.
Wired vs wireless
Based on the factors mentioned in the previous section, comparisons and contrast can be made between wired and wireless networks.
- Cost: Wired networks can be more expensive to install and maintain, as they require the physical installation of cables. Multiple devices can be connected to a single wireless router. Wireless networks are in general less expensive than wired networks.
- Flexibility: Because wired networks rely on physical cables, they are less flexible than wireless networks. This can make it more difficult to expand or reconfigure your network, especially if you need to add new devices or make changes to the physical layout of your facility. Wireless networks are more flexible than wired networks, as they do not require physical cables.
- Portability: Wireless networks can be used in remote or hard-to-reach locations, making them a good choice for facilities that need to be mobile or easily accessible. Wired networks lack this advantage as it has zero portability.
- Scalability: Wired networks are less scalable than wireless networks. This can make it more difficult to expand or reconfigure your network, especially if you need to add new devices or make changes to the physical layout of your facility. Wireless networks are more scalable than wired networks, as they can be expanded and adapted as your facility grows and changes.
- Security: Wired networks are highly secure, with a lower risk of signal interference or data loss. This makes them a good choice for facilities that handle sensitive data or require a high level of security. Wireless networks are more vulnerable to hacking and security threats, as well as signal interference and data loss. This can put sensitive data or critical operations at risk.
- Bandwidth: Wired networks are able to handle large amounts of data, making them a good choice for facilities with high bandwidth requirements. Wireless networks have limited bandwidth, meaning that they may not be suitable for facilities with high data requirements.
- Latency: Wired networks experience far less latency compared to wireless alternatives. This makes wired networks preferable for use cases that require low latency.
- Stability: Wired networks are also more stable than wireless networks, as they are less susceptible to signal interference or physical damage. This can help to ensure reliable and consistent connectivity for your devices.
Use cases
Wired networks are particularly suited to facilities that require large amounts of bandwidth, such as data centers and manufacturing facilities. Wired networks are also ideal for critical systems that require constant, uninterrupted connectivity, as they are less susceptible to interference and outages compared to wireless networks.
Wireless networks are ideal for facilities with limited space, as they do not require physical cables, and are easier to install and maintain. Wireless networks are also well-suited to facilities that require the ability to quickly add or remove devices, as they offer greater scalability and flexibility compared to wired networks.
In the healthcare industry, a wired network may be the preferred option, as it offers stability and security for critical systems. However, a wireless network may be more suitable for a retail facility, as it allows for greater flexibility and scalability in adding and removing devices. For example, Walmart has implemented a wireless network solution for its stores, allowing for real-time inventory tracking and increased efficiency.
Hybrid network
In addition to wired and wireless networks, IoT facilities can also consider a hybrid network solution. Hybrid networks combine the strengths of both wired and wireless networks to provide a balanced solution for IoT facilities. For example, a hybrid network could use a wired backbone for critical systems and a wireless network for mobile devices, providing the stability and security of a wired network with the flexibility and scalability of a wireless network.
Hybrid networks offer several benefits, including the ability to balance the costs and benefits of both wired and wireless networks, improved scalability and flexibility, and the ability to accommodate a variety of devices and applications. However, hybrid networks can also be more complex to implement and maintain compared to single network solutions.
When choosing a hybrid network solution, it is important to consider the specific requirements and constraints of your IoT facility. Factors such as the type of devices and applications, the physical environment, and the availability of power sources should be taken into consideration. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the solution is scalable and can accommodate future changes to the network.
The right network
Choosing the right network for your IoT facility is an important decision that will impact the functionality, security, and efficiency of your devices. Wired networks offer stability and security, while wireless networks offer flexibility and scalability. The choice between a wired network, wireless network, or hybrid network solution will depend on the specific requirements and constraints of your IoT facility. When making your decision, consider the cost, security, scalability, bandwidth, flexibility, and physical environment of your facility to ensure that you choose the network that best suits your needs. By taking the time to carefully evaluate your options, you can ensure that your IoT facility is connected and functioning optimally, providing you with the data and insights you need to drive business success.
The author is Patrick Chown is owner and president of network installation company, The Network Installers.
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