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With an ever-changing digital future and the need to integrate IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) capabilities, the demand for industrial wi-fi is growing by the day. For example, smart devices (like smartphones and tablets) are becoming increasingly popular throughout industrial automation designs for setup, data acquisition, maintenance, and diagnostics. To make setting up an industrial wi-fi network as simple as possible, Phoenix Contact developed its series of FL WLAN products. Keep reading to learn about Phoenix's FL WLAN and how easy it is to set up and get running to provide industrial-grade wireless connectivity.
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About Industrial Wi-Fi
To learn more about what industrial wi-fi is, its many benefits, and how it’s used throughout the industry, learn more in our article "What is Industrial Wi-Fi?",
About the FL WLAN by Phoenix Contact
Capabilities and Benefits
The FL WLAN products are IP-rated wireless access points that establish a robust and reliable wireless network around systems or machines. Conventional WLAN designs typically require a din-mounted wireless radio and antenna accessories mounted on the outside of the cabinet. In contrast, with the FL WLAN, you have both a wireless radio and antenna integrated into one IP-rated housing.
Inside the rugged housing, the FL WLAN utilizes existing 80211 wireless technology and combines it with two, five-DBI antennas. With all of these electronics integrated into one housing and a single hole mount design, WLAN products not only allows for space savings inside the cabinet but reduces cost and the number of part numbers used in the wireless configuration.
Standard FL WLAN Wireless Modules
The FL WLAN 1101 and FL WLAN 2101 are IP-rated devices providing an all-in-one housing solution with radio and antennas included. This series has ip54 accommodation, where other standard series have up to an ip68 rating. What’s great about the FL WLAN series is that it’s one part number, and it mounts directly to your control cabinet, saving you space and time.
New FL WLAN Wireless Modules
Coming soon! Same functionality and feature set as the 1101 and 2101, the upcoming FL WLAN 1011 and FL WLAN 2011 are an ip20-rated version that's panel-mounted via screw holes or optionally with a din-rail connection. Again, this version offers the same features as its predecessor but allows the flexibility of mounting on a control panel or a din-rail. Also, this series offers external antenna options for remotely-mounted antennas.
FL WLAN Step-by-Step Setup
To mount this device, punch a hole in the control cabinet, connect 24 volts of power and a standard rj45 industrial ethernet cable, and you’re ready for full FL WLAN communication throughout the system. As far as configuration, the WLAN can be set up via the integrated webpage and can be configured to act as an access point, client or repeater.
Watch our 11 Part FL WLAN Tutorials:
Get Elite Phoenix Contact Support
Airline Hydraulics is an Elite Distributor for Phoenix Contact products, meaning we offer premium support for their advanced product suite. Shop Phoenix Contact components on Airline’s website and access real-time availability from Airline or factory stock, pricing documentation, accessory items, and more. Additionally, our Phoenix Contact page features additional information about the entire FL WLAN series of products.
Summary
For your next wireless ethernet application, look to use the FL WLAN product series to save cost, reduce part numbers, and simplify wireless integration into your system.
Resources
Shop FL WLAN Products
Watch FL WLAN Tutorials on YouTube
Learn about Phoenix Contact
Phoenix Contact's WLAN InformationTechnically Speaking Blog
Airline Youtube Channel
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