“Automation engineers increasingly need access to more detailed production data and to solve automation network connectivity problems,” explains Rockwell product manager, Rob Snyder. “With the Stratix 5100 wireless access point and work group bridge, users can access production data from remote and difficult-to-reach areas. They can share this data between automation systems or feed it into information systems for analysis and improved decision-making.”
The WAP extends the reach of EtherNet/IP and is said to provide secure and reliable wireless connections. Its supports 802.11a/b/g/n with 3 x 4 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and three spatial streams.
The access point uses Cisco IOS, and provides integration with Rockwell’s Integrated Architecture system to offer detailed network diagnostics.