Next-Gen Factory Link-up through Wi-Fi 6/6E Technology
In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Wi-Fi 6 and its extended version, Wi-Fi 6E, are making significant strides in enhancing industrial automation and smart factories. These latest generations of Wi-Fi technology are designed for efficiency, scalability, and resilience in tough industrial settings.
Wi-Fi 6 addresses the demands of modern industrial environments through features that improve efficiency, reliability, and power management. Key among these is the Target Wake Time, which allows battery-powered sensors to "wake" only when needed, thereby extending their life and reliability.
The implementation of Wi-Fi 6 in industrial automation contributes to the creation of a versatile, next-generation wireless ecosystem for Industry 4.0. Control systems and actuators benefit from the low latency and consistent quality of service provided by Wi-Fi 6, ensuring seamless communication and operation in factory settings.
One of the most significant advancements of Wi-Fi 6 is the 6 GHz expansion, now available across the US, Canada, South Korea, and partially in Europe. This extension doubles the available capacity, which is critical for dense factory floors. The addition of the 6 GHz spectrum under Wi-Fi 6E further boosts scalability by introducing dozens of new channels and reducing congestion.
MU-OFDMA (multi-user orthogonal frequency division multiple access) is another feature of Wi-Fi 6 that enables simultaneous communication with multiple devices, optimizing bandwidth use. MU-MIMO (multi-user multiple input multiple output) supports multiple upload and download streams at the same time, further enhancing efficiency.
Augmented reality (AR) devices such as smart glasses achieve higher data rates and responsiveness with Wi-Fi 6, supporting new digital workflows. AR technology is increasingly being used in industrial settings for tasks such as remote maintenance and training, and the improved performance of Wi-Fi 6 is a significant step forward in enabling these applications.
Factory environments pose unique challenges, including thick concrete walls, heavy machinery, and a growing number of connected devices that must communicate continuously with minimal latency. Wi-Fi 6 ensures extended range for robust coverage across large and challenging factory layouts. The use of multiple wireless technologies in smart factories allows for a more adaptable and resilient communication infrastructure.
Wi-Fi 6/6E will coexist with Bluetooth for low-power connections and with 4G/5G cellular networks for wide-area communication in smart factories. This combination creates a flexible, scalable, and future-proof foundation for Industry 4.0. Mobile operator tools like tablets and handheld terminals experience seamless roaming and stable connectivity with Wi-Fi 6.
BSS coloring in Wi-Fi 6 reduces interference between devices sharing the same channel, while longer OFDM symbols and guard intervals enhance range and resilience in harsh environments. The 1024-QAM modulation feature packs more data into each symbol, boosting capacity.
In conclusion, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E are transforming industrial automation and smart factories by providing a more efficient, reliable, and scalable wireless communication infrastructure. As negotiations continue in Europe regarding the allocation of the 6 GHz band between Wi-Fi and 5G services, it is clear that Wi-Fi 6/6E is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Industry 4.0.
