5G technology features make it capable of supporting the requirements of factory control systems for real-time determinism and six nines (99.9999%) availability. Yet the real-world experience of most mobile handset users is weak or nonexistent, and of occasional and unpredictable dropped connections. This article looks at the realistic prospect that…

5G and Wi-Fi6/6E wireless technologies are now enabling standard, real-time communication in control processes, which was previously reserved exclusively for wired communication or proprietary wireless solutions. This is opening up new possibilities for industrial automation and smart manufacturing operations.

The wireless exchange of data enables even the smallest devices in manufacturing systems to be easily integrated into the production network. The information from these coupled devices can then be used to improved the availability, performance and quality of the manufacturing process.

5G cellular technology is poised to bring new capabilities to smart manufacturing operations. The four releases slated for 5G included Releases 15, 16, 17 and 18 — and the latest releases each bring both significant changes and opportunities to leverage enhancements in production environments.

Industrial 5G is changing the way companies make decisions, manufacture products and maintain factories. Thanks to Industrial 5G, the MF-K factory has become an example that has proven that companies will even further increase efficiency and productivity as they implement real-world applications.

Wireless technology choices are growing led by Wi-Fi, 5G/Private 5G, sensor networks, Bluetooth, ultra-wideband and other reliable wireless technologies. These technologies offer enhancements for industrial use cases and also present new opportunities to enhance safety, security and efficiency in factory environments.

Combining 5G networks with EtherNet/IP represents a pivotal advancement in industrial automation, bolstered by the potential of Time-Sensitive Networking. This synergy promises ultra-responsive, deterministic, and broad bandwidth communication platforms uniquely suited to the multifaceted requirements of industrial ecosystems.

As renewable energy from sources including wind, solar and hydro becomes a reality rather than just an alternative for most of us in the future, we can only hope that IoT and related technologies will become the tools of choice in driving change towards more sustainable energy future.

Integrated bridging capability built into industrial-grade wireless access points can add value to networking investments along with simplifying connectivity, management and installation for industrial use. Users face multiple challenges to ensure high-throughput, low-latency, reliable, secure and scalable networking.

Tailyn builds rugged and Time-Sensitive Networking which has been implemented in its 5G Fronthaul switch, TSN switch, 90W PoE switch, 5G gateway and middle-end Ethernet switch.