Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1442787
IoT 24 Wireless Sensor Networking for the Industrial Internet of Things Joy Weiss, Vice President, IoT Security & Solutions, Analog Devices Ross Yu, Product Marketing Manager, SmartMesh Products, Analog Devices The advent of low power processors, intelligent wireless networks, and low power sensors coupled with "big data analytics" have led to the booming interest in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Put simply, this combination of technologies enables a multitude of sensors to be put anywhere: not just where communications and power infrastructure exists, but anywhere there is valuable information to be gleaned about how, where, or what a "thing" is. The concept of instrumenting "things" such as machines, pumps, pipelines, and rail cars with sensors is not new to the industrial world. Purpose-built sensors and networks already proliferate in industrial settings ranging from oil refineries to manufacturing lines. Historically, these operations technology (OT) systems have operated as separate networks, maintaining a high bar for network reliability and security that simply cannot be met with consumer technology. These high bar requirements filter the available technologies down to those best suited for business-critical Industrial IoT applications. In particular, the way these sensors are networked determines whether the sensors can be safely, securely, and cost-effectively deployed in the harsh environments typical of industrial applications. This white paper examines some of the key requirements that distinguish industrial wireless sensor networks (WSN). Reliability and Security Come First Unlike consumer applications, where cost is often the most important system attribute, industrial applications typically rate reliability and security at the top of the list. In ON World's global survey of industrial WSN users, reliability and security are the two most important concerns cited. This is not surprising if you Much is being made of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and the associated need for wireless connectivity for industrial sensors. But the networking needs of industrial devices and applications are distinct from the consumer world, with reliability and security high on the list. This white paper highlights some of the key network requirements specific to industrial wireless sensor networks IoT