The Industrial Wi-Fi Shop Podcast

Free 3D Printer Plans! * Oscium WiPry790x and Clarity/Lucid DIY bracket posted on Thingiverse. Bring your own hair ties. (Scott tell me how much you love it.) * https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6991943 [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6991943] Upcoming Events! * Wi-Co  * Bordeaux, France – 7/3 * Register now! * https://wi-co.org/upcoming-events/france-july-2025 [https://wi-co.org/upcoming-events/france-july-2025]   * Bay Area,  CA – 7/7 * Register now! * https://wi-co.org/upcoming-events/bayarea-june-2025 [https://wi-co.org/upcoming-events/bayarea-june-2025]   * OT SCADA-Con presented by Automation Ladies * https://www.otscada.com/ [https://www.otscada.com/] * July 23-25th in Houston (Might be hot, so wear your cargo shorts) * Here are a few of the topics that they will have speakers present on: * PLCs and I/O, HMI, Machine Safety, Machine Vision, Robots, Cobots, DCS, OT Cybersecurity and many more.  * Automation Ladies Podcast – https://www.automationladies.io/ [https://www.automationladies.io/]  On With The Show… * What is an AirCheck G3. What can you use it for? How is it different from other tools? * Ruggedized handheld solution * Android based device, capable of running additional approved apps from the NetAlly app store * All in one * Incredible battery life * Both passive and active testing * Not only a site survey and spectrum analysis tool, it is more of daily troubleshooting and validation solution * Can be used for network discovery and topology mapping * Supports external antenna for device location * You can expand its functionality by using USB accessories or installing third party apps. [https://industrialwifishop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/aircheck-g3.png?w=347] The Breakdown * Active / Passive surveys * 1 single device to carry around, no adapters or tethers to other devices * Auto samples while you move, just like most other survey devices * Simply tap when you change direction * Load drawings / floor plans to Link-Live cloud account, name and calibrate. Multiple formats acceptable  * Push plans to the device and you are ready to go! * Completed surveys can be analyzed in Link-live, downloaded to AirMagnet or even exported to Hamina or other tools! * Spectrum Analysis * Honestly, used to be good for a few spot checks here and there but the new adapter (the NXT-2000) has completely changed NetAlly’s game with spec-an * Increased scan rates * Increased resolution * Much easier to recognize classic RF signatures like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and other notable protocols like FHSS/DSSS * Currently can only take snapshots of readings but actual recordings are on the development roadmap. [https://industrialwifishop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cyberscope-air.png?w=403] * Wi-Fi analytics (sheesh, where to start…) * General Wi-Fi network detection * W-Fi client detection * Per SSID * Wi-Fi type / protocols (wi-fi 3, 4 5 etc…) * Security types recognition and validation * Great tool called “Insights” which can identify and highlight potential issues based off of wireless best practices * Chanel widths * Legacy wireless types (wireless b for example) * Legacy security * TX power limits * Identifies devices with high/very high retransmits and highlights them * Full network scans on connected networks for device inventory and security checks/validation * Sooo much more! * Link-Live * One stop shop for analytics on everything the device reports * Little bit of a learning curve on site navigation / file structure * Outstanding graphs and charts depicting multiple different points of interest from the analytics. * These are easily downloaded in your choice of several different formats to include in custom reporting * Can share data with other link-live accounts  * What is a CyberScope? How is it different from an AirCheck? * NMap * Comes with 5 or 6 premade scripts ready to run * Can upload custom scripts to run * Access to other Android based apps Important links * Where can we see NetAlly in action? * https://www.netally.com/on-the-road/ [https://www.netally.com/on-the-road/]  * Aircheck G3 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5I1kWc2eao [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5I1kWc2eao]  * Cyberscope Air – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GriSMAbJ5c [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GriSMAbJ5c]  If you would like to connect with Julio or learn more about his employer, NetAlly, then check the following: Julio Petrovitch – https://www.linkedin.com/in/americanmcneil/https://www.linkedin.com/in/julio-petrovitch-99a050345/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julio-petrovitch-99a050345/]  NetAlly – https://www.global-business.net/https://www.netally.com/ [https://www.netally.com/]   If you would like to connect with Scott or learn more about his employer, Global Process Automation (GPA), then check the following: Scott McNeil – https://www.linkedin.com/in/americanmcneil/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/americanmcneil/]  GPA – https://www.global-business.net/ [https://www.global-business.net/]  If you would like to connect with Jeremy or learn more about his employer, Prism Systems Inc, then check the following: Jeremy Baker – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyabaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyabaker/]  Prism Systems Inc – https://www.prismsystems.com/ [https://www.prismsystems.com/]

Winners!  * Wi-Fi Explorer Pro 3 – The Definitive User Guide Giveaway Winner * There are two copies of the Wi-Fi Explorer Pro 3 – The Definitive User Guide by Nigel Bowden and Adrian Granados  * Winners were drawn randomly  * The winner from IT is – J. W. Hannam (book) * The winner from OT is – Heath Weeks (book) * Carlos Assunção (lic. key) * Robin Decloedt (lic. key) * Wi-Fi Explorer Pro 3 Software Winner if applicable * If you are curious about WE3 check out this awesome interview with Adrian Granados and Nigel Boden on Keith Parsons Heavy Wireless: Episode 45 for a deeper look at the tool. https://packetpushers.net/podcasts/heavy-wireless/hw045-a-comprehensive-guide-to-wi-fi-explorer-pro-3-features-insights-and-more/ [https://packetpushers.net/podcasts/heavy-wireless/hw045-a-comprehensive-guide-to-wi-fi-explorer-pro-3-features-insights-and-more/] * Oscium WiPry790x and Clarity/Lucid DIY bracket posted on Thingiverse. Bring your own hair ties. (Scott tell me how much you love it.) * https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6991943 [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6991943] Upcoming Events! * Wi-Co  * Chapel Hill NC – 5/14 – Scott presenting “Fun with Spectrum Analysis! Interesting and crazy interferers I have recorded in the field!” * There are still a few more spots open! Register now! * https://wi-co.org/upcoming-events/northcarolina-may-2025 [https://wi-co.org/upcoming-events/northcarolina-may-2025]  * Philadelphia PA – 5/15 – Our good friend Ali will be there! * There are still a few more spots open! Register now! * https://wi-co.org/upcoming-events/philly-may-2025 [https://wi-co.org/upcoming-events/philly-may-2025]  * Nashville 5/29 – Jeremy presentation on CURWB * Not sure if spots are left, but it is going to be fun. * https://wi-co.org/upcoming-events/nashville-may-2025 [https://wi-co.org/upcoming-events/nashville-may-2025]  * OT SCADA-Con presented by Automation Ladies * https://www.otscada.com/ [https://www.otscada.com/] * July 23-25th in Houston (Might be hot, so wear your cargo shorts) * Here are a few of the topics that they will have speakers present on: * PLCs and I/O, HMI, Machine Safety, Machine Vision, Robots, Cobots, DCS, OT Cybersecurity and many more.  * Automation Ladies Podcast – https://www.automationladies.io/ [https://www.automationladies.io/]  NIST In The News! * NIST-Led Industrial Wireless Standard IEEE 3388 Passes Important Review Steps * https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2025/02/nist-led-industrial-wireless-standard-ieee-3388-passes-important-review [https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2025/02/nist-led-industrial-wireless-standard-ieee-3388-passes-important-review]  * NIST stands for the National Institute of Standards and Technology * Rick Candell, NIST’s Industrial Wireless Systems Project Leader, and his team have led the working group developing the draft IEEE 3388 Standard. * The standard focuses on the Performance Assessment of Industrial Wireless Systems. * A major milestone was reached: * The draft passed the IEEE Standards Association RevCom (Standards Review Committee) review. * It received approval from the IEEE Standards Association Standards Board. * Key features of the standard: * Establishes a functional model for RF industrial wireless performance degradation factors (called “aggressors”). * Provides a reference test architecture for evaluating the performance of industrial wireless networks. * Target applications: * Manufacturing * Power generation * Precision time-sensitive sensing * Closed-loop control * Any mission-critical use where wireless is the primary communication mode * Benefits: * Enables standardized testing before deployment. * Enhances reliability of wireless systems in mission-critical environments. * Next steps: * Detailed specification of interference and propagation aggressors. * Creation of profiles tailored to specific industry verticals. * This milestone reflects: * The team’s dedication to advancing industry standards. * A strong commitment to fostering innovation in critical wireless communication applications. [https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXc8drY0YzZHNYw3geV0IzBhOvwG9QJ-ouAwlHrUgFLhKY0zDP4nHbDIM7s3Ywwf3iedVy1xoJUEVhbyriQ2lrUx_w8t3dFE4BqXW8IFCho-9jrvwJ7D89SifvythjH4BTl0VVoBdg?key=FHER-UM7GlKiGzMXNay0KyQS] Growth of Industrial related Wireless communications The Exactitude Consultancy report on the Industrial Wireless Automation Market, published in April 2025, provides a comprehensive analysis of the market’s current status and future prospects. https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/51486/industrial-wireless-automation-market [https://exactitudeconsultancy.com/reports/51486/industrial-wireless-automation-market] Market Overview: * 2024 Market Value: Estimated at $26.5 billion. * Projected 2034 Market Value: Expected to reach $50.8 billion. * Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): Forecasted at 6.9% from 2025 to 2034. * Historical Data Period: Covers data from 2020 to 2023. * Largest Market Region: North America. Market Segmentation: * By Product Type: 1. Wireless Sensors 2. Wireless Controllers 3. Wireless Gateways * By Application: 1. Process Automation 2. Factory Automation 3. Machine Automation * By End User: 1. Manufacturing 2. Oil and Gas 3. Energy and Power * By Technology: 1. Wi-Fi 2. Zigbee 3. CellBluetooth Key Market Drivers * Adoption of IIoT: The increasing implementation of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies is enhancing connectivity and real-time data exchange in industrial settings. * Operational Efficiency: Wireless automation solutions are contributing to improved operational efficiency and cost savings across various industries. * Advancements in Wireless Technologies: Developments in technologies like 5G and LPWANs are facilitating faster and more reliable wireless communication. TOP 15 KEY COMPETITORS 1. Siemens AG 2. Schneider Electric SE 3. Rockwell Automation, Inc. 4. Honeywell International Inc. 5. ABB Ltd. 6. Emerson Electric Co. 7. Yokogawa Electric Corporation 8. Mitsubishi Electric Corporation 9. General Electric Company 10. Panasonic Corporation 11. Continental AG 12. Advantech Co., Ltd. 13. Omron Corporation 14. Phoenix Contact GmbH & Co. KG 15. Belden Inc. Importance of Best Practices Best practices in industrial wireless applications are crucial for several reasons — they ensure reliability, safety, scalability, and long-term maintainability of the system. Here’s a breakdown of why they matter: 1. RELIABILITY Industrial environments are often full of interference (from motors, metal structures, etc.), so best practices help mitigate: * Signal dropouts * Latency issues * Data loss By following established design principles like proper frequency planning, antenna placement, and interference mitigation, wireless systems can perform consistently. 2. SECURITY Wireless systems are more vulnerable than wired ones. Best practices enforce: * Encryption protocols (e.g., WPA3, TLS) * Authentication * Access control to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats or sabotage. 3. SAFETY In industrial environments, failures can be dangerous. For instance, if a sensor signal is lost and a machine doesn’t stop, it could lead to injury or damage. Adhering to best practices ensures: * Redundancy * Fail-safe mechanisms * Real-time communication standards (like ISA100 or WirelessHART) 4. SCALABILITY & PERFORMANCE As operations grow, wireless systems need to: * Handle more devices * Maintain low latency * Manage network congestion Best practices guide network architecture that can expand smoothly (e.g., mesh networks, QoS policies). 5. MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING Standardized practices make diagnosing problems and upgrading systems easier by: * Using documented configurations * Employing remote management tools * Ensuring interoperability between devices from different manufacturers 6. COMPLIANCE AND STANDARDS Industries often need to comply with regulations like: * IEEE 802.11/802.15 standards * FCC/ETSI rules * Industry-specific protocols (e.g., IEC, ISA standards) Best practices ensure you’re not just compliant, but also audit-ready. 7. LONG TERM SUPPORT * Just general comments about how best practices keep things easy to use later. * Eliminates dependence on tribal knowledge Starting in May, the Industrial Wi-Fi Shop will begin releasing a series of wireless best practices guides. Topics will include everything from CIP Safety over wireless to best practices for radiant coax. Possibly redundant wireless links, iPCF,  These resources will be freely available to our audience as a way of giving back to the wireless community that has supported us. WHAT’S ON THE BENCH? What are some projects or technologies we have been trying out. WLAN Pi Go/WEPi Eero Pro/Con Halowlink mention some of the stuff from slack – tests people have. (enter giveaways, free hardware is awesome) Data Eagle WHAT’S NEXT? Aunex Tobias Meyer NetAlly TBA Maybe a different approach to RCoax If you would like to connect with Scott or learn more about his employer, Global Process Automation (GPA), then check the following: Scott McNeil – https://www.linkedin.com/in/americanmcneil/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/americanmcneil/]  GPA – https://www.global-business.net/ [https://www.global-business.net/]  If you would like to connect with Jeremy or learn more about his employer, Prism Systems Inc, then check the following: Jeremy Baker – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyabaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyabaker/]  Prism Systems Inc – https://www.prismsystems.com/ [https://www.prismsystems.com/]

IWS Episode 15 Show Notes – What’s the Frequency Kenneth? Last Call!  * Wi-Fi Explorer Pro 3 – The Definitive User Guide Giveaway details * There are two copies of the Wi-Fi Explorer Pro 3 – The Definitive User Guide by Nigel Bowden and Adrian Granados  * Winners will be drawn randomly  * ONE winner will be from IT * ONE winner will be from OT * Click the link below to enter the drawing! (One entry per person) * —>   https://forms.gle/mxBummi96eAz15G2A [https://forms.gle/mxBummi96eAz15G2A]    ← (its a google forms entry) * But wait, there’s more. Adrian has agreed to give us a few licenses to go with the books. * If you currently have WE3 and you are selected we will send you the book, and pull a name from someone who enters but does not have the software, that way we can get this tool in the hands of a listener who hasn’t yet seen the beauty of WiFi Explorer Pro 3. * If you are curious about WE3 check out this awesome interview with Adrian Granados and Nigel Boden on Keith Parsons Heavy Wireless: Episode 45 for a deeper look at the tool. https://packetpushers.net/podcasts/heavy-wireless/hw045-a-comprehensive-guide-to-wi-fi-explorer-pro-3-features-insights-and-more/ [https://packetpushers.net/podcasts/heavy-wireless/hw045-a-comprehensive-guide-to-wi-fi-explorer-pro-3-features-insights-and-more/] * Oscium WiPry790x and Clarity/Lucid DIY bracket posted on Thingiverse. Bring your own hair ties. * https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6991943 [https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6991943] * Really cool blog I wish I would have heard about sooner. Robin Decloedt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-decloedt-839819130/] is behind the robinwifi blog, where he covers his experience pursuing several certifications. It is thoughtful and he puts together nice summaries of the chapters. Wish I would have known about this before all of my CWAP prep. * https://robinwifi.eu/ [https://robinwifi.eu/] Upcoming Events! * Wi-Co  * Chapel Hill NC – 5/14 – Scott presenting “Fun with Spectrum Analysis! Interesting and crazy interferers I have recorded in the field!” * Philadelphia PA – 5/15 – Our good friend Ali will be there! * Nashville 5/29 – Jeremy possible presentation on CURWB * OT SCADA-Con presented by Automation Ladies * https://www.otscada.com/ [https://www.otscada.com/] * This is a young conference, but seems like there is lots of potential. * Last year they had 50 attendees, this year they are looking to double. I saw the lineup and it seems like there is a little something for everyone. * July 23-25th in Houston (Might be hot, so wear your cargo shorts) * Here are a few of the topics that they will have speakers present on: * PLCs and I/O, HMI, Machine Safety, Machine Vision, Robots, Cobots, DCS, OT Cybersecurity and many more.  * Automation Ladies Podcast – https://www.automationladies.io/ [https://www.automationladies.io/]  What’s the Frequency, Kenneth? MetaGeek Chanalyzer  * Some of the most popular spectrum analyzer software out there for PC/MAC * Dongles for 900MHz, 2.4, 5 and 6GHz * Solid reporting tool built in with great spectrum visualization and exporting abilities * Easy to learn, read and use * Any plans to make Chanalyzer available for tablets? ( iPad / Android ) * Includes some base signatures for identification, possible expansion of signatures? * BRING BACK THE WI-SPY900 !!! Eye P.A. / Tonic / Chanalyzer 6 * Wireless packet capture and analysis tools * Is it now the “MetaGeek App”? inSSIDer (First scanner I cut my wireless teeth on!) * Comprehensive Wi-Fi scanner tool Oscium Where did the name “Oscium” come from? Oscium offers a range of spectrum analyzers designed for wireless professionals, engineers, and field technicians. They also built the Nomad [https://oscium.com/oscium-nomad-partners-with-hamina-onsite/] for Hamina Onsite [https://www.hamina.com/onsite]. For Spectrum Analysis, different dongles support 300–348 MHz and 387–464 MHz (EOL), 900 MHz, dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) and tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz for Wi-Fi 6E/7) depending on the model. * WiPry340x (handheld spectrum analyzer 300-464 MHz) (EOL) * WiPry 790x (handheld spectrum analyzer 755-928 MHz) * WiPry 2500x (Wi-Fi Spectrum Analyzer 2.4 & 5 GHz) * WiPry Clarity (Wi-Fi spectrum analyzer 2.2 – 7.25 GHz) (EOL) * Wi-Spy Lucid (Wi-Fi spectrum analyzer 2.2 – 7.25 GHz) Works with iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. APIs available. Lucid details, the new flagship product. Hardware Specifications * Hardware Frequency Range: 2.2 GHz – 7.25 GHz * Frequency Resolution: 25 KHz * Amplitude Range: -95 dBm to -5 dBm * Filter Bandwidth: 58 KHz to 812 KHz * Antenna: Included Tri-Band Omni-directional Antenna * Antenna Port: RP-SMA Integrates with multiple tools, Hamina, WiFi Explorer 3, Chanalyzer Lite and Pro, Chanalyzer 6, Tamograph. Then it gets cooler, they acquired MetaGeek in October of last year. * What does MetaGeek bring to the table? * How long was this in the works? * Any cool new products? * AI integration? * Any plans for macOS? * If so, realistically how long would it take? * What are the overall plans for the MetaGeek App? * How about Chanalyzer 5 and inSSIDer? * Who is the target audience? * What is guiding product development these days? * What is spectrum analysis missing? * What happened to the Pirate MetaGeek logo? * What has been the most challenging part since the acquisition of MetaGeek by Oscium? Link to the WLAN Pi Go section of WLPC: https://youtu.be/RWSl6EQNBVw?si=zQFBY0799-bNMBju&t=186 [https://youtu.be/RWSl6EQNBVw?si=zQFBY0799-bNMBju&t=186]  Chanalyzer 5 + Wi-Spy User Guide: https://support.metageek.com/hc/en-us/articles/201872824-Chanalyzer-5-Wi-Spy-User-Guide [https://support.metageek.com/hc/en-us/articles/201872824-Chanalyzer-5-Wi-Spy-User-Guide] WLAN Pi Go Intro from WLPC: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWSl6EQNBVw&t=186s [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWSl6EQNBVw&t=186s] Evolution of Spectrum Analysis, David Coleman from WLPC: https://youtu.be/tfbURuNlQeI?si=GwLGnEjrnYpBFK0T [https://youtu.be/tfbURuNlQeI?si=GwLGnEjrnYpBFK0T] If you would like to know more about our guests, check them out on LinkedIn: Bryan Lee – https://www.linkedin.com/in/florianbonanati/https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanrlee/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanrlee/] Brian Tuttle – https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-combs-148149b3/https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuttleid/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tuttleid/]  Oscium – https://www.r3.group/en/https://oscium.com/ [https://oscium.com/]  MetaGeek – https://www.metageek.com/ [https://www.metageek.com/]  If you would like to connect with Scott or learn more about his employer, Global Process Automation (GPA), then check the following: Scott McNeil – https://www.linkedin.com/in/americanmcneil/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/americanmcneil/]  GPA – https://www.global-business.net/ [https://www.global-business.net/]  If you would like to connect with Jeremy or learn more about his employer, Prism Systems Inc, then check the following: Jeremy Baker – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyabaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyabaker/]  Prism Systems Inc – https://www.prismsystems.com/ [https://www.prismsystems.com/]

* CWIDP Guide Giveaway WINNERS * There are two copies of the Certified Wireless IoT Design Professional (CWIDP) study/reference guides * IT Winner – Phil LaFontaine, Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN area * OT Winner – James Mifsud, Brisbane, Australia * Wi-Fi Explorer Pro 3 – The Definitive User Guide Giveaway details * There are two copies of the Wi-Fi Explorer Pro 3 – The Definitive User Guide by Nigel Bowdenand Adrian Granados  * Winners will be drawn randomly  * ONE winner will be from IT * ONE winner will be from OT * Click the link below to enter the drawing! (One entry per person) * —>   https://forms.gle/mxBummi96eAz15G2A [https://forms.gle/mxBummi96eAz15G2A]    ← (its a google forms entry) * But wait, there’s more. Adrian has agreed to give us a few licenses to go with the books. * If you currently have WE3 and you are selected we will send you the book, and pull a name from someone who enters but does not have the software, that way we can get this tool in the hands of a listener who hasn’t yet seen the beauty of WiFi Explorer Pro 3. * If you are curious about WE3 check out this awesome interview with Adrian Granados and Nigel Boden on Keith Parsons Heavy Wireless: Episode 45 for a deeper look at the tool. https://packetpushers.net/podcasts/heavy-wireless/hw045-a-comprehensive-guide-to-wi-fi-explorer-pro-3-features-insights-and-more/ [https://packetpushers.net/podcasts/heavy-wireless/hw045-a-comprehensive-guide-to-wi-fi-explorer-pro-3-features-insights-and-more/] Brief announcement: One of the things we love is sharing information that makes all of our lives easier. If you need to do multi-channel capture, the Oscium Nomad (Hamina’s WiFi measurement device) has been integrated with Airtool 2 to allow simultaneous capture of up to 4 separate channels. This works in 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz. Airtool also allows Zigbee and BLE capture with appropriate dongles.  https://twitter.com/adriangranados/status/1891628259202240810 [https://twitter.com/adriangranados/status/1891628259202240810 ] https://www.intuitibits.com/products/airtool2/) [https://www.intuitibits.com/products/airtool2/)] Awesome to see vendors open tools to make our lives easier. Upcoming Events! * Wi-Co * Chapel Hill NC – 5/14 – Scott presenting “Fun with Spectrum Analysis! Interesting and crazy interferers I have recorded in the field!” * Nashville 5/29 – Jeremy possible presentation on CURWB * OT SCADA-Con presented by Automation Ladies (Scott give them a plug) * https://www.otscada.com/ [https://www.otscada.com/] * This is a young conference, but seems like there is lots of potential. * Last year they had 50 attendees, this year they are looking to double. I saw the lineup and it seems like there is a little something for everyone. * July 23-25th in Houston (Might be hot, so wear your cargo shorts) * Here are a few of the topics that they will have speakers present on: * PLCs and I/O, HMI, Machine Safety, Machine Vision, Robots, Cobots, DCS, OT Cybersecurity and many more.  * This just looked really cool and is probably a great way for the OT curious to get a broad feel for what we touch on in Operational Technology. It is probably an even better opportunity for the swiss army person to deepen their knowledge about some of the systems us wireless and networking folks get asked to get talking.  * Automation Ladies Podcast – https://www.automationladies.io/ [https://www.automationladies.io/]  Which makes it a perfect segway into our guests today. What is NearFi? * First, NearFi is NOT NFC or Near Field Communication which is used for things like phone to phone data communications or payment card chip reading * It is a contactless technology for real-time transmission of power and data across short distances, typically a few centimeters. How does it work? * Data transfer * Speeds? – 100 Mbps full duplex * Frequency? 60 GHz * Latency? 1 Microsecond “faster than 5G”  * Supported protocols? Any Ethernet Protocol, communication is transparent  * Range? 10 cm * Power transfer (power induction) * How is this done? Inductive coils * How much power can be transferred? 50W per pair * How is that energy then passed to other devices? The remote coupler has a power output connector that allows the induced power to be transferred to a cable * Range? 1cm * How safe is this technology? Very safe, power transfer is over very short distances. Additionally,  industrial use cases by their nature prevent people from getting close while the devices are transferring power.   Use Cases * End effector tool change on robotic arm  * AGV/AMR communicating with work cell or loading dock  * Slip ring replacement – indexing tables or turntables  * Machines that move/rotate * Modular machines  * Presses  * Workpiece tracking  * Comms between train cars, entertainment systems, standard connectors don’t have pins available to support increasing data needs. * Clean room systems  NearFi Video Links * youtube weld spatter video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRn4Mg1qZts [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RRn4Mg1qZts]  * transmitting through some plexiglass: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeizIuthjP0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeizIuthjP0]  * Robot arm and tools example: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O6OJ7ve_aA [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9O6OJ7ve_aA]  What is Wireless I/O * First – what is I/O? * I/O is… (Input/Output) refers to the systems and devices that enable communication and data transfer between industrial equipment, control systems, and computers in manufacturing and automation environments. I/O systems play a crucial role in monitoring, controlling, and managing industrial processes by handling inputs from sensors and outputs to actuators and other devices. * Sometimes these communication signals are analog (4 to 20 milliamp for example) and sometimes they are digital * Thus, wireless I/O is… the same thing with the exception of some kind of wireless module takes the place of copper or fiber cabling backhauling the information to other systems How does it work? * Do Phoenix Contact wireless I/O modules base communication on 802.11, 802.15.4 or some kind of proprietary protocol? * Uses proprietary FHSS protocol on the 868 MHz (Europe), 900 MHz, (Americas) and 2.4 GHz (Worldwide) * Speeds? * Up to 500 kbps * Frequency? * See above * Latency? * Depends on the data rate and application, but the dwell time on the frequency hopping can be as fast as 16 ms * Range? * Miles depending on environment Wireless I/O Videos * Rad-900 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ULTEtWfAII [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ULTEtWfAII]  * Radioline PLC configuration – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu0Ebk6UW2Y [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lu0Ebk6UW2Y]  If you would like to know more about our guests, check them out on LinkedIn: Justin Shade – https://www.linkedin.com/in/florianbonanati/https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-shade-a44817b/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-shade-a44817b/]  Danny Walters – https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-combs-148149b3/https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-walters-37428985/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-walters-37428985/]  Phoenix Contact – https://www.r3.group/en/https://www.phoenixcontact.com/en-us/ [https://www.phoenixcontact.com/en-us/]  If you would like to connect with Scott or learn more about his employer, Global Process Automation (GPA), then check the following: Scott McNeil – https://www.linkedin.com/in/americanmcneil/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/americanmcneil/]  GPA – https://www.global-business.net/ [https://www.global-business.net/]  If you would like to connect with Jeremy or learn more about his employer, Prism Systems Inc, then check the following: Jeremy Baker – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyabaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyabaker/]  Prism Systems Inc – https://www.prismsystems.com/ [https://www.prismsystems.com/]

* CWIDP Guide Giveaway details * There are two copies of the Certified Wireless IoT Design Professional (CWIDP) study/reference guides * Winners will be drawn randomly on episode 15 (episode title TBD) * ONE winner will be from IT * ONE winner will be from OT * Click the link below to enter the drawing! (One entry per person) * —> https://tinyurl.com/4nbz3rkv [https://tinyurl.com/4nbz3rkv]   ← (its a google forms entry) Welcome to the 1 Year Anniversary episode of the IWS!! Upcoming Events! * Wi-Co * -Chapel Hill NC- 5/14 -Scott presenting or maybe another hands on lab * -Nashville 5/29- Jeremy possible presentation on CURWB * WLPC * Jeremy – 10 talk on site surveys in machine cells and entertainment… For those not familiar, what is Token Ring? * A LAN technology that uses a token to control data transmission between devices. It was created by IBM in the early 1970s and standardized as IEEE 802.5 in 1989 * How it works * A token is passed around a logical ring of devices.  * A device can only transmit data when it has the token.  * When a device has data to send, it captures the token and converts it to a “busy” token.  * The device then transmits a data frame, which travels around the ring until it  * reaches its destination.  * The destination device copies the data and sends an empty frame back around the ring.  * When the originating device receives the empty frame, it releases a new token for other devices to use.  * Benefits * Token ring ensures that every device gets a chance to transmit data, which makes the network more reliable and predictable.  * It eliminates collisions that can occur when multiple devices try to transmit data at the same time.  * History of EchoRing and Technology Deep Dive * James Gross and Christian Dombrowski laid the foundations of Echoring technology. James Gross was an assistant professor at RWTH Aachen University from 2008 to 2012 in the DFG-funded research center UMIC (Ultra High-Speed Mobile Information and Communication), working on a wireless, highly available real-time communication solution using the Token Ring protocol. Christian Dombrowski completed his PhD under Gross.  * Together, they used mathematical methods to prove the reliability of the technology. Christian Dombrowski started implementing Echoring on an FPGA-based Wireless Open-Access Research Platform (WARP) as part of his PhD thesis in 2010. They mainly used a PTA (Probabilistic Timed Automata) to evaluate the communication protocol. In 2012, a patent application was filed for the Echoring protocol. 2014, the system was stable for the first time and successfully tested in real scenarios in several BMBF-funded projects.  * 2015 James Gross and Christian Dombrowski founded the company R3 with Mathias Bohge and Florian Bonanati. The Echoring protocol is implemented on a ‘WiLink 8’ Bluetooth chip from Texas Instruments, making it ready for mass production. In 2017, the ‘Echoring Radio Board,’ the first product with Echoring technology, was released in collaboration with Schleicher.  * 2018, the seamless roaming function was implemented, and a patent was filed. End of 2019, the ‘Bridge E’ was launched at the SPS trade show in Nuremberg, Germany. * EchoRing Technology facts – The Lord of the Ring * Echoring is a highly reliable, decentralized, wireless radio protocol capable of real-time use due to two measures. * The first measure is that Echoring is based on the idea of token ring technology. Each participant in the Echoring network acts both as a sender and as a receiver. In line with the concept behind the token ring, only the token holder can send and effectively prevent collisions. Also, the token ring ensures a deterministic sequence in the system, which is perfect for industrial control systems. * As a second measure, echoring achieves high reliability using an ‘echo system’ to achieve ‘massive cooperative communication .’In this case, should the connection between a sender and a receiver be interrupted, the signal is automatically sent to the actual receiver by a third network participant. * The measures described as core functions allow for calculating the signal runtime and reliability, making Echoring suitable for use in time-critical industrial applications. * An Echoring network consists of at least two network nodes. A third node is recommended as an echo station. The reliability of Echoring networks increases with the number of network nodes. We specify the maximum number of network nodes in one radio channel as 20.  * If more extensive networks are to be formed, individual Echoring networks can be operated as sub-networks and connected to create a more extensive network. Applications with mobile network nodes, such as skillets, overhead monorail, or AGV/AMR applications, can seamlessly switch from one sub-network to the next via roaming and handover. * Echoring is transparent to the network technologies used and can be used for a wide range of technologies. Numerous field buses and industrial Ethernet technologies, such as PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, CIP Safety, Ethernet Powerlink, and CC-Link, can be transmitted via an EchoRing network. [https://industrialwifishop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bridge-e-10-min.png?w=1024]This is the first spectrum capture. The radios were set for 5GHz channel 153. For reference, there is a Wi-Fi access point in channel 157 with no clients connected (it’s one of my lab AP’s). It’s about 10 minutes. Can you see the center line I was talking about on the show? [https://industrialwifishop.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bridge-e-40-min-1.png?w=1024]This is the entire 40 minute capture. [https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXdDxNOTCEhauftpiefwnWkzw4sH0JKtEwSlqZ4NzZPubwkc94AQ636YFgP1i6vsD8ix6nlHtuRLefAWWfj1p49WjIgvriE9MU96hwbhSXxFSuJfR7QtfgmuACvdeaias3_X0FEvOQ?key=PdirD7YSxxALGTeeBUNI4jtC] [https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcTnGeu96gqsaYKMZ1pfmw1MiCgK7nzNWU_Mrxv9wU0EsbcNiftlo5BhC0JuJ7Cudnuku3l18NmGCT9jZ2I-NujlqtbvSmgpeCHKH4UoKy36kYFvKUkJA9ta7HDUab0SeC--qRfnw?key=PdirD7YSxxALGTeeBUNI4jtC] [https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe0c4m_LGkIY0opHwdhNYhfPATAOkbPk1da7wTsBAvFlmda0D7m_OKEZass1RgLebciR97vyhe-CvWJSzLMyp2qDHDGP49Mjk1quv-P9v1FqUSwRkBru9yCMHqAsAvJao1pUXlZMA?key=PdirD7YSxxALGTeeBUNI4jtC] [https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXe421t57dTW1naX0J36s2wc76MHNSyH_AHG2shLkI8cegwWl3KZ89qlaBg3gtpJ63uMlXQVXpR3vvGKqqvkBuhsrgpEBWvdTfz7kYNXfFsDKjw0wU-jQKlYc-_DtShth3LID6Ic?key=PdirD7YSxxALGTeeBUNI4jtC] [https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXeT2EtQ9xKM_Z9Ua3cLEVNydP9lNhTY3MIrub1VTcvi6DCB3DO2POSk0ON-Jo62LkeRe-YGYilv5ZW73A4QZhi2rRIhX1l0L5XSDtzi1uwK0sjkWI-8vZ7Y2yWHI3fDeQ-Zru209A?key=PdirD7YSxxALGTeeBUNI4jtC] Additional Information EchoRing Paper – https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7147716 [https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7147716] DECT – https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7269953621620924417 [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7269953621620924417] 350 m Deployment – https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7280100469970997248 [https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7280100469970997248] If you would like to know more about our guests, check them out on LinkedIn: Florian Bonanati – https://www.linkedin.com/in/heath-weeks-3346a81a/https://www.linkedin.com/in/florianbonanati/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/florianbonanati/] Curtis Combs – https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-combs-148149b3/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-combs-148149b3/]  Margaret Locascio – https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-locascio-8b37a76/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-locascio-8b37a76/]     R3 Solutions – https://www.r3.group/en/ [https://www.r3.group/en/]  If you would like to connect with Scott or learn more about his employer, Global Process Automation (GPA), then check the following: Scott McNeil – https://www.linkedin.com/in/americanmcneil/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/americanmcneil/]  GPA – https://www.global-business.net/ [https://www.global-business.net/]  If you would like to connect with Jeremy or learn more about his employer, Prism Systems Inc, then check the following: Jeremy Baker – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyabaker/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyabaker/]  Prism Systems Inc – https://www.prismsystems.com/ [https://www.prismsystems.com/]