Extronics launches portable wireless system for hazardous areas

Congleton, UK – Extronics has launched a portable WLAN system that provides the ability to quickly deploy wireless infrastructure in zone 1 extreme and hazardous environments.

The iWAP MOBILE is an ATEX approved Zone 1 & 2 portable WLAN system designed around the company’s iWAP Wireless and iANT Antennas series which are housed in a specially adapted equipment case fitted with wheels. The IP66 equipment case is made of polypropylene with an anti static finish making the iWAP MOBILE suitable for use in the most arduous environments and can be easily transported between sites.

iWAP MOBILE is useful in a number of applications such as for use in wireless surveys for deploying WiFi networks where it can also be supplied along with a battery pack to allow it to be deployed in any site location to allow the wireless surveying engineer to take real RF coverage and signal strength readings.

Another common application for the product is to provide temporary WiFi coverage on parts of a plant that do not normally have WiFi access. Connection back to the main site Ethernet network can be via a MESH or Point to Point wireless connection meaning WiFi can be made available on any part of the plant very rapidly to allow use of Remote Video Collaboration tools, PDA’s or Tablet PC’s etc.

The system consists of 4 main principle components, the mains unit, slave unit, cable reeler and Ex d connectors. Master units are mains powered (100-240VAC) and Slave units are power over Ethernet (POE) and require only one cable to feed it, which is provided on the cable reeler with the necessary connectors fitted at either end. Specialised Ex d live disconnect connectors are fitted to the case, which connects the system together enabling the data communications.

“Wireless networks have a crucial part to play in the running of process plants,’” said John Hartley, managing director of Extronics. “With this new portable WLAN System … we can provide our customers with a solution to suit almost every need, from a wireless automatic mustering and personnellLocation system to a whole wireless MESH and WiFi network.”