Outdoor Wi-Fi Solution in Your Future?
Is an outdoor Wi-Fi solution in your future? Modern Sensor-to-Server (S2S) communication networks call for high-speed solutions that support massive amounts of data collection, control and transport. Today, industrial organizations are experiencing high demand for voice, video, data and sensor (VVDS) information in wireless outdoor networks. The challenge is finding Wi-Fi networks that can ensure connectivity in outdoor environments that are often volatile and unpredictable. The good news — robust, secure outdoor Wi-Fi hotspot platforms designed for shorthaul communications enable a variety of data collection options that can withstand the harshest outside elements. Reputable outdoor Wi-Fi networks can leverage multiple networking protocols and services. They are designed to meet the needs of enterprise-scale communications across a wide range of critical infrastructure industries like oil and gas, utilities, mining, municipalities, perimeter security, disaster recovery, and outdoor recreation. Keep in mind this is just snapshot of the industries that can benefit from Wi-Fi – there are numerous applications in just about any outdoor Internet of Things (IoT) network. Outdoor Wi-Fi | Real-life Scenario Recently, an electric power company based out of North Carolina needed to transition the Direct Load Control (DLC) switches for its residential load management program. The transition affected 275 air conditioning (AC) units across two rooftops at a residential senior living community. WavePro (WP201) shorthaul point-to-point and Wi-Fi platform units were used to enable the transition. In this instance, Wi-Fi was leveraged to increase the Load Management System’s (LMS) effectiveness by creating two-way communications to switch monitoring and control, instead of the previous one-way paging system that was in place. A local internet service provided communications from the LMS to a rooftop Internet Point of Presence (PoP). Additional solutions, including Wi-Fi enabled controllers and Wi-Fi access points (four WavePro Units) were selected for the installation. The WavePro units were configured to solve three communication requirements in the Wi-Fi network: wireless communications between the controllers and a WP201; wireless communications between the four WP201s on the two rooftops; and communication between one WP201 and the single Internet PoP. The completed Wi-Fi solution enabled real-time communication between the LMS and each of the HVAC controllers on the two residential towers. The energy company can now effectively manage and confirm power curtailment events in real time. Win a WavePro Network You have a chance to win your own WavePro high-speed outdoor Wi-Fi network. Simply provide your application needs and tell us why you should win. Move fast —the contest ends this Friday, September 30. WavePro Features: IP67 rating to withstand extreme environmental conditions Advanced dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz capabilities that can cut through noise and congestion with band steering Self-discovery and self-healing mesh networking guarantee reliability Up to 1.3 Gbps broadband speeds deliver real-time Voice, Video, Data and Sensor links (VVDS™) Enter now: http://bit.ly/2czghui
Seismic Shift in IIoT Monitoring
There’s been a seismic shift in monitoring earthquakes via the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) with advanced Machine-to-Machine (M2M) technology have reshaped the industrial communication industry. Every device or machine along the network, even at the outermost edge, now has the opportunity to be fully-connected for automated collection and delivery of information. As Sensor-2-Server (S2S) communication technology evolves to keep up with the demand for this connectivity paradigm, new efficiencies are created and Big Data is available to drive actionable intelligence. Seismic Shift Data that Saves Lives The sheer quantity of available data, combined with the speed of automation can support mission critical applications that are designed to save lives. Research centers can leverage IoT networks to relay critical data in real-time from areas where earthquakes are a common threat to people living nearby. While natural events like earthquakes and volcanos are not avoidable or fully predictable, an IoT network can potentially help reduce the level of devastation through close, reliable seismic monitoring via highly sensitive and advanced sensor technology. S2S communications monitor and send data from remote areas where Earth changes are first detected, to the monitoring authorities who are closely tracking seismic activity. S2S solutions leveraged for early detection of these events can enable authorities to warn citizens in advance to take appropriate precautionary measures. When robust, rapid, real-time monitoring is combined with effective emergency communications, human casualties can be significantly decreased. Seismic Shift and the Ever Changing Landscape IoT has been adopted at such a rapid pace that the demand for modern, sophisticated communication technology is driving constant changes in remote, industrial communication networks that will further advance applications like seismic monitoring. These changes have clearly disrupted the traditional Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) market. While SCADA systems are not obsolete, industries like environmental monitoring will continue to leverage new technologies designed to help seismologists make more informed decisions than with just SCADA alone. Now, network operators can evolve and adapt their monitoring programs over time through the IoT with edge devices that allow third-party software applications to be deployed network-wide. This has not only opened new doors for software developers, but it opens up the opportunity for advancements in environmental monitoring to further improve natural event monitoring. Fast and accurate data transport from the sensor networks in seismic monitoring therefore requires robust and reliable technology that doesn’t fail in remote and sometimes harsh environments. RF technology, for example, is advancing to help field crews make intelligent decisions and closely monitor the elements that can help delivery early warning for natural events. Find us at JavaOne this Week
Thinking Outside the Box with Sensor-2-Server Applications
When we talk about Sensor-2-Server (S2S) applications, we tend to lean towards examples of common industrial communication networks for industries like oil and gas, utilities and municipalities. These application solutions typically incorporate the transfer of data from edge devices back to a specific server for use cases such as pump and tank monitoring or SCADA systems. However, as Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communications transform alongside the adoption of the Internet of Things(IoT), the types of applications that require connectivity at the edge are virtually endless. If we step back and look at the big picture, it is clear the entire landscape of technology is changing. With these changes we foresee the decline of standalone RF technology. Decision makers need Big Data in to make intelligent decisions that will transform their business operations and save them time and money. S2S communication networks are designed to address this challenge by driving intelligent transmissions from a specific location back to the appropriate server with the necessary intelligence to drive action for change. As technology evolves to meet industry demands, RF technology must adapt to meet new needs. We’re already seeing this happen in the industrially hardened, wireless communications industry. Some wireless IoT communication solutions providers are offering platforms to host third-party applications in addition to creating the communication links for devices. Sensor-2-Server Solution Along with this widespread technology change, we have begun to see new and exciting ways that modern RF technology solutions can be leveraged in an S2S network. Here are some nontraditional real-life examples of S2S applications: S2S communications to connect satellite communication dishes in remote locations where there is little to no cell coverage. The solutions extend communications and create a single POC for all of the remote locations. Monitoring cold storage food at distribution centers for a large US Supermarket chain where the cold storage warehouses are 500 feet X 500 feet and are located several hundred feet away from the monitoring room. RTK base station communications to improve data and correlation for an Electric Car manufacturer. Remote access to GPS Stations for improved data transfer in order to complete ocean mapping. Irrigation control on golf courses. For most industrial organizations there is a clear push towards complete connectivity from the sensors at the edge of the network all the way back to the central server. We often talk about data collection for familiar applications in oil and gas, utilities and smart cities. However, the reality of today’s technology transformation is that any industrial communication network, regardless of the industry, will likely need to connect its edge devices and eventually program its edge through third party applications in order to take the most cost effective approach and drive intelligent operational decisions.
All Aboard the IoT Railway
In many parts of the world, rail represents a major component of infrastructure – for the transportation of both humans and goods. In fact, railways are critical to some of the major industries like oil and gas, agriculture, and food refrigeration/transport. Much like those industries have, over the years, adopted automated, machine-to-machine (M2M) technology, railroads have similarly deployed more advanced technology over the years as well. Railways began the “automation” process by adding Automatic Equipment Identification (AEI) tags back as early as 1989. These sensors track the specific item tagged, but they have no way of knowing how the train is operating as a whole. Companies also began deploying RFID tags to track goods being transported along the different lines. The AEI sensors could provide information on the rail car and would interact with the various readers along the route. The additional sensors were great for location awareness, but still lacked the ability to monitor all the moving parts on the train. Still, with these two initial steps, the early stages of Internet of Things (IoT) technology began to come into focus for the railroad industry. IoT Railway Solution The rail industry needed a way to develop a more intelligent infrastructure that enabled Sensor-2-Server (S2S) data transmission via a network of Wi-Fi and voice, video, data and sensor control systems. Due to the massive amount of data collection a system like this would develop, railways are now developing a fully digital service that is directed toward centralized facilities capable of aggregating data from different sources and streams and analyzing that data in real-time. For instance, today, railroad sensors monitor everything from rail car and locomotive health, to track conditions, air temperatures, stress gauges and component conditions. Having a centralized system allows operators to take that data being collected and use it to develop predictive maintenance practices; that is, the ability to predict when a section of rail or a specific component is in need of repair or near failure. Predictive maintenance is only one component of IoT integration for the rail industry, but it is one that can potentially transform practices across the board, ultimately saving companies time and money – valuable elements for an industry centered on logistics. Across the pond, the University of Huddersfield’s Institute of Railway Research has found that tracks can be monitored with inexpensive sensors set to operate by the vibrations of oncoming trains. According to the research, the sensors will still operate if one of the sensors is damaged, because of a built-in fail-safe. These sensors are projected to detect both approaching trains and the real-time conditions of the track. Adding an IoT network to trains can help improve safety and efficiency with traffic congestion, monitoring and control speed. Even the non-critical business operations have the ability to operate efficiently on the train with the help of modern sensors. Beyond rail sensor networks, there is also the consideration of the passengers as well. If railroads can implement Wi-Fi networks on passenger cars, passengers will be able to receive travel updates, railroad companies can develop specific apps for their travelers, and riders can enjoy the utility of internet in areas that previously lacked service. Although rail remains largely an industrial consideration in the United States, the growth of IoT technology available to the greater industry bodes well for the continued development of this infrastructure around the world.
Emergency Response From Sensor-2-Server
Emergency response agencies are adding Sensor-2-Server (S2S) communication technologies to their tool belt, thus changing the way our local municipalities operate. As we head in the direction of a more connected world through the Internet of Things (IoT), we see increased efficiencies within our cities and local government operations. For example, municipalities can leverage S2S technology for monitoring and control of their traffic management systems to improve flow of traffic to support community growth or pain points within the local traffic infrastructure. These Smart City types of applications also extend into emergency response. Large scale emergency situations and natural disasters often lead to disabled or overloaded cell towers and disconnected Wi-Fi. When all forms of communication are severed, first responders face the challenge of conducting rescue efforts with extremely limited visibility into identifying which locations require immediate help and conditions of the affected locations. If local government or municipalities leverage Smart City applications to stay online during emergency and disaster recovery situations, response times increase, risk decreases and lives can be saved. A Sensor-2-Server (S2S) solution robust enough to maintain communications during worst case scenarios will provide a mission critical communication link that keeps responders connected. Further, solutions that support voice, video, data and sensor (VVDS) information can aid in complete, accurate assessment during the emergency as well as detailed follow-up after emergencies and disasters are over. Finding a New Solution for Emergency Response Secure wireless communications are a key component to successful emergency response and disaster recovery for Smart Cities. With technology specifically built for harsh outdoor, industrial locations and proven to perform under the most extreme environmental conditions, local governments and municipalities can create emergency response and disaster recovery protocols that would significantly reduce collateral damage. Wireless shorthaul communications solutions with robust Wi-Fi links support VVDS, giving responders a substantial advantage during emergency situations. In a situation where every moment counts, having that connection could make the difference in saving someone’s life. Benefits of Leveraging S2S Solutions with Emergency Response Agencies Functioning even when power outages are plaguing a city, there are a number of ways a Sensor-2-Server type of network can be leveraged by the local government: ⇒ Reduce Risks Significantly reduce the risk of injury for firefighters and first responders. By leveraging video, responders can examine and assess damage after a weather-related incident without having to enter unsafe buildings or areas. ⇒ Assess the Situation Streamline the post disaster assessment by first responders from all directions and relay critical information to headquarters. By leveraging voice and video capabilities responders get an accurate assessment of a situation from every angle and create a faster, safer evaluation than a manual process. ⇒ Increase Response Time When communication networks are down, emergency crews can leverage the secure wireless edge network. Emergency crews can respond faster because messages and instructions are relayed via VVDS rather than manually. ⇒ Protected Data Keep unwanted parties out of the network. Leverage secure encryption capabilities to prevent data hijacking and increase network security. Some solutions will offer a secure, dedicated channel for emergency communications that does not interfere with tactical plans. When a municipality becomes a Smart City, first responders can be highly effective and are better able to protect themselves from the dangerous situations they face. As S2S communications shape the future of municipal communication networks, voice and video can be incorporated into the network. With this new, rich data, emergency management teams can enhance their emergency response protocol and improve emergency planning.
Do You Have Intelligence at the Edge?
Smart devices have added a level of convenience to our lives that we couldn’t have imagined 20 or 30 years ago. Through applications we can manage our bank accounts, check email, listen to music, read the news, pay our bills — and that’s just the tipping point of what’s available today. Now, imagine a business being able to intelligently control the devices at the outermost edge of its communication network through third party applications that operate in a similar fashion to those used on our smartphones. With the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) emerging across markets, it is clear that we are heading toward a common goal of complete connectivity across a network – from Sensor-2-Server (S2S). The ability to collect data from any point in the network and transport it where it needs to go creates an opportunity for operational efficiencies driven by advanced data collection and analytics capabilities. Now, with the use of third party applications, it becomes easier to tie components together at the edge of the network and create actionable intelligence. ZumLink solutions are the industry’s first intelligent, programmable 900 MHz wireless network with the ability to connect third party applications. Think of ZumLink as the “smartphone” for industrial networks, allowing you to connect apps designed to meet demanding needs for collecting, protecting, transporting and controlling data from network end points all the way back to the server. Here are the specifics on what makes ZumLink unique: High Speed, Low Power, Long Range – 4Mbps Data Link Rate, 1 Watt output and 100-mile coverage area Programmability – Supports Python and Java, third party applications –just like a smartphone Maximum Flexibility – Standard and user defined hop sets, sense before transmit, frequency hopping and single channel option and user channel masking Until Friday, you have a chance to win a network of ZumLink radios that will help you get a jump start on your future industrial communication technology solutions. Simply provide FreeWave with your use case example and why you should win. All entries must be received by August 19th. FreeWave will announce the winner on August 31st, selected based on submission (U.S. and Canada only). The winning network must be deployed by October 31st. In return for the free radio network, the winning candidate will be able to gain additional promotion of their installation and network implementation! Submit here for your chance to win: http://bit.ly/2awdmkC
Where is RF Technology for Oil and Gas Headed?
The entire landscape of the oil and gas industry is changing. Not only has the industry downturn forced operators to rethink their business models, but the RF technology supporting industry operations is quickly changing. It is more important than ever to make intelligent business decisions with the right technology in place. As a decision maker for your organization, you need to be aware of the technology that is pointing towards the future of automation and RF technology. Challenge yourself to think beyond basic command and control and picture a fully connected network – from Sensor-2-Server. Here’s a quick snapshot of the technology movement we are seeing in the oil and gas industry right now: The installed base of wireless Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices is growing. More technology in the field allows operators to access more data from more sensor access points – on a grander scale than ever before. The ability to leverage Big Data supports intelligent decisions that will optimize business operations and cut down on expenses. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is the future of communication technology. With IIoT, data can be transported from its collection point to wherever it needs to go – anywhere in the network. This has sparked a convergence of OT and IT operations, driving RF technology networks closer to the concept of complete connectivity. With a fully connected network, decisions are made based on comprehensive data, which drives intelligent problem-solving. With that type of insight, you could better disperse your resources, leaving a positive impact on the organization for years to come. Sensor-2-Server (S2S) solutions that deliver intelligence to the access layer are critical to industry success. S2S solutions bring intelligence to the access layer, enabling edge devices to do more than simply transmit data. They support highly detailed data analysis such as predictive analytics. Imagine the operational decisions you could make with a complete set of data from the outermost edge of your network all the way back to the server. IoT App development is the next big thing. Programmable third-party applications are on the horizon of the wireless RF solutions market. These apps will support machine learning, distributed intelligence, predictive maintenance, and more at the edge of the network. Technology is being designed to enable these applications – which have the potential to lead the industry to the next frontier of RF technology.
The Next 30 Years of IT
At Interop Las Vegas back in May, InformationWeek Executive Editor Curtis Franklin sat down with Senior Editor Sara Peters about how IoT is changing everything we know in IT, especially in the industrial enterprise. From predictive analytics, to security, to ROI, see why Franklin and Peters view the next 30 years of IT starts with IoT. Here are some key trends and considerations worth noting: We’re starting to see a clear division between the consumer and industrial markets as far as the evolution of IoT. The Industrial IoT (IIoT) space looks to be growing, developing and maturing at a faster rate than the consumer IoT space. The concept of predictive maintenance and advanced analytics is where a lot of innovation and excitement is happening for a few reasons: The end-to-end enterprise IT toolchain is now being viewed holistically, looking at how data and information travels from the sensors at the edge of the network, through the different networking and communication modalities and all the way back to the big data analytics engines at the core network (further reading: Sensor-2-Server). As a result of the new intelligence and operational efficiencies that are being realized, companies are seeing hard dollar returns which provide the capital to make new investments in these emerging technologies Security is a legitimate concern and while the pace of innovation might be slowing the adoption or rollout of new IoT technologies, vendors and service providers recognize the importance of the security paradigm and are building encryption and authentication into their systems. Interoperability of networks – are they being taken for granted? Perhaps there is even more on the horizon as far as how different technologies and networks integrate. The progression of new RF standards has been slower than most expected; will it pickup from here? The answer is most definitely and through ubiquitous networking and other advancements with RF and digital engineering, we will see innovations in the application layer of networks over the next five years that we can only dream about today.
Fog Computing: Answering the IoT Challenge
Fog Computing is being touted as the data communication solution our Internet of Things (IoT) devices are asking for by bringing the power of cloud computing closer to the end user. The fact is, the number of connected devices is going to continue to grow exponentionally. In fact, Gartner predicts that by 2020 IoT will include 26 billion connected things. Consider the impact that amount of data collected and processed will have. The Challenge Naturally, with billions of devices all connected to the cloud for manufacturing, oil and gas, utilities, municipalities and enterprise, to name a few, the data transmission and processing rate is bound to slow down – especially if the current cloud architecture is upheld. Some IoT devices use the cloud to store data long term, where other connected things send data to the cloud to be analyzed and sent back to the devicewith operational instructions. Ahmed Banafa with SemiWiki explains, “As dependence on our newly connected devices increases along with the benefits and uses of a maturing technology, the reliability of the gateways that make the IoT a functional reality must increase and make up-time a near guarantee.” What is Fog Computing? Fog Computing is a term coined by Cisco, that offers a way to analyze the data closer to the IoT device, thus saving valuable milliseconds. It may be hard to believe, but a millisecond has the power to prevent a M2M line shut-down, increase the speed at which power is restored to utilities and prevent an oil rig from leaking, just to name a few. An easy way to visually understand where Fog Computing fits in our IoT world, is by looking at the diagram above. It clearly shows that Fog Computing hangs between the cloud and the device, much like the fog on an early San Francisco morning. Fog Computing operates at the network edge, extending the cloud capabilities closer to the source (IoT device). Each IoT connection works with what’s called Fog Nodes to digest the intelligent data and then coordinate operational next steps, whether that be acting directly and or transmitting results to the cloud. The diagram below covers the types of response times IoT devices face from both Fog Nodes and main cloud locations. Fog Computing Brings Efficiency to Enterprise A recent report by Machina Research highlights the companies that pioneered Fog Computing and those poised to capitalize on the benefits in their near future. These companies are able to collect, protect, transport and control the data via IoT devices at the edge of the network, saving time and creating a more stream-line approach to sending and receiving data efficiently and more securely. Overall, as our need to connect explodes, we will not only need to think about IoT, but also the way in which intelligent data is processed from the critical infrastructure and back to the cloud. Fog Computing will continue to open more efficient channels across our IoT, as long as we allow it.
Digital Oil: Wireless Means Safety & Efficiency
Production demands of the 21st-Century change at an extraordinary pace. Industrial markets, such as energy and oil & gas face challenges going forward, including the reliable monitoring of assets in the field, dealing with 24×7 production demands, and managing high costs in terms of both time and resources to manage assets in remote locations. These market forces have naturally led to the emergence of the industrial internet of things (IIoT) and wireless communications technology. If you’re an operator in the field, you’re well aware that wireless IoT technology is changing the level of safety, efficiency and monitoring available on the rigs. Let’s take a moment and look closer at how these changes are impacting the digital oil field of today. Why? The consequences of incidents, such as natural gas pipeline explosions, have contributed to the demand for more safety and monitoring regulations along pipelines. California for example, saw tightened state regulations as a result of the San Bruno disaster, which included more stringent requirements for pipeline monitoring. Across industries such as oil and gas, there are certainly areas with the presence of hazardous gasses and therefore potentially dangerous environments. Safety First Taking a closer look at safety on an oil field, we realize just how dangerous it can be for people to be on or even near a production site. Advancements in IoT are now more important than ever because they allow more oil and gas companies to enable a digital work environment – not just from an operational perspective, but from a worker health and safety point of view. Safety concerns to be addressed are the elimination of manually painstaking tasks related to checking on-site sensor data or heavy machinery that resides in potentially hazardous environments – for example where explosive gases are present. Safety is now being increased by taking away the pen and pad from the technician and automating wireless remote monitoring capabilities to enter readings, pressures, temperature and other production monitoring values from miles away. Because of this evolution, many technicians have updated their skills in order to provide value in a digital age and the skills gap here is also an emerging issue for energy producers to keep in mind. Jens Norgaard, SafeEx Business Development Director reports that, “There is no doubt that the younger generation…are running around with high tech equipment…and it’s much more sexy using an electronic tool than using pen and paper. Most technicians have taken a technical education because they want to use their hands and are not always very keen on doing administrative work. So if you can reduce the amount of that it will become much more attractive for younger people to do it.” Highly Efficient and Operational The hope with any advancement in technology is that our world will be able to run and function more smoothly. According to LR Energy’s annual 2015-2016 Oil & Gas Technology Radar survey of global oil and gas executives, “the top driver of innovation investment is operational efficiency.” As wireless IoT solutions continue to infiltrate the oil rigs and pads of today, it is only natural to question the operational and efficiency state of things. Over the next decade technological implementations are expected take more people off the drill floor and into the office allowing companies to fill the knowledge gap with remote drill sites, thus paving the way for more automated oil fields. Pierre Sames, DNV GL director of research and innovation in Norway suggests that, “These technologies will help the industry to be more cost efficient in operations, which is very much needed due to the current oil price crisis.” Keeping Production High with High-Tech Whether you are working with an offshore or onshore rig, the ability to seamlessly monitor and control the operations of a oil rig or well pad automatically from an office location is a key component of IoT and an evolution of the digital oilfield. Natural Gas Intel (NGI) informs us that, “One of the most anticipated technologies, automated drilling in the offshore and onshore, could reduce drilling times and costs by up to one-third versus conventional drilling rigs, ensuring more wells are economically feasible, able to hit smaller targets and generating more infill production.” It seems apparent that we are on the midst of an industrial revolution where blended technology ecosystems are going to be the core of what makes modern energy producers competitive. Just think of the combination that Voice, Video, Sensors and Data can have if applied together in a holistic fashion. “Expectations of fully automated drilling operations, autonomous pipeline inspections and the expanded use of natural gas to fuel trucks and railways are likely to be at the forefront by 2025,” industry consultant DNV GL said last month (see Daily GPI, April 6). By 2025, the energy industry will become increasingly “automated, digital and smarter,” according to DNV’s Technology Outlook 2025. What’s next for the oil and gas industry? Join us this week at the 91st International School of Hydrocarbon Measurements(ISHM) conference in Oklahoma. ISHM is designed to educate and update you on the latest technological advancements for the oil and gas industry. This year you will have an opportunity learn with both lecture and hands-on classes as well as network with fellow industry peers. Cannot join us in Oklahoma? Feel free to download the “Building the Digital Oilfield of the Future” white paper for insights into how wireless IoT technology is redefining oil field production and data communications.
