Traditionally, field wiring for sensors provided reliable signal transmission and safety in industrial automation. However, new technological developments have arised in response to the increasing demand for a greater variety of devices. Industry experts foresee that the new IPv6 protocol and next generation wireless communications will play a major role in this trend. New access technologies, such as Power Line Communications (PLC), allow data transmission over power lines. Since the deployment and use of wired systems in remote areas is usually unfeasible due to high costs, wireless is the best solution. The following application describes a pilot project that uses power lines to provide wireless broadband service. The solution combines a power distribution grid with Wi-Fi technology to create reliable, high-capacity, and cost-effective network access.
The Broadband Power Line (BPL) network are installed on two MV (Medium Voltage) lines with a total length of 70 km. The network includes 110 BPL units that are used for irrigation monitoring. Moxa's IPv6-ready Ethernet switch and ioLogik Active Ethernet I/O device are installed in the BPL units. The system diagram illustrates how the Moxa solution monitors the status of Wi-Fi communication and various factors including pump status, water pressure and volume, power status, etc. When communication is disconnected, the Wi-Fi access point is activated automatically by the EDS-510A managed Ethernet switch. The ioLogik E2242 sends out a pulse output to trigger the indicator light on the tower, making it possible to monitor all I/O signals from the network operation center (NOC) with SNMP. In addition, the NOC can control the irrigation pumps remotely with SNMP protocol. The use of PLC technology to deliver broadband capabilities offers several key benefits, especially since power lines have already been installed in places where information can be delivered. We can expect tremendous impact on a wider spectrum of applications such as traffic lights, information kiosks, metering systems, and many more in the future.
Application Requirement
Data collection and communication over a wide coverage area
Local pump control and power management
All I/O statuses can be controlled with SNMP protocol
Customer Benefits
PC-free monitoring and control via IPv4/IPv6 dual-stack operation
