Moxa Americas, Inc: Smaller and Smarter Wireless Clients

Nov. 16, 2012
The new AWK-1121 and AWK-1127 series of dedicated IEEE 802.11 a/b/g WLAN wireless clients have been optimized for industrial automation applications.

According to the company, these new wireless clients deliver the highest level of reliability and availability for wireless communication due to their use of the company's "Turbo Roaming" technology, redundant power inputs, and support for -40 to 75°C operating temperatures (in select models). Turbo Roaming enables fast wireless handoffs. At that speed, connectivity gaps are "effectively eliminated" for latency-sensitive wireless roaming applications, such as automatic guided vehicles (AGV) in factory automation systems, according to the company.

Because of their compact design and sturdy, IP30-rated housing, the AWK-1121 and AWK-1127 are seen as a better fit than combo AP/bridge/client solutions for applications where space is at a premium and performance cannot be compromised.  The units have been designed from the ground up to stand up to harsh industrial environments, with standard models supporting operation in temperatures from 0 to 60°C and extended temperature models supporting operation -40° up to 75°C. DIN-rail and wall mounting are both supported, and the units feature dual 12 to 48 VDC power inputs, PoE support (in select models), and an IP30 case with LED indicators. An additional RS-232/422/485 connection is possible on the AWK-1127, which features a built-in serial port. The eliminates the need for a separate wireless device server for applications where both a serial and an Ethernet device need to be connected to a Wi-Fi network.