The rapid increase in automation across sectors, particularly in industrial ones, is reshaping downstream and enabling verticals. Communications is at the forefront of this. Modern wireless communications systems that allow for speedy, powerful data transmission have proven to be both an enabler and catalyst for automation.
The technology of Ethernet radios enables data transmission at speeds of over one gigabit per second and can connect dozens of receiver radios across thousands of miles, if necessary. Their ability to facilitate real-time communications at facilities and industrial centers, cost-effectively, is unrivaled by perhaps any other widely available technology. This is spurring enterprises to scale up and diversify when they might have hesitated due to capital and performance concerns.
Today, Ethernet radios are the accepted standard for real-time computing at plants and factories, as well as for robust, long-distance communications in remote locations. Their capabilities far outstrip those of analog radios as well as conventional data transmission systems, such as commercial cell towers. This is particularly true when it comes to installation and maintenance of hardware.
Here’s how Ethernet radios are helping companies and IT departments reimagine hardware configuration and installation across the value chain.
How Are Ethernet Radios Different?
A traditional radio, also called a serial radio, enables communication over a single electrical signal. This is a slow connection that cannot handle large volumes of data we generate every day. For context, by 2025, we’re expected to generate up to 181 zettabytes (trillion gigabytes) of data globally.
On the other hand, Ethernet radios, are purpose-built to facilitate high-speed data transmission of vast volumes of data. A single Ethernet radio can support simultaneous communication across multiple channels for multiple end-point radios at the same.
What’s more, Ethernet software defined radios (SDRs) are reconfigurable hardware devices. Users can easily change the radio protocol by changing their software, offering immense flexibility and scalability for their enterprise.
Benefits of Ethernet Radios for Communications Hardware Installation
Network installation differs for different applications. For commercial networks, facilities will typically have a dedicated room comprising high-performance servers, equipment racks, and complex cabling. With Ethernet technology, it can look substantially different.
The hardware can be simplified to a modem that is configured to work with a number of devices, including office computers, phones, printers, and more. These devices are powered by end-point radios or receivers which can all work off of one host radio. You can adjust the height of the antenna to the appropriate level to facilitate a radio network over thousands of miles.
There are a host of benefits for engineers and IT managers in switching over to Ethernet radios for their enterprise and government communications needs.
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Wireless Technology
For starters, Ethernet radios are wireless. Unlike commercial cell towers, they do not depend on underground cables laid out over miles of rough terrain or even underwater. This means that Ethernet is the ideal choice for facilities such as energy installations, including oil and gas rigs and solar parks, that are often situated in remote areas such as the middle of the sea or desert.
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Resilient Hardware
Ethernet radios are also extremely resilient and perform flawlessly in extreme conditions. Ethernet radio hardware can support communications within a temperature range of -40° to 75°C and across a frequency range of 150 MHz to 2.4 GHz. They are an excellent choice to sustain reliable communications underground and in rugged and hazardous environments.
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Reconfigurable Devices
One of the defining advantages of Ethernet radios over other communications technology is that they can be reprogrammed to support different waveforms and tasks. This means that if your needs change or your enterprise scales, you can simply reconfigure your Ethernet radios instead of having to buy and install new radio hardware.
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Seamless Integration
Ethernet technology seamlessly integrates with modern IT systems, unlike with serial-only radios. For example, Ethernet radios can transmit directly to the cloud instead of to just devices like printers. With this, stakeholders anywhere across the globe can monitor and control facility processes through portable devices.
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Compliance
Finally, meeting compliance requirements is much easier with Ethernet radios. Ethernet technology is covered by several international standards, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Its built-in security advantages, such as firewalls and anti-virus software, are very handy when you have to comply with privacy and data security provisions for sensitive industries, including government, military, finance, and more.
Ethernet technology is often the first choice for companies and organizations that are looking to set up or transition to modern communications systems. It offers tremendous advantages from an installation and maintenance standpoint, as well as from a performance perspective. The sooner you transition to Ethernet technology, the sooner you can reap the benefits of easier and cost-effective communications that support a diverse range of applications.
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