Advantech's 3D Warehouse Wireless Communication Solution

Project Introduction

For most people, a warehouse is usually just a place to store things. Today, the role of warehouses has changed a lot for supply chain companies and has become a crucial competitive advantage. Therefore, how to use advanced communication technology and automation solutions to reduce manpower input and improve inventory accuracy has become the key to comprehensively improving warehousing capabilities. A leading Chinese dairy company with an annual production capacity of more than 7 million tons has established automated production and intelligent warehousing systems in dozens of production plants across the country to meet strict quality control processes and large-scale production needs. Among them, the stability of wireless communication equipment will be one of the key links affecting the normal operation of automated production and intelligent stereoscopic warehouses. Advantech's wireless AP/CPE and wireless serial port service equipment not only solve the problems of existing needs, but also provide a high-reliability wireless communication system that exceeds user expectations.

System Requirements

By integrating monitoring equipment, computers, programmable automation controllers, wireless network equipment and self-developed software, automated warehouse system integrators help dairy companies build automated warehouse wireless communication systems. The operation and control of the system is operated by the control center, and the control center operator sends instructions to the stacker and shuttle to automatically store or select materials on the designated shelves.

The normal operation of the system depends largely on the stability of the network. Due to the large storage capacity, high density and narrow aisles of the warehouse, the equipment is required to provide a wireless network connection that can resist interference and stable communication. Providing better wireless signal coverage and reception capabilities is the most basic and effective way to combat interference and shielding caused by dense inventory and metal overhead racks. When the stacker is driving, fast roaming communication between different APs is achieved through a specific algorithm.

System Description

Advantech's EKI-6311GN is an excellent wireless AP/CPE product that complies with the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n wireless communication standards and can well meet the needs of intelligent wireless communication warehousing. To solve the problem of weak signals, we installed the devices at both ends of the shelves and used leaky cables to provide wireless coverage and antenna bridging; in addition, the EKI-6311GN in the stacker can be used as a client mode (CPE). Since the EKI-6311GN can easily achieve wireless network coverage of the entire warehouse, and can also be used as a bridge to instantly connect wired devices to the highest network in the center of the factory, the central control room can be seamlessly connected to the warehouse equipment, and the EKI-6311GN installed in the stacker can also automatically detect and connect to the best AP according to the signal strength to ensure reliable communication. If the PLC communication interface is a serial port, fast roaming communication can be achieved through EKI-1351.

In addition, EKI-6311GN has a maximum output power of 26 dBm (400 mW) and can flexibly adjust the transmission frequency of its RF module to provide flexible and stable communication signals. At the same time, Advantech's proprietary firmware has been specially optimized for harsh on-site environments to make the transmission quality more ideal. In addition, the wireless distribution system (WDS) protocol extension can flexibly expand the user's network range, connect access points without using cables, and support spanning tree (RSTP) protocol and IGMP protocol. Its low-voltage PoE power supply (12VDC) and IP55 protection certification make EKI-6311GN the first choice for many industrial applications. Ideal wireless device.

Project Implementation

Product DescriptionEKI
-6311GN IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi AP/CPE
EKI-1351 1-port Wireless Serial Server

Summarize

In today's highly competitive industrial application environment, inefficient material storage and retrieval will cause problems such as long harvesting period and reduced work efficiency of warehouse operators. The reliable wireless communication network of automated production systems and intelligent warehousing systems built with Advantech's wireless communication related equipment creates a strong communication guarantee for users, allowing users to implement their systems as they wish. Actual tests have shown that compared with similar products from many other friendly companies, Advantech's wireless communication products can provide more stable communication quality under the same working environment. Based on excellent product quality and the verification of many actual application cases, Advantech has become the best brand that customers can trust.