Today's in-plant communications managers face many challenges and must deal with an array of technological developments including newer and faster protocols, new sensor technologies, data security, and the advent of wireless as a powerful, wide-reaching tool.

Integrating wireless and unlicensed wireless devices into plant operations can provide numerous benefits including lower upfront and recurring costs, ease of implementation, management and maintenance, and greater flexibility.

The MDS iNET 900/ENI represents the next step in GE MDS' commitment to enabling wireless network connectivity. The iNET/ENI embeds the functionality of Rockwell's 1761-NET-ENI adaptor and other controller-specific gateway adaptors resulting in the wireless extension of EtherNet/IP to any DF 1 full duplex device. Eliminate the cost and support requirements of a separate gateway adaptor at each serial device resulting in a range of functionality and wireless connectivity unmatched by any other wireless manufacturers.

Read our Application Note to learn more about the MDS iNET/ENI. (PDF )

Customer implementations include automated vehicles that transport containers of parts throughout a portion of the production process. The vehicles run on overhead tracks and have as many as 36 coverage cells set up to run independently with 3 to 4 vehicles per cell. All 36 cells are monitored from one central computer.

For more information about Factory Automation/Process Communications, contact us.

Using GE MDS Solutions for Process Automation

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