blog about Banner Engineerings Multihop Radios Enhance Industrial Networks

In industrial automation, stable and reliable communication is essential for maintaining productivity and safety. Traditional wired connections often face deployment difficulties, high costs, and vulnerability to damage in complex environments, long-distance transmissions, or when connecting mobile equipment. The Sure Cross® MultiHop Ethernet Data Radio series presents an innovative solution to these challenges, offering high-reliability wireless Ethernet networks designed for large-scale industrial applications.

This industrial-grade wireless communication device delivers stable, scalable wireless Ethernet networks with several key features:

• Flexible Power Options: The 900 MHz models offer 250 mW or 1 watt transmission power, while 2.4 GHz models provide 65 mW output. FlexPower® technology supports multiple power sources including 10-30 V DC, solar, and battery operation for remote deployments.
• Simplified Configuration: Operating as an Ethernet switch, the system requires no complex IP address setup, reducing installation time and training requirements.
• Self-Healing RF Network: MultiHop technology automatically finds optimal paths and reroutes around failed nodes, ensuring continuous data transmission across extended ranges.
• Multiple Topology Options: Supports both star and MultiHop network configurations to accommodate different operational requirements.
• Advanced Security: Features AES encryption with 256-bit keys to protect data integrity and prevent unauthorized access.
• Field Testing Capability: Built-in testing mode allows pre-deployment performance evaluation for optimal antenna placement.
• Robust Transmission: Frequency-hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) technology ensures reliable communication in radio-dense environments.

The system supports two primary network architectures:

• Single master radio communicates directly with all slave devices
• All data traffic routes through the master unit
• Delivers faster communication speeds when all devices are within range
• Simpler configuration for contained operational areas

• Uses repeater radios to extend coverage beyond line-of-sight
• Self-healing capability automatically reroutes around failed nodes
• Enables long-distance communication and obstacle penetration
• Adds latency with each repeater hop - approximately doubling per additional node
• Supports hierarchical primary/secondary device relationships

Both topologies support up to 100 radio nodes, though network bandwidth decreases as node count increases. Careful planning is required to balance coverage with performance requirements.

Banner Engineering recommends completing wireless network configuration before field deployment:

1. Set rotary dials to "0" position
2. Configure DIP switches for selected topology
3. Install terminal connector
4. Connect power supply (10-30 V DC)
5. Link radios through pairing process
6. Conduct field testing to optimize placement
7. Connect Ethernet cables (no IP configuration required)

Key operational factors include:

• Maximum data throughput of 300 Kbps
• EtherNet/IP® and Modbus RTU integration may require adjusted timing parameters
• Star topology delivers approximately 150ms transmission time for 120-byte packets
• Each MultiHop repeater node adds comparable latency
• Unicast messaging recommended over multicast to conserve bandwidth

The system operates in extreme temperatures (-40°C to +85°C) with IP20/NEMA 1 protection, though proper ESD precautions are required during handling. Note that the devices are not certified for personnel safety applications.

The Sure Cross® MultiHop Ethernet Data Radio system provides industrial operations with a flexible, reliable wireless networking solution that overcomes traditional wiring limitations. With proper implementation, organizations can establish robust communication networks across challenging industrial environments while maintaining data security and operational efficiency.