connectBlue (Chicago) has launched its Ethernet Port Adapter RWE251s device, which features wireless LAN (WLAN) dual-band functionality and an omnidirectional external stub antenna. These features give the RWE251s a versatile use for both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz ISM bands as well as the possibility to freely select where to position the Ethernet port adapter, asserts the company.
Based on the standards for IEEE 802.11 a, b, g and n Wi-Fi, the rugged WLAN Ethernet port adapter RWE251s is well-suited for industrial and medical applications where the Ethernet cable needs to be replaced with a robust wireless connection, contends connectBlue. The ready-to-use RWE251s optimizes the installation process while lowering installation costs in demanding applications, claims the company. “Our new WLAN Ethernet Port Adapter gives the customer full flexibility,” says Rolf Nilsson, CEO of connectBlue. “The RWE251s can offer high data throughput regardless of position as well as robust performance in a dual-band scenario.”
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Dual-band support makes it easier to identify interference free channels and connect to networks that utilize both the WLAN 2.4 and the 5GHz radio bands and thereby coexistence between wireless technologies is facilitated. The adapter's 11cm external stub antenna with RPSMA connector is omnidirectional and thus the user does not need to align the units for optimal wireless connectivity. It is also possible to place the RWE251s inside and the stub antenna outside a metal cabinet giving maximum systems indesign possibilities.
The RWE251s offers seamless roaming and redundancy, high data throughput and a robust connection to the infrastructure. The product is IP65-classed and can operate in the extended temperature range of -30 to +65ºC. Configuration of the device is simple via its SMART configuration mode and the availability of a web browser configuration tool. The RWE251s supports WEP64, WEP128, WPA-PSK, WPA2-PSK, TKIP, CCMP (AES), LEAP, PEAP and is radio type approved for US (FCC), Europe (ETSI R&TTE) and Canada (IC RSS). Further, the RWE251s is configurable to optimize for Profinet.
Besides the new Rugged WLAN Ethernet Port Adapter RWE251s, the connectBlue’s Ethernet product range consists of the Rugged Bluetooth Access Point RBE221s, the Rugged Bluetooth Ethernet Port Adapter RBE231i, the Rugged WLAN Ethernet Port Adapter RWE231i (IEEE 802.11 b, g, n – 2.4GHz) and the Rugged WLAN Ethernet Port Adapter RWE241i (IEEE 802.11 a, n – 5GHz). For more information, visit www.connectblue.com.