Do BLE E-POB systems rely on Bluetooth signals travelling across an entire facility?  No. In a well-designed BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) enabled E-POB (Electronic Personnel on Board) system, Bluetooth is not used as the long-range communication path between the worker tag and the central system.  Low-cost BLE beacons (small, fixed devices that broadcast a short-range Bluetooth signal so a worker tag can recognize a specific location) are used as local reference points. The worker tag detects nearby BLE beacon signals to understand its location context before sending the relevant data over Wi-Fi.  This means the BLE signal only needs to be received locally by the tag. It does not need to penetrate large areas of the facility, pass through multiple steel structures, or reach a distant reader.  Because the worker’s tag transmits low data rates, […]

What is driving the increase in industrial wireless enclosure sizes? Industrial wireless enclosure sizes are increasing because the wireless devices inside them are becoming larger, more capable and demanding more power. The main drivers are: Wireless devices that require more internal space. More capable devices that need additional supporting components. Bigger power supplies to support increased power demand. Internal clearance requirements to ensure the device(s) fit correctly. Maintenance accessibility, including practical access to lids and components. Together, these requirements mean the enclosure must be designed with enough internal capacity, clearance, and accessibility to support the hardware properly. Designing Around the Demands of Modern Wireless Devices Over the past 18 months, we have seen a significant increase in the size of the hazardous area wireless enclosures we are offering. That change is mainly being driven by […]

What does connectivity mean in potentially explosive environments? Connectivity in hazardous areas means enabling devices, systems, and networks to exchange data safely and reliably through wired or wireless connections within potentially explosive atmospheres. It is not just about establishing a connection; it’s about suitable equipment, protection methods, installation practices, and compliance with requirements such as ATEX or IECEx. Find out more here. Bringing clarity to connectivity in demanding environments In industrial environments, many connectivity-related terms have been used for years, but they are often used interchangeably. When these definitions become blurred, it can lead to confusion when designing, deploying, or evaluating wireless networks. To avoid this, it’s important to clearly understand what each term refers to. Below is a breakdown of some of the most commonly used connectivity terms for deploying wireless networks in hazardous […]

Is solar power a viable option for wireless deployments in hazardous areas? Yes, but only in the right applications. Solar is not a replacement for grid or diesel power. Instead it is a practical solution for low-power systems where installing mains power (grid connection), trenching cables, or maintaining diesel generators is too costly or impractical. When engineered correctly, solar power systems enable reliable wireless connectivity in: Remote locations Temporary deployments Areas with no feasible access to installed power infrastructure. Solar Isn’t a Replacement, It’s an Enable Solar works best in low-power systems, where equipment is spread out over large areas, such as wireless networks, sensors, and IIoT devices. In some potentially explosive environments, installing power infrastructure can be: Expensive over long distances Logistically complex Difficult to justify for temporary or remote deployments. Solar removes these […]

How should infrastructure design differ between an FPSO and an onshore facility?  Successful hazardous area digitalization depends on more than connectivity. It requires infrastructure designed around:  Physical constraints  Operational objectives  Long-term data strategy.  The right infrastructure enables a range of operational benefits, from asset monitoring and environmental sensing to improved visibility of people and equipment across the site; ultimately driving effective hazardous area digitalization.  An FPSO (Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel) demands dense, reflection-aware infrastructure within a confined footprint.  Onshore facilities may require scalable, long-range connectivity across large geographic areas where site-wide coverage is needed. However, some use cases are limited to specific zones and do not require full-site connectivity. The scale of the wireless deployment should be defined by the use case and operational requirements of the site. These differences directly shape how infrastructure must be designed in each environment.  FPSO: […]

How do LoRaWAN gateways and Cellular backhauls work together to enable connectivity in hazardous areas?  In hazardous environments, LoRaWAN gateways provide long-range on-site connectivity, while cellular backhaul delivers a route beyond the site. Together, they form a practical and cost-effective connectivity architecture that supports many use cases seen in the modern industrial site.  Connectivity Depends on the Application  Industrial sites use different types of connectivity depending on the application. These can include wired networks, Wi-Fi, private cellular networks (such as private 4G or 5G mobile networks), and Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) technologies such as LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network).  For some use cases, particularly where devices need to send small amounts of data over long distances while using very little power, LoRaWAN combined with a 4G cellular backhaul (a mobile network connection that sends data from the site to the internet or cloud) can be an effective option.  Examples include:  Monitoring […]