What is the safest and most compliant way to use antennas in hazardous areas?  The answer depends on the application, installation constraints, and certification strategy.  At Extronics, both certified antennas (including XBeam) and Simple Apparatus antennas (including iANT2XX range) are valid options when assessed correctly against IECEx/ATEX requirements, including IEC 60079-11.  The content below explains how we evaluate these options so engineers can choose the best-fit approach based on risk, compliance, and system design.  Why different antenna approaches are used in hazardous areas   It’s common to assume a certified antenna is the default “safe” choice for hazardous areas. In many projects, that’s absolutely true, it can be the simplest procurement and compliance route, especially when you want an end‑to‑end certified antenna solution such as XBeam.  At the same time, some projects benefit from a different approach: using a fully passive antenna and assessing it as Simple Apparatus […]

How do you keep your wireless infrastructure flexible as technologies evolve? By choosing antennas that already support the latest standards. The iANT antenna range is designed to work with the latest connectivity technologies including Wi-Fi 6E, 5G, LoRaWAN, and BLE. Connectivity challenges differ from site to site. Layouts, hazardous area classifications, and existing infrastructure all influence how wireless connectivity performs.As a result, the most effective wireless deployments are carefully engineered to suit the specific requirements of each environment, with antenna selection forming a key part of the overall wireless design rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.  That’s where the iANT range fits in. Supporting critical use cases The iANT antenna range is built to support essential mission critical applications. A good example is real-time location systems (RTLS). Accurately tracking personnel on board (POB) provides clear visibility […]

Why is antenna selection so important?  Antenna selection directly impacts coverage and reliability in real-world installations. Choosing the right antenna is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve wireless performance, helping deliver more consistent coverage and dependable connectivity. Whether you’re deploying LoRaWAN sensors, installing Wi-Fi 6E infrastructure, or using UHF RFID in industrial environments, the antenna you deploy directly influences coverage, signal quality, and long-term system stability.  This practical guide covers key considerations when selecting an antenna: frequency, gain, mounting, technology, physical constraints, and radiation patterns, using examples from our latest iANT antenna range. Supporting Wireless Connectivity  The iANT antenna range is built to keep pace with the latest wireless technologies. With options designed for diverse industrial use cases, our product range gives you the flexibility to specify the correct antenna for each use-case application. iANT antennas support the rollout of […]

Creating reliable Ex-certified wireless solutions requires balancing safety, durability, and performance. These priorities become even more important in demanding high-salt locations such as offshore platforms, wind farms, and coastal refineries. Meeting the unique environmental challenges found in such areas requires Ex wireless enclosures, which protect wireless equipment and deliver reliable performance in hazardous and corrosive settings.  Marine and coastal conditions challenge every aspect of design. With the right materials, protective coatings, and precision engineering, Ex wireless enclosures can maintain safety and performance year after year while meeting the strict requirements of hazardous-area certification.  Achieving the resilience needed for Ex wireless enclosures to operate effectively in harsh environments takes more than compliance. It requires understanding how materials behave in real-world environments and applying proven design principles that turn difficult conditions into long-term reliability and value for customers. […]

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons have become a valuable technology for adding location tracking capabilities to your hazardous areas. With the right planning and configuration, BLE beacons can provide accurate indoor and outdoor location. This allows organisations to cost-effectively add location tracking of personnel and assets whilst reducing the total cost of ownership.  This article provides practical guidance on deploying BLE beacons to achieve optimal tracking performance. It covers indoor and outdoor setup considerations, best practices for beacon placement, and configuration tips for maximizing location accuracy.  What is the difference between a beacon and anchor?  For trilateration purposes it is recommended to use beacons. A beacon is simply a term used to describe a fixed beacon that is contributing to a tag’s position. An anchor is typically the term used when discussing Wirepas Mesh networks.   […]

Solar insolation is not insulation! Sometimes these two terms can get confused.  Solar insolation is the incident solar radiation onto an object.  Specifically, it is a measure of the solar energy incident on an area over a period of time.  Typically expressed as either:  Kilowatt-hours per square metre (kWh/m2); or  Watts per square metre (W/m2)  The energy from solar radiation can either be absorbed or reflected by an object. When the radiation is absorbed, it is converted into thermal energy and the object will heat up. If you have ever sat on a hot metal park bench in summer and burnt the back of your knees, then you have experienced firsthand the effects of radiation absorption. The metal structure of the bench has absorbed the solar radiation, which has heated the material making it hot […]