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 […]
What to Consider When Managing Wireless Networks in Hazardous Areas? Managing wireless networks over their lifecycle in hazardous areas means planning for more than initial deployment. It requires a structured approach that considers: Compliance Installation Operation Maintenance Site planning Hazardous area wireless systems must meet certification and inspection requirements and are often difficult to access. Early design decisions shape how networks can be operated and expanded. A lifecycle-led approach helps keep systems safe, compliant, and fit for purpose over time. Using the Wireless Buyers Guide as a useful resource for your deployment The Hazardous Areas Wireless Buyers Guide provides essential deployment considerations including selecting the right wireless technologies, protection concepts, and compliant deployment methods in explosive atmospheres. While it is often used during specification, the guidance it contains applies across the entire working life of a wireless system. This article shows how to use the Buyers Guide as a practical resource when planning your deployment, helping teams plan, operate, and […]
Why does hazardous area wireless require a different approach? In hazardous areas, defined by areas where the potential for an explosion is always present or under fault conditions, wireless must be engineered to specific standards. Over time, this has driven a move away from standalone implementations toward adaptable, future-ready connectivity platforms designed for long-term safety, reliability, and innovation. We cover this in more detail in our Hazardous Area Wireless Buyers Guide 2026. Introduction Wireless in hazardous areas has always come with a different set of expectations. It must: Operate safely within explosive atmospheres, with RF (Radio Frequency) limits, heat rise, and fault conditions engineered to meet Ex requirements. Remain compliant throughout its service life covering: Product certification and equipment protection concepts Installation and commissioning in Ex-classified environments Inspection, maintenance, and change management over time Continue performing reliably long after installation, despite: Restricted access Exposure to varying temperatures, vibration, highly corrosive atmospheres, […]
How Do You Safely Extend Wireless Networks into Hazardous Areas? Ex-certified wireless enclosure systems enable you to extend your existing network into hazardous areas, helping maximize the value of your current infrastructure while accelerating digitalization across the site. That’s exactly what our iWAP107 and iWAPXN3 wireless enclosure systems are designed to do. Solutions designed specifically for wireless with fully certified explosion protection. In this article, we’ll explore how these systems are designed, why there are two enclosure options in our iWAP range, and how simple, practical design principles help deliver flexible wireless connectivity in hazardous areas. Why Do Hazardous Areas Need Wireless Enclosures? Most sites already have strong wireless networks in their safe areas, usually using one chosen vendor or technology to run several applications securely. When digitalization projects expand into areas where potential for an explosion is present, site teams must ensure the final solution is certified to the required […]
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 […]