Industrial settings are hard on connectivity products. Keeping your network running smoothly poses unique challenges that differ from those in a standard office setting. For starters, network components are exposed to extreme temperatures, humidity, dust, corrosive substances, vibrations, and high levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI).
L-com knows the challenges of staying connected, whether your network is on a plant floor, in an automation island, or covers a campus-wide area from building to building. Below we highlight some of the key products we offer for each of those three types of industrial networks.
Industrial Solutions for Campus-Wide Networks
The computer network at a typical industrial campus does a lot. It might include the process control system that connects industrial automation, the manufacturing execution system that manages production, sensors and IoT devices, robotics and automation networks, inventory and supply chain management systems, energy management systems, and more. Complicating matters is the fact that a campus-wide industrial network includes connectivity not only within each building, but from building to building, indoors and outdoors.
To address these demands, L-com offers components and assemblies that can endure the extremes of campus-wide networks, including:
- Outdoor antennas
- Coaxial cable
- NEMA enclosures
- Surge protection
- Pressure/level sensors
- Fiber outdoor armored cable
- Security camera media convertors
- Security camera enclosures
- Enclosure mounting kits
- Outdoor copper Ethernet cable
Details about two of these product categories are as follows:
- Outdoor Antennas: We have the largest selection of RF wireless and Wi-Fi antennas in the industry, both directional and omnidirectional, including rubber duck, antenna arrays, ceiling antennas, DAS, MIMO, and mobile mount. They deliver coverage just about anywhere on a campus, indoors and outdoors. They’re available in all frequencies from 400 MHz to 5.8 GHz and work with all radios, from Cisco to Ubiquiti to MicroTik to Aruba Networks.
- Fiber Outdoor Armored Cable: L-com has over a dozen models of waterproof outdoor fiber optic patch cords designed for industrial settings. These rugged cables are rated IP68, so they are not only dust-tight but water-resistant to the extent that they can be completely submerged. We have them in lengths from 1 to 10 meters.
Industrial Solutions for Plant Floor Networks
For electronic connectivity products, indoor environments don’t get more challenging than industrial plant floors. L-com offers a wide range of purpose-built connectivity products to address plant floor and manufacturing networking applications. These harsh environments bring a set of challenges including exposure to EMI/RFI, liquids, and fine particulates where standard in-office components and assemblies would fail. We follow the Industrial Networking Standard ANSI/TIA-1005 best practices and use rugged, high-quality components to ensure your network remains functioning for many years.
Our products for plant floor networks include:
- PoE injectors
- Wall-mount cabinets
- Full cabinets
- Wi-Fi antennas
- Media convertors
- Demarcation point fiber
- Fiber cable
- Industrial Ethernet switches
- NEMA enclosures
- Pressure sensors
- Ethernet copper cable
- AV/HDMI cables
Following are details about two of these product categories:
- PoE Injectors: PoE injectors are invaluable on an industrial plant floor because they allow you to power an Ethernet data cable and eliminate the need to run a separate electrical cord or to install an outlet near the device. L-com offers several rugged metal industrial PoE injectors that are outdoor-rated IP67 for protection from dust and water. These end-span and mid-span injectors are rated for PoE+ or PoE++ at up to Cat6 gigabit speeds.
- Industrial Ethernet Switches: An industrial Ethernet switch connects various devices within industrial networks (such as sensors, controllers, and computers), enabling communication and data exchange for automation and control processes. L-com carries 30-plus models with a range of ports from 5 to 20. Industrial features include a protective IP40 aluminum alloy heat-sink shell that is ribbed for heat removal, and a wide operating temperature range of -40 F to +185 F.
Industrial Solutions for Automation Island Networks
An automation island is a space, located close to industrial machinery, where automated processes and systems operate independently and sometimes without seamless integration with the machinery nearby. As automation networks utilize many different types of machines and motors, excessive EMI is often present. Exposure to liquids, corrosive materials, and fine particulates is also common. To address these demanding conditions, L-com offers a wide selection of industrial connectivity products that can stand up to the harsh environments of automation islands.
L-com’s products for automation island networks include:
- NEMA enclosures
- Plastic optical fiber
- IoT sensors
- A-Code connectors and cord sets
- Vision system cord sets
- Double STP copper cable/connectors
- IP67 couplers
- M12 connectors and cord sets
- Industrial Ethernet switches
- Media converters
- Surge protection
Following are details about two of these product categories:
- IoT Sensors: IoT sensors are essential to the operation of automation islands. L-com offers hundreds of models that sense proximity, electrical current, air quality, water quality, liquid level, noise, pressure, temperature, and humidity. For instance, our proximity sensors perform contactless object detection, part-counting, and positioning in industrial automation and process control applications. They have industry-standard form factors that suit them for materials production, warehouse automation, robotics, and industries from automotive to food and beverage.
- NEMA Enclosures: Locating sensitive electronic gear in a harsh industrial setting presents risks, so NEMA enclosures are a no-brainer. L-com’s wide selection is sturdy and secure enough to protect your investment from harsh chemicals, bad weather, and bad guys. They are weatherproof, with gasketed lids and thermostat-controlled fans and heaters. They’re secure, with padlock hasps and sturdy construction from stainless steel, ABS plastic, polycarbonate, and fiberglass. They’re configurable, with features to fit your unique needs, such as internal mounting plates and many power supply options. And they can be customized – we can pre-install components and add ports and mounting plates for a perfect fit.
L-com’s industrial solutions are in stock now and available for immediate shipment. All orders on in-stock products placed before 6 p.m. CST weekdays will ship the same day.
Need help deciding on the right industrial product for your application? Connect with one of our L-com technical experts now. Call us toll-free at +1 (866) 506-2818, chat with us live, or email us at sales@l-com.com.
