Networking & Communication Systems

Communication Networks (ComNet) has expanded its ValueLine by introducing a cost-effective 24-port modular Gigabit Ethernet switch for commercial security applications. The CWGE24MODMS is the company's first modular managed Ethernet switch that provides a high port count with great flexibility in communications media type and connector choice. The all-new device is essentially a user-configurable chassis that allows for three eight-port modules to be accommodated. The modules are available as either eight e

Rudolf Mietzner looks at how machine-to-machine technologies and applications will affect the automotive sector in the coming years

David Crawford finds evidence of a new trend in American intercity travel: that better access to data sources on the move is tempting passengers away from air travel and onto surface modes. In the US the ease of use of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) is successfully wooing long-distance travellers away from airlines and onto surface public transport, according to just-published research. Using data from field observations of 7,028 passengers travelling by bus, air and train in 14 US states and the Distri

David Crawford finds evidence of a new trend in American intercity travel: that better access to data sources on the move is tempting passengers away from air travel and onto surface modes. In the US the ease of use of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) is successfully wooing long-distance travellers away from airlines and onto surface public transport, according to just-published research. Using data from field observations of 7,028 passengers travelling by bus, air and train in 14 US states and the Distri

Sensys Networks has announced the award of patent number 7,739,000 entitled “Method and Apparatus Reporting a Vehicular Sensor Waveform in a Wireless Vehicular Sensor Network.”

KBC Networks has added PoE (Power over Ethernet) to its network transmission range. The first of the new products is a fully ruggedised 10/100 Ethernet media converter with PoE+ that conforms to the higher power specifications necessary for PTZ and dome cameras. The KBC FTLS1 is fully compliant with the IEEE 802.3at specification and acts as a PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment) providing 25.5W at 48Vdc. The unit supports transmission of an Ethernet channel over either one or two, multi-mode or single-mode optic

The new Multi-Hop Data Radio from Banner Engineering extends the reach of the company's SureCross wireless systems by repeating transmissions in 3km 'hops' to a multi-hop total of 20km or more. Using the system, clusters can be combined and connected to create networks with 2,400 wireless points, covering over 100km2. The company says its system can be used to connect a wide variety of field devices directly, including PLCs, controllers, HMIs, DCSs, transmitters and level, pressure and temperature sensors.

AMG Systems has unveiled Skywave II which the company says is especially adapted for transmitting video and telemetry in the 5.5 GHz to 5.7 GHz licence-free band. Offering various configurations from simple point-to-point to multiple camera applications, Skywave II comes with two different options: using IP cameras, in which case customers only require the radio network components from AMG, and NVR software in the receiving control centre. It is also possible to use standard analogue cameras with the additi

ComNet Europe is introducing the CopperLine product line to bring to market its expanded Ethernet over existing copper media transmission product offering which includes multiple-channel Ethernet extenders, un-managed Ethernet switches and PoE mid-span power injectors.

A new radio from Banner Engineering combines wireless transceiver, power supply and I/O circuits in one compact housing. The DX80DR MultiHop Radio connects sensors directly to the network, eliminating need for data loggers, power supplies, PLCs or HMIs at the sensor location. The MultiHop system automatically repeats wireless messages as needed to extend distance capability to 20 km or more. Radios can be powered by 10-30 VDC, battery or solar power supply.