Rockwell Automation is launching the Allen-Bradley Stratix 5100 wireless access point (WAP) featuring a work group bridge. The Stratix 5100 WAP enables engineers to connect up to 19 IP addresses simultaneously – helping reduce design time when integrating machines and equipment into the industrial control network.

The Stratix 5100 WAP is ideal for industrial networks needing secure and reliable wireless connectivity. Enterprise-class silicon and optimized radios deliver a robust mobility experience that includes 802.11a/b/g/n with 3 by 4 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology and three spatial streams.

“Automation engineers increasingly need access to more detailed production data and to solve automation network connectivity problems,” Rockwell Automation South Pacific business manager, architecture & software, Gordon Bartlett says.

“With the Stratix 5100 wireless access point and work group bridge, users can access production data from remote and difficult-to-reach areas. They can share this data between automation systems or feed it into information systems for analysis and improved decision making.”

The Stratix 5100 WAP uses Cisco IOS, providing world-class performance and configuration options. In addition, the Stratix 5100 WAP provides premier integration to the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system with detailed network diagnostic information. The Stratix 5100 WAP complements the Allen Bradley ControlLogix EtherNet/IP communication modules and full portfolio of Stratix switches from Rockwell Automation.