All digitalization projects have one thing in common: they require a reliable and powerful network infrastructure that must be adapted precisely to the respective use case in the company. Gernot Trummer, digitalization and network expert at our partner LNConsult, knows how to do this.
The existing IT infrastructure - especially the data-transmitting networks - has usually grown with the company: if an expansion or a higher data transmission rate is required, the existing systems are expanded to include the necessary components and the software is adapted. However, if larger digitization steps are planned, this important infrastructure should be brought up to the current state of the art, as expert Gernot Trummer from LNConsult emphasizes: "A fast, stable and secure network is the basis for any digitization measure. This infrastructure is the foundation, so to speak, for all other use cases based on it - from a simple hotspot for the Wi-Fi guest network to a wide range of IoT applications and the fast and stable connection of production machines or robots."
Combine LAN, WLAN & 5G network
For a long time, wired networks, so-called LANs (Local Area Networks), were the focus when a high data transfer rate was required, but today wireless networks are practically on a par with these in terms of technology - also with regard to the security of data transmitted via wireless: "Wireless networks today have many security measures in place to ensure that authentication and data transfer are encrypted end-to-end. Other sets of rules also contribute to additional security by only allowing certain users or end devices to communicate with defined services on known endpoints in the network. By applying such security standards, modern wireless networks are in no way inferior to conventional wired solutions," explains Trummer. If an extremely fast wireless data connection is required - such as for the real-time data acquisition and control of machines or mobile robots - the existing WLAN can be extended with a fast 5G network. 5G technology offers significant advantages, especially in environments with high metal racks or large production machines that make it difficult to receive radio signals. A 5G network also offers many advantages for special applications in outdoor areas, where large outdoor warehouses are often located: For example, just one 5G transmitter can replace a large number of conventional WLAN access points there.
Step-by-step to the optimal network
The first step in installing or upgrading a network in a company is always to determine the customer's specific requirements, as the network expert emphasizes: "First you have to understand the customer's goals and the specific use cases in detail. Then we carry out a site survey to test the signal and connection quality required for the specific use case." The first step here is to check the so-called radio coverage. This involves using a mobile access point and test data connections to simulate the subsequent application as realistically as possible. The result is a detailed documentation of the actual situation, including a detailed plan on which the radio coverage is graphically displayed. Based on these findings, the existing network is then adapted or a new installation is carried out, whereby existing components - network cables, mounting points, etc. - can usually be used. However, the access points are almost always completely replaced, as they are often technically outdated and no longer meet the requirements for speed and data security. In addition, the standardized technical infrastructure makes roaming - i.e. switching from one access point to the next - considerably easier.
Self-installation & remote commissioning
Once the customer has decided to renew the network at the company, all components are pre-configured in-house, labeled and brought to the installation site. "The installation is usually carried out by the customer's in-house electrician, based on the site survey plan that we have drawn up in advance," explains Gernot Trummer. Once the access points have been installed and networked, commissioning is usually carried out remotely by the experts from LNConsult. If staff training is required at the customer's premises, this can be carried out both on site and online.
Once the foundation stone has been laid by setting up a fast and reliable network solution, all further digitalization measures can be easily built on this stable foundation - step by step.
