WLAN and network management systems

Driven by the evolution of wireless local area network (WLAN) solutions, the industry is currently experiencing a transformation in wireless networking. The strong demand for industrial WLAN access points (APs) reflects the growing need for reliable connectivity in operational technology (OT) environments, especially in mission-critical applications such as robotics, where connectivity failures can lead to safety risks and costly downtime. However, as WLAN networks feature different technologies, their management is becoming increasingly complex. In this context, centralized network management systems (NMS) are proving to be an indispensable technology for overcoming this challenge.

Advances in WLAN technologies

In the past, WLAN often struggled to meet the stringent requirements of industrial environments due to latency and roaming limitations. However, new innovations are bringing changes in this area, improving reliability and making Wi-Fi usable for safety-critical applications. For example, Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) increases spectrum efficiency through Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) by allowing multiple devices to communicate simultaneously with one AP. Wi-Fi 6E expands the available spectrum in the 6 GHz band, reducing congestion. In the long term, however, this technology will become less important as companies rely on Wi-Fi 7.

Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) introduces Multi-Link Operation (MLO) and Multi-Resource Unit (Multi-RU) Puncturing, improving spectrum efficiency and reducing interference - two key benefits for industrial networks that require highly reliable connectivity. Looking ahead, Wi-Fi 8 (802.11bn) will introduce multi-AP coordination and Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) technology by 2029, further improving the reliability of industrial wireless networks.

Other innovations such as mesh networks and the integration of Wi-Fi with 5G are also improving industrial wireless networks. Mesh networking eliminates single points of failure by creating self-healing network topologies, while WLAN-5G convergence combines the scalability of Wi-Fi with the mobility and extended range of cellular connectivity. Managing Wi-Fi networks is a more complex task as OT environments deploy a growing number of devices and applications based on these innovations.

The relevance of network management systems

It is clear that OT environments are becoming increasingly complex, with different devices, user profiles and widespread physical and virtual distribution. New technologies and remote access lead to vulnerabilities and shadow risks in information technology (IT). A centralized NMS with end-to-end visibility, zero trust security and secure remote access is essential.

NMS platforms provide real-time insights into network performance and enable companies to identify vulnerabilities, monitor bandwidth and optimize network traffic. Cybersecurity is also a key consideration, as NMS solutions enforce zero-trust security policies that require strict authentication and access controls. This approach minimizes the risk of cyber threats, especially in environments where IT and OT systems converge.

Another important feature of NMS platforms is secure remote access, which enables controlled access for remote monitoring and maintenance. This feature is critical for industrial environments where technicians need to troubleshoot network issues or update firmware without being physically on site.

Choosing the right NMS partner

The industrial NMS landscape consists of three main categories of providers:

• OT-specialized vendors such as Siemens and Hirschmann offer solutions tailored to industrial applications and designed for high reliability
• IT/OT convergence providers such as Cisco and Cambium Networks integrate industrial and enterprise networks into a unified system, bridging the gap between IT-managed and factory-owned networks
• Cost-effective solutions such as Ruijie's focus on affordability and ease of deployment, making them suitable for less complex industrial environments

With the introduction of next generation wireless networks in industry, choosing the right mix of WLAN technology and intelligent network management solutions will be key to achieving higher levels of automation, productivity and security. A well-managed, secure and scalable industrial network will enable organizations to confidently integrate advanced technologies and ensure seamless operations in increasingly connected manufacturing and industrial environments.

Andrew Spivey, Principal Analyst, ABI Research