R&M, the globally active developer and provider of high-end infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks based in Wetzikon, Switzerland, is opening up new areas of application for industrial solutions. The R&M portfolio for the Industrial LAN market comprises network components and cables for harsh environments.

 

R&M sees new areas of application for example in energy and wind power, the oil and gas industry, and mining. When exploration companies and municipal utilities integrate their assets into stable data networks, they can monitor their operations remotely in real time. 

 

Controlling more processes

In the future, operators will be able to control more processes digitally and from any location via the Internet and the cloud. This makes it possible, for example, to optimally coordinate maintenance work and deploy technicians and vehicles more efficiently.

 

R&M sees similar requirements in hydroelectric power plants, wind power plants, solar fields and every type of utility network. In almost every case, today’s systems should be integrated into IP data networks and cloud services. They are usually located in open terrain and are exposed to all types of weather – and the same applies to network connectivity.

 

Data networks for transport

Data networks are currently being expanded further by traffic carriers. Entire railway lines, highways, tunnels and airfields are now integrated into online services. This enables operators to use cost-effective, web-based monitoring and management tools. Here, too, R&M is seeing a high demand for robust cabling and connection technology.

 

The construction industry is increasingly using digital solutions such as Building Information Modelling (BIM). This makes it possible to implement construction projects more efficiently and with fewer expert personnel. The individual trades can precisely tune data, dimensions and deadlines to each other. This requires robust LAN and WLAN infrastructures on the construction site that are protected from water and dust.

 

R&M sees other new areas of application for the Industrial LAN portfolio wherever digitalisation is carried out in harsh environments. These include agriculture, ports, transport and IP-based outdoor video surveillance.

 

Automation is a classic field of application. Entire factories will be equipped with Ethernet/IP networks in order to integrate production into standard digital systems. The R&M connection modules for network and DIN rail installations are also available in these environments.

 

New IP67 outlets

R&M provides a portfolio of copper-based connectivity solutions for industrial applications. These include the new outlets with protection class IP67. Together with an IP67 connection cable, the plugged connections are also equipped for higher mechanical loads, such as wind, humidity or ice load.

 

Field-mountable RJ45 connectors with die-cast zinc housing are also new to the portfolio. They offer all-round protection against electromagnetic fields. Reinforced installation and patch cords complete the industrial portfolio. Among other things, R&M has shielded PUR patch cords in the Cat. 6A category with IP67 plug housing in its portfolio.

 

R&M products that are classified with protection class IP67 can cope with extreme conditions indoors and outdoors. They can withstand moisture, dust and temperatures ranging from -25 to +80 degrees Celsius. They are resistant to gasoline, oil, alkaline solutions, salt water and UV radiation, and support more and more popular additional services such as Power over Ethernet (PoE).

 

IDC technology crucial

From R&M’s point of view, insulation displacement contact (IDC) technology is crucial. It guarantees a permanently stable, gas-tight and corrosion-free contact of the copper wires in LAN adapters and RJ45 connectors.

 

R&M is a technology leader in the field of IDC technology. The IDC wiring is designed in such a way that it can be executed without errors in just a few simple steps. Based on decades of expertise in material composition, design and quality assurance, R&M manufactures the network components in its own factories.--TradeArabia News Service