What is Wireless HART?
Wireless HART is the first open wireless communication standard specifically designed for process measurement and control applications.
WirelessHART is a wireless mesh network communications protocol for process automation applications. It adds wireless capabilities to the HART Protocol while maintaining compatibility with existing HART devices, HART commands, and tools.
Why wireless HART should use in industries?
Reliability:
Wireless HART is reliable even in conditions where a dense presence of infrastructures, vehicles and other numerous sources of radio-frequency (RF) or electromagnetic interference could cause problems. Which is allowed by the following features:
Redundant mesh routing (space diversity):
The network instantly (and automatically) reroutes transmissions to prevent the issue when interference or other barriers interrupt a communication route. And since Wireless HART uses an optimized path, redundant mesh topology, this benefit is available throughout the entire network.
Channel hopping:
Wireless HART could be subject to interference from several other sources, such as other networks. To solve this problem Wireless HART “hops” across the 16 channels defined by the IEEE 802.15.4 radio standard, overcoming interference with agility rather than brute force.
Time synchronized communication:
All device-to-device communication is carried out in a pre-scheduled time window, allowing very reliable (collision-free), power-efficient and scalable communication, encouraging interoperability and ease of use.
Fixed time slots also enable the Network Manager to create the optimum network for any application without user intervention.
Additional techniques such as DSSS technology (coding diversity) and adjustable transmission power (power diversity) also help WirelessHART provide reliable communication even in the midst of other wireless networks.
Security:
Wireless HART uses solid safety measures. These measures include the following:
Encryption: 128-bit encryption prevents sensitive data from being intercepted.
Verification: Message Integrity Codes verify each packet.
Robust Operation: Channel hopping and the mesh infrastructure mitigates effects of jamming and denial-of-service attacks.
Key Management: Rotating keys can prevent unauthorized devices from joining or communicating on the network.
Authentication: Devices aren’t allowed onto the network without authorization.
Power:
Wireless HART enables consumers and device developers to choose the energy choice best suited to their requirements. Long-life batteries, solar power, line power, and loop power are some examples of alternatives.
Devices that are “really wireless” - with no wired power source – give maximum flexibility as well as reduced installation expenses, but getting these advantages needs minimal energy use to extend battery life or benefit from other “unwired” low-power sources such as solar power.