The properties of WirelessHART can be summarized as follows:

• Simple handling and engineering
• Safe communication
• Availability in network

Simplicity in handling and engineering

• Utilize current tools, same workflow
  The description of devices and adapter is carried out using proven EDDL technology. SIMATIC PDM continues to be used as a tool.
• Multiple options for the device supply
  The devices can, for example, be operated with 24 V DC externally, external or integrated battery packs, or solar cells. The option of using energy from the process or the environment has been researched at universities and industry for some time. Results and products can be expected in the medium term.
• Reduced installation costs
  Depending on use, installation costs for data cables or power supply cables are not required.
• Coexistence with other wireless networks
  WirelessHART exclusively uses the ISM band in the 2.4 GHz range because it is available worldwide. However, this range is also used by Industrial Wireless LAN
• (IWLAN), for example. For this reason, a requirement to allow WirelessHART to co-exist with Wireless LAN networks was an absolute requirement when this technology was defined. This coexistence was accomplished by constantly changing the channels and therefore the frequencies. This change is also referred to as "channel hopping". Moreover, individual channels can be completely blocked with the so-called "black listing" feature if they are used locally, for example, by IWLAN.
• Support of star and meshed network topologies
  Networks can be set up in star shape as well as meshed. The advantage of star-shaped networks with a gateway as the centre is that it allows for rapid update cycles. However, the expansion of the network is limited to a distance of 200 m without obstacles between gateway and devices.
  The advantage of meshed networks is their large expansion, because each station in the network is also a repeater that forwards the data from remote stations in the direction of the gateway. The disadvantage: increased transport times for data between the field device and the gateway.
• Faster commissioning
  After installation of a device, it can usually be commissioned at once because there is no wait time until installation of the cables is complete.
• Self-organizing and self-healing networks
  WirelessHART networks are automatically organized, set up and managed by the network manager. Engineering is usually not necessary.
• The network manager is implemented in the IE/WSN-PA LINK, which means the Siemens gateway. It calculates the optimal connection paths between the stations in the network and determines in advance an alternative path that can be used in case of an error. The network is self-healing in this respect. It also specifies the channels or frequencies that are to be used for each communication. Statistics regarding communication are also created automatically and are available to the user.
• Security - always active
  All designated mechanisms with regard to security are available automatically, and do not have to be planned out.
• Changes in the network without configuring
  Stations are added or removed automatically in the network by the network manager.

Safe communication

• Encryption - all data is encrypted with 128-bit AES before it is sent.
• Specific keys for each data packet
• Data integrity - Each data packet is checked to see if it was changed or damaged during transport.
• Device authentication
  Each device must know the network identification number as well as the join key. Otherwise, it is not integrated into the network by the network manager.
• Channel hopping
  The utilized channel is changed according to specifications of the network manager after each telegram. This represents another level of protection from espionage.
• Report of faulty authentication
  Any failed attempt of a station to integrate itself into the network is recorded and made available to the user.

Availability in network

• Communication based on IEEE 802.15.4-2006
  The wireless communication takes place based on a proven industry standard. It allows for very minimal power consumption.
• Use of the ISM band (2.4 GHz)
  This band can be used worldwide without any additional costs.
• Channel hopping overcomes interference
  Interference is often limited to a small frequency range. By constantly changing the channel, the effects of such interference can be circumvented and the availability of the network can be increased.
• Channel black listing permanently blocks faulty channels.
  During operation of another network at the same location, the channels occupied by it can be blocked in the WirelessHART network.
• Self-healing network
• Redundant communication paths
  The network manager automatically calculates redundant communication paths. This significantly increases the level of availability.

Software Overview

Applications 1 and 2 will require the following software products.

¹⁾ Contact your Siemens contact partner if you have any questions.

²⁾ Other versions and accessories are available in this catalog in the Product description.