Wireless communication in process automation: A survey of opportunities, requirements, concerns and challenges

The advancements in wireless networking technology, specifically in the short-range wireless networking technology, offer an enormous opportunity for wireless connectivity of field devices both in oil and gas and other chemical processing plants. The prerequisite of a field network includes real-time support for mixed traffic, availability, security, reliability and scalability in a harsh industrial environment. These conditions have to be fulfilled by any wireless network in order to operate. This paper presents a brief overview of the requirements for wireless in process automation, relative standings of existing short-range wireless network technologies based on the outlined criteria, and associated shortcomings. Furthermore, an examination of emerging industrial wireless standards which are designed to address the unique and stringent requirements of the process industry, is presented.