The Internet of Things (IoT) has become quite prevalent. More and more, it is applied to industrial settings as well, forming an Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) to facilitate better control and management of industrial facilities. Moxa, a leader in industrial networking and automation systems, has the solutions to advance IIoT, providing a healthier and safer environment for industrial users.
Moxa’s IIoT solutions encompass three areas, namely network infrastructure, edge connectivity, and management software. In the first category, the company has switches, wireless products, and other devices that ensure the quality and reliability of the network. “We’ve got microsecond-level redundancy and backup so that, in the event of data disruption in a ring topology, the data path is transferred to a redundant ring in a few microseconds,” said Edward Lu, Business Development Manager for Asia and Taiwan at Moxa.
Edge connectivity consists of serial-to-Ethernet, I/O, and other devices that make sure data generated by the hundreds if not thousands of sensors measuring the humidity, temperature, carbon dioxide density, and other data in an industrial setting reach their intended recipients. For example, once the carbon dioxide density in a factory becomes high, the sensor will inform the I/O device which then triggers the alarm. The solution also includes Moxa’s IP cameras that keep the factory safe and secure. If an unauthorized person breaks into a critical area, IP cameras will be triggered and send e-mail, SMS, or relevant footage to the administrator.
“In factories, there are areas that are off limits to people, and those areas are clearly designated and monitored by intelligent IP cameras. Once someone enters that area, and the IP camera detects it, it will sound an alarm,” Lu said.
Finally, the management system is the software that controls and manages everything. With the latest generation of the software, MXview ToGo, administrators can have full oversight of the facility via their smartphones or tablets while they are on the go.
Right now, Moxa targets three main applications for its IIoT solutions: smart factories, smart transportation, and smart grids. For rail transportation, Moxa has obtained the IRIS (International Railway Industry Standard) certification, which attests to the quality and reliability of Moxa solutions in railroad settings.
“Moxa IP cameras are present in trains and subway systems, which are typically harsher environments rendering the operator in need of industrial-grade solutions. Moxa IP cameras are fan-less and heater-less yet must be able to withstand a wide range of temperatures, from -40 to 70 degrees Celsius,” Lu said. “They are also anti-vibration and anti-smoke. Besides subways, they can also be found in Middle East oil refineries, among others.”
While Moxa competitors also offer similar equipment, the company is confident its status as a total IIoT solutions provider is unrivaled. “Many companies do industrial-grade switches, or serial-to-Ethernet products. But none of them offers the kind of total solutions that we do. The benefit for the end user is that they can just come to Moxa for support, instead of going through different vendors,” Lu said.