Radiowave propagation in industrial environments

This paper presents results from wireless local area network field tests executed in indoor industrial environments. The tests have been conducted at a chemical pulp factory, a cable production hall and a nuclear power plant. All tests have focused on IEEE 802.11 compliant equipment and the ISM frequency bands. The objectives of the tests were to investigate standard off the shelf communication equipment for utilisation in industrial environments. This equipment is designed for use in offices and storage facilities. Wireless networks in an industrial environment may have large impact on maintenance and service routines and seems to be greatly welcomed by the industry. The channel sounding showed heavy multipath fading with good coverage behind obstacles and slow power attenuation. There were no problems with signal quality in covered areas. The overall performance of the equipment was far better than expected.