Description
Engineered for high-speed wireless connectivity in harsh industrial environments, the ProSoft RLX2-IHNF-A provides robust 802.11abgn Fast Industrial Hotspot capabilities under FCC regulatory frameworks. This high-reliability device is optimized for critical control networks requiring low-latency wireless bridging and client connectivity. Equipped with an extruded aluminum housing and dynamic network management capabilities, it ensures secure data transmission across complex industrial topologies.
Features
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Multiband Flexibility: Dual-band 802.11abgn support allows configuration on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
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Advanced Network Management: Supports VLAN tagging for network segmentation, Quality of Service (QoS) for packet prioritization, and IGMP Snooping to optimize multicast traffic.
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Industrial-Grade Enclosure: Housed in a heavy-duty extruded aluminum chassis designed for high vibration and harsh thermal conditions.
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Simplified Integration: Designed for standard 35mm DIN rail mounting, minimizing panel footprint.
Applications
- Oil and Gas offshore and onshore production facilities requiring rugged wireless links.
- Water and Wastewater SCADA networks for long-range, high-speed RTU communication.
- Material Handling systems, including Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) requiring continuous roaming.
- Factory Automation setups deploying decentralized wireless I/O architectures.
Technical Specifications
| Manufacturer |
ProSoft Technology |
| Model Number |
RLX2-IHNF-A |
| Wireless Standards |
802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n |
| Frequency Band |
2.412 GHz to 2.462 GHz (FCC Model) |
| Regulatory Domain |
FCC (Channels 1 to 11) |
| Network Features |
NAT, VLAN, QoS, IGMP Snooping |
| Enclosure Material |
Extruded Aluminum |
| Mounting Method |
DIN Rail |
| Net Weight |
1.1 lbs (499 g) |
| Shipping Weight (Calculated) |
1.5 kg |
| Package Dimensions (Calculated) |
210 x 150 x 70 mm |
Empirical Engineering Insights
Alternative Models & Compatibility
The RLX2-IHNF-A is configured exclusively for the FCC regulatory domain. For European deployments, the ETSI-compliant RLX2-IHNF-E must be specified to satisfy local radio emission standards. Note that mixing FCC and ETSI hardware within the same physical subnet may result in channel mismatch issues during automatic frequency handovers.
Application Pitfalls & Engineering Notes
In highly congested industrial plants, the 2.4 GHz spectrum experiences severe attenuation and multipath interference from steel structures. To maintain optimal throughput for fast-roaming I/O devices, it is recommended to bind these critical networks to the 5 GHz band. Keep in mind that 5 GHz signals have shorter propagation distances; therefore, accurate path loss calculations are necessary when designing the physical placement of the hotspots.
Commissioning & Wiring Tips
To prevent damage from electrostatic discharge (ESD) or atmospheric surges, the DIN rail must have an uninterrupted path to the primary plant ground. Use low-loss coaxial cabling (such as LMR-400 equivalent) for any remote-mounted antenna deployments, and ensure coaxial surge protectors are installed inline and correctly grounded at the panel entry point.
Installation Guidelines
CRITICAL WARNING
De-energize all primary and secondary power supplies feeding the enclosure prior to mounting or wiring the communication hardware. Never connect or disconnect RF coaxial cables while the hotspot is powered on; doing so can cause permanent damage to the RF transmitter module.
1
Mount the unit securely onto a standard 35mm DIN rail within a clean, dry, NEMA or IP-rated industrial enclosure.
2
Connect the plant ground wire to the dedicated grounding screw on the extruded aluminum chassis before making any power or network connections.
3
Attach high-quality RP-SMA industrial antennas to the RF ports. Hand-tighten the connectors, ensuring a secure and weather-tight connection.
4
Terminate the Ethernet RJ45 network cable and connect the DC power supply, adhering strictly to the rated voltage ranges specified on the manufacturer label.