In today’s manufacturing and industrial environments, seamless connectivity isn’t optional, it’s essential. Factories are now filled with mobile devices, IoT sensors, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), robotics and real-time monitoring systems. Traditional Wi-Fi networks often struggle to keep up with these demands, creating dead zones, interference and operational inefficiencies. Allied Telesis is redefining industrial wireless with its hybrid Wi-Fi solution, which combines single-channel architecture (SCA, also called Channel Blanket) and multi-channel architecture (MCA) in a single network. This innovative approach allows manufacturers to get the best of both worlds, delivering seamless mobility, high-density coverage and optimised network performance.
Why Traditional Wi-Fi Can Hold Manufacturing Back
Most conventional Wi-Fi networks use multi-channel architecture, where each access point operate on different channels to avoid interference. While effective in low-density environments, MCA can struggle in modern factories where hundreds of mobile devices are simultaneously connected and constantly moving.
On the other hand, single-channel architecture, commonly known as Channel Blanket, lets all access points operate on the same channel. With an intelligent controller managing device access, SCA transforms the entire factory into one seamless wireless network. This is ideal for mobile-heavy environments, eliminating dead zones, simplifying device roaming and supporting high-density deployments.
The Allied Telesis Hybrid Advantage
The hybrid Wi-Fi system from Allied Telesis combines the strengths of both SCA and MCA, giving IT managers design flexibility to deploy the optimal architecture for each area of the factory.
Key components include:
- AWC Channel Blanket (AWC-CB): Advanced SCA software that intelligently manages device access and ensures interference-free connectivity.
- TQ5403 Dual Protocol Access Point: Supports both Channel Blanket and multi-channel modes simultaneously, reducing CAPEX while optimising network performance.
With this combination, manufacturers benefit from seamless roaming, high-speed data handling and simplified network management, all while reducing operational expenses through SDN/OpenFlow-enabled automation.
Whether you’re supporting mobile workers, automated production lines or IoT-heavy environments, the hybrid solution ensures resilient, high-density coverage across the entire facility.
Why Manufacturers Choose Allied Telesis Hybrid Wi-Fi
Hybrid Wi-Fi delivers tangible advantages for industrial and manufacturing environments:
- Seamless Connectivity: Devices see the network as one large access point, eliminating drops and interruptions.
- High-Density Support: Handle large numbers of simultaneous mobile connections without performance degradation.
- Flexible Deployment: Optimise each area with single or multi-channel modes to suit device density and traffic types.
- Lower Total Cost of Ownership: Reduce CAPEX and OPEX with dual-mode access points and SDN-enabled automation.
- Future-Proof Infrastructure: Scale easily as new devices, robotics or IoT sensors are added to the factory floor.
With Allied Telesis hybrid Wi-Fi, manufacturing operations can operate faster, smarter and more reliably, powering the connected factory of the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hybrid Wi-Fi?
Hybrid Wi-Fi combines single channel (SCA) and multi-channel (MCA) architecture in one network, allowing IT managers to deploy both modes simultaneously. This delivers seamless roaming and high-density support access across the factory floor.
How does Channel Blanket work in manufacturing?
Channel Blanket transforms multiple access points into a single, unified network. Devices automatically connect to the best AP, eliminating roaming issues and dead zones, even in complex industrial layouts.
Why choose Allied Telesis hybrid Wi-Fi for manufacturing?
It offers a flexible, scalable and cost-effective solution that supports mobile devices, automation, IoT sensors and robotics while reducing overhead and ensuring high-density coverage.
What equipment is included in the hybrid solution?
The system includes the AWC-CB software controller for SCA management and the TQ5403 dual-protocol access point, capable of running both SCA and MCA simultaneously.
