Wired versus wireless

Wired sensors have some obvious advantages. With a hardwired connection, data can be transmitted much faster and without delays over short distances. Routing power to the sensor is also not a problem; most industrial sensors that are being used to collect essential data from machine networks should probably be hardwired connections. This is mission-critical data and collecting and analyzing that information without interruption is also critical. However, wiring and connecting those components can come at a high cost. When the signal traverse length is extended due to distributed and decentralized peripheries, signal loss, and speed is possible. Here, wireless technology with radio transceivers gains speed range and bandwidth advantage.

In recent years, say the last 6 to 8 years, wireless sensors have become more prominent in manufacturing and environmental monitoring. Advances in technology and low-cost sensors have been a significant driver in this effort...