Rapidly Deploy Wi-Fi 6/6E With a Flexible Module Family

The rapid growth in AI and other data-intensive applications has dramatically improved industrial operations, but it has also put a severe strain on wireless networks.

The problem often comes down to the limitations of older Wi-Fi networks, which weren’t designed for modern industrial requirements. Congestion is one of the most significant issues: in many facilities, dozens, or even hundreds, of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) devices are competing for bandwidth, overwhelming existing networks.

Efficiency is also an issue. Legacy Wi-Fi technologies lack the power-management features needed for battery-powered sensors and mobile systems.

Security is another limitation. Cyberattacks increasingly target industrial networks, and the WPA2 encryption offered by older networks may not provide sufficient protection.

These challenges have created an urgent need for new solutions based on modern wireless standards like Wi-Fi 6/6E (802.11ax).

How Wi-Fi 6/6E addresses industrial networking needs

One of the biggest improvements in Wi-Fi 6 is orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), which allows multiple devices to share the same channel, dramatically increasing network capacity. Wi-Fi 6E extends these benefits by adding a 6 gigahertz (GHz) band to the existing 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, significantly reducing interference in crowded industrial environments.

For battery-powered systems, Target Wake Time (TWT) is another significant advantage. TWT allows devices to negotiate schedules for waking up and transferring data. This minimizes idle time and significantly extends battery life while maintaining reliable connectivity.

Finally, an upgrade to WPA3 Enterprise significantly strengthens security. This technology provides stronger encryption, protection against brute-force attacks, and improved authentication methods.

For designers, the question is how to deploy all these new capabilities quickly and effectively.

Wi-Fi 6/6E modules streamline industrial connectivity

One answer can be found in the Sona family of Wi-Fi 6/6E connectivity modules from Ezurio. Each module targets specific performance and integration needs, but all share a common foundation: support for Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4, industrial-grade reliability, and ease of deployment.

The family includes five product lines: Sona IF573 (Wi-Fi 6E), Sona IF513 (Wi-Fi 6E), Sona TI351 (Wi-Fi 6), Sona NX611 (Wi-Fi 6), and Sona MT320 (Wi-Fi 6). Each is built around a different chipset. This multi-vendor approach gives developers the flexibility to select silicon that fits their system architecture while reducing the risk of vendor lock-in.

The modules are available in pluggable and surface-mount technology (SMT) M.2 form factors, enabling integration into various system layouts and space constraints. Antenna options include MHF4 connectors, RF pinouts, or integrated chip antennas. Pre-certified antenna options are available to help streamline regulatory approval.

All modules are supported by the Ezurio Connectivity Stack, which includes Linux kernel support as far back as version 6.1 and Android as far back as version 12. This enables designers to add modern wireless features to existing systems without a software overhaul.

Wi-Fi 6/6E solutions for a wide range of industrial applications

To illustrate the breadth of options in the Sona family, consider a typical use case: IIoT gateways, which aggregate data from numerous endpoints, including high-bandwidth sources. Ezurio Sona IF573 modules, based on an Infineon Technologies chip, are well-suited for this role. Their 1200 Mbit/s throughput, 2 × 2 multi-user multiple input, multiple output (MU-MIMO) configuration, and triple-band 2.4/5/6 GHz Wi-Fi 6E support enable industrial gateways to maintain multiple high-speed connections. A typical example is the 453-00119 (Figure 1), which uses an M.2 2230 Key E package and incorporates three MHF4 connectors.

Figure 1: The 453-00119 supports high performance in industrial gateways. (Image source: Ezurio)

Next, consider large-scale sensor networks. While each device may transmit only small amounts of data, the combined network load can be significant. The Ezurio Sona IF513 module, also based on an Infineon chip, provides a practical solution for these large-scale deployments. It has a data rate of 143 Mbits/s, and its 1 × 1 single input, single output (SISO) configuration offers a less complex means of accessing the uncrowded 6 GHz band. A representative device is the 453-00185R (Figure 2), which uses the M.2 1216 SMT form factor and features an RF trace pin for flexible antenna routing.

Figure 2: The 453-00185R delivers access to the 6 GHz band and features an RF trace pin for flexible antenna routing. (Image source: Ezurio)

Battery-powered equipment monitoring is another common application, and the Ezurio Sona TI351 module, based on a Texas Instruments chip, is tailored for this use case. It has a 1 × 1 SISO configuration, a data rate of 86 Mbits/s, and supports TWT. A typical device in this series is the 453-00200C (Figure 3), which uses the M.2 1216 SMT form factor and features a chip antenna.

Figure 3: The 453-00200C prioritizes energy efficiency and features a chip antenna. (Image source: Ezurio)

Turning our attention to automated guided vehicles (AGVs), there is a need for compact solutions that can deliver excellent connectivity for real-time telemetry. Here, the Ezurio Sona NX611 shines. Based on an NXP Semiconductors chip, it uses a 1 × 1 SISO configuration and delivers up to 600 Mbits/s with SIP options like the 453-00155R (Figure 4), designed to minimize physical footprint.

Figure 4: The 453-00155R delivers up to 600 Mbits/s and uses a SIP form factor. (Image source: Ezurio)

Finally, consider human-machine interfaces (HMIs). The Ezurio Sona MT320 is an excellent match for these applications. It is based on a MediaTek chip and supports the MediaTek Genio SDK to streamline integration with graphics-intensive processors. It uses a 2 × 2 MU-MIMO configuration and has a data rate of 1200 Mbits/s. A typical implementation is the 453-00176R (Figure 5), which uses the M.2 1420 SMT form factor and offers MHF4 connectors for 2 × 2 MU-MIMO antennas.

Figure 5: The 453-00176R is optimized for use with MediaTek processors. (Image source: Ezurio)

Conclusion

As industrial systems become increasingly data-driven, Wi-Fi 6/6E has proven to be a crucial connectivity solution. The Ezurio Sona family of wireless modules offers flexible options for integrating advanced Wi-Fi capabilities into these systems. With multiple silicon options, diverse form factors, pre-certified antennas, and comprehensive software support, designers can choose a module that matches their specific requirements.