Multi-Band Heterogeneous Wireless Network Architecture for Industrial Automation: A Techno-Economic Analysis

Abstract

To attain automation across different applications, industries are beginning to leverage advancements in wireless communication technologies. A ”one-size-fits-all” solution cannot be applied since wireless technologies are selected according to application needs, quality of service requirements, and economic restrictions. To balance the trade-off between technical and economic requirements, a multi-band heterogeneous wireless network architecture is presented and discussed in this paper. Wireless local area network (WLAN) and distributed antenna system (DAS) with Long Term Evolution (LTE) are considered as the backbone for the multi-band heterogeneous network into which other wireless technologies can be integrated. The technical and economic feasibility of the network are evaluated through a techno-economic analysis (TEA). The economic feasibility of the proposed network is measured in terms of net present value while the technical feasibility is measured in terms of network throughput and latency. Finally, network performance for DAS with LTE and WLAN are verified using an NS3 simulator for machine-to-machine, real-time video, and high-definition video data transmissions. The TEA analysis showed that the number of DAS units required to achieve technical feasibility is less than WLAN units, but the overall cost of DAS units are higher compared to WLAN units, even without taking into consideration industrial, scientific, and medical band technologies.