Quick answer
What is Wi-Fi? Let's review the key points in 30 seconds.
- Wi-Fi is a system that allows devices to connect to each other without wires.
- This is a separate issue from the internet. Sometimes, devices are connected only within a building.
- Wired communication also includes Ethernet (LAN) and serial communication.
- The reasons why you can't connect can often be explained by three things: distance, walls or metal objects, and ambient radio waves.
Chapter 1
What is Wi-Fi?
Connecting devices instead of wires
Wi-Fi is a system that connects devices using invisible radio waves. It makes it easier to communicate with computers, instrument, printers, and other devices that were previously connected by wires, within the same location.
Wi-Fi and the internet are two different things.
It's helpful to think of Wi-Fi as "invisible wires within a room" and the internet as "a path connecting to the outside world." Even without internet access, there are situations where you might need to connect instrument and a computer via Wi-Fi.
| Item | Role | parable |
|---|---|---|
| Wifi | Connecting equipment inside a building | Invisible internal cords |
| internet | Connecting to the outside world | Roads that extend outside |
| Wired LAN | Connect directly with code | Wired network |
Knowing what it stands for is enough as a piece of trivia.
While it's often introduced as being derived from "Wireless Fidelity," that's not the first thing you should remember. The important thing is that it connects devices without using wires.
Chapter 2
What are the methods for connecting via a wired connection?
When reading about Wi-Fi, it's helpful to also know about wired connections to make things easier to understand. Besides Wi-Fi, other methods for connecting instrument include Ethernet (LAN) and serial communication.
| How to connect | Way of thinking | Image |
|---|---|---|
| Wifi | Connecting via radio waves, without using wires. | Invisible lines |
| Ethernet (LAN) | Connect to the network using a LAN cable. | Wired network |
| Serial communication | Wired communication allows devices to communicate directly with each other. | Direct connection cord between devices |
Ethernet (LAN) is a wired method for connecting devices to a network.
Ethernet is a method of connecting devices using LAN cables. It's commonly used when you want to easily connect computers and instrument to a network and ensure stable operation within the same building.
Serial communication is a wired method of communication between devices.
Serial communication uses methods such as RS-232C, RS-422A, and RS-485. It differs slightly from LAN in concept, as it involves directly connecting devices to communicate with each other.
Which one to use depends on the equipment and the situation at the site.
There are situations where Wi-Fi is suitable, and other situations where LAN or serial communication is more appropriate. The basics of choosing a network are distance, the number of devices, ease of wiring, and whether the equipment is compatible.
Chapter 3
What you need to use Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi can only be used when both the transmitting and receiving devices are present. When connecting instrument, it's helpful to clarify the installation location and role beforehand to avoid confusion.
| Role | Specific example | Points to look at |
|---|---|---|
| The side that emits radio waves | Router, access point | Can it be placed nearby? Is there a clear line of sight? |
| The side receiving the radio waves | instrument, personal computers, tablets | Is it Wi-Fi compatible? Is there a suitable place to put it? |
| Connected environment | Walls, metal, moisture, surrounding machinery | Are there few things that block radio waves? |
If you don't use Wi-Fi, you'll need to connect via wires. While this method is generally more stable, it can increase the hassle of managing the cables and setting up the equipment.
Chapter 4
Main reasons why you can't connect
The distance is far
Radio waves weaken with distance. The quickest way to find out is to move a little closer and see if there's any change.
There are walls and metal
Concrete, metal shelves, large machinery, and damp areas can weaken or obstruct radio waves.
Collides with surrounding radio waves
If there are many similar radio waves nearby, communication will become difficult. In crowded areas, reconsidering the placement of your device can be effective.
Chapter 5
Examples that are likely to occur on site
| On-site | Things that are likely to happen | Tips for review |
|---|---|---|
| factory | Large machinery, metal shelving, and numerous wires can weaken the radio signal. | Place it slightly higher, avoiding the back of the machine. |
| Warehouse/Building | It becomes difficult to connect when hidden behind walls or shelves. | Move it to a place with a clear view. |
| Greenhouse | The frame and moisture can make it difficult for radio waves to reach the device. | Avoid metal and moisture places. |
Chapter 6
First, try them in this order.
- First, try getting a little closer.
- Try changing the orientation of the device.
- Avoid areas near walls, metal shelves, and large machinery.
- If that still doesn't work, try looking for a location with more surrounding radio waves.
Wi-Fi signals can change with even a movement of just a few centimeters. If you think something's wrong, the easiest thing to do is to change your location first.
Summary
Wi-Fi provides invisible connectivity, making instrument connections easier.
Wi-Fi isn't a collection of complicated technical terms; it's simply a system for connecting devices instead of using wires. Thinking of it in terms of the internet, wired LAN, and serial communication makes its practical applications much clearer.
When you can't connect, checking these three factors in order—distance, walls or metal, and ambient radio waves—makes it easier to pinpoint the cause. At Chino, we strive to present practical concepts useful in field use of instrument in the simplest way possible.
FAQ
FAQ
What is Wi-Fi?
This is a system for connecting devices without wires. It makes it easier to exchange information between instrument and computers within a room or building.
Are Wi-Fi and the internet different?
No, that's incorrect. Wi-Fi is a system for connecting devices within a building, while the internet is a system for connecting to the outside world.
What does Wi-Fi stand for?
It's sometimes mentioned that the name comes from Wireless Fidelity, but you don't need to remember that.
What types of wired communication are there?
Typical examples include Ethernet (LAN) and serial communication. Ethernet is a method of connecting to a network using LAN cables, while serial communication is a method of direct communication between devices.
What are RS-232C, RS-422A, and RS-485?
This is a typical serial communication method. It is used when directly connecting devices to each other. The choice of method depends on the compatibility of the devices, the distance, and the conditions at the site.
What should I check first if I can't connect?
First, we look at the distance, then obstacles such as walls and metal, and finally, we look at collisions with surrounding radio waves.
Let's clarify the connection requirements and proceed with a manageable configuration.
Knowing the type of instrument, its installation location, the presence of walls or metal, and its distance from the PC will help us organize our connection plans. If you're unsure, please start by compiling your requirements and contacting us for advice.
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