Networking

Whether for a Goods ID or a People ID application, Zetes’ automatic identification solutions include a communication infrastructure. A physical infrastructure of wired or wireless networks connects mobile computers, printers, scanners, readers, and other peripherals. Communication protocols running on the physical infrastructure handle the data communication. If necessary, encryption and security methods provide secure transaction handling.

While cabled infrastructure continues to play an important role in the communications market, the Auto-ID industry has clearly moved to wireless networking. For many years now, it has been providing its users with mobility, inside and outside, via Wireless Personal Area Networks (PAN), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN) and Wireless Wide Area Networks (WWAN).

PAN

Wireless Personal Area Networks allow for communication and information exchange between computers, PDAs, printers, mobile phones and other devices in a limited range, typically a few metres. The most commonly used PAN technologies are infrared connections and Bluetooth radio frequency modules (working in unlicensed 2.4 GHz frequencies).

WLAN

Wireless Local Area Networks use radio frequency (RF) and various spread-spectrum modulation techniques, defined by the IEEE 802.11 set of standards, to transmit and receive data. A WLAN can either stand alone or be an extension to a LAN. WLANs generally provide higher bandwidth capabilities than WWANs. They can be privately owned, wireless systems that are deployed in a corporation, warehouse, hospital, or educational campus setting. Wi-Fi compliant WLANs are also used more and more for home and public wireless LAN networks.

WWAN

Wireless Wide Area Networks use various devices – telephone lines, satellite dishes, and radio waves – to service an area broader than that which can be covered by a WLAN, although typically with lower bandwidth. WWANs are generally publicly shared data networks designed to provide coverage in metropolitan areas and along traffic corridors. WWANs are owned by a service provider or carrier.

As a “Global Identification and Mobility Solutions” provider, Zetes started to use wireless communication more than 20 years ago. We deploy WLAN infrastructure, compliant with IEEE 802.11 standards, and integrate wireless communication platforms with mobile computers and other devices to create on-site and off-site mobile applications for manufacturing operations, warehousing, transport & logistics, point of sale, field sales and services.

Today we can connect mobile devices such as printers to your handheld terminals via reliable and cost efficient PAN networks. Wires are no longer required to establish a secure communication with your mobile terminals.

We also offer WLAN solutions from market leaders such as Motorola (Symbol) and Cisco, which allow communication speeds of 54Mbps or more. Our specialists implement WLAN infrastructures that use individual access points or centralised wireless switches. Our management and security software enables an easy and secure deployment of your wireless LAN. Our site survey teams specialise in site surveys for handheld terminals, voice recognition and voice over IP telephony solutions. We understand your requirements and are able to deploy WLAN systems in very difficult environments, such as production areas and warehouses where mobility and security can be critical to your business.

Zetes develops its own WWAN solutions for mobile workforces, enabling reliable long-distance communication in different technological environments (such as GSM, GPRS and UMTS) geared to different needs. Zetes also integrates GPS positioning tools, allowing its customers to fully control their off-site operations.