When Fiber Isn’t an Option — Go Wireless
Industrial networks often span large outdoor areas — from monitoring wells and pump stations to remote sensors and temperature probes. Running Ethernet or fiber over that distance is expensive, labor-intensive, and sometimes impossible.
A recent customer described this exact challenge:
“I have a Siemens PCS7 DCS Ethernet connection that I need to extend over 3,600 feet in two different directions. Each location is a monitoring well with a DTS integrator that monitors temperatures in the well. This DTS outputs Modbus TCP/IP, and I need to pull that Modbus data over the wireless network to the DCS from both locations.”
This type of request is exactly what GNS Wireless designs for — long-range, industrial-grade wireless Ethernet solutions that keep SCADA, DCS, and Modbus TCP systems online and reliable.
The Challenge: Moving Modbus TCP Data Over 3,600 Feet
Ethernet cable (Cat5e/Cat6) maxes out at about 328 feet (100 meters). Beyond that, you’ll need either fiber or a wireless bridge. But in remote well or field installations, fiber trenching can be expensive or disruptive to the environment.
The goal:
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Extend Modbus TCP/IP data from two remote wells back to a Siemens PCS7 DCS
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Maintain low latency and high uptime
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Avoid trenching or fiber runs
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Ensure reliable outdoor operation year-round
The GNS Wireless Solution Lineup
Depending on distance, site conditions, and line-of-sight, GNS Wireless offers three reliable bridge solutions for industrial Modbus TCP and SCADA applications.
🔹 GNS-1153AC – Cost-Effective Wireless Bridge for Clear Line-of-Sight Links
If you have clear, unobstructed line of sight, the GNS-1153AC Wireless Bridge Kit is the most cost-effective solution.
It creates a virtual Ethernet connection between your Siemens PCS7 and each remote well monitor. Small form factor, simple to install, and uses external LEDs for quick alignment assistance.
Key Features:
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5 GHz operation with integrated antenna
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Up to 500 Mbps throughput
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IP67-rated weatherproof enclosure
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Plug-and-play configuration
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Includes 24V PoE injectors, mounting brackets, and power adapters
Each DTS integrator connects directly to the remote antenna’s Ethernet port for seamless Modbus TCP/IP communication back to your DCS.
🔹 GNS-1155AC – Upgrade for Non-Ideal Line-of-Sight
If you have trees, terrain elevation, or mild obstruction, step up to the GNS-1155AC Wireless Bridge Kit.
It offers stronger antennas and improved receiver sensitivity to maintain stable connections even in less-than-perfect conditions.
Advantages:
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Stronger signal for partial line-of-sight
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Consistent performance across uneven terrain
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Built for SCADA, PLC, and DCS environments
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Industrial-grade enclosure with advanced surge protection
🔹 GNS-5462 – Industrial Gigabit Bridge for Harsh Environments
For the most demanding industrial applications, the GNS-5462 delivers gigabit throughput and rugged performance.
It’s designed for oil & gas fields, water treatment plants, and other environments where uptime is critical.
Key Features:
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Long-range 60 GHz connectivity (up to 1 mile maximum distance)
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Full gigabit throughput
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Heavy-duty enclosures
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Wide temperature tolerance (-40°C to +70°C)
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Transparent Layer 2 Ethernet bridge
Point-to-Point vs. Point-to-Multipoint — Why Two Separate Links Are Better
In this application, the user needs to connect two separate monitoring wells, each about 3,600 feet away. While a point-to-multipoint (PtMP) system could link both wells to a single base unit, two independent point-to-point (PtP) bridges offer several key benefits:
✅ 1. Dedicated Bandwidth Per Link
Each PtP connection provides a full, isolated wireless channel. That means each well has its own dedicated throughput with no bandwidth sharing or signal contention, ensuring smoother Modbus TCP/IP performance and faster response times.
✅ 2. Lower Latency for SCADA and DCS Systems
Modbus TCP and Siemens PCS7 networks rely on consistent latency. PtP links have direct one-to-one communication, minimizing delays that can occur in PtMP configurations where multiple clients share the same access point.
✅ 3. Simplified Troubleshooting
Each link operates independently. If one well experiences interference or connection loss, it doesn’t affect the other — making diagnostics, maintenance, and network management much simpler.
✅ 4. Stronger Signal Integrity
PtP radios are optimized for focused beam alignment, providing higher signal strength and better immunity to interference compared to multipoint sector-based systems.
✅ 5. Scalable for Expansion
Each PtP pair can later be upgraded or expanded without reconfiguring the entire network, providing flexibility as additional sensors or wells come online.
In short, using two separate point-to-point wireless bridges ensures better reliability, cleaner data transmission, and simpler maintenance — especially for critical industrial applications.
Each well uses its own wireless bridge pair, ensuring independent and reliable Modbus TCP/IP connectivity.
Why GNS Wireless
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No trenching or fiber — save time and thousands in labor costs
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Transparent Modbus TCP/IP pass-through
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AES-encrypted connections for security
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NEMA-rated weatherproof hardware
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Designed for continuous outdoor operation
Conclusion
Whether you’re extending Siemens PCS7, Allen-Bradley, or Modicon Modbus TCP networks — GNS Wireless delivers plug-and-play solutions that work reliably in industrial environments.
For this application:
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GNS-1153AC → Cost-effective with clear line-of-sight
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GNS-1155AC → Better for partial line-of-sight
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GNS-5462 → Industrial-grade, gigabit performance
📞 Call (877) 209-5152 or visit gnswireless.com to discuss your project and receive a free site design and link review.