TUTORIAL – 3

PLANNING AND DEPLOYING OF WIRELESSHART

NETWORK
Sarah Bhalla (J204)

What Is WirelessHART?
WirelessHART is a wireless sensor networking technology based on the Highway Addressable
Remote Transducer Protocol (HART). Developed as a multi-vendor, interoperable wireless
standard, WirelessHART was defined for the requirements of process field device networks.
The protocol utilizes a time synchronized, self-organizing, and self-healing mesh architecture. The
protocol supports operation in the 2.4 GHz ISM band using IEEE 802.15.4 standard radios. The
underlying wireless technology is based on the work of Dust Networks' TSMP technology.
Many facilities consist of multiple process units. It just makes sense to organize the wireless
network in a similar fashion to how the plant treats these units in other respects. Often these process
units are independent and exclusively responsible for their area. When reflecting on how the
process units are set up while planning a WirelessHART Network, ensure that the same areas of
responsibility and work practices are incorporated into the network.
Explain the process of planning and deploying WirelessHART network?

• Site Survey
The area of a process automation plant can in general be divided into 4 groups:

1. Unobstructed: Clear line of sight to the device with no obstructions.

2. Low Obstructions: Some infrastructure but there are still open areas where you can see
from one device to multiple other devices.
3. Medium Obstructions: A denser environment but there are still rather large areas that are
not obstructed such that a truck could be driven through.
4. High Obstructions: Cannot see from one device to the next, significant metal and structural
material.
These areas can easily be identified even on satellite pictures or on floor plans. The graphic below
shows an example including the rule of thumb ranges which are possible in these areas. The
numbers are conservative, so better results could be achieved. In the vertical dimension, the density
of the environment can differ.
• Placing Devices
Generally, the WirelessHART field devices can be placed as they would have been placed with a
wired installation. The self-organizing network will take care of forming the mesh network and
establishing communication and will adapt to the process plant environment without additional
interaction by an operator or engineer. But several conditions must be considered and could result
in a relocation of the WirelessHART field device (or at least the antenna).
1. Placing Gateways
2. Placing Field Devices
3. Checking for Connectivity
4. Placing Repeaters
5. Extending a Network

In summary, the following steps should be taken when planning a WirelessHART network:

1. Plan your network around the process unit just as you would a traditional instrument
installation.
2. Use a scaled drawing and the estimated density of the infrastructure to plan your device
placement.
3. Locate the gateway based on any requirements of the connection to the system and
anticipated expansion of the network.
4. Place the devices as needed for your application, taking into account the direct vicinity for
radio communication performance.
5. Use repeaters or secondary instruments to fill any gaps in network coverage or circumvent
large obstacles.
6. Use directional or long distance antennas if needed to reach remote areas