Moxa AWK-1137C-US DIN-Rail Industrial Wireless Client

The Moxa AWK-1137C-US is a robust industrial wireless client designed to provide reliable Wi-Fi connectivity for both Ethernet and serial devices in demanding environments. This device leverages IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n standards, ensuring broad compatibility and high-speed data transmission, with a net data rate of up to 300 Mbps. Its key advantages include millisecond-level client-based Turbo Roaming for seamless mobile application support, integrated antenna and power isolation for enhanced electrical interference protection (500 V insulation), and a wide operating temperature range of -40 to 75°C for the -T models, making it suitable for harsh industrial settings. The AWK-1137C-US also features 2x2 MIMO technology for improved transmitting and receiving capabilities and easy network setup through Network Address Translation (NAT). Its compact, DIN-rail mountable design, coupled with an IP30-rated metal housing, further solidifies its position as a resilient solution for industrial wireless networking needs.

Product Specifications

| Specification           | Value                                                                  |

| :---------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------------------------- |

| Wireless Standards      | IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n                                                     |

| Frequency Bands         | 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz                                                      |

| DESPITE                    | 2x2                                                                  |

| Ethernet Ports          | 2 x 10/100/1000Base-TX (RJ45)                                          |

| Serial Port             | 1 x RS-232/422/485 (DB9 male)                                          |

| Input Voltage           | 9 to 30 VDC                                                            |

| Power Consumption       | 11.7 W (max.)                                                          |

| Operating Temperature   | 0 to 60°C (standard models); -40 to 75°C (-T models)                   |

| Enclosure               | Metal, IP30 rated                                                      |

| Mounting                | DIN-rail (wall mount kit optional)                                     |

| Dimensions              | 77.1 x 115.5 x 26 mm                                                   |

| Weight                  | 470 g                                                                  |

| Certifications          | E1, cULus, CE, FCC                                                     |

| Turbo Roaming           | Millisecond-level client-based                                         |

| Network Address Translation | Supported                                                              |

Core Features & Market Positioning

The Moxa AWK-1137C-US stands out in the industrial wireless market due to its combination of ruggedness, advanced wireless capabilities, and versatile connectivity. Its core strength lies in its ability to provide stable, high-performance Wi-Fi for mobile industrial equipment. The millisecond-level Turbo Roaming is a critical differentiator, enabling seamless transitions between access points for applications like automated guided vehicles (AGVs) or mobile robotics where uninterrupted connectivity is paramount. This feature positions the AWK-1137C-US as a superior choice for mobility-intensive industrial scenarios compared to standard wireless clients. Furthermore, the integrated antenna and power isolation, offering 500 V insulation protection, addresses common industrial concerns about electrical interference and device longevity, a significant advantage in electrically noisy environments. The 2x2 MIMO technology ensures robust signal performance, enhancing data throughput and reliability, crucial for real-time industrial data acquisition and control systems.

Key Application Scenarios

The Moxa AWK-1137C-US is ideally suited for a wide array of industrial applications where reliable wireless connectivity is essential for mobility and data exchange. Its robust design and advanced features make it a prime candidate for:

  Manufacturing Automation: Connecting robots, AGVs, and HMI panels that require continuous data transfer and mobility on the factory floor.  Warehouse Management: Enabling real-time inventory tracking and communication for handheld scanners, automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS), and other mobile assets.  Transportation and Logistics: Providing wireless connectivity for onboard diagnostic systems, fleet management devices, and cargo tracking solutions in challenging mobile environments.  Energy and Utilities: Facilitating remote monitoring and control of equipment in substations, wind farms, or oil and gas facilities where wired infrastructure is impractical or costly.  Smart City Infrastructure: Supporting communication for intelligent traffic systems, public safety equipment, and environmental monitoring devices that demand high availability and mobility.

The device's ability to connect both Ethernet and serial devices means it can bridge legacy equipment to modern wireless networks, offering a cost-effective upgrade path for existing industrial assets.

Practical System Integration Guidance

Integrating the Moxa AWK-1137C-US into an industrial network is streamlined by its user-friendly design and supportive utilities. For installation, the unit is designed for DIN-rail mounting, a standard in industrial control cabinets, with an optional wall-mounting kit available for added flexibility. Power is supplied via redundant 9-30 VDC inputs, ensuring operational continuity even if one power source fails.

Configuration is simplified by Moxa's AeroMag feature, which allows for semi-automatic setup and error-free deployment of basic WLAN settings. Users can also leverage the included Wireless Search Utility or directly access the device's web interface for detailed configuration, including setting IP addresses, subnet masks, and gateway information, as well as configuring WLAN parameters like SSID, security modes (WEP, WPA2), and encryption keys. The device supports Network Address Translation (NAT), simplifying network setup by allowing multiple devices to share a single IP address. For serial device integration, the DB9 male connector supports RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 standards, configurable for various operation modes like TCP Client, TCP Server, or UDP, with baud rates up to 921.6 kbps.

Operation and Risk Mitigation

Operating the AWK-1137C-US requires attention to its robust industrial design and potential environmental factors. The device's metal housing and IP30 rating provide protection against dust and accidental contact, but it is not designed for direct exposure to water or corrosive elements. The operating temperature range is crucial; standard models operate from 0 to 60°C, while the -T variants extend this to -40 to 75°C, ensuring functionality in extreme climates.

For risk mitigation, always disconnect power before installation or wiring to prevent electrical shock or equipment damage. Ensure proper wiring practices are followed, observing electrical codes for maximum current in power wires. The unit's power isolation protects against surges and ESD, but external electrical interference should still be managed where possible. In case of issues, the Reset button can be used to reboot the device or restore factory default settings; a five-second press is typically required for a factory reset. It's important to note that specific channels, such as 153 and 161 in the 5 GHz band, may have performance limitations, and avoiding them in critical applications is recommended.

Scalability & Long-Term Value

The Moxa AWK-1137C-US is engineered for scalability and long-term value within industrial IIoT and digital transformation initiatives. Its backward compatibility with 802.11a/b/g deployments ensures that existing wireless infrastructure investments are protected, allowing for a gradual upgrade path to the latest 802.11n standard. The inclusion of both Ethernet and serial interfaces provides a versatile bridge for integrating legacy equipment into modern wireless networks, extending the operational life of older machinery and facilitating its inclusion in IIoT strategies.

Moxa's commitment to industrial standards and rugged design contributes to the device's longevity and reliability, reducing total cost of ownership through minimized downtime and maintenance. Furthermore, the AWK-1137C-US integrates with Moxa's MXview Wireless network management solution, offering advanced visualization of wireless connections, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting capabilities. This management oversight is crucial for scaling wireless networks across large industrial facilities and ensuring consistent, wall-to-wall Wi-Fi coverage. The 2x2 MIMO technology and support for dual-band operation (2.4/5 GHz) also provide a foundation for future increases in data demands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the primary benefits of using the Moxa AWK-1137C-US in an industrial setting?

The AWK-1137C-US offers industrial-grade ruggedness and specialized features. It provides reliable wireless connectivity for both Ethernet and serial devices in harsh environments.

Key advantages include millisecond-level Turbo Roaming for seamless mobility and robust electrical isolation for protection against interference. Its wide operating temperature range ensures performance in extreme conditions.

This device future-proofs wireless investments with its IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compliance and 2x2 MIMO technology. It integrates easily with existing infrastructure and supports IIoT initiatives.

2. How does the Turbo Roaming feature benefit mobile industrial applications?

Turbo Roaming ensures millisecond-level recovery times between access points. This is critical for applications requiring continuous, uninterrupted wireless connectivity.

Examples include automated guided vehicles (AGVs), mobile robots, and handheld scanners that move across large facilities. It minimizes data loss and operational disruptions during roaming.

The technology allows devices to maintain a stable connection while in motion, enhancing overall operational efficiency and reliability for mobile assets.

3. What types of industrial devices can be connected to the Moxa AWK-1137C-US?

The AWK-1137C-US supports a wide range of industrial devices. It features two Ethernet LAN ports for connecting standard network-enabled equipment.

Additionally, it includes one RS-232/422/485 serial port, enabling connectivity for legacy serial devices like PLCs, sensors, and industrial controllers.

This dual connectivity ensures that both modern and older industrial equipment can be integrated into a unified wireless network for data acquisition and control.

4. How does the AWK-1137C-US handle network setup and configuration?

Network setup is simplified by features like Network Address Translation (NAT). NAT allows multiple devices to share a single IP address, streamlining network management.

Moxa's AeroMag utility offers semi-automatic configuration for quick and error-free deployment of basic WLAN settings. The device is also configurable via a web interface or utility software.

Users can set static IP addresses, subnet masks, and gateway details, along with configuring wireless parameters like SSID and security protocols.

5. What are the environmental and ruggedness specifications of the AWK-1137C-US?

The AWK-1137C-US is built for demanding industrial environments. It features a metal housing with an IP30 rating, protecting against dust and physical contact.

It is designed to operate within a specified temperature range, with standard models at 0 to 60°C and extended temperature models (-T) at -40 to 75°C.

The device includes integrated antenna and power isolation, providing 500V insulation against electrical interference and surge protection. It also features an anti-vibration design.

6. Can the AWK-1137C-US be used with existing wireless networks?

Yes, the AWK-1137C-US is backward compatible with existing 802.11a/b/g deployments. This ensures flexibility and protects investments in older wireless infrastructure.

It operates on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. This dual-band capability offers more channel options and can improve performance by reducing interference.

This compatibility allows for a gradual upgrade path, integrating the AWK-1137C-US into current networks while preparing for future 802.11n and beyond.

7. What are the power requirements for the Moxa AWK-1137C-US?

The AWK-1137C-US requires a DC power input ranging from 9 to 30 VDC. It features redundant power inputs for increased operational reliability.

The maximum power consumption of the device is 11.7 watts. It does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE).

Proper wiring and stable DC power sources are essential for optimal performance and longevity.

8. How is the AWK-1137C-US mounted in an industrial panel?

The AWK-1137C-US is designed for standard industrial panel mounting. It comes equipped with a DIN-rail attachment kit for easy installation on 35mm DIN rails.

Optional wall-mounting kits are also available for installation flexibility in various cabinet or enclosure configurations.

Its compact dimensions (77.1 x 115.5 x 26 mm) make it suitable for installation in space-constrained industrial control panels.

9. Are there any known limitations or recommendations for using specific channels?

Yes, there are specific recommendations regarding channel usage in the 5 GHz band. Due to potential receiver sensitivity limitations, it is advised to avoid channels 153 and 161 for critical applications.

This is a known performance consideration for certain configurations of the AWK-1137C series. Consulting the latest documentation for specific advice is recommended.

For US band operations, specific channel availability might also be subject to regulatory checks and DFS requirements.

10. How can the AWK-1137C-US be managed and monitored?

The AWK-1137C-US can be managed using Moxa's MXview Wireless utility. This software provides a visual overview of the wireless network topology and device status.

MXview allows for real-time monitoring of wireless links, connection changes, and performance indicators. It aids in troubleshooting and ensuring wall-to-wall Wi-Fi coverage.

The device also supports standard web-based management interfaces for individual configuration and status checks.