IO-Link Wireless: The Role of Equipment Communications and Standards

Ofer Blonskey

Ofer Blonskey, CTO&VP Services

| 9 July, 2024
IO-Link Wireless: The Role of Equipment Communications and Standards
Ofer Blonskey
For manufacturers looking to remain competitive in the modern industrial environment, investing in IO-Link Wireless is a smart decision. It not only optimizes device communication, but also paves the way for advanced features such as predictive maintenance and process optimization.

Ofer Blonskey

CTO

With Industry 4.0 dictating industrial digitalization, the world of manufacturing is evolving at a fast pace. To ensure seamless operations with the new technologies, factory and production managers need to focus on seamless communications between equipment and systems on the factory floor. 

IO-Link Wireless is a game-changing protocol that optimizes equipment communications and standards on the factory floor. Let’s take a closer look at the role of IO-Link Wireless in modern manufacturing, its benefits, and how it addresses the equipment communications challenges.

IO-Link CoreTigo

Industrial Revolution Streamlines Equipment Communications and Standards

The fourth industrial revolution brought along a new era of connectivity and automation. Unlike previous industrial revolutions, Industry 4.0 focuses on the integration of smart devices and applications that communicate with each other in real time. This interconnectedness enables autonomous decision-making, leading to increased efficiency and productivity.

In this context, equipment communications and standards play a leading role. The ability to generate, harness, and manipulate large amounts of data is essential for optimizing operations and making informed decisions. However, achieving seamless communication between diverse equipment and systems requires a comprehensive approach and the right protocol. While IO-Link can simplify communications tremendously, IO-Link Wireless can take it to a new level.

The Need for Continuous Communications in an Industrial Setting

For manufacturers, continuous communication is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Modern production lines are equipped with a wide range of devices and machinery, each with its own communication protocols and software. This diversity can lead to communication bottlenecks and inefficiencies.

The need for continuous communication becomes even more critical in the context of Industry 4.0. Smart devices and applications must exchange data in real time to enable predictive maintenance, process optimization, and other advanced features. 

Without reliable communication standards, these benefits remain out of reach. IO-Link Wireless addresses this challenge by providing a robust communication protocol that’s designed for the demands of modern manufacturing environments.

 Communications in an Industrial Setting

Challenges of Equipment Communications on the Factory Floor

Even with the latest technologies in play, equipment communications come with a number of challenges.

Compatibility Problems 

The sheer diversity of equipment from different vendors creates compatibility issues. Each device may use protocols that don’t easily integrate with others. This can lead to fragmented communication networks.

Legacy Equipment 

Legacy equipment often lacks the capabilities needed for modern communication standards. Many older machines were not designed with interoperability in mind, and require retrofitting. That’s why it can be difficult to integrate them into a unified communication framework. Upgrading or replacing these machines can be costly and time-consuming.

Latency and Response Time

In manufacturing environments, machines and systems often need to communicate instantaneously to ensure seamless workflows and precise coordination.

High latency can disrupt the synchronization between various pieces of equipment, which is essential for processes like assembly lines, robotic automation, and quality control.

For instance, in a highly automated production line, even a slight delay in communication can cause misalignment between end-of-arm devices on robots. This can lead to defects, production halts, or safety hazards.

Equipment Communications with IO-Link Wireless

IO-Link Wireless offers a solution to these challenges by providing a standardized communication protocol that’s both fast and unbound by cables. Unlike traditional wired communication systems, IO-Link Wireless eliminates the need for physical connections, reducing installation costs and increasing flexibility.

One of the key advantages of IO-Link Wireless is its ability to integrate both modern and legacy equipment. By using standardized interfaces, IO-Link Wireless ensures that devices from different vendors can communicate seamlessly. This interoperability simplifies the process of connecting diverse equipment and helps manufacturers to create a unified communication network.

Improving Factory Floor Communications 

By providing a standardized, wireless communication protocol, IO-Link Wireless simplifies the integration of diverse equipment and supports the real-time data exchange needed for Industry 4.0 applications.

For manufacturers looking to stay competitive in the modern industrial landscape, investing in IO-Link Wireless is a smart move. It doesn’t just streamline equipment communications but also paves the way for advanced features like predictive maintenance and process optimization.

Ready to transform your factory floor with IO-Link Wireless? Explore our range of industrial wireless solutions and start your journey towards seamless equipment communication today.

Frequently Asked Questions about IO-Link Wireless

What is IO-Link Wireless?

IO-Link Wireless is an extension of the IO-Link communication protocol that uses wireless technology to connect sensors, actuators, and other devices on the factory floor. It offers the same benefits as traditional IO-Link, such as standardized communication and easy integration, but with the added flexibility of wireless connectivity.

What is the function of IO-Link?

The primary function of IO-Link is to facilitate communication between sensors, actuators, and control systems. It provides a standardized interface that enables data exchange and device configuration.

What frequency is IO-Link Wireless?

IO-Link Wireless operates in the globally available 2.4 GHz ISM band. This frequency is widely used for industrial applications due to its reliability and resistance to interference.


Ofer is an experienced development manager with over 10 years in communication system development with expertise in Radio Frequency (RF), PHY algorithms and embedded software. Prior to founding CoreTigo, Ofer led development teams of RF, PHY algorithm, embedded software and System at Apple Inc., developing amongst other products the renowned Apple Watch. Prior to that, Ofer was part of the R&D division at Texas Instruments involved in a variety of  wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC.
Ofer holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) degree in Electrical Engineering from Ben-Gurion University.