Belden Announces Hilcos Wlan Firmware Update

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New HiLCOS 8.50 firmware integrates Hirschmann® Access Points and Clients into Profinet and Ethernet/IP Networks without the need for additional management software.

St. Louis , MO, April 12, 2011 (PressReleasePoint) -- Belden, a global leader in signal transmission solutions for mission-critical applications, has launched HiLCOS 8.50, an updated version of its established WLAN firmware. New to this firmware version is the ability to integrate Hirschmann Access Points and Clients into Siemens’ Step 7 (Profinet) and Rockwell’s RSLogix 5000 (Ethernet/IP) automation software without requiring additional management software, thus allowing flexible administration. All devices from the Hirschmann BAT54 and BAT300 WLAN Series delivered in the future will have HiLCOS 8.50 firmware installed as standard. To enable customers to update older access points and clients, the firmware is also available for download free-of-charge at: www.e-catalog.beldensolutions.com.

The use of protocol stacks for Profinet I/O and the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) from Ethernet/IP makes it possible to visualize access points via the network controllers. In that way, WLAN devices can be both easily configured and securely monitored. Over and above this, the firmware provides a number of WLAN-specific functions which are also available via the controllers. These include the signal strength and data rate of the wireless connection. It is also possible to define threshold values and link these to alarms.

Belden's introduction of HiLCOS 8.50 will give further impetus to the successful use of WLAN in industrial environments. As Sven Burkard, Belden’s Product Manager for Networking and Connectivity Products, reports: "Profinet and Ethernet/IP are currently used in around 30 percent of all automation systems worldwide. This new firmware means WLAN networks can now easily be used with such systems, opening up completely new perspectives in the automobile industry, or in sectors such as oil and gas."

For more information contact Hirschmann, A BELDEN BRAND, 1540 Orchard Drive, Chambersburg, PA 17201, Telephone: 1.719.217.2299. Fax: 719.217.2279. Website: www.belden.com .

About Belden
St. Louis-based Belden Inc designs, manufactures, and markets cable, connectivity and networking products in markets including industrial automation, enterprise, transportation, infrastructure, and consumer electronics. It has approximately 7,000 employees, and provides value for industrial automation, enterprise, education, healthcare, entertainment and broadcast, sound and security, transportation, infrastructure, consumer electronics and other industries. Belden has manufacturing capabilities in North America, Europe and Asia, and a market presence in nearly every region of the world. Belden was founded in 1902, and today is a leader with some of the strongest brands in the signal transmission industry. For more information, visit www.belden.com.
Belden® Contact: Chris Long, 804.516.9787
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