WirelessHART Network

Abstract

A WirelessHART mesh network consists of several different kinds of devices. The majority of nodes in a WirelessHART network are field devices that either collect process data or control some process. All devices are capable of routing. Some might only act as routers. The access points are the routers between the gateway and all other devices. The communication between the access point and the gateway is assumed to be robust and does not take up wireless bandwidth. The gateway is the interface between the wireless network and host applications. The gateway also serves as the bridge between the network and the network manager which controls the join, configuration, maintenance, and all other network management duties. The security manager manages the keys used at both the network and data link layers. Two special network device types are also defined by the WirelessHART standard, the adaptor and the handheld. The adaptor serves as the master in the wired HART network to provide communications to the wired devices through the wireless network. A handheld is normally carried by field personnel and used for maintenance and troubleshooting in the plant. Unlike other WirelessHART device types, the handheld is designed to be mobile and it is expected that it will connect to multiple WirelessHART networks and devices. Please refer to the Wireless Devices Specification (HCF_SPEC-290) for more details.