What Is Highly Critical Wireless Networking (HCWN)

Abstract

A Highly Critical Wireless Network (HCWN) may consist of several interconnected communications devices used to support a critical function. HCWN are commercial wireless systems that use the TCPIP digital protocols, which are beginning to dominate our communications infrastructure and reshape our industrial base. Variations on these TCPIP communications protocols, using high or low power signals, have names such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-Wave, cellular mobile radio, or mesh networks. Highly Critical Wireless Networks are now part of every industry, and are fast becoming required features in our new cars, airplanes, utilities, and work environments. HCWN technology can also be found in widespread use throughout developing countries in Africa and Asia where construction of a wired infrastructure was skipped in favor of deployment of mobile equipment and other digital devices that connect wirelessly to the Internet [1].