Throughput of an IEEE 802.11 Wireless Network in the Presence of Wireless Audio Transmission: A Laboratory Analysis

Wireless networks, including IEEE 802.11-based or Wi-Fi networks, are inexpensive and easy to install and therefore serve as useful connectivity alternatives in areas lacking wired-network infrastructure. However, IEEE 802.11 networks may not always provide the seamless connectivity and minimal throughput required for Industry 4.0 communications because of their susceptibility to interference from other devices operating in the unlicensed “Industrial, Scientific, and Medical” frequency band. Here we analyzed how a wireless audio transmitter operating on this band influences the throughput of an IEEE 802.11 b/g/n network under laboratory conditions. Wireless audio transmission reduced mean throughput by 85%, rendering the IEEE 802.11 b/g/n network nearly unusable. Our analysis suggests that in order for IEEE 802.11 wireless networks to support Industrial 4.0 applications, attention should be paid to the physical layer as well as the data or upper layers, and critical services should not transmit on the 2.4 GHz band. These findings may contribute to understanding and managing IEEE 802.11 wireless networks in various Industry 4.0 contexts.