Why German engineering delivers long-term value in Australia
Industrial networks in Australia face some tough conditions. Extreme heat, long distances and remote installations all put equipment reliability to the test.
A failed communication device can mean more than a replacement part. It can mean production downtime, lost data and an expensive technician call-out.
At TE Automation, we believe the most expensive piece of hardware is often the one that fails in the field.
That’s why we specialise in industrial communication solutions from German manufacturer Wiesemann & Theis (W&T).
Low-cost alternatives may look attractive initially. But integration limitations, reliability issues and additional support costs can quickly outweigh the initial savings.
Here are six ways W&T technology helps Australian businesses build more reliable industrial networks.
Traditional remote I/O modules often rely on a PLC or external gateway to communicate with higher-level IT systems.
W&T Web-IO 4.0 offers a more flexible approach. It combines remote monitoring and control with built-in web functionality and modern communication protocols.
Key advantages:
The Web-IO 4.0 Digital 12x In / 12x Out (57730) is one of our standout products.
It provides 24 digital channels in one compact DIN-rail device.
With 12 digital inputs and 12 outputs, it offers an excellent balance of monitoring and control.
Typical applications include:
The integrated functionality reduces the need for separate input and output modules. It also saves valuable panel space and simplifies installation.
The advantage: More functionality in one device, with flexible integration into modern industrial networks.
RS232, RS422 and RS485 interfaces remain widely used in Australian industry.
They are found in PLCs, CNC machines, flow meters, energy meters and industrial controllers.
Replacing this equipment simply because it uses serial communication is often unnecessary.
The W&T Com-Server connects serial devices to Ethernet networks, allowing existing equipment to communicate with modern IP-based systems.
Key advantages:
The Com-Server++ offers more than basic serial-to-Ethernet conversion. Its integrated Modbus/TCP gateway functionality makes it particularly useful for connecting legacy Modbus/RTU equipment to modern automation networks.
The advantage: Keep existing industrial equipment connected without costly replacements or complicated networking workarounds.
USB devices are still essential in industrial automation, measurement technology and specialised applications.
However, USB cable lengths are limited. Devices connected directly to a local PC can also be difficult to access remotely.
The W&T USB Device Server solves this problem by making physical USB devices available to remote computers over an IP network.
Supported applications include USB licence dongles, measurement instruments, scanners, cameras and other specialised peripherals.
Key advantages:
A particularly useful feature is remote power control.
If a connected USB device becomes unresponsive, its power can be switched remotely on supported models. This can save an unnecessary site visit just to unplug and reconnect a device.
The advantage: Make USB equipment accessible where you need it, without being physically connected to the host computer.
Temperature and climate monitoring are essential in server rooms, cold storage facilities and remote industrial installations.
Many monitoring solutions rely on proprietary cloud platforms and recurring subscriptions.
W&T Web-Thermometers offer a different approach.
They provide built-in web functionality and flexible integration with existing IT and automation infrastructure.
Key advantages:
Measurements can be made available to existing SCADA, MES and IT systems. This allows businesses to retain control of their data and monitoring infrastructure.
The advantage: Reliable environmental monitoring with flexible integration and no compulsory cloud dependency.
Industrial environments can be electrically demanding.
Long copper communication cables are vulnerable to electromagnetic interference, ground potential differences and lightning-induced surges.
Glass fibre-optic communication offers a much safer alternative for these applications.
W&T fibre-optic solutions provide reliable data transmission over distances of up to 3.8 km, depending on the product and fibre type.
Key advantages:
Unlike copper cables, optical fibre does not conduct electricity. This makes it particularly suitable for connecting equipment across electrically separated locations.
The advantage: Reliable industrial communication without the electrical interference and isolation problems associated with long copper connections.
Upgrading older industrial facilities with modern Ethernet can be expensive.
Installing new conduits, trenching and pulling kilometres of network cable can quickly increase project costs.
W&T Single Pair Ethernet solutions offer an interesting alternative.
The SPE Network Extender uses the 10BASE-T1L standard to transmit Ethernet over a single pair of copper conductors.
Key advantages:
This opens up new possibilities for modernising existing facilities.
Suitable telephone cables and decommissioned RS485 or Profibus cabling may be reused, subject to cable condition and electrical specifications.
Remote IP cameras, controllers and other Ethernet devices can therefore be connected without necessarily installing an entirely new cable infrastructure.
The advantage: Extend modern Ethernet connectivity while potentially avoiding expensive cabling upgrades.
Want to learn more about Single Pair Ethernet? Texas Instruments explains how 10BASE-T1L technology is transforming industrial connectivity, enabling long-distance Ethernet communication over a single pair of wires while reducing cabling complexity.
Read the Texas Instruments article here
Choosing industrial communication equipment is about more than the initial purchase price.
Reliability, integration flexibility and long-term support all contribute to the total cost of ownership.
Wiesemann & Theis has decades of experience developing specialist industrial communication products in Germany.
The advantages include:
At TE Automation, we supply specialist W&T industrial communication solutions to Australian and New Zealand businesses.
We help engineers, system integrators, OEMs and industrial customers find practical solutions for demanding communication applications.
Whether you need to connect legacy serial equipment, monitor remote I/O, access USB devices, extend Ethernet over existing cabling or improve network isolation, we can help.
Don’t just compare the purchase price. Consider the long-term cost of keeping your network running.
Visit https://teautomation.com.au or contact TE Automation to discuss your next industrial communication project.
TE Automation – Connecting industrial technology, simplifying communication.
