Abb Robotics: Optimization of Remote Service Solution: Designing a Global Wireless Computer Network for Large Installations

This report describes a thesis work carried out at ABB Robotics in Västerås. Theobjective was to find technologies and equipments for wireless networks suitable for the present and future needs of ABB Robotics Remote Servicefor large installations in industrial environments. ABB Robotics has a Remote Service solution to securely gather information fromrobots, manage alarms and potentially execute remote commands by ABB Robotics. This solution consists of an intelligent Service Box plugged to the robot. This ServiceBox is also connected through GPRS or directly through Internet to create a secureVPN connection to a central Remote Service server. The Remote Service Box is wellsuited for customers with 1-10 robots with plug and play installation, but showlimitations at a larger scale of deployment due to equipment costs, network andinstallation complexity. A new Service Box is planned that will accommodate future added functionality toRemote Service. This Service Box will require new network solutions as the addedfunctionality is depending on a higher bandwidth than the GPRS networks candeliver. A new network was designed to provide wireless connectivitv on a global scale.