Rockwell Automation Adds New Wireless Options to Stratix 4300

Rockwell Automation’s Stratix® 4300 Remote Access Router is a dedicated platform for the FactoryTalk® Remote Access™ Manager software. This integration enables support for installation, programming updates, on-the-spot troubleshooting, and maintenance when travel isn't possible.

The Stratix 4300 offers users ethernet connectivity through either Cellular LTE or Wi-Fi. Image used courtesy of Rockwell Automation

The Stratix 4300 router is designed for machine builders and OEMs, allowing them to securely manage remote systems and their subnetworks. It features two or five 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports. Traditionally offered only as a wired unit, Rockwell has recently added wireless capability to the Stratix 4300 router.

Rockwell Automation Releases a Wireless Version of the Stratix 4300

Rockwell Automation has recently released its latest update to the Stratix 4300, which includes wireless capability. The wireless integration features both cellular LTE and Wi-Fi options, including:

• Ethernet only (existing product with 2 or 5 ports)
• Ethernet and Wi-Fi (2 or 5 ports)
• Ethernet and LTE (2 or 5 ports)
• Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and LTE (2 or 5 ports)

Using wireless gives extended capabilities over the wired version of the Stratix 4300, which may be beneficial in some applications.

Rockwell hopes that the addition of wireless connectivity will ensure users reduce downtime and maintain uptime by eliminating the need for wired ethernet connections where they may be undesirable or impossible to install.

The Stratix 4300 will remain a dedicated platform for the FactoryTalk® Remote Access™ solution. This means it will provide VPN connectivity to industrial networks, enhancing visibility throughout a user's facility. Each Stratix 4300 unit comes with FactoryTalk Remote Access pre-installed. Plants with flexible locations for their Stratix 4300 can access various supporting accessories, such as antennas and mounting options.

Key benefits of using FactoryTalk Remote Access with the Stratix 4300 include a NAT 1:1 feature that maps internal addresses (LAN) to external addresses (WAN or VPN) and the capability for remote updates. This allows customers to easily update the Stratix 4300 using FactoryTalk Hub.

Key Features of the Stratix 4300

Rockwell Automation has ensured that the setup of the Stratix 4300 is now easier than ever via an intuitive user interface. Configuration changes are not necessary for existing devices in the network to help reduce the time for installation or downtime whenever a system change needs to be implemented. In addition, remote machine access is available so engineers and technicians can troubleshoot and update programs from a distance.

The Stratix 4300 Remote Access Router (1783-RA2TGB). Image used courtesy of Rockwell Automation

Trusted devices are automatically authenticated via cloud access. This ensures that remote access is available through a two-factor authentication process for registered users. With a VPN tunnel and integrated firewall, all communication can be monitored and controlled between devices. With profiling and control access, the system can automatically provide different access limits restricting those with lower-level access profiles using contributing users, administrators, and limited user structure.