Not long ago, the most important equipment inside a distribution center was shelving and forklifts. Today, it’s technology. Automation at every phase of operations has optimized, streamlined, and transformed processes. Even human staffing is being replaced by robots.
Supporting all of that and more is the network — specifically, a hardwired digital network. Even as wireless technology improves with WiFi 7 and other connectivity options, including LoRa, Bluetooth, and near-field, hard-wired connectivity remains the only solution that meets the demands of distribution centers.
Ensure Warehouse Network Reliability
The reliability of a distribution center network starts at the exterior wall where its broadband connection enters. Not all broadband or hardwired connections are the same. Distribution centers require the most robust bandwidth available. The go-to is a high-speed fiber optic line. Not even the best coaxial connection can deliver the speed and bandwidth of fiber optic.
Fiber Optic Performance
- Download: 300 Mbps – 5+ Gbps
- Upload: 300 Mbps – 5+ Gbps
- Latency: ~1 – 5 ms
Coaxial Performance
- Download: 100 Mbps – 1.2 Gbps
- Upload: 10 Mbps – 50 Mbps
- Latency: ~10 – 30 ms
However, a fast broadband line into your building doesn’t ensure rapid, reliable connectivity within a facility. For that, distribution centers should adopt Cat6 Ethernet. Cat6 is a relatively new option that replaced Cat5e, which had been the standard for facilities since the late nineties.
Cat5e Performance
- Max Speed: 1 Gbps
- Practical Speed: 1 Gbps
- Max Distance @ Max Speed: 100 meters at 1 Gbps
Cat6 Performance
- Max Speed: 10 Gbps
- Practical Speed: 1–10 Gbps
- Max Distance @ Max Speed: 55 meters at 10 Gbps and 100 meters at 1 Gbps
Using fiber-optic and Cat6 fortifies distribution center networks with the fastest, most reliable hardwired connectivity. Not only is that crucial for today’s technology demands, but that type of network backbone will future-proof facilities for upcoming innovations and expansion of AI, robotics, and security.
Wireless Networking Is Wrong for Modern Warehouse Automation
Wireless networking is attractive for its simplicity and cost. There is no costly cable to purchase, no installation runs to be made, and you get a much simpler server room to manage. But the simplicity of wireless is also its downfall. Its lack of robustness introduces challenges with electrical interference, congestion, high latency, and jitters.
Within a home, all of those conditions are likely acceptable. Inside a distribution facility, they become a productivity and profit killer. Even brief packet loss can cascade into downtime or safety shutdowns. What’s more, distribution warehouses are especially prone to packet loss. Why? They are hostile environments for radio frequencies (RF). All of the metal racking, moving forklifts and robotics, the number of devices, and the frequent reconfiguration of floor plans create RF barriers. Plus, as operations scale, facilities need to continually relocate signal repeaters and boosters to find the new optimal configuration. With hardwired connections, what’s in place always works and can be easily expanded without degrading network performance.
There are also greater security risks when relying on wireless. Because it’s a radio frequency, it’s open to eavesdropping by interested attackers. With a fully hardwired network, there are no rogue access points, network segmentation is easier to accomplish, and network managers can isolate critical systems.
Distribution facilities will likely have some degree of a wireless network. Its existence is driven by a need for worker mobility. Managers and supervisors who need to stay connected while moving through the facility. It is also required for mobile robots, wearables, scanners, and other automations. Ideally, the wireless network is used sparingly and only as needed. When possible, all devices should be connected to the network via a hardwire.
A good way to think about it is this. Wired is the choice for the network backbone, as well as control, safety, and time-critical systems. Wireless should be used for mobility or when flexibility is required.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Business with UCaaS?
UCaaS is a must-have for future-proofing your business’s IT infrastructure and operations. Identifying and deploying the best way to achieve it comes from working with an expert. Matrix-NDI solves the challenges of your business operations by unlocking the full ROI of your technology investments. We design and install networks built for maximum speed and perfectly matched to bandwidth demands.
Why work with Matrix-NDI?
With on-staff Registered Communications Distribution Designers (RCDDs), coast-to-coast service coverage, and partnerships with leading data networking providers—including Extreme Networks, Nile, and others—Matrix-NDI delivers the expertise and reach to support your technology goals. We invite you to connect with us to see how our expertise, partnerships, and national reach can help solve your challenges.
Contact Matrix-NDI to get started. Let’s build smarter, safer, more connected spaces — together.
