What is the difference between wired and wireless?

Until recently, wired BMS were preferred for their reliability. Although, labour and time-intensive retrofitting processes meant they were more expensive to integrate.

So, cost efficiency, plus the evolution of IoT, may point to wireless systems being the obvious choice. However, these are often based on a single central control unit, which are vulnerable to signal disruption and battery life issues. This potential unreliability and lack of longevity often undermines user confidence despite cost efficiency.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) surveys, which assess potential interference to an existing wireless BMS, were an intended solution for the signal disruption issues. The surveys find interference caused by other wireless smart devices and exterior forces like nearby train lines.

But these survey results can quickly become obsolete as a result of the rapidly evolving business environment and its equipment. Yet another blow to the reputation of wireless systems.

Somehow wireless still looks likely to dominate the future BMS market. So, what’s changed?

Less cost, more convenience

The initial cost of either installing a wired system or retrofitting it within complex structures discourages many organisations.

This is where wireless shines. Installation can be easily adapted to existing facilities without excessive cost or interruption. Plus, the previous restrictive costs have disappeared thanks to affordable business quality data transmissions.

Is wireless the clear winner?

Not quite. Labour and installation costs aside, the guaranteed reliability and constant power supply of wired systems is still an invaluable asset for many. While a blocked signal can negate the effectiveness of wireless systems completely, wired systems are shaped according to a facility’s macrostructure, making them less likely to be compromised by major spatial change.