Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology is a wireless communication method in use for decades, trusted by the U.S. military and adopted across industrial IoT networks. Scott Allen, CMO of FreeWave, identifies three persistent myths about FHSS that IT decision makers encounter as OT and IT networks converge.
What is FHSS?
Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS) technology is a viable option that has been around for decades. With the right solution in place, FHSS technology is reliable and robust enough to get important data from the field back to the central office. With newer, high-speed and high-throughput options, it can be ideal for helping solve modern convergence challenges. In our previously article we provide more information about converged networks.
FHSS technology is well-known for its use in OT networks in industrial settings, but the IT side might not be as familiar with the technology. There are a number of myths about FHSS technology that need to be clarified in order for an IT decision maker to understand its potential. Today we’re going to bust three big myths:
Is FHSS Technology Secure Enough for Industrial IoT?
FHSS technology is secure for industrial IoT networks because its signal constantly hops across the spectrum, making it difficult to jam or intercept. Some manufacturers also add a second layer of protection through 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption on top of the built-in frequency hopping defense. The 900 MHz unlicensed spectrum does not reduce security when these protections are in place.
Does a Crowded Spectrum Hurt FHSS Performance?
FHSS technology performs reliably even in congested radio environments because frequency hopping allows it to identify and use better channels automatically. Rather than staying fixed on one frequency, the technology moves across the spectrum, avoiding interference. The U.S. military has relied on FHSS for decades in high-stakes operational settings where reliable communication is critical.
Is FHSS Limited to Oil and Gas or Military Use?
FHSS technology is used well beyond oil and gas and military environments. According to Scott Allen, CMO of FreeWave, FHSS networks are actively deployed in oceanic monitoring, healthcare asset tracking, electric vehicle testing, plant automation, aquarium research, and golf course communications, showing that the technology applies broadly across sectors as OT and IT teams converge.
Here are a handful of unique ways FHSS is currently being used:
- Oceanic Monitoring and mapping
- Auto and Boat Racing
- Testing for Electric Cars
- Plant Automation
- Asset Tracking in Healthcare
- Golf Course Communications and Golf Cart Monitoring
- Aquarium research
Where Does FHSS Fit in Converged Networks?
FHSS technology fits well in converged OT and IT network architectures, particularly where data must travel from the access layer back to a central business office. As IT decision makers take on greater responsibility for operational technology networks, FHSS provides a proven wireless option that bridges the gap between field equipment and enterprise systems without requiring licensed spectrum.
The article was written by Scott Allen, CMO of FreeWave. Scott is responsible for product life cycle/management, GTM execution, demand generation and brand creation/expansion strategies.
