ISA100.11a Wireless Solutions for Industrial Automation

ShortRangeWireless delivers interoperable, secure, and real-time ISA100.11a systems for process automation and control

Driving Industrial Reliability and Digital Transformation with ISA100.11a Wireless Solutions

ISA100.11a is a standards-based wireless communication protocol designed to meet the demanding needs of industrial process automation. It offers deterministic performance, robust security, and seamless integration with both modern and legacy systems. Operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, ISA100.11a provides scalable, mesh-based wireless networking ideal for monitoring, control, and diagnostics in complex industrial environments. Its object-oriented architecture and native IPv6 support enable long-term system flexibility, while advanced QoS mechanisms ensure time-sensitive data delivery.

As more industries move toward Industry 4.0, ISA100.11a offers a future-proof path to digital transformation. It is widely deployed in sectors like oil & gas, chemicals, power generation, and pharmaceuticals where safety, uptime, and precision are non-negotiable. ShortRangeWireless brings end-to-end ISA100.11a solutions to B2B clients across North America. From field deployment to system integration, we help enterprises streamline operations, minimize wiring costs, and improve real-time visibility.

Trusted Hardware, Software & Cloud Ecosystem

In addition to offering products and systems developed by our team and trusted partners for ISA100.11a, we are proud to carry top-tier technologies from Global Advanced Operations Tek Inc. (GAO Tek Inc.) and Global Advanced Operations RFID Inc. (GAO RFID Inc.). These reliable, high-quality products and systems enhance our ability to deliver comprehensive technologies, integrations, and services you can trust. Where relevant, we have provided direct links to select products and systems from GAO Tek Inc. and GAO RFID Inc.

Core Components

Hardware

  • ISA100.11a Field Devices – Paired with Motion & Position Sensors for BLE-enabled wireless sensing in industrial automation.
  • Wireless Gateways – Supported by Zigbee Gateways/Hubs to enable BLE communication across industrial mesh networks.
  • System Managers – Matched with Cellular IoT Accessories to enhance BLE network control through reliable device interconnectivity.
  • I/O Devices – Integrated with NB-IoT End Devices to convert BLE signals for legacy system interoperability.
  • Redundant Access Points – Reinforced by BLE Gateways, Beacons & Accessories to ensure BLE-based communication continuity in critical operations.

Software

  • Network Management Tools – Provide real-time visibility, diagnostics, and configuration of wireless nodes and network topology.
  • Security Management – Enforce authentication, encryption, and secure key exchange per ISA100.11a standards.
  • Device Calibration Utilities – Streamline calibration, firmware upgrades, and version control.

Cloud Services

  • Cloud Dashboards – Enable remote system oversight, alert notifications, and predictive analytics from anywhere.
  • Data Integration APIs – Allow integration with third-party SCADA, MES, or ERP systems.
  • Reporting Engines – Generate compliance reports, performance KPIs, and historical trend analysis for industrial audits.

Integrations and Compatibility

Industrial Integration: Supports integration with Yokogawa, Honeywell, Emerson, ABB, and Siemens control systems

Protocol Support: OPC-UA, Modbus, PROFINET, and HART compatibility via ISA100.11a adapters

Legacy Support: Easily connects older wired sensors to wireless infrastructure using I/O modules

Cloud Platforms: Integrates with AWS IoT, Microsoft Azure, and custom enterprise platforms

Key Features and Functionalities
  • Native support for IPv6 and routing over mesh and star topologies
  • Deterministic, low-latency communication suitable for control applications
  • Redundant gateway and failover capability
  • AES-128 encryption with centralized key management
  • Flexible network scheduling and Quality-of-Service (QoS) profiles
  • Seamless device interoperability with other ISA100 Wireless-compliant vendors
  • Designed for coexistence with other wireless technologies (e.g., Wi-Fi, WirelessHART)
  • Reduces costs associated with traditional cabling and maintenance
  • Enables flexible network deployment in hard-to-wire or hazardous zones
  • Improves worker safety by minimizing physical access to remote or dangerous areas
  • Scales from small localized installations to plant-wide automation networks
  • Ensures long-term support with industry-standard compliance and multi-vendor support
  • Provides high data accuracy and fast response times for process-critical applications
  • Pipeline monitoring and flow control
  • Environmental and emissions tracking in regulated zones
  • Real-time diagnostics of turbines, compressors, and pumps
  • Batch process monitoring in chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing
  • Condition-based maintenance systems
  • Distributed asset tracking and remote site monitoring
  • Oil & Gas (upstream, midstream, refining)
  • Power Generation & Utilities
  • Chemical & Petrochemical Plants
  • Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
  • Food & Beverage Manufacturing
  • Pulp & Paper Mills
  • Mining & Minerals Processing
  • ISA100.11a Standard (IEC 62734)
  • IEEE 802.15.4
  • FCC Part 15 (U.S.)
  • ISED RSS-247 and RSS-GEN (Canada)

Case Study

United States

Natural Gas Compressor Station (Texas)

A large midstream natural gas operator implemented ISA100.11a networks across multiple compressor stations to monitor pressure, temperature, and vibration in real-time. Using ShortRangeWireless gateways and field devices, they achieved a 45% reduction in unplanned shutdowns. Integration with their SCADA system enabled remote diagnostics, while predictive maintenance alerts improved overall reliability and uptime

United States

U.S. Case Study 2 – Chemical Blending Facility (Illinois)

A specialty chemical manufacturer deployed ISA100.11a wireless temperature and level sensors across blending tanks and storage silos. The implementation reduced manual inspections by 70% and enabled automation of batch processes. The secure wireless architecture allowed easy expansion and remote access, enhancing both safety and productivity across the site

Canada

Canadian Case Study – Pharmaceutical Plant (Ontario)

A pharmaceutical company in Ontario required GMP-compliant wireless monitoring for cleanroom environmental conditions. ShortRangeWireless deployed ISA100.11a-based wireless temperature and humidity sensors with secure cloud-based dashboards. The system passed regulatory validation, provided real-time data access for audits, and eliminated legacy data loggers prone to error or data loss

Ready to implement ISA100.11a wireless automation in your facility?

Contact ShortRangeWireless to speak with our technical specialists. We’re here to assist with solution design, system integration, and product selection tailored to your industrial needs.