Wi-Fi in the cleanroom: what special considerations should be taken into account?

In companies, a conventional LAN connection has so far been used when a network that is equally secure and high-performing should be set up. However, increasingly, WLAN networks could also become a flexible alternative: new standards allow higher bandwidths, and employees can work independently of location. In times of Industry 4.0 and Big Data, comprehensive WLAN access may soon be indispensable in many companies. Does this also apply to work in cleanrooms?

Special features in cleanrooms: careful planning is necessary

In principle, there is no objection to installing a WLAN network even in a cleanroom. The fact that wireless networks have so far been used mainly outside has a simple reason: to ensure air purity, modifications and changes are only possible with very considerable effort. Unlike in the rest of the company, a simple installation of an access point to achieve complete WLAN coverage in the cleanroom is not possible. However, if work must be carried out at different locations on the company premises, comprehensive full coverage is hardly dispensable — otherwise, employee productivity is compromised. These two aspects lead to two conclusions:

1. In most companies, full coverage with the wireless network can no longer be dispensed with in the future if employee performance is not to suffer.

2. Because the effort for structural modifications in a cleanroom is particularly high, preparations must be made with even greater care.

When planning a new WLAN network, those responsible must determine the user density in advance and also find out how many users will access the wireless network simultaneously per access point. Furthermore, the structural conditions, especially in connection with the cleanroom, should be examined. The special shielding of these rooms must not be overlooked; thick walls, window fronts, and steel elements significantly influence the transmission power. Additionally, the question arises as to which applications should be used via WLAN. A high data throughput also places higher demands on the transmission standard. Modern planning tools can simulate WLAN coverage, allowing the necessary number and optimal placement of access points to be determined in advance.

Properly securing a wireless network

Another aspect in connection with the wireless network is, of course, security. On the one hand, the coverage should encompass the entire company premises; on the other hand, it should not extend significantly beyond — this makes it easier for hackers to gain access without having to enter the premises. Additionally, the routers used should be equipped with Protected Management Frames, which prevent attackers from gaining control over an access point. Encryption should also meet high standards: while WPA2 is still considered sufficiently secure in private environments, the corporate WLAN should always be secured in enterprise mode with IEEE 802.1x. The security level is highest here because the WLAN password is additionally linked to very specific employee access credentials. Corresponding security software can also be used to minimize risks. The Kaspersky Password Manager generates secure passwords and automatically inputs them at the right place. It is therefore not enough to simply know the network key and connect to the network. When dealing with highly sensitive data, the question also arises whether the wireless network should even be used for this purpose. In such cases, it may still be better to transfer data via a conventional network cable. Ultimately, it becomes clear that wireless networks will increasingly gain importance in companies in the future and enhance employee productivity — the cleanroom will not be an exception in this regard.