Where fieldbus systems can’t go any further, the W&T Web-IOs in Box-to-Box mode use network technology for transmitting the switching signals. The existing infrastructure right up to the internet can be easily employed and the cabling effort minimized.

Another advantage of network tunneling is its flexibility. If a location changes, the Web-IO Digital only needs to be connected at the new location to a free network port and if needed configured for the new network.

Cable losses and cross-talk problems mean that switching signals cannot be extended beyond some limit. Common fieldbus systems do minimize cabling effort and extend the possible distances that can be bridged, but this technology also quickly meets its limits.