Wi-Fi or 4G cloud uplink
Gateways upload data over Wi-Fi or a built-in 4G LTE module; the 4G option uses a customer-supplied SIM, ideal for sites or remote plant rooms where fixed-line cabling is impractical.
IoTGeneral applications
BLN wireless IoT platform
BLE/BT5.0 sensing · Wi-Fi/4G cloud uplink · confined-space & site safety
BLE/BT5.0 wireless sensing with industrial gateways and cloud monitoring over Wi-Fi or 4G — built for site, drainage and confined-space safety.
Overview
Challenges
- New Forward deploys the BLN wireless IoT platform as the communication and aggregation layer between field sensors and the cloud.
- On site, low-power wireless links connect beacons and wearables of every kind; an industrial gateway collects the data and synchronises it in real time to a cloud / web back-end over Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) or 4G LTE — using a customer-supplied SIM, so deployments can go live with no fixed-line internet on site — while pushing alerts to phones and tablets.
Solution Design
- Depending on the project model and antenna configuration, the RF receiver supports Bluetooth 5.0 and the Long-Range coded PHY, reaching up to roughly 200 m in open conditions (actual range depends on obstacles, interference and mounting height).
- A single gateway connects 20+ sensor nodes, and external / extension receiving antennas can push the sensing edge into tunnels, manholes, chambers and other enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces to improve coverage.
- Selected industrial gateways carry a high-capacity lithium-battery backup that keeps them running for several days through brief outages or temporary power, making them ideal for mobile site deployment; with 220 V plug-and-play, they resume operation the moment power is restored after relocation.
Core Benefits
- The hardware uses a UV-resistant ABS enclosure rated IP66, with an operating range of about −25°C to +75°C for outdoor and harsh field conditions.
- The platform accepts smart watches / wearable beacons (e.g.
Deployment & Operations
- abnormal body-temperature and heart-rate alerts), safety-harness sensing, smart-helmet modules, water-ingress / flooding detection and temperature probes, and can take in third-party devices via open I/O — serving as the foundation layer for toxic-gas and confined-space monitoring, equipment-status and environmental monitoring, and integrating readily with existing ELV / management platforms.
Gallery
Key features
BT5.0 long-range reception
Supports Bluetooth 5.0 and the Long-Range coded PHY, with reception up to roughly 200 m in open conditions (site-dependent), and zone- or geofence-style logic.
Battery backup & extension antennas
Industrial gateways can carry a built-in lithium battery that keeps them running for several days during outages; receiving antennas extend into confined spaces to improve coverage in deep shafts, chambers and similar locations.
Multi-sensor & wearable onboarding
A single gateway connects 20+ sensor nodes — wearable alerts, harness / helmet modules, water-ingress and temperature probes — and the cloud interface shows live personnel alerts such as abnormal body temperature or heart rate.
Industrial-grade durability
IP66, UV-resistant, wide-temperature −25°C to +75°C, with 220 V plug-and-play power for long-term deployment on sites and outdoor plant environments.
Open I/O expansion
Reserves open I/O and protocol interfaces so third-party sensors or existing systems can be assessed for integration, meeting bespoke requirements.
FAQ
Which sensors or wearables can the BLN platform connect to?
Common devices include BLE beacons, smart watches / wearables (vital signs and alerts), safety-harness and helmet sensing modules, and water-ingress and temperature probes; third-party devices can also be assessed for onboarding via open I/O. The exact list depends on the on-site protocol and firmware version.
How is signal coverage ensured in confined spaces or drainage scenarios?
Extension receiving antennas can bring the sensing edge close to the work face, with additional gateways or relay points added according to depth and metal shielding. We recommend a New Forward site survey to define the coverage and installation plan.
How should we choose between 4G and Wi-Fi for the cloud uplink?
Where stable Wi-Fi already exists or can be integrated with the office network, Wi-Fi is preferred; for mobile sites, locations without fixed-line internet, or where an independent connection is required, 4G LTE is used, with the customer supplying the data SIM and tariff.
Is it durable enough for outdoor and on-site deployment?
Industrial gateways are IP66, UV-resistant and wide-temperature rated; even so, we recommend avoiding prolonged submersion and heavy mechanical impact, and ensuring proper earthing, lightning protection and power protection to specification.
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