Kauer, FlorianFlorianKauerKallias, EmilEmilKalliasTurau, VolkerVolkerTurau2019-05-022019-05-022018-06International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection (21): 33-46 (2018-06)http://hdl.handle.net/11420/2606Wireless communications techniques are finding their way into industrial applications, but commercial wireless technologies lack the dependability required for critical applications in very large networks. In many wireless-controlled industrial facilities, safety regulations mandate real-time communications for tasks such as emergency shutdowns. This requires a wireless communications architecture that supports the coexistence of non-real-time and real-time tasks. To address this requirement, this paper proposes an architecture that augments a wireless mesh network with a unidirectional long-range communications system. Various configuration parameters of the system, including its security features, are optimized. Additionally, a physical realization of the architecture is evaluated using a series of experiments, including some performed on a real solar tower power plant. The experimental results demonstrate that the extension of a wireless mesh network with a unidirectional long-range communications system provides safety and scalability for industrial applications while promoting cost effectiveness and energy efficiency.en1874-548220183346Journal Article10.1016/j.ijcip.2018.02.002Journal Article