The Acromag BusWorks NTW Series are Wireless Remote I/O Modules. They provide a flexible and secure way to connect field signals, transmitter outputs, and control status signals to PLC and SCADA systems. Especially, where Ethernet cabling is difficult or impractical to install. By combining Acromag’s proven BusWorks NT modular architecture with integrated dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity, NTW modules enable reliable distributed monitoring across transport infrastructure, utilities, industrial plant, and remote control cabinet applications.
Designed for modern automation environments, the NTW Series supports industrial Ethernet protocols including Modbus TCP, EtherNet/IP, OPC UA, and MQTT, allowing engineers to extend monitoring capability beyond the limits of traditional wired networks.
What Are Wireless Remote I/O Modules?
A wireless remote I/O module connects field signals. Such as switches, relays, transmitter outputs, and equipment status signals to automation systems without requiring Ethernet cabling between distributed control cabinets and network infrastructure.
Typical deployment:
Field signals
→ NTW Wireless Remote I/O Module
→ Wi-Fi Ethernet network
→ PLC / SCADA / IIoT platform
This approach reduces installation time and enables monitoring of equipment in locations such as:
- signalling enclosures
- pump stations
- lighting control cabinets
- treatment plants
- roadside infrastructure panels
- remote industrial assets
Why Use the BusWorks NTW Series Wireless Remote I/O Platform?
The NTW Series extends the capability of Acromag’s BusWorks NT Ethernet I/O family. Achieved by adding secure Wi-Fi connectivity. Whilst, maintaining the same modular architecture used across wired installations.
Key advantages include:
- dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity
- compatibility with BusWorks NTX expansion modules
- support for mixed signal types at each node
- up to 64 I/O points per IP address
- slim 25 mm DIN-rail installation footprint
- wide industrial temperature operation
- global RF certification support
This makes NTW modules suitable for both retrofit monitoring and new distributed automation deployments.
Extend Industrial Monitoring Beyond Ethernet Cabling Limits
Traditional remote I/O deployments rely on Ethernet infrastructure between control cabinets and network switches. In many infrastructure environments this is not practical.
Examples include:
- long cable runs between pump stations
- transport signalling cabinets separated by distance
- utilities equipment located across large sites
- retrofit installations in existing control panels
- temporary monitoring deployments
The NTW Series provides a simple alternative by enabling wireless Ethernet connectivity directly at the I/O node.
Flexible Signal Types with NTX Expansion Modules
Each BusWorks NTW interface module can operate as part of a scalable remote I/O node using NTX expansion modules.
Available expansion signal types include:
- discrete digital I/O
- analog voltage inputs
- analog current inputs
- temperature inputs
This allows engineers to configure the signal mix required at each monitoring location.
A single BusWorks NT node can support up to 64 mixed I/O channels under one IP address, simplifying addressing and integration into automation networks.
Hybrid Wired and Wireless Deployment Flexibility
While the NTW Series provides integrated Wi-Fi Ethernet connectivity, each module also includes an RJ45 Ethernet port for configuration, commissioning, and flexible network deployment options.
Where wireless networking is not preferred or permitted, equivalent functionality is available using BusWorks NTE wired Ethernet interface modules within the same modular architecture.
This allows engineers to standardise on one remote I/O platform across both wired and wireless infrastructure environments.
Industrial Protocol Support for PLC, SCADA, and IIoT Integration
The NTW Series integrates easily into existing automation systems using widely supported industrial Ethernet protocols including:
- Modbus TCP/IP
- EtherNet/IP
- OPC UA
- MQTT
- REST API
Peer-to-peer communication is also supported, allowing distributed monitoring architectures without additional controllers.
These capabilities enable integration with:
- PLC platforms
- SCADA monitoring systems
- cloud dashboards
- modern IIoT data platforms
Secure Wireless Connectivity for Infrastructure Applications
Wireless networking within industrial environments must meet strict security requirements. The NTW Series includes multiple protection layers designed for reliable deployment in infrastructure monitoring systems.
Security features include:
- WPA3 Wi-Fi security
- TLS 1.2 encryption
- PKI certificate support
- X.509 authentication
- AES-256 encryption
These features help protect data transmission across wireless automation networks.
Typical Applications for NTW Wireless Remote I/O Modules
The BusWorks NTW Series supports a wide range of distributed monitoring applications.
Transport Infrastructure Monitoring
Monitor cabinet-level signals such as:
- enclosure alarms
- power supply status
- signalling equipment status
- roadside monitoring equipment
Pump Station Monitoring
Connect signals including:
- pump run status
- fault contacts
- generator availability
- level instrumentation transmitters
Utilities and Water Infrastructure
Deploy remote monitoring at:
- treatment plants
- reservoir sites
- distributed control panels
- remote telemetry cabinets
Industrial Equipment Monitoring
Extend monitoring capability to:
- remote plant equipment
- auxiliary control panels
- distributed instrumentation loops
- retrofit monitoring installations
Slim DIN-Rail Installation for Control Cabinets
NTW modules install on standard DIN rail using a compact 25 mm enclosure width, making them suitable for:
- signalling cabinets
- utilities panels
- roadside enclosures
- industrial control cabinets
Pluggable terminals simplify installation and maintenance in field deployments.
Available BusWorks NTW Wireless Remote I/O Modules
Metromatics supplies a range of BusWorks NTW Series modules supporting different signal types:
Discrete Digital I/O Modules
Discrete AC Voltage Detection Modules
Analog Process Signal Monitoring Modules
Each module operates within the same scalable BusWorks NT platform architecture and supports expansion using NTX modules.
Wireless Remote I/O Integration Support in Australia and New Zealand
Metromatics provides local engineering support across Australia and New Zealand. We assist you with integrating BusWorks NTW Wireless Remote I/O Modules into transport infrastructure, utilities monitoring systems, and industrial automation environments.
Speak with our team to design scalable wired or wireless BusWorks NT remote I/O architectures using NTW interface modules and NTX expansion options to suit your monitoring application requirements.
FAQ
Do wireless remote I/O modules require an existing Wi-Fi network?
Yes. NTW Series modules connect to an existing industrial Wi-Fi network using secure authentication. They do not operate as standalone access points. Designed to integrate into plant or infrastructure wireless networks already supporting automation equipment.
How far can NTW wireless remote I/O modules communicate over Wi-Fi?
NTW Series modules usually support wireless communication up to 100 metres line-of-sight, using the supplied external antenna. Actual range depends on enclosure material, antenna placement, and wireless network infrastructure.
Can multiple NTW wireless remote I/O modules operate on the same network?
Yes. Multiple NTW modules can be deployed across the same wireless automation network. Addressed individually using standard industrial Ethernet protocols such as Modbus TCP or EtherNet/IP.
Can NTW wireless remote I/O modules be used in retrofit monitoring projects?
Yes. NTW modules are commonly used in retrofit applications. Especially, where installing Ethernet cabling between control cabinets is expensive or disruptive. Wireless deployment allows monitoring capability to be added without modifying existing infrastructure.
What types of signals are best suited to wireless remote I/O monitoring?
Wireless remote I/O modules are typically used to monitor:
- equipment run status signals
- alarm contacts
- control panel voltage presence
- 4–20 mA transmitter outputs
- distributed instrumentation loops
Model selection depends on the signal type required at each monitoring location.
Can BusWorks NTW modules expand beyond their base channel count?
Yes. NTW interface modules support NTX expansion modules. Therefore, allowing up to 64 mixed signal I/O channels to operate under a single IP address within one remote monitoring node.
What is the difference between NTW wireless interface modules and NTE wired interface modules?
NTW modules provide Wi-Fi Ethernet connectivity for distributed monitoring where cabling is impractical.
NTE modules provide the same architecture using wired Ethernet connectivity where network infrastructure already exists or wireless deployment is not permitted.
Both operate within the same BusWorks NT modular I/O platform.
Are wireless remote I/O modules suitable for infrastructure monitoring applications?
Yes. NTW modules are designed for monitoring equipment located in:
- transport signalling cabinets
- pump stations
- utilities infrastructure
- roadside equipment enclosures
- distributed industrial control panels
They allow monitoring systems to extend beyond traditional Ethernet cable limits.
How do NTW wireless remote I/O modules integrate with PLC and SCADA systems?
NTW modules communicate using standard industrial Ethernet protocols. Including Modbus TCP and EtherNet/IP. Therefore, allowing direct integration with PLC controllers and SCADA monitoring platforms without protocol converters.
How do I select the correct NTW wireless remote I/O module?
Model selection depends primarily on signal type:
- discrete switch or relay signals
- AC voltage presence detection
- 4–20 mA instrumentation monitoring
Metromatics can assist with selecting the appropriate NTW interface module and NTX expansion configuration for each application.