IEC 62657-2:2025

Overview

IEC 62657-2:2025 is an international standard published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that addresses the coexistence management of wireless systems within industrial networks. As part 2 in the IEC 62657 series, this document specifies fundamental concepts, parameters, procedures, and best practices for managing wireless communication coexistence in industrial automation plants. The standard supports the entire life-cycle of coexistence management-from planning and design to implementation, operation, maintenance, and training.

Wireless systems in industrial automation face challenges related to interference, performance degradation, and regulatory compliance. IEC 62657-2:2025 provides a structured and comprehensive approach to mitigate these issues by establishing a homogeneous guideline that enables plant operators, system integrators, and engineers to assess, manage, and optimize wireless coexistence for reliable communication. Additionally, this edition aligns coexistence parameters with the IEC Common Data Dictionary and ensures consistency with companion parts IEC 62657-3 and IEC 62657-4.

Key Topics

• Fundamental Assumptions and Concepts Definitions and core principles for understanding wireless coexistence in industrial environments.

• Coexistence Parameters Includes characteristics like antenna gain, frequency bands, communication availability, duty cycle, intervisibility, interference types, and many other parameters fundamental to managing coexistence effectively.

• Life-Cycle Management Guidelines covering planning, design, installation, implementation, operation, maintenance, administration, and training phases, ensuring a holistic approach to wireless coexistence.

• Coexistence Management Approaches

  • Manual coexistence management
  • Automated non-collaborative coexistence management
  • Automated collaborative coexistence management These methods address both static human/tool organizational factors and dynamic network self-organization.

• Best Practices and Guidelines Recommendations on achieving robust coexistence and maintaining wireless communication availability and performance.

• Coexistence Conceptual Models and Systems Frameworks to assist in selecting wireless solutions and managing coexistence systematically.

• Alignment with International Regulatory Requirements Supports compliance with national and regional radio regulations through effective coexistence management.

Applications

IEC 62657-2:2025 is applicable to industrial automation plants that deploy multiple wireless communication systems, such as:

• Process automation in chemical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries
• Factory automation with diverse wireless sensor and actuator networks
• Critical infrastructure with overlapping wireless services
• Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) environments requiring high reliability
• Plants needing robust coexistence management to maintain communication availability and comply with evolving regulations

By adopting this standard, industrial operators can improve the reliability, performance, and security of their wireless networks, reduce interference risks, and ensure sustainable wireless communication integration over the operational life-cycle.

Related Standards

• IEC 62657-1 - Overview and general requirements for wireless coexistence in industrial networks
• IEC 62657-3 - Specific coexistence management methods and techniques
• IEC 62657-4 - Coexistence test methods and performance validation
• IEC Common Data Dictionary (IEC CDD) - Standardized definitions and parameters used across IEC standards
• Relevant Radio Regulations - National and regional guidelines for wireless device usage and spectrum management

Conclusion

IEC 62657-2:2025 is a vital reference for managing coexistence among wireless systems in industrial automation networks. It provides a comprehensive framework of parameters, life-cycle management protocols, and best practices to support reliable and interference-free wireless communication. By implementing this standard, industrial stakeholders can optimize network performance, facilitate regulatory compliance, and enable efficient integration of diverse wireless technologies.

Keywords: IEC 62657-2, wireless coexistence management, industrial networks, wireless communication, industrial automation, coexistence parameters, interference management, wireless network life-cycle, IEC standards, industrial IoT, radio regulations, wireless system interoperability