With the Trimble eCone reaching end of life, many terminal and industrial operations are searching for a proven, reliable replacement that delivers continuous connectivity in complex outdoor environments. Enter the S-Cone6—an industrial-grade Wi-Fi6E mobile client specifically engineered to outperform legacy hardware like the eCone in today’s demanding network conditions.
Why the Trimble eCone Needs a Successor
The eCone served its purpose well as a workhorse wireless client in port, yard, and heavy-equipment operations. However, as wireless protocols and terminal applications have evolved, the eCone’s dated architecture cannot meet the throughput, security, and roaming requirements of modern networks. Its limited Wi-Fi capabilities, lack of WPA3 security support, and constrained roaming performance now make it a bottleneck for network efficiency and consistency.
The S-Cone6 Advantage
The S-Cone6 from Strategic Solution Services (SSS) was purpose-built to overcome the very limitations that legacy clients like the eCone faced in terminal environments. It represents a significant leap forward in connectivity, durability, and manageability.
1. Engineered for Harsh Environments
The S-Cone6’s industrial strength IP67-rated enclosure is designed for reliable outdoor operation. Its weatherproof and magnetically mountable design allows easy installation on top handlers, yard trucks, and other vehicles without complex wiring. This makes it ideal for ports, terminals, and other environments where high-metal density and wide access point spacing challenge typical clients.
2. Wi-Fi6E Connectivity for Extended Spectrum Access
Unlike the eCone, the S-Cone6 supports Wi-Fi6 and Wi-Fi6E (802.11ax), offering access to 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and the new 6GHz bands. This expanded spectrum helps relieve channel congestion and provides faster, lower-latency wireless connectivity across large industrial areas. Its 2x2 MU-MIMO architecture optimizes wireless communication even when networks are heavily loaded.
3. Seamless Roaming and Higher Transmit Power
In environments where access points may be hundreds of feet apart, consistent connectivity depends on intelligent roaming and strong transmit capabilities. The S-Cone6 features advanced roaming software—SSS’s proprietary “secret sauce”—that enables near-instant roaming without dropping connections. Additionally, its transmit power exceeds that of many access points, ensuring that vehicles can both see and communicate effectively with remote infrastructure.
4. Integrated Security and Network Segmentation
The S-Cone6 takes a Layer 3 routing approach, providing isolation between internal vehicle systems and the enterprise network. It supports WPA3 with Simultaneous Authentication of Equals (SAE), using advanced encryption such as AES256 and Protected Management Frames (PMF). Compared to Layer 2 bridges commonly found in older designs, this approach enhances security and visibility for IT administrators.
5. Simple Deployment and Management
A single PoE CAT6 cable provides both power and connectivity, simplifying installation and reducing downtime. Operators can configure the device through a user-friendly GUI to set roaming thresholds, select RF channels, and monitor real-time roaming events, giving them full control over performance tuning and diagnostics.
Transitioning from eCone to S-Cone6
For current eCone users, upgrading to the S-Cone6 provides a pathway to sustained connectivity without overhauling your existing network infrastructure. The S-Cone6 supports backward compatibility with 802.11n/ac networks while unlocking new efficiencies through Wi-Fi6E. This compatibility ensures a smooth, cost-effective transition with minimal operational disruption.
Proven in the Field
The S-Cone6 is already deployed in major shipping terminals such as TTI Long Beach and Fenix Marine Services San Pedro, establishing its credibility in some of the world’s most challenging RF environments. Its performance in these high-density, high-interference settings reflects its readiness for widespread adoption across similar industries.
Conclusion
The Trimble eCone served the industry well, but today’s connectivity demands require a more advanced, secure, and adaptable solution. The S-Cone6 stands as the clear successor—delivering Wi-Fi6E speed, hardened design, enhanced roaming, and intelligent network segmentation in a single compact device.
Learn more about integrating the S-Cone6 with your terminal or industrial wireless network. For tailored guidance, contact our team of wireless and infrastructure experts through our contact page.