This paper addresses the design and implementation of a wireless network, proposed as a cost-effective support platform for remote control and/or monitoring applications. With this network, one or more supervising stations may access remote equipment like PLCs, data acquisition systems, weather stations, etc., in a reliable, transparent fashion. A suitable infrastructure is described, capable of dealing with the peculiarities and contending system requirements. The paper specifies these requirements and indicates methods to fulfil them. Also, it provides insight into the network structure, to the configuration capabilities, to the model of operation, and focuses on the implementation approach. The hardware and software design is described together with a number of critical points related to wireless communication. Furthermore, a discussion on system expandability and performance is taking place and, finally, some observations are stated. The main conclusion is, that the proposed system can feature great performance under normal operating conditions, easy maintenance and supervision, fast exploitation, and affordable cost. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.