Rockwell Automation, Cisco release EtherNet/IP ‘reference architecture’ implementation guide

Rockwell Automation announces availability of the Converged Plantwide Ethernet (CPwE) Design and Implementation Guide (DIG) 2.0, created "to help manufacturers converge their industrial and enterprise-level networks." The guide, a collaborative development effort from Cisco and Rockwell Automation, provides detailed design guidance, recommendations and best practices for deploying standard EtherNet/IP network technology. By following the guidance, manufacturers can achieve network convergence between manufacturing and IT systems within their enterprise, enabling greater business agility and opportunities for innovation with a high degree of security.

The guide is based on the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system and Cisco’s Ethernet-to-the-Factory, addressing topics relevant to both engineering and IT professionals, and validating architectures tested in both the Cisco and Rockwell Automation labs.
"The new version of the Design and Implementation Guide incorporates more applications, products and content related to plant-floor applications, increasing the relevance for manufacturing and controls engineers," said Chet Namboodri, global director for manufacturing industry solutions at Cisco. "The updates in DIG 2.0 include guidance on key capabilities to help manufacturing companies achieve highly secure network convergence, and increased visibility and collaboration across their operations."
The new guide features:

• Detailed cell/area zone recommendations for resiliency, segmentation, prioritization, multicast management and security for real-time EtherNet/IP networks;
• Resiliency testing with screw-to-screw performance for both ring and redundant star topologies to support implicit and explicit I/O messaging;
• Design and implementation of highly secure remote access to industrial automation and control system (IACS) applications residing on EtherNet/IP networks;
• Implementation details on new infrastructure components, including the Rockwell Automation Stratix 8000 industrial Ethernet switch;
• Improved manageability options through enhanced ease-of-use features and integration of Stratix 8000 industrial Ethernet switches into IACS applications; and
• Positioning of FactoryTalk Integrated Production and Performance Suite and service platform within the manufacturing zone.

Kulaszewicz says Cisco and Rockwell Automation are committed to helping manufacturers bridge the technical and cultural gaps between plant-floor and higher-level information systems. "By collaborating on products, services and educational resources, we help enable manufacturers to converge their network infrastructure, delivering highly secure information throughout the enterprise and ultimately improving business performance," he said.

To download a free copy of the Converged Plantwide Ethernet (CPwE) Design and Implementation Guide (DIG) 2.0, visit www.ab.com/networks/architectures.html

See also:

EtherNet/IP servo drive enables single network solution: Machine builders can eliminate need for dedicated motion control network with this Rockwell Automation drive.

Research results: Protocols for Industrial Ethernet

Industrial Ethernet Protocols: Survey results show who’s winning and why

For more information on the EtherNet/IP protocol and related products, search Control Engineering .

– Edited by Renee Robbins, senior editor
Control Engineering News Desk

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