As industrial networks evolve, Ethernet is becoming the standard technology for new systeminterfaces and for new core local network infrastructure. However, industrial networks are stillfar from homogeneous. There is a decades-long accumulation of industrial devices that utilizeasynchronous, serial protocols for operational applications such as SCADA (Supervisory Controland Data Acquisition) and for industrial device console interfaces.
As industrial networks evolve, Ethernet is becoming the standard technology for new system interfaces and for new core local network infrastructure. However, industrial networks are still far from homogeneous. There is a decades-long accumulation of industrial devices that utilize asynchronous, serial protocols for operational applications such as SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) and for industrial device console interfaces. These serial communications requirements may be met via separate networks distinct from the emerging IP/Ethernet infrastructure. Alternatively, as this document describes, serial devices on the edge of industrial networks can be integrated with the central IP/Ethernet network. This integration enables more universal network access and leverages common investments in a high performance, cost effective and resilient core network infrastructure. This new approach to having networkenabled serial devices represents the Dynamic Serial Edge of industrial networks.
The Strategic, Integrated Industrial Network Architecture
There are many factors encouraging rapid deployment of Ethernet as the core technology for industrial networks. IP/Ethernet provides a broadly supported technology for system interconnection across many system suppliers. It leverages mass market component volumes to create a cost-effective, high-performance network. Ethernet lends itself to fiber-based connectivity that is important in electrically noisy industrial environments. Ethernet also supports ring, dual-star and mesh topologies that are highly resilient against single-point network faults, thus improving system reliability.
GarrettCom (9 page pdf)
