Industrial Ethernet also called IE has recently surpassed traditional Fieldbus architectures to become the leading connection methodology in plants around the world as it provides determinism and real-time control over production and the assembly line. The continuously growing industry is getting smarter and smarter. Hence, the demand for better and faster connectivity and the system is high in demand. And this is where Industrial Ethernet comes into play.
Benefits of Industrial Ethernet:
- It provides more flexibility in data transfer as a single cable can be used for transferring different types of data like video, voice and more.
- Industrial Ethernet is more reliable in the sense that it creates a web of networks that can function even if one section is damaged in any manner.
- It does not require much cooling efforts as industrial ethernet is functional over a wide range of temperatures.
- The protocol of industrial ethernet makes it easier to remote control devices since the proximity factor is significantly reduced.
Uses of Industrial Ethernet:
- Industrial Ethernet switches are used to connect all the participants of the ethernet web together.
- They are also used in routers allowing different networks to work in unison with a higher level of security.
- It is also used for real-time control and automation over the different sections of a factory floor especially the assembly line.
- It can also be used to collect data for analysis in order to improve the production process.
- Industrial ethernet data can also be used to show results and predict problems that might occur due to some fault in the production process.
- One of the basic usages of industrial ethernet is to provide a more efficient network for data transfer and communication.
What are the various versions of Industrial ethernet?
- CC-Link Industrial Ethernet – uses an open protocol, offers a minimum speed of 10mbps at 100m
- EtherCAT– developed by Beckhoff Automation, has a modified ethernet protocol
- EtherNet/IP– follows standard ethernet protocol, maintains 100% compatibility with Ethernet yet still delivers fast data update times and deterministic transmission
- Ethernet Powerlink– imposes a time slot for critical data, which eliminates any possibility of collision
- Profinet IRT– uses the producer/consumer model with additional protocols and services
- Sercos III– used for high-speed serial communication of standard closed-loop real-time data over Industrial Ethernet cable.
The major difference parameter for all the versions of industrial ethernet lies in their performance. They vary in their protocols and speed when it comes to the different sector such as assembly line.