This month's special feature is on Industrial Ethernet. The move to Ethernet on the factory floor has been steadily growing. This is a natural progression as manufacturers seek more efficient and cost-effective factory floor technologies. Industrial Ethernet-based systems allow manufacturers to consolidate the different manufacturing network architectures used in many factories. Industrial Ethernet has built-in redundancy so that all the devices remain connected despite the harsh conditions found in factory environments.
The advantages of Industrial Ethernet are many. It offers greater bandwidth and overall functionality. Industrial Ethernet delivers shared bandwidth typically at full-duplex 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps using switching technologies that can guarantee the throughput.
Industrial Ethernet provides a more robust solution that increases efficiency and streamlines system complexity. With a more integrated network, information can flow freely and in real time. As a result, manufacturers can achieve higher productivity and work quality.
By deploying Industrial Ethernet, manufacturers can reduce the cost of network hardware used in their factories. Industrial Ethernet increases the number of potential equipment vendors and products for a particular manufacturing process.
Industrial Ethernet eliminates the need to implement, support and maintain three or more separate systems, reducing overall network costs and improving information access. Manufacturers no longer need to endure the high costs and limited functionality of having multiple separate networks. Industrial Ethernet can deliver a single, high-quality network throughout the factory floor.
Manufacturers are replacing legacy control networks with Industrial Ethernet to save on costs and boost performance. At the same time, manufacturers benefit from simpler networks and improved information sharing. Industrial Ethernet can facilitate an end-to-end flow of information, allowing manufacturers to achieve terrific efficiencies and productivity. Manufacturers are able to reliably transmit information throughout their entire company.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments. Thanks for taking the time to read Connector Specifier.
Susan Woods, Editor-in-Chief
susanw@pennwell.com
