Networking, as we know, is a medium to transfer data. Networks, however, vary based on the volume of data being transferred. Industrial Networking refers to networks that deal with the transfer of data on a large scale. This means they allow us to connect various devices across large spaces and enable communication between them by allowing us to transfer huge chunks of data between them.
Traditional networking may sound highly efficient, but in reality, are limited to a minimal number of systems. Industrial networking is designed to cater to real-time needs and the demands of a large number of methods.
Networking Requirements:
Scalability:
- Bandwidth –10 Mbps to 1 Gbps (2.5 / 5 / 10 Gbps for network infrastructure)
- Network size –from tens of infrastructure devices to hundreds of infrastructure devices
Convergence:
- Blending of existing non-scheduled technologies and products within a new, deterministic technologies
- Manage low priority or interfering traffic to ensure on-time delivery of high priority traffic
Security:
- Protect the integrity and availability of data
- Tested and Validated Architectures
Performance:
Able to support from human response times to hundreds of axes of motion (drives)
Flexible Topologies:
Ring, line, star, redundant star to address physical constraints
Low/Bounded Latency:
Able to support ~1ms for motion
Levels of Industrial Networking:
Industries are usually composed of many departments managing various different aspects of the business, sometimes spread out over multiple locations. For example, there could be manufacturing plants with specialized hardware as well as departments such as operations, sales, marketing, etc. All these departments have specific needs but, at the same time, need to communicate with each other. This is achieved using various levels which allow for using optimized technologies and protocols at each level while also allowing communication across the different levels.
Industrial Networking in Enterprises:
Industrial networking in UAE enterprises helps connect various computers across different departments to transfer data, reduce communication protocols, and increase data accessibility efficiently. They are also known as an enterprise network or corporate network.
The essential purpose of industrial networking here is to provide effective communication between various computers and prevent access by unauthorized computers. Generally, enterprise networks include local area networks (LAN) and extensive area networks (WAN). An enterprise network is able to connect all the systems regardless of their operating systems.
Industrial Networking in Business Operations:
Enterprise networking is limited to a single building. Consider a company that wants to connect all its systems present in different constructions in different locations. That’s when industrial networks in business operations are used. They are also known as Business Networking. Business networking is used to connect many computers present in different locations.
Supervisory Networking:
Supervisory networking is another level of industrial networks. However, they differ from other networks in the sense that they are used to connect various computers to supervise other machines and systems. They are mainly used in manufacturing industries.
Process Control Networking:
Process control networking is an industrial network used to transmit data and transfer data between various control and measurement units. They are robust, determinate, and compatible. They have good error resolving techniques, low sensitivity to Electromagnetic waves or induction, priority connection techniques, etc.
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