Industrial Ethernet

In an industrial setting the Informational level is considered the traditional network, i.e. standard Ethernet, where data files are shared between computer systems. The next level is the Control level where the networked machines and work areas must be deterministic and repeatable. Determinism is the ability to accurately predict when data will be delivered, and repeatability is the ability to ensure that transmit times are consistent and unaffected by devices connecting to the network. Industrial Ethernet (IE) is Ethernet in an industrial environment with protocols that provide determinism and real-time control. Protocols for Industrial Ethernet include EtherCAT, EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, SERCOS III, CC-Link IE, and Modbus TCP. Ethernet switches are used to expand business data networks so more users can link to a local area network (LAN) to share information. They provide multiple ports for connecting coaxial cable and data cables to connect workstations to the hub.