Specifications

Introduction

RS2-4R

Release

1.0

03/04

1.1

Industrial networking solutions with a future

1.1 Industrial networking

solutions

with a future

Ethernet is the most widely used communication technology for IT systems.

In the office environment, Ethernet has evolved into the standard technology.

However, it is also gaining ground in the area of industrial automation. Apart

from the advantages of being a standardized means of communication, it

also offers a seamless infrastructure that extends from the office to the

machine or to the sensor. This not only makes process and production data

available on the field level but also provides this data directly to general data

entry systems.

Although the Ethernet standard used in automation technology is the same

as that used in offices, the requirements for network products are consider

ably different. In day-to-day industrial applications, networks are expected to

work reliably under extreme conditions, such as electromagnetic interfer

ence, high operating temperatures and mechanical loads.

The Industrial ETHERNET Rail family was specifically designed for use in in-

dustrial automation applications, taking all these requirements into consider-

ation. A result of these requirements is the redundant "ETHERNET Ring"

developed by Hirschmann. This process enables continuous production op

eration, even when a reconfiguration of the network is necessary. The "ETH-

ERNET Ring" also allows networks to be maintained and expanded while still

in operation. Since the system is reconfigured in a matter of milliseconds, the

"ETHERNET Ring" is considerably

better suited to industrial use than the

'spanning tree' algorithm, which

primarily meets the needs of office systems.

This process and other concepts from Hirschmann ensure ultimate network

and production system reliability. The

increased segmentation of the Indus-

trial ETHERNET Rail products allow you to adapt your network to the specific

geographical layout and security-related considerations

in a more efficient

matter

. This scalability also ensures the network will meet all future

requirements.