Multiple network strategy for your automation solution can bring benefits but it can also bring challenges such as:
Choosing specific types of closed networks in your architecture can also make you dependent on specific suppliers. An open, single network can help solve these potential problems.
EtherNet/IP, which is unmodified Ethernet, allows you to effectively manage real-time control and information flow throughout the manufacturing and IT enterprise. EtherNet/IP (using the Common Industrial Protocol) allows networks, including motion and safety, to communicate seamlessly on the factory floor along with other common sets of I.T. capabilities like voice, video, and data. It also enables you to simplify you network architecture.
Integrated Motion on EtherNet/IP allows you to use a single network for complete machine control and helps to simplify and enhance machine design. Using EtherNet/IP for the entire network can result in an easier to use, more cost effective system in some instances.
Connect your process devices direct to an EtherNet/IP network and gain from a simplified architecture, access to multi-variable data from your devices and potential cost savings.
Using standard, unmodified Ethernet for networking throughout the enterprise and for automation on the manufacturing floor, or mixing commercial, business, and industrial networking technologies can help solve many business problems.
With Integrated Architecture utilising EtherNet/IP from Rockwell Automation, you can reap the benefits of scaleable, fully integrated and streamlined systems. This can enable you to build machines, applications and manage plant-wide automation and information, more effectively, quickly and within your budgets.