I. Characteristics of Industrial Ethernet Technology
Industrial Ethernet technology boasts advantages such as low cost, stability and reliability, high communication speed, abundant hardware and software products, wide application, and mature supporting technologies, making it one of the most popular communication networks. In recent years, with the development of network technology, Ethernet has entered the control field, forming a new type of Ethernet control network technology. This is mainly due to the development of industrial automation systems towards distributed and intelligent control, making open and transparent communication protocols a necessary requirement. The technological advantages of introducing Ethernet technology into the industrial control field are very obvious:
(a) Ethernet is a fully open and fully digital network, and devices from different manufacturers can easily interconnect in accordance with network protocols.
(ii) Ethernet enables seamless connection between industrial control networks and enterprise information networks, forming a fully open network for integrated enterprise-level management and control.
(iii) Low software and hardware costs. Since Ethernet technology is very mature, software and hardware that support Ethernet are highly valued and widely supported by manufacturers, and there are a variety of software development environments and hardware devices for users to choose from.
(iv) High communication speed. As the scale and complexity of enterprise information systems expand, the demand for information is also increasing. Sometimes, even the transmission of audio and video data is required. Currently, the communication speed of Ethernet is 10M and 100M. Fast Ethernet is widely used, Gigabit Ethernet technology is gradually maturing, and 10G Ethernet is also under research. Its speed is much faster than fieldbus.
(V) Great potential for sustainable development. In this era of rapid information change, the survival and development of enterprises will largely depend on a fast and effective communication management network. The development of information technology and communication technology will be faster and more mature, thus ensuring the continuous development of Ethernet technology.
II. Key Technologies of Industrial Ethernet
Industrial Ethernet is a modern communication technology used for industrial automation control, and mainly includes the following technologies:
Clock synchronization technology: Clock synchronization is achieved by connecting various clock-generating devices to the SCL line. Each of these devices may have its own independent clock, and the frequency, period, phase, and duty cycle of each clock signal may differ. Due to the "wired-AND" connection, the low-level width of the actual clock generated on the SCL line is determined by the device with the longest low-level duration, while the high-level width is determined by the device with the shortest high-level duration. Industrial Ethernet needs to ensure clock synchronization between nodes to guarantee data accuracy and synchronization. Therefore, Industrial Ethernet uses the IEEE 1588 protocol to achieve precise clock synchronization.
Communication protocol technology: A communication protocol refers to the rules and agreements that two entities must follow to complete communication or services. For multiple data communication systems in different geographical locations interconnected through communication channels and devices to work collaboratively and achieve information exchange and resource sharing, they must have a common language. What is exchanged, how it is exchanged, and when it is exchanged must all follow some mutually acceptable rules. These rules are the communication protocol. Industrial Ethernet requires the use of standardized communication protocols to ensure interoperability between different devices. Common industrial Ethernet protocols include Modbus TCP/IP, PROFINET, and EtherNet/IP.
Network management technology: Network management encompasses the use, integration, and coordination of hardware, software, and human resources to monitor, test, configure, analyze, evaluate, and control network resources. This allows for meeting network requirements such as real-time performance and quality of service at a reasonable cost. Furthermore, it enables timely reporting and handling of network failures and coordinates and maintains the efficient operation of the network system. Network management is often simply referred to as network management. Industrial Ethernet requires network management and monitoring to ensure normal network operation and troubleshooting. Industrial Ethernet uses the SNMP protocol and network management software to achieve network management and monitoring.
Security technologies: Industrial Ethernet requires ensuring network security to prevent network attacks and data leaks. Industrial Ethernet employs security policies, firewalls, intrusion detection, and other technologies to achieve network security.
Wireless communication technology: Wireless communication refers to long-distance transmission communication between multiple nodes without transmission through conductors or cables. Radios, wireless radios, and other similar devices can be used for wireless communication. Wireless communication includes various fixed, mobile, and portable applications, such as two-way radios, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and wireless networks. Other examples of wireless communication include GPS, garage door openers, and wireless mice. Industrial Ethernet requires support for wireless communication to facilitate device movement and deployment. Industrial Ethernet uses wireless access points and wireless bridges to achieve wireless communication. In summary, the main technologies of Industrial Ethernet include clock synchronization technology, communication protocol technology, network management technology, security technology, and wireless communication technology. These technologies together constitute the core technologies and application foundation of Industrial Ethernet.
