Ethernet, especially Industrial Ethernet, has recently become a hot topic in the manufacturing industry. We recommend checking out our recent three-part series on Industrial Ethernet. While similar, they each have their own characteristics and advantages. Today, we'll discuss Ethernet and Industrial Ethernet, and compare their differences.
What is Ethernet?
Ethernet first emerged in the 1970s and was subsequently standardized according to IEEE 802.3. Ethernet refers to a group of Local Area Network (LAN) products that conform to the IEEE 802.3 standard. IEEE 802.3 is a set of standards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) that define the physical and data link layers for wired Ethernet media access control. These standards also specify the rules for configuring Ethernet networks and how various network components cooperate with each other.
Ethernet enables multiple computers to connect over a single network; without it, communication between the various devices used in modern society would be impossible. Ethernet is a global standard for cable systems that connect multiple computers, devices, and machines through a single enterprise network, allowing all computers to communicate with each other. The prototype of Ethernet was a single cable that supported multiple devices connecting to the same network. Today, Ethernet networks can be expanded and expanded to accommodate new devices as needed. Ethernet is currently the most popular and widely used network technology globally.
When using Ethernet, data streams are broken down into shorter blocks or frames, each containing specific information such as the data's source and destination. This information is essential for sending and receiving data over the network as needed.
Other terms related to Ethernet technology include:
Medium: In modern Ethernet technology, the medium refers to twisted-pair cables or optical fibers, which Ethernet devices connect to provide a data transmission path;
Segment: A single shared medium;
Node: A device that connects segments.
Standard Ethernet data transfer speeds range from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps. Gigabit Ethernet, a term used in the IEEE 802.3 standard, refers to Ethernet networks transmitting at speeds of 1 Gbps. Gigabit Ethernet was initially used primarily for backbone network transmission and high-performance or high-capacity servers. However, over time, it has gained support from desktop connectivity devices and PCs.
Other information about Ethernet
Ethernet and Wi-Fi are two different concepts—Ethernet uses cables to connect computers and devices, as described in computer magazines. Almost all network or LAN connections mentioned refer to Ethernet.
What is Industrial Ethernet?
Industrial Ethernet , as its name suggests, refers to Ethernet used in industrial configurations that typically require more stable and reliable connectors and cables, as well as higher determinism, the latter being paramount. To achieve this higher determinism, industrial Ethernet utilizes proprietary protocols when using Ethernet. Currently popular industrial Ethernet protocols include PROFINET®, EtherNet/IP®, EtherCAT®, SERCOSIII, and POWERLINK®.
When using Industrial Ethernet , data transmission rates range from 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps. However, Industrial Ethernet applications most commonly use speeds of 100 Mbps.
Figure 1. Industrial Ethernet requires more considerations compared to office Ethernet systems. Manufacturing equipment in factory workshops is affected by varying temperatures, vibrations, and other potential interference noises.
Working principle
Industrial Ethernet protocols (such as PROFINET and EtherCAT) modify the standard Ethernet protocol to ensure not only the correct sending and receiving of specific manufacturing data, but also the timely sending and receiving of data when specific operations are required. For example, a bottle filling plant using industrial Ethernet automation can send filling data over the network to ensure that filling is completed on schedule. According to RealTime Automation, a stop-filling command is sent over the network when the bottles are full.
Figure 2. This advanced technology is required in industrial settings to ensure the correct transmission and reception of specific manufacturing data. For example, in a bottle filling plant, industrial Ethernet automation technology supports the transmission of filling data over a network to ensure that filling is completed on schedule.
It states that for office Ethernet setups, such messages are not so critical. If a webpage is lost, users can simply click the refresh button. However, in a factory, a small problem can escalate into a disaster—the company simply cannot wait for someone to find the problem and manually press the button. Industrial Ethernet automation networks can detect errors in the filling process and automatically stop the filling flow, preventing losses of time, product, and money.
Other differences between Ethernet and Industrial Ethernet
RealTime Automation states that Ethernet is generally used more in office environments than in industrial environments. Office Ethernet is primarily for basic layer usage, while industrial Ethernet can be used for multiple layers and more demanding environments.
Industrial Ethernet is better suited for solving factory noise problems, meeting factory process requirements, coping with more demanding environments, and even better handling data conflict issues within the factory.
Industrial Ethernet technology uses different wiring and connectors than traditional methods. For example, RealTime Automation states that connectors used in industrial configurations are not basic snap-lock types. Because the environments are more demanding, more robust locking types are required. Heavy-duty applications also often necessitate the use of hermetically sealed connectors.
Furthermore, the cables used for commercial or office Ethernet and industrial Ethernet differ. Lightweight industrial cables often have higher quality sheaths than standard Ethernet cables. Additionally, as expected, the sheaths and metals used in heavy-duty cables enhance their quality and durability.
Determinism is a crucial factor in defining the distinction between Industrial Ethernet and standard Ethernet. Standard Ethernet itself is not deterministic, but industrial environments demand it. They need to send and receive data packets at specific times, and they need to guarantee successful transmission every time. This is because in industrial configurations, data loss or latency between devices can have catastrophic consequences—for example, major problems in production processes. This real-time information transmission often plays a significant role in a company's choice of which type of Ethernet to deploy. Companies need to assess their specific needs and then determine the Ethernet solution best suited to their organization.
