Communication network in the process plant

Secure communication in the process industry

To ensure the stable and reliable operation of all processes and to intervene at an early stage if needed, it is necessary to continuously monitor systems in the process industry. The monitoring functions are subject to constant optimization. The trend here is towards an open architecture with a modular structure that enables plug-and-play integration.

Interactive image map: Structure of communication solutions for the process industry
Surge protection
The DATATRAB DT product family protects high-speed networks up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet as well as networks with an RS-485 interface. It also protects analog and digital interfaces for telecommunications, including DSL.
Find out more
Surge protection
Communication infrastructure
Industrial Ethernet products from the COMPLETE line portfolio feature all the benefits of modern Ethernet networks: unmatched flexibility, performance, consistency, and speed.
Find out more
Communication infrastructure
Security routers
mGuard security appliances are particularly suitable for the decentral protection and secure remote maintenance of production cells or individual machines.
Find out more
Security routers
Security routers
mGuard security appliances are particularly suitable for the decentral protection and secure remote maintenance of production cells or individual machines.
Find out more
Security routers
Wired communication
With Ethernet extenders, you can connect Ethernet networks over distances of up to 20 km via simple 2-wire cables. You can combine managed and unmanaged Ethernet extenders in the same network.
Find out more
Wired communication
Wireless communication
The TC ROUTER cellular routers from Phoenix Contact enable robust data links via 4G cellular networks.
Find out more
Wireless communication
Local interface
From the mobile tablet PC for field operation to complex visualization software for extensive automation systems – with COMPLETE line, you will find the right solution for operating and monitoring your application.
Find out more
Local interface
Switches
Ethernet switches are the communication hubs of your industrial network. They provide reliable, efficient data exchange and can ensure the robustness of your network.
Find out more
Switches
Control
The communication technology forwards data to the control level for further use.
Find out more
Control
Supply and protection
Reliable supply concepts enable the entire communications infrastructure to operate without interruption.
Find out more
Supply and protection

Switches are a central element in industrial communication. They coordinate data between a variety of end devices and enable efficient communication. Unmanaged switches provide standard functionality with a variable number of ports. Managed switches additionally enable traffic analysis and control via redundancy mechanisms and network diagnostics, and have advanced cybersecurity. Routers or 3-layer switches perform similar functions and also enable the connection of subnetworks.

While controller and safety units usually have a direct connection to the switches, some networks require an extended communication infrastructure. Repeaters and extenders increase network performance. Gateways extend the number of devices, and converters integrate devices without an Ethernet interface.

Reliable surge protection is essential for field devices and data lines. The DATATRAB DT product family from the COMPLETE line portfolio is suitable for protecting sensitive data interfaces.

After selecting the suitable switch for the application, other devices, such as monitoring and control components, are connected for the field. Robust panel PCs and HMIs with approvals for potentially explosive areas and maritime conditions are suitable here.

Finally, various subsystems are connected to the higher-level control system via hardwired or wireless solutions. For applications in the local environment, cabling is a simple and reliable solution with fast data transmission. If cabling is not feasible due to long distances, wireless solutions are an alternative. However, these connections are often subject to interference effects such as electromagnetic fields, reflections, fading, interference, and shadowing, which negatively affect data transmission.

A poorly managed or even infiltrated communications infrastructure poses major risks to the stability and security of the network. Therefore, every critical infrastructure application must be protected with IEC 62443 cybersecurity – and at every possible access point wherever possible. With high-performance and flexible firewalls, security routers ensure secure applications in accordance with IEC.