Industrial communication – From fieldbus through to Industrial Ethernet
The aim of industrial communication is the reliable transmission of data from the field through to the control level. Consistent solutions with Industrial Ethernet, state-of-the-art wireless technologies, and cybersecurity increase the availability and security of the networked systems here. Network protocols and fieldbus systems such as PROFINET, OPC UA, PROFIBUS and INTERBUS ensure efficient communication.
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Consistent networking from the field level to the control level
Digitalization requires all systems and components to be networked end to end with each other – from the sensor level to the cloud. As part of this approach, Ethernet has established itself as a common communication standard for end-to-end networking from the field level to the control level and on into the office realm (IT).
Digitalization in production
In the world of industrial automation today, however, traditional fieldbuses, different protocols, and end devices with serial interfaces are often still being used. In response, Phoenix Contact provides serial device servers and gateways that incorporate the different communication systems into the Industrial Ethernet network and then convert the data, thus making it available anywhere in the network.
Robust automation switches that intelligently distribute all of the data in the network ensure reliable networking at the field and control levels. High-performance backbone switches allow easy networking with the IT network (corporate network). Firewalls that guarantee controlled and secure communication between the network segments ensure the required security.
Industrial communication via copper, fiber-optic cables, and wireless
Industrial communication via copper, fiber-optic cables, and wireless: everything from a single source
Which transmission medium is the right one for your application? If you want to bridge large distances, fiber-optic cables (FO) are recommended. If installing cables is too expensive or impossible, wireless solutions from WLAN, Bluetooth, Trusted Wireless to WirelessHART are options for short and medium distances. If no communication lines are available, existing cellular networks provide a good alternative. Phoenix Contact has suitable components for every transmission medium: from media converters for converting to fiber-optic cables and (cellular) wireless modules to the ideal connectors, cables, and antennas.
High-performance, reliable networks
Process-related data, such as measurement values, status messages, and commands, are being exchanged constantly between the components of your automation system. Moreover, additional information for process optimization or for predictive maintenance, for example, is being forwarded to the office level. To reliably transport these ever-increasing amounts of data, Phoenix Contact provides high-performance network components with Gigabit transmission and intelligent filter functions.
Furthermore, redundancy mechanisms such as MRP, DLR, RSTP, PRP, etc., allow you to design your production network to be especially failsafe, thus increasing availability.
Cybersecurity is the prerequisite for a reliable network
Cybersecurity for increased network security
As the amount of networking increases, network security plays an increasingly important role. To protect your systems from threats and unauthorized access, our components support functions such as network segmentation, firewalling, secure remote access, encrypted data transmission, port security, and more.
At Phoenix Contact, however, comprehensive cybersecurity goes beyond just providing security functions. It starts with secure product development, continues with ongoing analysis and immediate elimination of potential security vulnerabilities, the long-term availability of necessary updates, and goes all the way to providing secure comprehensive solutions and consulting services.
Secure connection of decentralized stations to the control room
Remote maintenance via the Internet and the cloud
Maintenance and servicing work can be performed quickly and efficiently with direct access to widely distributed industrial plants. Depending on your requirements, you can use existing lines or communicate worldwide over the cellular network. Phoenix Contact provides the right solution for every application, from DSL, LAN, and cellular routers to fieldbus and Ethernet extenders. To safeguard your network connections against interference and manipulation, Phoenix Contact provides products featuring state-of-the-art security mechanisms such as VPN, IPsec encryption, and integrated firewalls.
We will be happy to advise you – personally or over the phone
We will be happy to help you Support during network planning and commissioning
Our network specialists can provide you with expert support, from network planning and commissioning, right through to maintenance. With our many years of experience in automation technology, we know the challenges that you face and can advise you on the latest Industry 4.0 technologies and security standards. We can also provide your employees with training in Industrial Ethernet, security awareness, and how to use our products correctly.
LinkedIn: Industrial communication and cybersecurity Become a part of our community now!
Industrial communication networks enable us to reliably transmit data from the field, through the control level, all the way to the cloud. Our Industrial communication and cybersecurity LinkedIn page provides you with interesting information on network availability, cyber security, remote maintenance, and much more. Become a part of our community!