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.
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 up 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. Therefore, 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
Which transmission medium is suitable for your application? If you want to bridge large distances, fiber-optic cables (FO) are recommended. If installing cables is too expensive or not possible, wireless solutions such as WLAN, Bluetooth, Trusted Wireless, all the way 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, through (cellular) wireless modules, all the way to the ideal connectors, cables, and antennas.
Process-related data, such as measurement values, status messages, and commands, is being exchanged constantly between the components of your automation system. Moreover, additional information, such as for process optimization or for predictive maintenance, 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 an essential prerequisite for a reliable network
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 gaps, the long-term availability of necessary updates, and goes all the way to providing secure turnkey solutions and consulting services.
Secure connection of decentralized stations to the control room
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
Our network specialists can provide you with expert advice, from network planning, through commissioning, all the way to maintenance. Thanks to 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.