Implementation strategies for Industrial IoT networks

朗锐智科

Implementation strategies for Industrial IoT networks [Copy link]

Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems continue to mature, become more distributed and develop new capabilities. It is predicted that by 2023, there will be 2 billion connected IoT devices deployed, which will be a massive increase. When designing a successful industrial network system, IIoT system architects and network engineers need to consider many different aspects. Among them is the choice of network technology, which is very abundant in the industrial sector. What is needed is a framework for solution architects to provide guidance when building the network. 1. Understand the conditions for industrial network deployment Industrial networks are quite different from enterprise or consumer networks. The application requirements that support the network are diverse and cover many industry sectors, including transportation, manufacturing, utilities, and healthcare. The technical requirements of the applications can range from easy to demanding. Deployment conditions vary greatly. For example, the physical conditions found in agriculture are very different from those in deep mining. The operational element must also be considered and include items such as: Will the connected machine need to be reconfigurable, such as an adaptable manufacturing cell? Or will the machine be mobile like a robot? The lifecycle of the deployment, which can be decades, is also a factor to consider when creating a sustainable technology strategy. 2. Keep tabs on evolving technologies Industrial network infrastructure and the technology choices within it are constantly evolving. The capabilities of the network increase as new solutions are introduced. This allows assets such as machines, sites, and environments to connect to enterprise processes, enabling a variety of applications across multiple different industries. Industrial network technology is the foundation for all applications. A variety of options exist, including fieldbuses, industrial Ethernet, and variations of wireless standards such as WiFi and IEEE 802.15.4. Cellular technology, in particular, is rapidly evolving to support a variety of IoT use cases. This applies to both 4G/LTE, such as NB-IoT for large-scale deployments with relaxed requirements, and 5G NR, which can support mission-critical applications requiring ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). 5G is somewhat unique in that it can support a variety of applications and deployment scenarios in the same system. 3. Determining a Successful IIoT Implementation The mining industry has been deploying wireless remote control and vehicle electrification for more than two decades. This has created a consistent need to improve safety and efficiency while reducing staff. Automated and remotely controlled vehicles and machinery help achieve this goal. Often, the depths of mines are so great that it is not only practical or realistic for people to be present, but also illegal. Another driver for minimal environmental impact is operating mines autonomously. The network technology used to remotely control machines is often based on unlicensed spectrum and proprietary technology. For some applications, this is sufficient. Mining, however, requires more integrated and standardized solutions because adding machines often requires adding more network technology. As devices and vehicles move from one coverage area to the next, connectivity must be continuous, ensuring seamless handover. This means proper network planning is critical, especially if it must remain cost-effective.