What is Ethernet? What is Industrial Ethernet?

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What is Ethernet? What is Industrial Ethernet? [Copy link]

Ethernet, and especially Industrial Ethernet, has become a buzzword in the manufacturing industry lately.

Although they are similar, they each have their own characteristics and advantages. Today we will talk about Ethernet and Industrial Ethernet and compare the differences between them.

What is Ethernet?

Ethernet first appeared in the 1970s and was later standardized as IEEE 802.3. Ethernet refers to a group of local area network (LAN) products that conform to the IEEE 802.3 standard. IEEE802.3 is a set of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standards that define the physical and data link layers of media access control for wired Ethernet networks. These standards also describe the rules for sub-configuring Ethernet networks and how the various network elements work together.

Ethernet allows multiple computers to be connected over a single network. Without it, the various devices that make up modern society would not be able to communicate with each other. Ethernet is a global standard for a system of wires and cables that connect multiple computers, devices, machines, etc. over a single network within a company so that all computers can communicate with each other. Ethernet started as a single cable that allowed multiple devices to connect to the same network. Today, Ethernet networks can be expanded and covered with new devices as needed. Ethernet is currently the most popular and widely used network technology in the world.

When using Ethernet, the data stream is divided into shorter blocks of data, or frames, each of which contains specific information, such as the source and destination of the data. This information is necessary to send and receive data across the network as required.

Other terms associated with Ethernet technology include:
medium: In modern Ethernet technology, the medium refers to the twisted pair of wires or fiber-optic cables that Ethernet devices connect to provide a path for data transmission;
segment: a single shared medium;
node: a device that connects segments.

Standard Ethernet has a data transmission speed of between 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps. Gigabit Ethernet is a term used in the IEEE 802.3 standard to refer to Ethernet speeds that transmit at 1 Gbps. Gigabit Ethernet was originally used for backbone network transmission and high-performance or high-capacity servers. However, over time, it has been supported by desktop connection devices and PCs.

Additional Information About Ethernet

Ethernet and Wi-Fi are two different things - Ethernet uses cables to connect computers and devices, as computer magazines say. Almost all references to a network or LAN connection are to Ethernet.

What is Industrial Ethernet?

Industrial Ethernet, as its name suggests, refers to Ethernet used in industrial configurations, which usually require more stable and reliable connectors, cables, and higher determinism, the latter being the most important. In order to achieve higher determinism, Industrial Ethernet uses dedicated protocols when using Ethernet. Currently, the more popular Industrial Ethernet protocols include: PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, EtherCAT, SERCOS III, and POWERLINK.

When using Industrial Ethernet, data transfer 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 than office Ethernet systems. Manufacturing equipment on the factory floor is subject to varying temperatures, vibrations, and other potentially interfering noises.

How it works

Industrial Ethernet protocols, such as PROFINET and EtherCAT, modify standard Ethernet protocols to ensure that specific manufacturing data is not only sent and received correctly, but also sent and received on time when specific actions are required. For example, a bottle filling plant using Industrial Ethernet automation technology can send filling data over the network to ensure that filling is completed as planned. According to Real Time Automation, when the bottle is full, a stop filling command is sent over the network.

Figure 2. This advanced technology is needed in industrial settings to ensure that specific manufacturing data can be sent and received correctly. In the case of a bottle filling plant, Industrial Ethernet automation technology enables filling data to be sent over the network to ensure that filling is completed as planned.

In an office Ethernet setting, such messages wouldn't be so critical, it says. When a web page is missing, the user can simply hit a refresh button. But in a factory, a small problem can turn into a disaster—the company simply can't wait for someone to find the problem and manually hit a button. An Industrial Ethernet automation network can detect errors in the filling process and automatically stop the filling process, preventing loss of time, product, and money.

Other Differences Between Ethernet and Industrial Ethernet

Real Time Automation said Ethernet is generally used more in office environments than in industrial environments. Office Ethernet is mainly used at the basic level, while industrial Ethernet may be used at multiple levels and in more demanding environments.

Industrial Ethernet is more suitable for solving factory noise problems, meeting factory process requirements, coping with more stringent environments, and even better dealing with data conflict problems within the factory.

Industrial Ethernet technology also uses different wiring and connectors than traditional ones. For example, Real Time Automation said that the connectors used in industrial configurations are not the basic snap-lock type. Because the environment is more harsh, more rugged locking types are required. Heavy-duty applications also often require the use of sealed connectors.

Additionally, the cables used for commercial or office Ethernet and industrial Ethernet are different. Lightweight industrial cables may have a higher quality jacket than regular Ethernet cables. Also, as expected, the jacket and the metal used in heavy-duty cables also have improved quality, making them more durable.

Determinism is an important factor when defining Industrial Ethernet as distinct from Ethernet. Standard Ethernet is not deterministic by itself, but industrial environments require determinism. They need to send and receive packets at specific times, and they need to guarantee that data is sent successfully every time. This is because in industrial settings, data loss or data delays between devices can have catastrophic consequences—for example, major problems in the production process. This real-time information transmission often plays a big role in a company's decision about which type of Ethernet to deploy. Companies need to evaluate their specific needs and then determine the Ethernet solution that will best suit their organization.