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How do you monitor and control your systems and machines to streamline and optimize operations as an industrial enterprise? For industries to operate effectively and efficiently, there is a need to adopt industrial communication and networking solutions. As technology evolves and the volume of data ever increases, communication is getting more complex, hence the need for robust communication channels.
This article looks at the different types of industrial networking and connectivity technologies, their benefits, and their components for industries seeking to automate connectivity and processes.
What Is Industrial Networking?
In short, industrial networking refers to the connectivity of various communication devices spread over large spaces to enable data sharing on a large scale between them.
Types of Industrial Network Levels
Industries operate under many departments that can be in widespread locations. These departments need constant communication for the organization to function effectively. To achieve this, they must use different network levels with optimized technology and protocols that allow communication in and across the other departments.
For example, here are various types of industrial network levels:
Industrial Networks in Enterprises
The enterprise or corporate network connects computers and devices across different departments to increase data accessibility, lower communication protocols, and transfer data.
Industrial Business Operations Networks
A business operations network or business network connects a business enterprise system in separate buildings and locations to streamline communication.
Supervisory Network
These are used in manufacturing processes to connect different computers to monitor other computers and systems.
Process Control Networks
These networks transfer and transmit data between control and measurement units. They are robust, compatible, and determinate, boasting accurate error-solving techniques with low sensitivity to induction or electromagnetic waves.
Benefits of Industrial Networks
Industries adopting process and manufacturing automation require minimal human intervention. Industrial networks enhance efficiency and productivity while streamlining communication across different channels.
Here are the benefits of industrial networking:
- Enhancing Productivity: Robots are more efficient and can withstand operating in extreme conditions.
- Lowering Downtime: Industries achieve efficiency by reducing downtime during processes.
- Saving on Energy:Industries consume less energy during manufacturing processes.
- Enhancing Real-Time Monitoring: Business managers can monitor and control processes in real time from any location.
- Saving on Maintenance Costs: Scheduling maintenance routines prevents breakdowns that can lead to hefty repair bills.
- Advanced Event Handling:AI systems can predict and handle catastrophic events before they occur, increasing productivity.
Components of Industrial Communication
Here are some components of industrial networking and connectivity:
- Ethernet Network Nodes:Serve as the network foundation by connecting the network.
- Serial Connectivity: Used for proprietary and standard serial communication protocols in equipment, field and devices.
- Remote I/O Connectivity: Enhances availability of data from I/O devices.
- IIoT Device Connectivity: Connects field devices to IIoT applications.
- Network Gatekeepers: Secure OT assets and field devices when connecting over the internet.
- Wireless Network Nodes:Enable flexibility and device mobility with cost-effective LAN technologies.
Do you want to adopt a state-of-the-art industrial network and connectivity for automation to enhance production and communication? Do you want to improve quality control and assurance while lowering downtime and production costs? Request a free quote or schedule a call to speak with a specialist. We have industrial networking solutions to meet your diverse industry's needs from a location close to you.
