New infrastructure for Ethernet process network
The challenge
The client interconnected its different process areas with a 100 Mbps ring network. This topology generated bottlenecks, excessive latency, and delays in updating information. The infrastructure did not respond current data traffic demands or the IT/OT integration necessary to ensure operational continuity and safety at the plant.
A mesh topology network architecture was implemented, with redundant links and high-availability industrial switches. The speed of the access switches was increased from 10/100 Mbits to 1 Gbit on all ports, with the possibility of growing to 10 Gbps. On the distribution switches, the link speed to the data center was increased from 1 to 10 Gbits.
Main actions:
- Installation of cabinets with industrial switches and redundant power supplies in different areas of the process.
- A new infrastructure was channeled for the fiber optic network and structured cabling, suitable for industrial environments.
- SCALANCE XR526 and XR324 industrial switches, configured with advanced redundancy and security protocols.
- Redundant fiber optic and copper links to ensure continuous availability.
- State-of-the-art structured cabling, with optical validation under EIA/TIA 568 standard.
- Optimized IT/OT integration for reliable communication between plant and administrative systems.
The benefits
Elimination of delays due to network congestion, reduction of latency to a minimum, timely availability of information, and integration with the corporate network.
- 10 times faster than the previous network infrastructure.
- Bottlenecks and network congestion were avoided.
- High availability and lower latency, with agile and timely visualization and refreshing of screens and process variables.
- Secure and robust infrastructure, designed for critical industrial environments.
- Scalability to mesh topology and Industry 4.0 projects.
- Optimized IT/OT integration, connecting the plant and data center reliably and securely.
Impact on the plant
Operational continuity, greater security, and scalability, in addition to support current data traffic demand and IT/OT integration.
With this new infrastructure, the customer has a modern, secure network that is ready for future growth, ensuring operational continuity, fast data traffic, and the digital integration of key processes.
2022 Process Ethernet Network