Ethernet enables a very fast data transfer (10/100 Mbit/s, 1/10 Gbit/s) and at the same time has full-duplex capability. It therefore provides an ideal basis for communication tasks in the industrial field. With a share of over 90%, Ethernet is the number one network worldwide and offers important features which have essential advantages:

• Fast commissioning thanks to extremely simple connection method
• High availability since existing networks can be extended without any adverse effects
• Almost unlimited communication performance because scalable performance is available through switching technology and high data rates when required
• Networking of different application areas such as office and production areas
• Company-wide communication based on wide area network (WAN) technology or the Internet
• Protection of investment due to continuous and compatible development
• Wireless communication using industrial wireless LAN

In order to make Ethernet suitable for industrial applications, considerable expansions with respect to functionality and design are required:

• Network components for use in harsh industrial environments
• Fast assembly of the RJ45 connectors
• Fail-safety through redundancy
• Expanded diagnostics and message concept
• Use of future-oriented network components (e.g. switches)

SIMATIC NET offers corresponding network components and products.