Ethernet: Convergence, Choices, Complexities

Overview:

Ethernet is penetrating ever deeper into distributed control systems to provide real-time control with direct connectivity to a wider range of devices while the insatiable demand for speed (e.g. 10/40/100G) from commercial applications are driving continual advancements in Ethernet technologies.

This expanded deployment of Ethernet in manufacturing has triggered convergence of disparate network technologies over a single Ethernet-based infrastructure, and this trend has left the controls engineer with new and more choices regarding how to specify and install the necessary network physical infrastructure. It becomes clear that network convergence continues unabated, thereby generating new and expanded network physical infrastructure options.