Industrial communication – From fieldbus through to Industrial Ethernet

The aim of industrial communication is the reliable transmission of data from the field through to the control level. Consistent solutions with Industrial Ethernet, state-of-the-art wireless technologies, and cybersecurity increase the availability and security of the networked systems here. Network protocols and fieldbus systems such as PROFINET, OPC UA, PROFIBUS and INTERBUS ensure efficient communication.

Consistent networking from the field level to the control level

Digitalization requires all systems and components to be networked end to end with each other – from the sensor level to the cloud. As part of this approach, Ethernet has established itself as a common communication standard for end-to-end networking from the field level to the control level and on into the office realm (IT).

In the world of industrial automation today, however, traditional fieldbuses, different protocols, and end devices with serial interfaces are often still being used. In response, Phoenix Contact provides serial device servers and gateways that incorporate the different communication systems into the Industrial Ethernet network and then convert the data, thus making it available anywhere in the network.

Robust automation switches that intelligently distribute all of the data in the network ensure reliable networking at the field and control levels. High-performance backbone switches allow easy networking with the IT network (corporate network). Firewalls that guarantee controlled and secure communication between the network segments ensure the required security.

Industrial communication via copper, fiber-optic cables, and wireless: everything from a single source

Which transmission medium is the right one for your application? If you want to bridge large distances, fiber-optic cables (FO) are recommended. If installing cables is too expensive or impossible, wireless solutions from WLAN, Bluetooth, Trusted Wireless to WirelessHART are options for short and medium distances. If no communication lines are available, existing cellular networks provide a good alternative. Phoenix Contact has suitable components for every transmission medium: from media converters for converting to fiber-optic cables and (cellular) wireless modules to the ideal connectors, cables, and antennas.

High-performance, reliable networks

Process-related data, such as measurement values, status messages, and commands, are being exchanged constantly between the components of your automation system. Moreover, additional information for process optimization or for predictive maintenance, for example, is being forwarded to the office level. To reliably transport these ever-increasing amounts of data, Phoenix Contact provides high-performance network components with Gigabit transmission and intelligent filter functions.

Furthermore, redundancy mechanisms such as MRP, DLR, RSTP, PRP, etc., allow you to design your production network to be especially failsafe, thus increasing availability.

Cybersecurity for increased network security

As the amount of networking increases, network security plays an increasingly important role. To protect your systems from threats and unauthorized access, our components support functions such as network segmentation, firewalling, secure remote access, encrypted data transmission, port security, and more.

At Phoenix Contact, however, comprehensive cybersecurity goes beyond just providing security functions. It starts with secure product development, continues with ongoing analysis and immediate elimination of potential security vulnerabilities, the long-term availability of necessary updates, and goes all the way to providing secure comprehensive solutions and consulting services.

Remote maintenance via the Internet and the cloud

Maintenance and servicing work can be performed quickly and efficiently with direct access to widely distributed industrial plants. Depending on your requirements, you can use existing lines or communicate worldwide over the cellular network. Phoenix Contact provides the right solution for every application, from DSL, LAN, and cellular routers to fieldbus and Ethernet extenders. To safeguard your network connections against interference and manipulation, Phoenix Contact provides products featuring state-of-the-art security mechanisms such as VPN, IPsec encryption, and integrated firewalls.