Industrial Network Communications
An Industrial Network is a system of electronic devices that are connected in order to share information. The network can consist of PLC Controllers, I/O Devices, Operator Interfaces, HMI/SCADA computers, and many other elements. Each element is uniquely addressable - giving each component (controllers, I/O devices, Operator interfaces, etc) a unique name or label. Industrial networks provide bi-directional, real-time, (sometimes deterministic)communication. Each element has specific electronic components to allow the transfer of data between the elements, on a shared media, and according to a protocol.
Industrial Network Protocols
Network protocols establish the rules that must be followed for two or more devices to share data. They describe how devices establish and maintain communications. Examples of network communication protocols include DeviceNet, Profibus-DP, and Ethernet.
Deterministic Network
Many industrial networks are deterministic. If a network is deterministic, it means that communication occurs within a predetermined time span. Industrial networks value determinism because many control systems require predictable, real-time response to data. (You would not want to miss a critical alarm because of someone sending a 10Mg e-mail)