High-performance network devices for data transmission
The ETHERLINE® ACCESS series offers unmanaged and managed switches for industrial use.
In order for data communication to take place within an industrial network, components are required that process the incoming data packages and send them to addressed network participants. In this product group you will find active components such as switches and NAT routers for exchanging IP addresses. Our Ethernet distribution products are used in Ethernet-based networks in automation technology.
- Managed switch
- SFP module
- Unmanaged switch
- CE marked
- TÜV certified
- UL listed
Data communication via Ethernet
According to recent analyses, almost two thirds of all industrial networks are based on the Ethernet standard. EtherNet/IP and PROFINET are considered leading technologies in Europe.
Since communication processes usually take place at several levels, continuous networking from the field and control level right through to the company management level is the driving factor in factory automation. Numerous production processes can only be automated and controlled if data communication between the connected terminal devices works reliably.
Ethernet as a data transmission technology or Industrial Ethernet as a repository for the industrial sector paves the way for this.
Which components are required for Ethernet network distribution?
An Ethernet network consists not only of computers and servers, but also of numerous passive and active network components. The active components are primarily responsible for distributing Ethernet.
Passive components
- This includes: components that do not need to be supplied with power directly
- Task: for installing the network structure
- Example: cables, patch cables, connectors
Active components
- This includes: components that need to be supplied with power and actively process/amplify signals
- Task: for coupling the network structure
- Example: switches, routers, firewalls
Whether for communication from control cabinet to control cabinet, for communication in the machine control cabinet or for communication from the main control cabinet to the office – network devices perform their work reliably in many places.
This is what a typical networking of corporate networks looks like
How Switch, Router and Firewall are connected within a network.
What do active components need to do during distribution?
Industrial communication networks need to function reliably, i.e. they need to be fail-safe to avoid interruptions in production. They are also intended to guarantee a high quality of connection between the terminal devices, while simultaneously providing high-performance data transmission.
What does the communication structure look like?
The specific communication structure is dependent on the current network topology (logical structure and connection of the network) and the network protocols used.
How do Ethernet devices communicate with one another?
Ethernet protocols form the basis for communication between the connected devices. For example, they determine when which data packages are transferred in which package formats.
Networking made easy with these LAPP products
Our active network components for reliable distribution of Ethernet in industrial companies have a positive impact on the performance of your network.