What makes the industrial setting so different? The biggest issues in industrial Ethernet stem from the hazards to which networks are exposed. Two major factors contribute to these hazards: lack of climate control and the presence of other electrical equipment. While the network in an office or data center is protected from nature’s elements by air conditioning and shade, most industrial environments lack such climate control. Excessive heat and humidity impact the transmission media. Unshielded twisted pair commonly used in office networks are not meant to withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by electrical equipment causes noise that impedes network traffic. RJ-45 connectors, a mainstay of corporate networks are not designed for long-term performance in excessive heat or stress and their contacts can corrode and locking tabs easily break off.
There are several factors that can impact your network:
| Environmental Factor |
Impact |
| Ambient humidity and direct moisture |
Cable corrosion |
|
Vibration |
Cable wear, disconnects |
|
Temperature extremes |
Application failures, cable wear |
|
Chemical exposure |
Cable corrosion |
|
Dust |
Poor outlet/plug/connector contact, particularly with fiber optic cable |
| Electromagnetic interface (EMI) |
Degraded transmission |
The distances over which signal must be transmitted is another key difference. Industrial Ethernet cable may need to run ¼ of a mile or more as it is routed through a large plant, around hazards, and from machine to machine and switch to switch. Unshielded twisted pair cable, typically used in offices, has a 100-meter maximum distance. While this specification originated to separate user transmissions and prevent collisions, today the distance limitation is the result of power transmission. For longer distances, fiber optic cable may be required. Yet fiber optic cable brings its own set of requirements. The diameter of a single mode fiber is smaller than a red blood cell. Fingerprints, or even dust in the air can sit on the fiber optic end-face, causing reflectance and inhibiting signal transmission.
Take Control of your Industrial Network
Whether you are still considering Ethernet, in the process of installation, or have already deployed Ethernet to automate your factory floor, Fluke Networks has rugged, dependable, and easy-to-use tools that address the needs of your unique industrial environment. Planning and prevention, as well as selecting equipment that best suit your environment will go a long way towards ensuring your network runs reliably, and minimizing the impact of downtime.