Network Topology and Redundancy
Unlike traditional office star networking, the distributed line or hybrid topology is common across factory automation networks. The distributed line network topology simplifies cabling and can extend Ethernet’s reach without the expense of fiber. A drawback of a linear topology is the reduced reliability caused by a node or single link failure. Nodes connected on either side of the failure are inaccessible. To improve line topology reliability, a ring network is typically implemented to provide ring redundancy. Here all nodes are accessible even with a single failure.
Our EtherREL technology provides a hardware-assisted implementation for common industrial redundancy protocols, such as Rapid and Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP/MSTP), Device Level Ring (DLR) and High-availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR).
Network reliability is boosted with LinkMD® + cable diagnostics in addition to traditional fault monitoring, providing an embedded Signal Quality Indicator (SQI) for determining dynamic link error margin. Quiet-WIRE® enhanced EMI technology delivers industrial-strength physical layer reliability in the harshest environments, even when operating over low-cost unshielded cabling.
Deterministic Time Synchronization
Products
- USB to Ethernet
- Ethernet Controllers
- Ethernet Switches
- Ethernet PHYs