Overview
What is Industrial Networking?
Industrial networking refers to the specialized communication infrastructure used to connect controllers, sensors, actuators, and human-machine interfaces (HMIs) across a factory floor. Unlike standard IT networking, industrial systems must handle harsh physical environments and provide deterministic, real-time data delivery to ensure precise machine movements and process safety.
These networks utilize "hardened" hardware, such as industrial Ethernet switches, routers, gateways, and bridges, which are designed to withstand high temperatures, moisture, and electromagnetic noise. Common protocols utilized within these networks include EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, and Modbus TCP/IP.
Main Manufacturers
PALM Parts Solution carries industrial networking components from the industry's leading brands, ensuring compatibility with your existing automation architecture:
- Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation): Known for the Stratix line of switches, which integrate directly into Studio 5000 for simplified configuration.
- Siemens: Offers the Scalance and Ruggedcom families, providing high-performance networking for both factory and process automation.
- Beckhoff: Specializes in high-speed EtherCAT infrastructure, including couplers and specialty networking terminals for ultra-fast I/O synchronization.
Typical Applications
Industrial networking is the backbone of modern Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0. Key applications include:
- Distributed I/O Communication: Connecting a central PLC to remote I/O racks across large production lines using PROFINET or EtherNet/IP.
- Motion Control: Utilizing EtherCAT or CIP Motion to synchronize multiple servo drives in high-speed packaging or CNC applications.
- Data Collection & IIoT: Validating production metrics by routing data from the machine level to Edge Gateways and upper-level SCADA systems.
- Video Surveillance & Security: Powering and networking IP cameras for safety monitoring using Industrial PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches.
- Network Redundancy: Creating circular "ring" topologies (DLR or MRP) to prevent system-wide shutdowns in the event of a cable break.
Popular Product Families
Focusing on high-availability and ease of integration, the following product families are staples in industrial environments:
- Allen-Bradley Stratix Series: Includes the Stratix 2000 (unmanaged), Stratix 5700 (managed), and Stratix 5400 (distribution) switches. These often feature Cisco technology for familiar CLI management.
- Siemens SCALANCE: A comprehensive portfolio including the SCALANCE X-200 (managed), X-300 (high performance), and SCALANCE W (Industrial Wireless LAN) modules.
- Beckhoff EK Series: EtherCAT Couplers like the EK1100 and EK1200 that bridge the gap between standard Ethernet and the internal signal level of the EtherCAT Terminals.
- Siemens RUGGEDCOM: Tailored for mission-critical applications in electric power, transportation, and oil & gas where conditions are beyond standard industrial specs.
Replacement & Compatibility
Upgrading or replacing industrial networking hardware requires careful attention to protocols and management features.
- Protocol Mapping: When replacing a Siemens Scalance switch with an Allen-Bradley Stratix, ensure the replacement supports the necessary multicast management (IGMP) required for EtherNet/IP.
- Form Factor: Most modern industrial components utilize DIN-rail mounting. Ensure your replacement switch fits the physical footprint, especially if upgrading from an unmanaged to a managed switch, which may be wider.
- Migration Paths: Many plants are migrating from legacy serial networks (DH+, RI/O, or PROFIBUS) to Industrial Ethernet. We provide gateways and linking devices to bridge these legacy "islands" of automation into modern Ethernet-based trunks.
- Firmware & Configuration: Managed switches often hold "Config" files or SD cards. When replacing a unit, the configuration must be exported from the old unit and imported to the new one to maintain VLANs and security settings.
Selection Guide
Choosing the right networking components depends on three primary factors:
- Environment: Determine the operating temperature and exposure to dust/liquids. In cabinets, IP20 is standard; on-machine mounting requires IP67.
- Network Load: Unmanaged switches are suitable for small "islands" of 3-5 devices. For larger networks or those containing VFDs and motion control, managed switches are mandatory to prevent network flooding.
- Port Density & Media: Calculate how many Kupfer (RJ45) ports are needed and whether long-distance runs require SFP fiber optic ports to avoid ground loops and signal interference.
- Integration Level: If using Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLCs, Stratix switches provide the benefit of "Add-On Profiles" (AOPs), allowing you to monitor switch health directly from the PLC code. Similarly, Siemens SCALANCE integrates seamlessly into TIA Portal via GSDML files.
86 products
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between industrial and commercial networking?
Industrial networking uses hardened hardware designed for extreme temperatures, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and physical vibration. Unlike commercial office equipment, industrial switches and routers support real-time communication protocols like EtherNet/IP and PROFINET, and they often feature DIN-rail mounting and redundant DC power inputs to ensure 24/7 uptime in manufacturing environments.
Do I need a managed or unmanaged industrial switch?
Managed switches provide advanced features like VLAN tagging, SNMP monitoring, and IGMP snooping, which are essential for controlling multicast traffic in EtherNet/IP networks. Unmanaged switches are "plug-and-play" with no configuration options. For most PLC-to-HMI or multi-device automation networks, managed switches are required to prevent network congestion and provide diagnostic data.
Which industrial ethernet protocol should I use?
EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, and EtherCAT are the most common protocols today. EtherNet/IP is preferred for Allen-Bradley (Rockwell Automation) systems, PROFINET is the standard for Siemens SIMATIC environments, and EtherCAT is the primary protocol for Beckhoff and high-speed motion control. While all run on Ethernet cabling, they require specific hardware support for high-speed synchronization.
How do I ensure network redundancy in a factory?
Redundancy is critical for minimizing downtime. Common industrial methods include Device Level Ring (DLR) for EtherNet/IP environments, and Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP) for PROFINET. These protocols allow the network to recover in milliseconds if a single cable fails, keeping the manufacturing process running without interruption.
Can I replace legacy networking hardware with newer models?
Yes, most modern industrial networking hardware is backward compatible. For example, Allen-Bradley Stratix switches can bridge legacy CIP-based communications, and Siemens Scalance modules often support both PROFINET and standard TCP/IP. When replacing older hubs, always upgrade to a managed switch to handle the increased data load of modern smart sensors.
What is IGMP snooping and why is it important for PLCs?
IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) snooping is a feature in managed switches that constrains multicast traffic to only the ports that request it. In industrial automation, many devices broadcast data to the entire network. Without IGMP snooping, this "multicast storm" can overwhelm small devices like VFDs or remote I/O, causing connection drops.
How do I choose the right IP rating for industrial networking?
The environmental rating depends on the installation location. If the hardware is inside a clean laboratory, an IP20 rating is sufficient. For wash-down environments or outdoor installations, you need IP67-rated switches and connectors. Additionally, check for extended temperature ratings (typically -40°C to +75°C) if the equipment is used in non-climate-controlled zones.
What are the benefits of PoE in industrial applications?
Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows a single cable to provide both data and electrical power to devices. In industrial settings, this is commonly used for IP cameras, wireless access points, and remote sensors. Ensure your switch has a high enough "power budget" to support all connected PoE devices simultaneously.
How do I protect my industrial network from cyber threats?
To secure an industrial network, use managed switches with port security (MAC ID filtering), implement VLANs to isolate machine traffic from the corporate IT network, and deploy industrial firewalls or "Demilitarized Zones" (IDMZ). Always disable unused ports and use hardware that supports encrypted management protocols like HTTPS and SSH.
What voltage is typical for industrial networking equipment?
Industrial switches generally require 24V DC power, matching the standard power supply of a PLC cabinet. Many models include dual power inputs for redundancy, allowing two different power supplies to be connected so the switch remains online if one power source fails.