Book Description
Discover the power of industrial Ethernet (or "iE"), an affordable, open, and universal alternative to nearly 230 fieldbus protocols currently available for industrial control! The only book of its kind, The Industrial Ethernet Networking Guide paints an in-depth picture of key iE technologies, components, and functions. Gleaning information from industrial automation and Ethernet technology, the authors show readers how this new technology can be used across the corporate enterprise to enable a wealth of productivity improvements, as well as e-business, supply-chain, and agile/virtual manufacturing solutions. This highly engaging, fast-paced Guide begins by discussing the "Ethernet Communication Revolution" as a new framework for factory-to-business infrastructure, taking into account factors in networking the factory floor, as well as potential benefits and limitations of an iE solution. Subsequent chapters detail how to create an iE control network and enable valuable interconnection solutions, from factory-focused remote monitoring and wireless capabilities to VMI and ERP e-business solutions. This unbiased, factory perspective equips all readers including plant managers, process control engineers and other IT professionals, senior executives, technical consultants and more with a common base of knowledge to draw upon when planning their own iE network and solutions.

From the Author
Ethernet networks are in offices, schools, homes, and hospitals. So its ironical that only now are factories and processing plants considering this popular network protocol to transmit data to and from industrial devices. While 100s of different communication protocols were developed for factory networks during the 1970s and 1980s, finally in March 2003, GM endorsed Ethernet as a "strategic direction" after a six-year pilot study. The reasons for the belated acceptance of "industrial Ethernet" are explained in this book, as are the adaptations made to Ethernet technology so it can withstand the demands of automation and control applications.

For good or for ill, practically every activity in the world involving digital communication will utilize Ethernet. We wrote this book to make it easy to understand the impact of this technology at all levels of a manufacturing or process-control plant.

The goal was to provide a 360-degree view of iE's value as an economical adjunct or alternative to the myriad of fieldbus protocols in use today. Chapters detail what goes into creating an iE control network to enable valuable interconnection solutions, including factory-focused remote monitoring and wireless capabilities to VMI and ERP e-business solutions. A chapter is dedicated to network security. An overview of 10 upper-layer iE protocols -- including OPC DX and .NET for Manufacturing -- is provided, along with network topologies, and practical tips to help users get connected. General users and students wiil find that technical jargon has been spelled out and concepts are illustrated wherever possible.

About the Author
Donald J. Sterling, Jr. has over 25 years of experience as a technical and ad copywriter in the areas of electronics and high technology. He has worked with AMP, Lucent Technologies, Agere Systems, ExceLight Communications, and other leaders in optical communications. Currently, Mr. Sterling is working for an advertising agency that deals with high technology. In addition to this book, he has also written related books, which include coverage of fibers in specific applications. Godfrey, Lancaster, PA