Ethernet controller supports redundancy

January 2011 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

Wago’s new Ethernet MR controller provides two network ports allowing one redundant or two independent networks to be addressed. This functionality makes room for new applications at a competitive price.

Redundant infrastructures are playing an increasing role, especially in applications requiring high network and system availability. Redundancy is partially allocated to the application program of the new controller, making special protocols or switches unnecessary. If the communication path is impaired via port 1 eg, defective lines, switches or server, the redundant communication path can be used via port 2. This is made possible as each Ethernet port has its own MAC address, which is assigned an IP address. The controller is addressed using the IP addresses, allowing simultaneous access to both networks. If no redundant network is required, the controller can address two separate networks e.g. exchanging data between two machines or between a machine and an office PC.

For more information contact Chris Huxham, Shorrock Automation, +27 (0)12 345 4449, [email protected], www.shorrock.co.za

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