Extending Ethernet over 2-wire copper networks

Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

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June 2013 Fieldbus & Industrial Networking

Eleanor Huang, product manager, Moxa

To improve the efficiency of industrial automation systems, many operators are considering the possibility of IP upgrades to provide centralised control/management and remote monitoring. When migrating to a converged IP-based network, acquiring an Ethernet communication framework will be necessary to provide higher bandwidths and longer transmission distances, which can require the installation of new cables. However, installation of new cables can incur substantial costs in planning, labour, and system downtime. Under hard-to-wire circumstances, or when budgets are limited, existing legacy copper-wire networks can be a cost-effective alternative to quickly deploy an Ethernet extension.

Legacy 2-wire copper networks are everywhere in industrial environments, such as RS-485 twisted-pair cables and voice-grade copper wires. DSL Ethernet extenders can leverage existing copper wires to extend point-to-point industrial Ethernet networks beyond the 100-metre distance limitation and offer high data-rate transmission. In this article, we will discuss the factors which can significantly improve network communication and the methods to ensure a stable, reliable, and efficient DSL Ethernet extender deployment.

Overview

IP convergence has been a recent trend in industrial automation systems as operators seek to centralise network management to increase system efficiency. Whether it is the integration of local video surveillance for traffic monitoring at remote traffic management centres, or the collection of environmental data from dispersed monitoring stations of oil and gas pipelines, distance and bandwidth requirements are always a concern for system engineers when converging network segments. Traditionally, network convergence that requires long-distance transmission (over 100 metres) is deployed via fibre optic links. However, fibre optic cables are not always available, especially in remote locations of industrial application sites, and can require substantial costs with a considerable amount of time for installation.

As stated in a 2004 entry of the U.S. Department of Transportation, existing copper networks were used to provide transmission of real-time traffic video when compared to the high costs of deploying a new fibre optic infrastructure. In response to the demand of such industrial application requirements, many manufacturers now offer Ethernet extension solutions based on DSL technology, which uses 2-wire copper cables, such as voice-grade copper wires and RS-485 twisted pair cables, to deliver long-distance and high-speed data services as a fibre optic alternative.

To learn about the advantages of using DSL Ethernet extenders for industrial automation, download this Moxa White Paper at http://instrumentation.co.za/+C17816

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Extending Ethernet over 2-wire copper networks

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