A high-speed railway operator built a fibre Ethernet backbone for data transmission between its operational management centre and railway stations to ensure high network availability. The customer used around 30 Moxa industrial rackmount switches (IKS-G6524) to connect to the existing Layer 3 networks. The customer also required industrial network management software to use throughout the network management lifecycle for installation, operation, maintenance, and diagnostics. The software had to be usable on mobile devices as the railway operator’s network administrators need to leave the control room to patrol within and around the stations.
MXstudio is Moxa’s industrial network management tool that can be used to monitor and manage industrial networks. Part of this solution is MXconfig, which the rail operator was able to utilise when performing the initial mass deployment. Instead of manually configuring the MAC address and assigning IP addresses one by one, the operator was able to use MXconfig to configure the IP address, VLAN, and redundancy protocols for a batch of switches simultaneously. MXConfig’s Link Sequence Detection function makes mass configuration easy by using the physical proximity of each switch to the computer to assign IP addresses. In this way, it is easy to tell which switch belongs to which station, which reduces the amount of time engineers need to spend configuring switches.
The use of effective network management applications can help network administrators accomplish tasks efficiently during different stages of the network management lifecycle. As business environments continue to evolve and improvements are made to mobile device technology, a mobile app that supports network monitoring allows administrators to be efficient, effective, and responsive when monitoring and maintaining an industrial network.
By using the MXview ToGo app, administrators can view the status of the network and each device as well as receive real-time alerts on their mobile devices. In addition to mobile monitoring, MXview ToGo also supports smart device search and an identification function. When in the field, automation engineers can view detailed device information and can find a specific device among the racks quickly, which shortens the amount of time required to perform maintenance as well as minimise downtime.
Suppression and safety solutions for fire and gas in mission-critical industries
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
By representing world-leading brands and focusing on fully integrated, certified systems, HMA South Africa is positioning itself as a trusted partner in fire detection, suppression and explosion-proof safety solutions across the continent.
Read more...Integrating fire alarm systems into building management systems Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Fire alarm systems work independently of the building automation system. Schrack Seconet has developed a flexible gateway using ultra-compact industrial PCs and TwinCAT from Beckhoff, which can be used to flexibly convert a customer-specific communication protocol to a wide range of transmission standards.
Read more...Fire and gas suppression solutions for mission-critical industries
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
By representing world-leading brands and focusing on fully integrated, certified systems, HMA South Africa is positioning itself as a trusted partner in fire detection, suppression and explosion-proof safety solutions across the continent.
Read more...The future of manufacturing
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Industrial automation is evolving at an unprecedented pace. At the forefront of this transformation is the Siemens SIMATIC ET 200SP HA Distributed I/O system. This is a flexible and scalable distributed I/O system for modern signal transfer from the field to the control level.
Read more...Time-sensitive networking RJ Connect
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
In this article, we will explore what is driving the rise of time-sensitive networking, how it is reshaping industrial efficiency, the challenges when deploying this technology, and ways to tackle these challenges.
Read more...Loop Signature 30: Nonlinearity in control loops (Part 1) Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
If nonlinearity occurs it means that if one is to carry on controlling with the same response to changes in load or setpoint, then the tuning of the controller will also need to be adjusted to meet the new conditions.
Read more...PC-based control regulates innovative dehumidifiers Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Swedish company, Airwatergreen is breaking new ground in the dehumidification of air in industrial buildings and warehouses. The patented CVP technology reduces energy requirements and ensures an indoor climate that prevents corrosion and mould growth. PC-based control from Beckhoff regulates this innovative process.
Read more...Ethernet connectivity for embedded systems
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Delivering Ethernet connectivity for embedded systems, XPort ETH Click is a compact add-on board from MIKROE, the embedded solutions company that dramatically cuts development time by providing innovative hardware and software products based on proven standards.
Read more...Compact mini PC Vepac Electronics
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
AS AAEON’s first Intel Core-powered PICO-SEMI system capable of fanless operation, the PICO-MTU4-SEMI from Vepac Electronics is easily deployed as part of larger equipment setups or integrated as the central unit of smart robotics solutions such as AGVs, AMRs and drones requiring minimal maintenance.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.