Industrial communication
Further areas
New at Industrial communication
NET30-PPI（Siemens HMI）
Suzhou Xinghan Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd
SFB-PN - Safety Fieldbox
K. A. Schmersal GmbH & Co. KG
XCONN - Passive distributor
SSP Safety System Products GmbH & Co. KG
765-4101/100-000 - 8-Port IO Link Master Class A, Profinet, DC 24 V / 2 A, 8xM12 connector, WideLine
WAGO GmbH & Co. KG
IO-Link I/O Modules
Norgren Limited
coreGATE Industry Gateway
core sensing GmbH
IO-Link module for safety applications
Balluff GmbH
Converter IO-LInk - 4...20 mA (2x)
ifm electronic GmbH
USB-RS485 CONVERTER
akYtec GmbH
Configurable bridge/router for CAN
Geitmann Messtechnik GmbH & Co. KG
IO-Warrior56-DG
Code Mercenaries Hard- und Software GmbH
SIWIAT App Box
Ondics GmbH
Industrial communication is a crucial component of modern production processes. It enables the exchange of information and data between different components of an industrial plant, resulting in better control and monitoring. This technical text takes a closer look at various aspects of industrial communication.
One of the most important tasks of industrial communication is the transmission of data in real time. This is crucial in order to optimize production processes and to be able to react quickly to possible malfunctions or errors. Special communication protocols such as OPC (OLE for Process Control) are often used for this purpose, which ensure reliable and fast transmission of the data.
Another important aspect of industrial communication is the integration of different systems and components. Modern production facilities often use different machines, sensors and control systems that need to communicate with each other. Standardization plays an important role here to ensure smooth communication. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) makes it possible to network various devices and systems and exchange data in real time.
Another trend in industrial communication is the use of wireless networks. This enables flexible and mobile communication between different components of a plant. In the logistics industry in particular, this can lead to a significant increase in efficiency, as data can be transmitted in real time. In addition, wireless communication also enables better monitoring and maintenance of machinery and equipment.
Security plays a crucial role in industrial communication. As more and more data is transmitted and industrial plants are increasingly networked, the risk of cyber attacks also increases. It is therefore important that communication systems and protocols are secure and protected from unauthorized access. Encryption technologies and firewalls are important tools to ensure the security of industrial communication.
Industrial communication is a complex topic that requires a high level of technical expertise. By using modern technologies such as IIoT and wireless communication, production processes can be optimized and made more efficient. At the same time, however, security aspects must also be taken into account to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the transmitted data. Industrial communication is thus an essential part of the digital transformation in industry and will continue to play an important role in the future.
One of the most important tasks of industrial communication is the transmission of data in real time. This is crucial in order to optimize production processes and to be able to react quickly to possible malfunctions or errors. Special communication protocols such as OPC (OLE for Process Control) are often used for this purpose, which ensure reliable and fast transmission of the data.
Another important aspect of industrial communication is the integration of different systems and components. Modern production facilities often use different machines, sensors and control systems that need to communicate with each other. Standardization plays an important role here to ensure smooth communication. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) makes it possible to network various devices and systems and exchange data in real time.
Another trend in industrial communication is the use of wireless networks. This enables flexible and mobile communication between different components of a plant. In the logistics industry in particular, this can lead to a significant increase in efficiency, as data can be transmitted in real time. In addition, wireless communication also enables better monitoring and maintenance of machinery and equipment.
Security plays a crucial role in industrial communication. As more and more data is transmitted and industrial plants are increasingly networked, the risk of cyber attacks also increases. It is therefore important that communication systems and protocols are secure and protected from unauthorized access. Encryption technologies and firewalls are important tools to ensure the security of industrial communication.
Industrial communication is a complex topic that requires a high level of technical expertise. By using modern technologies such as IIoT and wireless communication, production processes can be optimized and made more efficient. At the same time, however, security aspects must also be taken into account to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of the transmitted data. Industrial communication is thus an essential part of the digital transformation in industry and will continue to play an important role in the future.
What is meant by industrial communication?
Industrial communication is the exchange of information and data within industrial processes and systems. This includes the transmission of measured values, control commands, status information and other relevant information between machines, systems, sensors and actuators in industrial production.
Industrial communication enables the networking of various components within a production environment to ensure efficient control and monitoring of processes. It serves to ensure the smooth running of production processes, improve product quality, increase productivity and reduce costs.
Industrial communication technologies include Ethernet, fieldbuses such as Profibus or Profinet, wireless technologies such as WLAN or Bluetooth as well as specific protocols and standards for industrial automation, such as OPC (OLE for Process Control) or MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport).
Industrial communication plays an important role in Industry 4.0, as it forms the basis for the integration of production systems, the collection and analysis of data and the implementation of automation and digital solutions.
Industrial communication enables the networking of various components within a production environment to ensure efficient control and monitoring of processes. It serves to ensure the smooth running of production processes, improve product quality, increase productivity and reduce costs.
Industrial communication technologies include Ethernet, fieldbuses such as Profibus or Profinet, wireless technologies such as WLAN or Bluetooth as well as specific protocols and standards for industrial automation, such as OPC (OLE for Process Control) or MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport).
Industrial communication plays an important role in Industry 4.0, as it forms the basis for the integration of production systems, the collection and analysis of data and the implementation of automation and digital solutions.
Which technologies and protocols are used in industrial communication?
Various technologies and protocols are used in industrial communication to enable communication between machines, devices and systems. Some of the commonly used technologies and protocols are:
1. Ethernet: Ethernet is a widespread network protocol used in industrial plants for communication between different devices and systems. It enables fast and reliable data transmission.
2. Profibus: Profibus is a standard for fieldbus communication in automation technology. It enables communication between different devices and components in a system.
3. Modbus: Modbus is an open communication protocol that is frequently used in industrial automation to connect control devices and sensors. It enables the transmission of data via serial connections.
4. OPC (OLE for Process Control): OPC is a standard for communication between various industrial devices and systems. It enables data exchange and the integration of different systems in industrial automation.
5. CAN (Controller Area Network): CAN is a serial communication protocol that is often used in the automotive industry. It enables communication between different control units in a vehicle.
6. WirelessHART: WirelessHART is a wireless communication protocol that has been specially developed for industrial automation. It enables the wireless transmission of data between different devices and components in a system.
These are just a few examples of the technologies and protocols used in industrial communication. There are many more, depending on the specific requirements and circumstances of an installation or system.
1. Ethernet: Ethernet is a widespread network protocol used in industrial plants for communication between different devices and systems. It enables fast and reliable data transmission.
2. Profibus: Profibus is a standard for fieldbus communication in automation technology. It enables communication between different devices and components in a system.
3. Modbus: Modbus is an open communication protocol that is frequently used in industrial automation to connect control devices and sensors. It enables the transmission of data via serial connections.
4. OPC (OLE for Process Control): OPC is a standard for communication between various industrial devices and systems. It enables data exchange and the integration of different systems in industrial automation.
5. CAN (Controller Area Network): CAN is a serial communication protocol that is often used in the automotive industry. It enables communication between different control units in a vehicle.
6. WirelessHART: WirelessHART is a wireless communication protocol that has been specially developed for industrial automation. It enables the wireless transmission of data between different devices and components in a system.
These are just a few examples of the technologies and protocols used in industrial communication. There are many more, depending on the specific requirements and circumstances of an installation or system.
How has industrial communication developed over time?
Industrial communication has developed considerably over the course of time. In the past, mainly physical means of communication such as letters, telephone calls and face-to-face meetings were used. However, as technology has advanced, new communication channels have been introduced that have revolutionized industrial communication.
In the 1970s, computers and electronic data processing systems were introduced in companies, which led to an improvement in communication and the exchange of information. Emails were introduced as a fast and efficient way of communicating, making it possible to send and receive messages in real time.
In the 1990s, the Internet became widespread and made it possible to access information and communicate over long distances. Companies began to convert their internal communication systems to the Internet and developed intranets that enabled employees to access internal resources and information.
With the advent of cell phones and smartphones in the 2000s, industrial communication became even more mobile and flexible. Employees could now also communicate with each other outside the office and access company information.
In recent years, the introduction of cloud computing and collaborative platforms has further improved industrial communication. Employees can now collaborate in real time, work on documents together and communicate via various channels such as chat or video calls.
In summary, industrial communication has evolved over time from physical means of communication to digital and mobile forms of communication. This has led to more efficient and flexible communication in companies.
In the 1970s, computers and electronic data processing systems were introduced in companies, which led to an improvement in communication and the exchange of information. Emails were introduced as a fast and efficient way of communicating, making it possible to send and receive messages in real time.
In the 1990s, the Internet became widespread and made it possible to access information and communicate over long distances. Companies began to convert their internal communication systems to the Internet and developed intranets that enabled employees to access internal resources and information.
With the advent of cell phones and smartphones in the 2000s, industrial communication became even more mobile and flexible. Employees could now also communicate with each other outside the office and access company information.
In recent years, the introduction of cloud computing and collaborative platforms has further improved industrial communication. Employees can now collaborate in real time, work on documents together and communicate via various channels such as chat or video calls.
In summary, industrial communication has evolved over time from physical means of communication to digital and mobile forms of communication. This has led to more efficient and flexible communication in companies.
What role does industrial communication play in Industry 0?
Industrial communication plays a central role in Industry 4.0. It enables the networking and exchange of data between machines, plants and systems in industrial production. By digitally networking production processes, companies can increase their productivity and efficiency, reduce costs and respond more flexibly to customer requirements.
Industrial communication in Industry 4.0 is based on various technologies and standards such as Ethernet, OPC V out (OPC Unified Architecture) and MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). These enable the secure and reliable transmission of data in real time. By integrating sensors, actuators and intelligent systems, companies can automate and optimize their production processes.
Industrial communication also plays an important role in the implementation of concepts such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and the digital twin. By networking physical objects with digital information, companies can develop new business models such as predictive maintenance or data-based services.
Overall, industrial communication in Industry 4.0 enables closer integration of production and IT, which leads to more efficient and flexible production. Companies can better monitor, control and optimize their production processes, which can give them a competitive advantage.
Industrial communication in Industry 4.0 is based on various technologies and standards such as Ethernet, OPC V out (OPC Unified Architecture) and MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport). These enable the secure and reliable transmission of data in real time. By integrating sensors, actuators and intelligent systems, companies can automate and optimize their production processes.
Industrial communication also plays an important role in the implementation of concepts such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and the digital twin. By networking physical objects with digital information, companies can develop new business models such as predictive maintenance or data-based services.
Overall, industrial communication in Industry 4.0 enables closer integration of production and IT, which leads to more efficient and flexible production. Companies can better monitor, control and optimize their production processes, which can give them a competitive advantage.
What advantages does industrial communication offer companies?
Industrial communication offers companies a wide range of benefits, including
1. Increased efficiency: By using industrial communication technology, companies can optimize their production processes and make them more efficient. This can lead to an increase in productivity and a reduction in costs.
2. Real-time monitoring: Industrial communication enables companies to monitor their systems and processes in real time. This allows potential problems to be identified and rectified at an early stage, resulting in improved operational performance.
3. Automation: By connecting machines and systems via industrial communication networks, companies can automate their production processes. This leads to a reduction in manual effort, improved accuracy and increased flexibility.
4. Data collection and analysis: Industrial communication enables companies to record and analyze large volumes of data from their production processes. By analyzing this data, companies can gain valuable insights that help them to further improve their processes and make informed business decisions.
5. Flexibility and scalability: Industrial communication technologies enable companies to flexibly adapt and scale their production processes. This is particularly important in a rapidly changing business environment where companies need to be able to react quickly to new requirements.
6. Security: Industrial communication networks offer companies improved security for their systems and data. By using encryption technologies and other security measures, companies can protect their systems from unauthorized access and minimize the risk of cyber attacks.
Overall, industrial communication enables companies to achieve more efficient production, better monitoring and control of their processes, improved data collection and analysis as well as increased flexibility and security. This enables companies to increase their competitiveness and operate successfully on the market.
1. Increased efficiency: By using industrial communication technology, companies can optimize their production processes and make them more efficient. This can lead to an increase in productivity and a reduction in costs.
2. Real-time monitoring: Industrial communication enables companies to monitor their systems and processes in real time. This allows potential problems to be identified and rectified at an early stage, resulting in improved operational performance.
3. Automation: By connecting machines and systems via industrial communication networks, companies can automate their production processes. This leads to a reduction in manual effort, improved accuracy and increased flexibility.
4. Data collection and analysis: Industrial communication enables companies to record and analyze large volumes of data from their production processes. By analyzing this data, companies can gain valuable insights that help them to further improve their processes and make informed business decisions.
5. Flexibility and scalability: Industrial communication technologies enable companies to flexibly adapt and scale their production processes. This is particularly important in a rapidly changing business environment where companies need to be able to react quickly to new requirements.
6. Security: Industrial communication networks offer companies improved security for their systems and data. By using encryption technologies and other security measures, companies can protect their systems from unauthorized access and minimize the risk of cyber attacks.
Overall, industrial communication enables companies to achieve more efficient production, better monitoring and control of their processes, improved data collection and analysis as well as increased flexibility and security. This enables companies to increase their competitiveness and operate successfully on the market.
What are the challenges in implementing and using industrial communication?
There are various challenges in the implementation and use of industrial communication, including
1. Compatibility: As there are various communication protocols and standards, it is a challenge to find a solution that is compatible with existing systems. Bridges or gateways may need to be used to enable smooth communication between the different systems.
2. Network stability and reliability: Stable and reliable network communication is crucial in industrial environments. Measures must be taken to minimize interference, malfunctions and failures and to ensure that communication is continuous and error-free.
3. Security: Industrial communication systems must be protected against unauthorized access and cyber attacks. It is important to implement appropriate security measures to ensure the integrity, confidentiality and availability of the transmitted data.
4. Scalability: Industrial communication systems must be able to keep pace with the growth and requirements of the company. It is important to choose a scalable solution that allows new devices and systems to be seamlessly integrated into the network.
5. Interoperability: Different devices and systems from different manufacturers are often used in industrial environments. It is important to ensure that these devices and systems can communicate with each other. This requires compliance with common communication standards and the integration of middleware and interfaces.
6. Maintenance and support: The implementation and use of industrial communication requires continuous maintenance and support. Appropriate maintenance processes and policies must be established to ensure that the communication system functions properly and can be supported and updated as required.
1. Compatibility: As there are various communication protocols and standards, it is a challenge to find a solution that is compatible with existing systems. Bridges or gateways may need to be used to enable smooth communication between the different systems.
2. Network stability and reliability: Stable and reliable network communication is crucial in industrial environments. Measures must be taken to minimize interference, malfunctions and failures and to ensure that communication is continuous and error-free.
3. Security: Industrial communication systems must be protected against unauthorized access and cyber attacks. It is important to implement appropriate security measures to ensure the integrity, confidentiality and availability of the transmitted data.
4. Scalability: Industrial communication systems must be able to keep pace with the growth and requirements of the company. It is important to choose a scalable solution that allows new devices and systems to be seamlessly integrated into the network.
5. Interoperability: Different devices and systems from different manufacturers are often used in industrial environments. It is important to ensure that these devices and systems can communicate with each other. This requires compliance with common communication standards and the integration of middleware and interfaces.
6. Maintenance and support: The implementation and use of industrial communication requires continuous maintenance and support. Appropriate maintenance processes and policies must be established to ensure that the communication system functions properly and can be supported and updated as required.
Which security aspects are important in industrial communication?
Various security aspects are important in industrial communication in order to guarantee the integrity, availability and confidentiality of communication and the associated systems. Some important safety aspects are
1. Network security: This includes measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and virtual private networks (VPN) to protect the industrial network from unauthorized access.
2. Authentication and access control: By implementing user and device authentication as well as access rights, it can be ensured that only authorized persons or devices can access the industrial communication network.
3. Data encryption: Encrypting data can ensure that it cannot be intercepted or manipulated during transmission. Encryption protocols such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) are often used here.
4. Protection against denial-of-service (DoS) attacks: Industrial communication systems should implement mechanisms to detect and defend against DoS attacks to ensure that the communication and operation of the industrial process is not interrupted.
5. Secure data exchange: Sensitive data should be exchanged securely between different systems, for example by using digital certificates or secure protocols such as the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP).
6. Redundancy and reliability: To ensure the availability of industrial communication, redundant systems and communication paths should be implemented. This ensures seamless operation in the event of failures or malfunctions.
7. Monitoring and logging: By continuously monitoring the communication network and logging events, potential security incidents can be detected and analyzed.
8. Training and sensitization of employees: Employees should be regularly trained on security policies and best practices to be aware of potential risks and respond appropriately.
These security aspects should be considered in a comprehensive security strategy for industrial communication in order to protect the systems from threats and ensure secure operation.
1. Network security: This includes measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS) and virtual private networks (VPN) to protect the industrial network from unauthorized access.
2. Authentication and access control: By implementing user and device authentication as well as access rights, it can be ensured that only authorized persons or devices can access the industrial communication network.
3. Data encryption: Encrypting data can ensure that it cannot be intercepted or manipulated during transmission. Encryption protocols such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) are often used here.
4. Protection against denial-of-service (DoS) attacks: Industrial communication systems should implement mechanisms to detect and defend against DoS attacks to ensure that the communication and operation of the industrial process is not interrupted.
5. Secure data exchange: Sensitive data should be exchanged securely between different systems, for example by using digital certificates or secure protocols such as the Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP).
6. Redundancy and reliability: To ensure the availability of industrial communication, redundant systems and communication paths should be implemented. This ensures seamless operation in the event of failures or malfunctions.
7. Monitoring and logging: By continuously monitoring the communication network and logging events, potential security incidents can be detected and analyzed.
8. Training and sensitization of employees: Employees should be regularly trained on security policies and best practices to be aware of potential risks and respond appropriately.
These security aspects should be considered in a comprehensive security strategy for industrial communication in order to protect the systems from threats and ensure secure operation.
What trends and developments can be observed in industrial communication?
Several trends and developments can be observed in industrial communication:
1. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): The networking of machines and devices enables more efficient communication and data exchange in industry. IIoT enables the real-time monitoring of production processes, the remote maintenance of machines and the optimization of production processes.
2. Edge Computing: By shifting computing power and data processing to the edge of the network, latency times can be reduced and communication between machines and devices improved. Edge computing makes it possible to process data locally and only send relevant information to the central system.
3. Wireless communication: The use of wireless communication technologies such as WLAN, Bluetooth or 5G enables flexible and mobile networking of machines and devices. Wireless communication makes it possible to record and transmit data even in areas that are difficult to access.
4. Cybersecurity: With increasing networking and digitalization, the security of industrial communication systems is an important factor. The implementation of security measures such as firewalls, encryption technologies and access controls is becoming increasingly important in order to prevent cyber attacks.
5. Cloud computing: The use of cloud services enables companies to store, process and analyze large volumes of data. By moving data and applications to the cloud, companies can reduce costs and react more flexibly to changes.
6. Artificial intelligence and machine learning: By using artificial intelligence and machine learning, data can be analyzed and patterns identified in order to optimize processes and make predictions. These technologies enable automated monitoring and control of production processes.
7. Standardization: To enable seamless communication between different devices and systems, standards such as OPC V out (Unified Architecture) are becoming increasingly important. Standardization means that devices from different manufacturers can communicate with each other and exchange information.
These trends and developments have the potential to improve industrial communication, optimize processes and increase efficiency in the industry.
1. Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT): The networking of machines and devices enables more efficient communication and data exchange in industry. IIoT enables the real-time monitoring of production processes, the remote maintenance of machines and the optimization of production processes.
2. Edge Computing: By shifting computing power and data processing to the edge of the network, latency times can be reduced and communication between machines and devices improved. Edge computing makes it possible to process data locally and only send relevant information to the central system.
3. Wireless communication: The use of wireless communication technologies such as WLAN, Bluetooth or 5G enables flexible and mobile networking of machines and devices. Wireless communication makes it possible to record and transmit data even in areas that are difficult to access.
4. Cybersecurity: With increasing networking and digitalization, the security of industrial communication systems is an important factor. The implementation of security measures such as firewalls, encryption technologies and access controls is becoming increasingly important in order to prevent cyber attacks.
5. Cloud computing: The use of cloud services enables companies to store, process and analyze large volumes of data. By moving data and applications to the cloud, companies can reduce costs and react more flexibly to changes.
6. Artificial intelligence and machine learning: By using artificial intelligence and machine learning, data can be analyzed and patterns identified in order to optimize processes and make predictions. These technologies enable automated monitoring and control of production processes.
7. Standardization: To enable seamless communication between different devices and systems, standards such as OPC V out (Unified Architecture) are becoming increasingly important. Standardization means that devices from different manufacturers can communicate with each other and exchange information.
These trends and developments have the potential to improve industrial communication, optimize processes and increase efficiency in the industry.