Networks and Communications
Rockwell Automation and Cisco Systems®
Reference Architectures for Manufacturing
Industry adoption of EtherNet/IP™ for control and information has driven the wide deployment of standard Ethernet and IP network technology for manufacturing networks. This deployment acts as the technology enabler for the convergence of industrial and enterprise networks. By gaining timely access to key performance indicators (KPIs), at the right levels by business and operation decision makers, manufacturers make business decisions from real time information. Information convergence between manufacturing and business systems within the enterprise allows greater business agility and opportunities for innovation.
To support and accelerate this network convergence, Rockwell Automation and Cisco Systems collaborated to develop Converged Plantwide Ethernet (CPwE) Architectures, to provide education, design guidance, recommendations and best practices. These resources, comprised of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture™ and Cisco's Ethernet-to-the-Factory, provide users with the foundation for success to deploy the latest technology by addressing topics relevant to both engineering and information technology (IT) professionals. They also address the cultural and technical challenges of Ethernet network convergence between IT and engineering.
Rockwell Automation and Cisco are publishing ongoing phased releases of deliverables to provide solutions (such as documentation, products, technology, and services) to address convergence between industrial and enterprise networks. Rockwell Automation and Cisco have identified other published documents that will help customers properly deploy Ethernet networks. Included are published documents by ODVA, which Rockwell Automation and Cisco are principle members.
Focusing on Technology Trends and Application Topics
- Achieving Secure, Remote Access to Plant-Floor Applications and Data [PDF] — Guidelines for remotely accessing automation systems to share plant data, applications, and resources, regardless of physical location.
- Patch Management and Computer System Security Updates [PDF] — A four step model and best practice guide to manage application software security patches within the Manufacturing zone.
- Securing Manufacturing Computing and Controller Assets [PDF] — Recommendations and best practices for deploying a holistic security policy for helping secure manufacturing assets.
- Production Software within the Manufacturing Reference Architectures [PDF] — Recommendations for deploying FactoryTalk Applications and Services within the Rockwell Automation and Cisco Converged Plantwide Ethernet Architectures.
- Converged Plantwide Ethernet Whitepaper [PDF] — A set of manufacturing focused reference architectures — overview of Rockwell Automation and Cisco collaboration outlining network design best practices, guidance and recommendations.
- EtherNet/IP: CIP on Ethernet Technology [PDF] — (ODVA) Overview of the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), and how it is adapted to Standard Ethernet and Standard IP, resulting in EtherNet/IP.
- Guidance for Selecting Cables for EtherNet/IP Networks [PDF] — Designed to help the user select cabling based on the application, environmental conditions, and mechanical requirements.
- Techniques for Infrastructure Deployment: Reference Architectures in Manufacturing Networks [PDF] — (ODVA)