Networks and Communications
Rockwell Automation and Cisco Systems®
Reference Architectures for Manufacturing
Reference Architectures for Manufacturing are part of an ongoing collaboration between Rockwell Automation and Cisco to provide customer education and network design guidance to help establish a robust and secure network infrastructure, utilizing Cisco's Ethernet to the Factory and the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture™.
Designed to facilitate seamless enterprise integration, Integrated Architecture is a control and information architecture consisting of the Logix Control Platform and the FactoryTalk integrated production and performance suite, featuring EtherNet/IP and other enabling technologies.
Reference Architectures are built on technology and manufacturing standards common between IT and manufacturing. These resources provide the foundation for success when deploying the latest, innovative technology. They also address the cultural and technical challenges of Ethernet network convergence between IT and Engineering, speaking to secured connectivity topics such as information visibility (e.g. KPIs, Regulatory), remote access, and guest access. This helps the two organizations to eliminate guesswork and decrease implementation costs while providing security, flexibility and visibility of information plantwide.
Rockwell Automation and Cisco are publishing ongoing phased releases of deliverables to provide solutions (such as documentation, products, technology, and services) to address Ethernet network convergence for manufacturing and enterprise applications. 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.
Presentations
- Remote Access Demonstration — View this Cisco-developed demonstration of secure Remote Access focusing on the needs of manufacturing, while maintaining IT security requirements. This video is built on the Remote Access solution developed by Rockwell Automation and Cisco.
- EtherNet/IP: Guidance for Selecting Cables [PDF] — (ODVA)
- Techniques for Infrastructure Deployment: Reference Architectures in Manufacturing Networks [PDF] — (ODVA)
- Ethernet Network Design for IT and Manufacturing Automation — (Automation Fair 2008)
Learn the guidelines for designing Ethernet infrastructures, including topology design, protocol selection, and media-switch router technology. Both IT and manufacturing automation considerations are included.