This website uses cookies primarily for visitor analytics. Certain pages will ask you to fill in contact details to receive additional information. On these pages you have the option of having the site log your details for future visits. Indicating you want the site to remember your details will place a cookie on your device. To view our full cookie policy, please click here. You can also view it at any time by going to our Contact Us page.

Close

Comms/networks

Article image

Meeting standards for the next generation

(13/05/2019)
Uwe Widmann asks whether single-pair Ethernet (SPE) technology herald a breakthrough for Ethernet right down to sensor connection at field level? And does single-pair Ethernet have what it takes to supplant conventional field bus systems?
Article image

The importance of standardisation

(15/04/2019)
Peter Wenzel, executive director of PROFIBUS & PROFINET International, Germany, highlights the importance of standardisation for data communication technologies.
Article image

Getting FITS for a secure future

(09/04/2019)
Industrial security is a complicated, multifaceted challenge that cannot be solved by simply purchasing the latest technology. Instead, managing the security of industrial control systems and networks requires improving processes, tools and ultimately balancing risk, says Glenn Schulz.


Archive

  1. 18/03/2019 Taking a deep dive into gigabit Ethernet

    It is becoming apparent that the reluctance to move beyond 100Mbit Ethernet technology is a very real limiting factor for Industry 4.0 adoption. John Browett, general manager at CC-Link Partner Association (CLPA) Europe, argues that the transition to gigabit Ethernet networking technologies has to start now.

  2. 18/02/2019 Next generation gateway solutions optimised for the IIoT

    Manufacturers are now gearing up to ride the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) wave. Although the progress has been slow, manufacturers at different stages of their IIoT transformation are already beginning to experience the benefits of digitisation, says Matthew Lee, product manager at Moxa.

  3. 07/01/2019 Opening up networks for the future

    John Browett explains why open industrial networks are fundamental components of a smart factory.

  4. 25/11/2018 A unified solution for enterprise-wide data exchange

    Industrial organisations are now able to bring systems, applications and devices together in a unified architecture to exchange information throughout the enterprise thanks to the integration of FDT and OPC UA standards.

  5. 19/11/2018 TSN: tomorrow’s information superhighway?

    Markus Weinländer provides examples of cloud-based quality control to demonstrate the possibilities of Time Sensitive Networking (TSN).

  6. 23/10/2018 Wireless network considerations

    Ross Yu explains the importance of data reliability and network security in IIoT applications, examines real-life case studies, and discusses key considerations when selecting an IIoT wireless solution.

  7. 10/09/2018 Ethernet moves a bit closer to the field

    The latest developments to the Advanced Physical Layer project to enable Ethernet to the Field were reported at ACHEMA by three leading standards-based organisations for suppliers of process automation. Suzanne Gill reports.

  8. 09/07/2018 Toyota sees the benefits of increased data transparency

    Toyota upgraded its communication networks to an open, gigabit Ethernet technology to help it increase the availability of its production lines and improve the transparency of data.

  9. 25/06/2018 FDI: Opening up the integration process

    Find out more about how Field Device Integration (FDI) technology looks set to provide automation stakeholders with a better user experience and an open, future-proofed standard for integration of field devices with process and enterprise systems.

  10. 04/06/2018 FDT standard gains mobility

    Control Engineering Europe reports on the latest developments from the FDT Group, which is advancing its open standard for enterprise-wide network and asset integration.

  11. 02/04/2018 Finding the perfect wireless frequency

    Scott Keller, founder and CEO at SignalFire Wireless Telemetry, offers some advice on determining the best wireless frequency for remote monitoring and control systems.

  12. 26/02/2018 Setting AGVs free

    Marco Reichenbächer explains how AGVs can be freed from their traditional guidance system limitations through the use of wireless communication technology.

  13. 26/02/2018 Investing in your plant’s future today

    Suzanne Gill reports on the issues surrounding industrial digitalisation, and finds out why it is vital to put in the groundwork now to ensure a smarter factory in the future.

  14. 16/02/2018 Overcoming interoperability issues in smart factories

    A whitepaper written by Edward Lin, product manager at Moxa, discusses challenges faced by systems integrators today with OT-to-OT, OT-to-IT, and OT-to-IIoT interoperability. It also looks at the solutions available to ensure non-stop connectivity throughout converged networks. Control Engineering Europe reports.

  15. 06/11/2017 Understanding the requirements of industrial Ethernet cables

    Ethernet plays a major role in today’s automation systems to pass data through the system at high rates. The digital performance of a network is subject to the active devices within it, such as the switches and controllers. However, it is the passive devices such as cable and connectors which can ultimately determine the performance of a network.

  16. 24/09/2017 Speeding up Modbus/TCP

    Rob Hulsebos argues that Modbus/TCP users should think carefully before migrating to a more modern, Ethernet-based protocol, purely to increase speed.

  17. 04/09/2017 HART holds its own in the race to Industry 4.0

    Suzanne Gill finds out what role the now ubiquitous HART protocol might have to play in factories and processing plants of the future, as more enterprises look to reap the benefits promised by Industry 4.0.

  18. 21/08/2017 An integrated network for the IIoT era

    Haruyuki Otani discusses the current IT system trends in manufacturing industry and explains how CC-Link IE can help alleviate issues at the field level.

  19. 10/07/2017 Welcome to the future of Industrial Ethernet diagnostics

    Reducing downtime and increasing productivity is an important topic for all engineers today. To help system users prevent issues occurring in their network, PROCENTEC has introduced Atlas as its solution to Industrial Ethernet diagnostics.

  20. 09/07/2017 Moving to a wireless remote monitoring system

    Scott Keller offers advice on what needs to be considered when moving from a wired remote monitoring solution to a wireless one.