Rockwell Automation is introducing industrial Ethernet switches integrated with Cisco technology to effectively manage real-time control and information flow. The Rockwell Automation switch portfolio also includes Ethernet switch technology embedded in popular Rockwell Automation and third-party products, allowing for flexible topologies, as well as unmanaged switches and physical media.
The portfolio includes modular managed, embedded, fixed managed and unmanaged switches, and deploys standard, unmodified Ethernet, with settings optimised for use in EtherNet/IP applications. The switches facilitate network convergence in manufacturing and IT to create business efficiency, agility and competitive advantage for manufacturers.
Modular managed switches
This line uses the current Cisco Catalyst switch architecture and feature set, along with powerful configuration tools, helping to provide secure integration with the enterprise network for IT professionals. At the same time, it allows for easy setup and comprehensive diagnostics from within the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture.
The switch can be configured using Allen-Bradley RSLogix 5000 programming software. It also automatically generates Logix tags for integrated diagnostics and includes FactoryTalk View faceplates for status monitoring and alarming. A removable compact flash card provides one-step device replacement and default configurations. Offering from six to 26 ports with options for copper and fibre, this switch line will be available in mid-2008.
Embedded switch technology
Rockwell Automation embeds Ethernet switch technology directly into popular automation equipment - such as programmable automation controllers, distributed I/O and drives - to allow for better configuration choices for EtherNet/IP applications, such as daisy-chain and ring topologies.
The technology allows for high-performance ring capability (make/break < 1ms), complete with diagnostics. The hardware embeds popular switch features useful in high-performance applications without the need for configuration. These features include IEEE-1588 time synchronisation, QoS (prioritisation), SFTP for ring configurations (fault-tolerance), IGMP snooping and cut-through.
A standalone three-port module will be available with the initial release of products and will allow single port Ethernet devices to participate in the new topologies. This technology is available in mid-2008.
Fixed managed switches
Featuring simple setup and default configurations for EtherNet/IP, this line of fixed managed switches integrates setup and diagnostic information into Logix using the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP). The small, fixed form-factor provides four or eight copper ports with an option for a fibre uplink to higher-level networks. It is suitable for OEM machinery as well as applications with distributed networked devices.
Unmanaged switches and media
To round out the product portfolio, unmanaged switches and a line of industrial media also are available. These are industrial grade products with four to eight ports that offer a variety of copper and fiber options. The unmanaged switches are easy to apply because they do not require any configuration. Products are also available for more demanding machine (IP67) applications.
ARC Advisory Group
“With this announcement, Rockwell Automation is showing its plan to simplify industrial Ethernet networks for its customers,” said Harry Forbes, senior analyst at ARC Advisory Group.
“Now, virtually any type of Ethernet infrastructure can be sourced from Rockwell Automation: managed or unmanaged, modular or fixed, mesh or ring, and embedded or separate infrastructures. Rockwell Automation has also included one-step device replacement and integrated configuration of both the Ethernet network and the automation application.
“The Cisco Catalyst features will certainly appeal to manufacturers’ IT organisations. These products will alter the whole industrial Ethernet landscape in 2008. I’m impressed.”