What are the current trends and innovations in industrial ethernet protocol development and standardization?

1 Real-time communication

Real-time communication is one of the primary requirements of industrial ethernet protocols and is essential for many industrial applications, such as motion control and safety systems, where any delay or jitter can have serious consequences. Current trends and innovations in real-time communication include Time-sensitive Networking (TSN), OPC UA over TSN, and 5G. TSN is a set of standards that enhance ethernet with features such as time synchronization and traffic shaping, while OPC UA over TSN is a combination of OPC UA and TSN that aims to provide a unified communication solution for industrial ethernet networks. 5G is the latest generation of mobile communication technology that offers high-speed, low-latency, and reliable wireless connectivity, which can be used to complement or replace wired industrial ethernet networks. 5G can also support real-time communication through techniques such as network slicing, edge computing, and ultra-reliable low-latency communication.

2 Security and reliability

When it comes to industrial ethernet protocols, security and reliability are key requirements. This is essential for industrial applications, as any breach or failure could lead to serious consequences such as production loss, equipment damage, or even human injury. There are various trends and innovations in security and reliability that are currently being implemented, such as industrial security standards, industrial firewall and VPN, and industrial redundancy. Industrial security standards provide guidelines and best practices to secure networks, while industrial firewall and VPN offer network security functions such as filtering, blocking, or tunneling network traffic. Industrial redundancy uses multiple network paths, devices, or components to provide backup or alternative options in the event of a network failure or disruption. All of these measures can help protect against cyberattacks and improve the availability and reliability of industrial ethernet networks.

3 Cloud and edge computing

A third major requirement of industrial ethernet protocols is to support cloud and edge computing, which allows for data transmission and processing to be done using centralized or distributed computing platforms. This can boost the performance and functionality of industrial ethernet networks, as it enables data storage, analysis, optimization, or visualization to be done at different locations and scales. Currently, there are several trends and innovations in cloud and edge computing, such as industrial cloud, industrial edge, and industrial IoT. Industrial cloud is the use of cloud computing services for industrial applications, offering scalability, flexibility, cost-efficiency, or innovation. Industrial edge is the use of edge computing devices for industrial applications, which reduces latency, saves bandwidth, and preserves privacy. Industrial IoT is the use of internet of things technologies for industrial applications, connecting physical objects to the internet. All these trends can enrich and transform industrial ethernet networks by adding more data sources and consumers, more intelligence and functionality, and more value and opportunities.

4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?