03 May Industrial Communications: Telecommunications

The automation of industrial processes is a reality that has been consolidated in recent years where industrial communications play a fundamental role.

In this environment, industrial communication networks are the basis for guaranteeing the proper functioning of control and supervision systems, as well as for the digital transformation of production processes in the plant.

What are industrial communications?

Industrial communication networks are a set of interconnected electronic devices that allow the transmission of information quickly and reliably. They are used to connect equipment, machinery and management devices and control industrial processes in a much simpler and more reliable way.

These industrial communication networks are made up of physical systems and software applications that allow a fast, secure and constant flow of information, and that provide industry with great agility when carrying out many of its daily tasks.

In addition, in an industrial environment, special communication facilities are also used that are a fundamental part of its operation and safety, among which we can highlight:

• Network communications. They manage the transfer of data in the industrial network, from the servers to the different devices interconnected to it.
• Wireless networks. Mainly, Wi-Fi networks, which are key to the connection of many devices in a factory (such as IoT devices or the Internet of Things).
• Voice communication networks. Such as public address, telephony or intercom systems.
• Process supervision or security with CCTV systems. A fundamental part of the industry is the communications infrastructure for viewing the status of processes and machinery, as well as the protection of goods and values.
• Access control. Communication and access systems specially designed for total control of access to the different areas of a plant or factory and that provide a higher level of security.
• Other security and communications facilities. Such as application management server infrastructure or fire detection systems.

Types of industrial communication networks

In the field of communications in industrial environments, there are different types of networks that adapt to the specific needs of each industry. Let’s look at some of the most common types of industrial communications networks:

Management network

This type of network is used to interconnect the different devices and equipment in an industrial plant factory with the aim of guaranteeing real-time communication between the different systems, such as production, logistics, maintenance, quality systems, etc.

The administration network is deployed in specific areas of the plant, such as offices, the order management area, the warehouse, the administrative and accounting department, among others.

Production network

The production network is an industrial communications infrastructure that is installed throughout the production plant, and is designed to interconnect all devices and systems in the factory. This network is essential for the exchange of information and the efficient management of production processes.

In the context of production, these communication networks must be able to handle messages of any size, from small control messages to large design data transfers. In addition, these networks must have the ability to handle messages with different priorities, allowing rapid response to emergency situations while ensuring efficient transfer of design and planning files.

Another important feature of these networks is the ability to effectively manage transmission errors, automatically detecting and correcting any communication problems (ensures that critical information is transmitted reliably and in a timely manner).

Cell network

Production cells are self-contained units within a factory that are designed to carry out a specific task in the production process, such as component assembly or part manufacturing.

The cell network is a type of industrial communications network used to interconnect different equipment and devices in a production cell. Cell networks constitute an industrial communications architecture that allows the interconnection of manufacturing devices that operate in sequential mode, such as robots and programmable controllers (PLCs). The main purpose of this interconnection is to optimize the efficiency in handling short messages and reinforce their management capacity.

Field buses

Field buses are based on the idea that devices in the plant can communicate directly with each other, using a shared bus (without the need for a separate connection to a central controller).

Fieldbuses are an industrial communication technology that arose to improve efficiency and reduce wiring in control and automation environments. Unlike point-to-point analog transmission, where each sensor or actuator connects directly to its corresponding controller, field buses allow multiple devices to be connected to a single bus, reducing wiring complexity and cost.

Industrial communications are an essential part of the operation of any industry and must be optimized to ensure that data flows quickly, securely and efficiently throughout all its areas. In addition to industrial communications typical of production processes, special communication systems also play a crucial role in modern industry 4.0.

Betting on a specialized company with years of experience in the industrial communication sector is the best alternative to guarantee the best communication and information exchange systems, so do not hesitate and contact Microsegur to receive a personalized offer according to the characteristics and particular needs of your business.