Industrial Network Design: How to Deploy Secure, Reliable, and Robust Solutions for Your Plant

Network Design and Implementation

Industrial network design and implementation is the process of planning, installing, configuring, and maintaining a network infrastructure that supports the communication and data exchange between various industrial devices, systems, and applications. Industrial networks are essential for enabling the digital transformation of your plant and achieving operational excellence.

However, designing and implementing an industrial network is not a simple task. It requires a thorough understanding of the network requirements, the industrial protocols, the network technologies, the network security, and the network management. It also requires a collaboration between the information technology (IT) and the operational technology (OT) teams, who have different perspectives and objectives.

To help you with this challenge, we have compiled some of the best practices and resources for industrial network design and implementation. We will cover the following topics:

Industrial Network Design: How to plan and design a network architecture that meets your industrial needs and follows the industry standards.
Industrial Network Implementation: How to install and configure the network devices, cables, and software that make up your network infrastructure.
Industrial Network Products: What are the best products for your industrial network, such as switches, routers, wireless access points, cables, connectors, and enclosures.
Industrial Network Services: How to get professional support and guidance for your industrial network project, such as network assessment, design, installation, configuration, testing, troubleshooting, and maintenance.
Industrial Network Case Studies: How other companies have successfully designed and implemented their industrial networks and achieved their business goals.

By following these best practices and resources, you will be able to deploy a secure, reliable, and robust industrial network solution for your plant. You will also be able to leverage the benefits of industrial networking, such as improved productivity, efficiency, quality, safety, and profitability.

Industrial Network Design

Industrial network design is the first step in creating a network infrastructure that supports your industrial applications. It involves defining the network requirements, selecting the network technologies, designing the network topology, choosing the network devices, and applying the network security.

Define the Network Requirements

The first step in industrial network design is to define the network requirements. These are the specifications that describe what your network needs to do and how it needs to perform. Some of the common network requirements are:

Application requirements: These are the requirements that are specific to your industrial applications, such as automation, control, monitoring, data acquisition, analytics, etc. They include the type of data that needs to be transmitted (such as discrete, analog, or digital), the amount of data that needs to be transmitted (such as bandwidth or throughput), the frequency of data transmission (such as periodic or event-driven), the latency or delay of data transmission (such as real-time or near-real-time), the reliability or availability of data transmission (such as deterministic or non-deterministic), and the security or integrity of data transmission (such as encrypted or unencrypted).
Network requirements: These are the requirements that are related to your network infrastructure, such as scalability, flexibility, manageability, interoperability, etc. They include the number of devices that need to be connected (such as sensors, actuators, controllers, machines), the distance between devices (such as short-range or long-range), the environment where devices are located (such as indoor or outdoor), the type of communication media that connects devices (such as wired or wireless), the type of communication protocol that devices use (such as EtherNet/IP™1 , ControlNet™2 , DeviceNet™3 , Modbus/TCP 4, EtherCAT, etc.), and the type of communication service that devices provide (such as peer-to-peer or client-server).

To define your network requirements, you need to conduct a thorough analysis of your plant’s processes, operations, and goals. You need to identify your current and future needs, challenges, and opportunities. You need to consult with your IT and OT teams, as well as your stakeholders, vendors, and partners. You need to document your findings and prioritize your needs.

Select the Network Technologies

The second step in industrial network design is to select the network technologies that best suit your network requirements. These are the technologies that enable your network infrastructure to function properly and efficiently. Some of the common network technologies are:

Ethernet: Ethernet is a family of standards that defines how devices communicate over a wired or wireless network using packets of data. Ethernet is widely used in industrial networks because it offers high speed, low cost, easy installation, and compatibility with other networks. Ethernet also supports various industrial protocols, such as EtherNet/IP™1 , ControlNet™2 , DeviceNet™3 , Modbus/TCP 4, EtherCAT, etc., that provide different levels of performance, reliability, and security for industrial applications.
Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is a wireless technology that allows devices to communicate over a radio frequency (RF) network using access points (APs) and antennas. Wi-Fi is widely used in industrial networks because it offers mobility, flexibility, scalability, and interoperability with other networks. Wi-Fi also supports various industrial protocols, such as EtherNet/IP™1 , Modbus/TCP 4, EtherCAT, etc., that provide different levels of performance, reliability, and security for industrial applications.
Industrial Ethernet Switches: Industrial Ethernet switches are devices that connect multiple Ethernet devices and forward packets of data between them. Industrial Ethernet switches are widely used in industrial networks because they offer high performance, high availability, high security, and high manageability. Industrial Ethernet switches also support various network features, such as redundancy, segmentation, prioritization, filtering, monitoring, and diagnostics, that enhance the network functionality and efficiency.
Industrial Ethernet Routers: Industrial Ethernet routers are devices that connect multiple Ethernet networks and forward packets of data between them. Industrial Ethernet routers are widely used in industrial networks because they offer high performance, high availability, high security, and high manageability. Industrial Ethernet routers also support various network features, such as routing, firewall, VPN, NAT, DHCP, DNS, etc., that enable the network connectivity and integration with other networks.
Industrial Wireless Access Points: Industrial wireless access points are devices that connect multiple Wi-Fi devices and forward packets of data between them. Industrial wireless access points are widely used in industrial networks because they offer high performance, high availability, high security, and high manageability. Industrial wireless access points also support various network features, such as redundancy, roaming, meshing, bridging, etc., that enhance the wireless functionality and efficiency.

To select your network technologies, you need to evaluate the pros and cons of each technology and compare them with your network requirements. You need to consider the technical aspects, such as speed, bandwidth, latency, reliability, security, etc., as well as the economic aspects, such as cost, maintenance, upgrade, etc., of each technology. You need to choose the technologies that provide the best balance between performance and cost for your network.

Design the Network Topology

The third step in industrial network design is to design the network topology that best suits your network requirements and technologies. The network topology is the physical or logical arrangement of the network devices and connections. The network topology determines how the data flows between the devices and how the devices communicate with each other. Some of the common network topologies are:

Star: A star topology is a network topology where each device is connected to a central device, such as a switch or a router. A star topology is widely used in industrial networks because it offers simplicity, scalability, reliability, and manageability. A star topology also supports various network features, such as redundancy, segmentation, prioritization, filtering, monitoring, and diagnostics, that enhance the network functionality and efficiency.
Ring: A ring topology is a network topology where each device is connected to two adjacent devices in a circular or looped arrangement. A ring topology is widely used in industrial networks because it offers high performance, high availability, and high security. A ring topology also supports various network features, such as redundancy (such as Device Level Ring [DLR] or Parallel Redundancy Protocol [PRP]), synchronization (such as CIP Sync™ or IEEE 1588 PTP), motion control (such as CIP Motion™ or EtherCAT), etc., that enhance the network functionality and efficiency.
Bus: A bus topology is a network topology where each device is connected to a common communication media or backbone. A bus topology is widely used in industrial networks because it offers low cost, easy installation, and compatibility with other networks. A bus topology also supports various industrial protocols, such as ControlNet™2 , DeviceNet™3 , Modbus/TCP 4, etc., that provide different levels of performance, reliability, and security for industrial applications.

To design your network topology, you need to consider the layout of your plant, the location of your devices, the type of your communication media, the type of your communication protocol, and the type of your communication service. You need to choose the topology that provides the best balance between functionality and complexity for your network.

Choose the Network Devices

The fourth step in industrial network design is to choose the network devices that best suit your network requirements, technologies, and topology. These are the devices that make up your network infrastructure and enable your data transmission and communication. Some of the common network devices are:

Industrial Ethernet Switches: Industrial Ethernet switches are devices that connect multiple Ethernet devices

Industrial Ethernet Routers: Industrial Ethernet routers are devices that connect multiple Ethernet networks and forward packets of data between them. Industrial Ethernet routers are widely used in industrial networks because they offer high performance, high availability, high security, and high manageability. Industrial Ethernet routers also support various network features, such as routing, firewall, VPN, NAT, DHCP, DNS, etc., that enable the network connectivity and integration with other networks.
Industrial Wireless Access Points: Industrial wireless access points are devices that connect multiple Wi-Fi devices and forward packets of data between them. Industrial wireless access points are widely used in industrial networks because they offer high performance, high availability, high security, and high manageability. Industrial wireless access points also support various network features, such as redundancy, roaming, meshing, bridging, etc., that enhance the wireless functionality and efficiency.
Industrial Controllers: Industrial controllers are devices that execute the logic and control functions for your industrial applications. Industrial controllers are widely used in industrial networks because they offer high performance, high reliability, high flexibility, and high compatibility. Industrial controllers also support various industrial protocols, such as EtherNet/IP™, ControlNet™, DeviceNet™, Modbus/TCP, EtherCAT, etc., that provide different levels of performance, reliability, and security for industrial applications.
Industrial Sensors and Actuators: Industrial sensors and actuators are devices that measure and control the physical parameters of your industrial processes, such as temperature, pressure, flow, level, position, speed, etc. Industrial sensors and actuators are widely used in industrial networks because they offer high accuracy, high responsiveness, high durability, and high efficiency. Industrial sensors and actuators also support various industrial protocols, such as EtherNet/IP™, ControlNet™, DeviceNet™, Modbus/TCP, EtherCAT, etc., that provide different levels of performance, reliability, and security for industrial applications.

To choose your network devices, you need to consider the specifications and features of each device and compare them with your network requirements, technologies, and topology. You need to consider the technical aspects, such as speed, bandwidth, latency, reliability, security, etc., as well as the economic aspects, such as cost, maintenance, upgrade, etc., of each device. You need to choose the devices that provide the best balance between performance and cost for your network.

Apply the Network Security

The fifth step in industrial network design is to apply the network security that best suits your network requirements, technologies, and topology. Network security is the process of protecting your network and data from unauthorized access, modification, or destruction. Network security is essential for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your network and data. Some of the common network security measures are:

Encryption: Encryption is a technique that transforms your data into an unreadable format using a secret key. Encryption is widely used in industrial networks because it offers high confidentiality and integrity for your data. Encryption also supports various industrial protocols, such as EtherNet/IP™, ControlNet™, DeviceNet™, Modbus/TCP, EtherCAT, etc., that provide different levels of encryption for your data.
Authentication: Authentication is a technique that verifies the identity of a device or a user before granting access to the network or data. Authentication is widely used in industrial networks because it offers high confidentiality and availability for your network and data. Authentication also supports various network features, such as certificates, passwords, tokens, biometrics, etc., that provide different levels of authentication for your network and data.
Authorization: Authorization is a technique that determines the level of access or privilege that a device or a user has to the network or data. Authorization is widely used in industrial networks because it offers high confidentiality and availability for your network and data. Authorization also supports various network features, such as roles, permissions, policies, rules, etc., that provide different levels of authorization for your network and data.
Firewall: Firewall is a device or a software that filters the incoming and outgoing traffic to or from your network based on predefined rules. Firewall is widely used in industrial networks because it offers high confidentiality and availability for your network and data. Firewall also supports various network features, such as stateful inspection, packet filtering, application layer filtering, etc., that provide different levels of firewall for your network and data.

To apply your network security, you need to consider the risks and threats that may affect your network and data, such as hackers, malware, spyware, denial-of-service attacks, etc. You need to consider the impact and consequences of these risks and threats on your network and data, such as data loss, data corruption, data theft, network downtime, network damage, etc. You need to choose the security measures that provide the best balance between protection and performance for your network and data.

Industrial Network Implementation

Industrial network implementation is the second step in creating a network infrastructure that supports your industrial applications. It involves installing, configuring, testing, and maintaining the network devices, cables, and software that make up your network infrastructure. Industrial network implementation requires a careful execution of the network design and a continuous monitoring of the network performance and health.

Install the Network Devices and Cables

The first step in industrial network implementation is to install the network devices and cables that make up your network infrastructure. This involves physically mounting, connecting, and powering the devices and cables according to your network design and specifications. Some of the best practices for installing the network devices and cables are:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing the network devices and cables. The manufacturer’s instructions provide the detailed steps, diagrams, and precautions for installing the devices and cables correctly and safely. You should also follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for selecting the appropriate devices and cables for your network environment and application.
Use proper tools and equipment: You should always use proper tools and equipment for installing the network devices and cables. The proper tools and equipment include screwdrivers, pliers, cutters, strippers, crimpers, testers, etc., that are suitable for your devices and cables. You should also use proper protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, masks, etc., that are suitable for your network environment and application.
Label and document everything: You should always label and document everything when installing the network devices and cables. The labels and documents include names, numbers, colors, types, locations, etc., that identify your devices and cables. You should also use consistent and clear labeling and documentation schemes that are easy to understand and follow. Labeling and documenting everything will help you to troubleshoot, maintain, and upgrade your network in the future.

Configure the Network Devices and Software

The second step in industrial network implementation is to configure the network devices and software that make up your network infrastructure. This involves setting up, adjusting, and customizing the devices and software according to your network design and requirements. Some of the best practices for configuring the network devices and software are:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for configuring the network devices and software. The manufacturer’s instructions provide the detailed steps, screenshots, and tips for configuring the devices and software correctly and efficiently. You should also follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for selecting the appropriate settings and options for your network environment and application.

Use proper tools and software: You should always use proper tools and software for configuring the network devices and software. The proper tools and software include web browsers, configuration utilities, network management software, etc., that are compatible with your devices and software. You should also use proper security measures, such as passwords, encryption, firewall, etc., that are suitable for your network environment and application.
Test and verify everything: You should always test and verify everything when configuring the network devices and software. The tests and verification include checking the device status, testing the network connectivity, verifying the network functionality, etc., that ensure your devices and software are working properly and efficiently. You should also use proper tools and software, such as ping, traceroute, telnet, etc., that are useful for testing and verifying your network.

Test the Network Performance and Health

The third step in industrial network implementation is to test the network performance and health that make up your network infrastructure. This involves measuring, monitoring, and analyzing the network parameters, such as speed, bandwidth, latency, reliability, availability, etc., that indicate how well your network is functioning and performing. Some of the best practices for testing the network performance and health are:

Follow the industry standards: You should always follow the industry standards for testing the network performance and health. The industry standards provide the benchmarks, metrics, and methods for testing the network performance and health objectively and accurately. You should also follow the industry standards for selecting the appropriate tools and software for testing the network performance and health.
Use proper tools and software: You should always use proper tools and software for testing the network performance and health. The proper tools and software include network analyzers, network simulators, network testers, etc., that are capable of measuring, monitoring, and analyzing your network parameters. You should also use proper tools and software that are compatible with your network technologies, protocols, devices, and applications.
Document and report everything: You should always document and report everything when testing the network performance and health. The documents and reports include graphs, charts, tables, statistics, etc., that summarize your network parameters. You should also use consistent and clear documentation and reporting schemes that are easy to understand and follow. Documenting and reporting everything will help you to evaluate, improve, and optimize your network in the future.

Maintain the Network Operation

The fourth step in industrial network implementation is to maintain the network operation that make up your network infrastructure. This involves keeping your network devices, cables, and software in good condition and up to date. It also involves troubleshooting and resolving any problem or issue that may affect your network operation. Some of the best practices for maintaining the network operation are:

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for maintaining the network operation. The manufacturer’s instructions provide the detailed steps, tips, and precautions for keeping your devices, cables, and software in good condition and up to date. You should also follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for selecting the appropriate maintenance intervals, schedules, and procedures for your devices, cables, and software.
Use proper tools and software: You should always use proper tools and software for maintaining the network operation. The proper tools and software include cleaning equipment, repair kits, backup devices, etc., that are suitable for your devices, cables, and software. You should also use proper tools and software such as firmware updates, software patches, security updates, etc., that are compatible with your devices, cables, and software.
Troubleshoot and resolve everything: You should always troubleshoot and resolve everything when maintaining the network operation. The troubleshooting and resolution include identifying, diagnosing, and fixing any problem or issue that may affect your network operation. You should also use proper tools and software such as error codes, status indicators, diagnostics tools, etc., that are useful for troubleshooting and resolving your network operation.

Industrial Network Products

Industrial network products are the products that you need to create a secure, reliable, and robust industrial network solution for your plant. Industrial network products include switches, routers, wireless access points, cables, connectors, enclosures, controllers, sensors, actuators, etc., that make up your network infrastructure. Industrial network products also include various industrial protocols such as EtherNet/IP™, ControlNet™, DeviceNet™, Modbus/TCP, EtherCAT, etc., that provide different levels of performance, reliability, and security for your industrial applications.

To help you choose the best industrial network products for your plant, we have compiled some of the best products from our trusted partners. We have selected these products based on their quality, performance, compatibility, durability, functionality, and cost. We have also provided the product specifications, features, benefits, and reviews for each product. You can browse, compare, and order these products from our online store or contact us for more information.

Industrial Ethernet Switches

Industrial Ethernet switches are devices that connect multiple Ethernet devices and forward packets of data between them. Industrial Ethernet switches are widely used in industrial networks because they offer high performance, high availability, high security, and high manageability. Industrial Ethernet switches also support various network features, such as redundancy, segmentation, prioritization, filtering, monitoring, and diagnostics, that enhance the network functionality and efficiency.

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