Select PlantStruxure reference architectures? - Schneider Electric ...

3 – Global ref. archi.Two types of plant network architecture are usually proposed and supported by PlantStruxurenetworking system:Flat network architecture: The plant, the control and the device networks are physically andlogically on the same network. This network architecture is a good fit for a compact or smallautomation system. The centralized PlantStruxure reference architecture uses this type ofnetwork.Layered network architecture: It splits the topology into different levels. A separation betweenthe plant network, the control network and the field network is proposed in this case. Thisnetwork architecture is a good fit for a medium or large automation system and is covered byPlantStruxure modular and large process reference architectures.The following table describes the main topologies from which to choose:Topology Limitations Advantages DisadvantagesBusThe traffic must flowserially; therefore thebandwidth is not usedefficientlyCost-effective solutionIf a switch becomesinoperative,communication is lostStarEfficient use of bandwidthTreeCable intensive anddistancesas traffic is spread acrossthe star – this is thepreferred topology whenthere is no need forIf the main switchbecomes inoperativecommunication is lostredundancyRingAuto-configuration if usedBehavior is quitewith self-healing protocol.The auto-configurationDual ringsimilar to the bustopologyIt is possible to coupleothers rings for increasingdepends on the protocolusedredundancyTable 2: Network topologiesThe different topologies can be mixed to define the plant network diagram. In an automationarchitecture, ring (and dual ring) topologies are commonly used to increase the availability of asystem.24© 2012 Schneider Electric All Rights Reserved