Routers | heart of the network topology

The Router (Network Router) plays a crucial role in communication between devices within a network and with the outside world. It enables a connection between computers or networks located in different locations and based on different network technologies. Modern network routers support today 5G Mobile radio standard, Gigabit Ethernet, WiFi 6, remote maintenance or the Smart Home Integration. We present the novelties.

Contents

• Industrial routers today
• Router novelties
  • Shock and vibration resistant routers and switches
  • Industrial 5G router for remote maintenance
  • First industrial 5G router for private networks
  • Compact router for IoT and M2M
  • Router software makes Codesys systems IoT capable

• Router basics
  • What does a router do?
  • Which routers are there?

Industrial routers today

Router development has made significant strides over the past few decades to keep up with increasing demands for internet speed, network security, and functionality. They ensure, among other things, an efficient and trouble-free communication in the industrial processes. Modern network routers offer advanced network management tools, including Quality of Service (QoS) settings to prioritize traffic, and mesh network- Technologies to extend wireless coverage. 

Router novelties

Industrial routers must be extremely resilient and able to fit seamlessly into existing network structures. They must be able to work with different network protocols and standards and be robust security features provide against cyber attacks. Below we present the new developments:

Shock and vibration resistant routers and switches

10.01.2023 | efco presented under the brand name Eagle Net (Picture above) its newly developed, reliable switches and routers for continuous industrial use. These are user-friendly, provide a redundant Power Supply, an extended temperature range from -40 to +75 °C, the option for fiber optic connectivity and the possibility of direct installation in a DIN rail.

The vibration and shock resistant network components offer either a DC wide range input of up to 58 V or can be operated directly with AC voltage of 230 V. A double redundant power supply can optionally be used for maximum reliability: two 230 V AC inputs and two 24 V DC inputs ensure that brief power failures do not disrupt the operation of the network.

Especially for continuous use

With the highly reliable network components of the Eagle-Net series, which are specially designed for the industrial Continuous use were developed, Efco meets the trend to design production networks better and more clearly. In this way, secure and reliable data traffic can be implemented in the machine, system or to a higher-level network.

As a special feature, the switches about one potential-free contactt, which the component triggers independently as soon as it detects an error. Also, everyone goes Cablesalways connect to the front. It can therefore be mounted on the wall - or directly on the DIN C rail (top hat rail) using the clamp supplied.

Single Pair Ethernet | for IIot and Industry 4.0

The Eagle-Net routers and switches are intuitive to use and have been designed for use in temperatures from -40 ° to +75 ° C designed. The operation of potential-free long-distance networks, such as those found in the process industry, is possible via fiber optic cables. Regardless of whether plastic or glass fibers, laser-based single mode or LED-based multi-mode are used, the maximum range is 2, 20 or 40 km. The routers can also be operated on special network topologies such as Fiber Channel or Sonet via slots (SFP cage) and hot-swappable SFP modules.

Industrial 5G router for remote maintenance

22.02.2021/XNUMX/XNUMX | With the new 5G industrial routers Scalance MUM856-1 from Siemens remote access via 5G mobile networks becomes tangible. In combination with the Sinema Remote Connect VPN management platform, remote maintenance will soon become very easy.

First industrial 5G router for private networks

25.06.2020/XNUMX/XNUMX | ericsson, Phoenix Contact and Quectel have together developed the first industrial 5G router for local industrial applications in the private 5G home network. This allows industrial applications such as controls or machines to be connected to a private 5G network. This allows them to be coordinated in terms of priority, resource usage, and behavior.

The 5G router is better than all previous wireless solutions that often use license-free wireless bands Best effort principle use. If the radio spectrum is heavily used, these show a loss of performance.

Thanks to the early collaboration, the three development partners quickly developed a solution that would provide a service for industrial applications offers. As part of the cooperation, extensive Interoperability tests carried out, thus ensuring the reliable industrial performance of the 5G router.

5G router for Industry 4.0

The know-how gained is important for Ericsson when it comes to offering 5G solutions for the industry together with mobile network operators. In addition, the Communication-Development partner worked to Industry 4.0- Implement applications with an independent private 5G network.

Ethernet switches | The data driver in the network

Quectel is a global supplier of cellular and GNSS modules. Ericsson is a network provider and 5G technology development company. Phoenix Contact is a manufacturer of WLAN routers as well as Bluetooth and cellular routers for industry.

Compact router for IoT and M2M

22.11.2018 | HY Line With the "Airlink LX40" from Sierra Wireless, Communication Products offers one of the industry's most compact routers with LTE-Cat.M1 and NB-IoT for IoT and enterprise applications.

The device enables secure and manageable LTE networks out-of-the-box for IoT, enterprise and security applications such as IP cameras, point-of-sale terminals and smart lockers. It is also suitable for connecting industrial data acquisition devices and supports the processing of IoT data on-the-edge with the Aleos Application Framework (AAF).

The LX40 is available with Wi-Fi to act as a local hotspot or to connect to Wi-Fi infrastructures. The power supply can be easily done via PoE. The LX40 is designed to meet the environmental and performance requirements of a wide range of LPWA IoT applications in enclosed or sheltered outdoor environments.

Router software makes Codesys systems IoT capable

25.10.2017/XNUMX/XNUMX | With the "Data Suite" offers Insys Icom a flexible software package for its professional router series MRO and MRX, which supplements the smart devices with extensive functionalities for the collection and processing of application data. The current version 1.2 of the software now also enables the processing of Lua scripts and opens up its functions for Codesys controls and networks.

This means that not only devices such as controllers or HMIs can be networked with the Data Suite, which are based on Codesys Runtime of generations V2 or V3, but also record, monitor and process their application data.

data suite Codesys controllers or other devices based on the runtime environment can be controlled via TCP (V2/V3) and via Codesys Gateway Efficiently integrate and network servers (V3) into infrastructures. Parallel access from other instances such as web visualization and programming tools is still possible. By networking and processing data points, a large number of software-based applications can be implemented quickly and without special programming knowledge via configuration.

Protocol and manufacturer independent

The data from CodesysControllers and devices are recorded independently of the protocol and manufacturer. Among other things, logic or arithmetic functions are available for processing them. In addition, status monitoring applications can be implemented using timers, flags and an event handler. Current values ​​can be visualized and displayed via a local dashboard accessible via browser Scada, ERP systems or clouds such as Cumulocity, Telekom Cloud der Dinge, Centersight and other clouds can be transferred.

6G network | The next mobile radio generation

For applications that require even greater flexibility, the provider has a runtime environment for Moon implemented. This makes it possible to start Lua scripts in an event-driven manner in order to combine Data Suite functions flexibly and individually. The Data Suite network packages are a core element of the Insys Smart IoT platform and open up new applications, services and business models.

Router basics

What does a router do?

A router is an essential device in modern networks that has the task of transferring network packets between different networks. It uses what is known as a routing table to determine the route that data packets should take to reach their destination. The routing table contains information about IP addresses and the associated network interfaces. This is how the router knows where to send the data packets.

Which routers are there?

There are a variety of routers on the market that can be selected based on the requirement and purpose of use. Here are some common types:

1. Home router or WiFi router are ideal for home use and offer both wired and wireless connections for devices such as computers, smartphones and smart TVs. They often have built-in security features and allow guest networks to be set up.

2. Enterprise or business router are more powerful routers are used in companies and organizations and offer advanced network and security functions. They often support VLANs, VPNs and have advanced QoS settings.

3. edge router serve as an interface between an internal network and external networks such as the Internet. They filter incoming and outgoing traffic and protect the internal network from possible threats.

4. core routers are high-performance routers that form the backbone of a large network and handle large amounts of traffic. They are often used in data centers and large enterprise networks.

5. Wireless mesh routers provide seamless WiFi coverage over a large area by using multiple access points to create a mesh network. They are ideal for large homes or offices where a single router will not suffice.

6. Mobile router use cellular networks to connect to the Internet. They are portable and ideal for travel or areas without internet access.

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