In the past, one of the major challenges for Ethernet to enter the fieldbus system was its inherent uncertainty. This stemmed from the use of the CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection) protocol at the data link layer. While this protocol works efficiently under light traffic conditions, it becomes less reliable when the network is heavily loaded. In such cases, Ethernet devices would wait for a random period before retransmitting data after a collision, which introduced unpredictable delays. For industrial control systems that require strict real-time performance, this unpredictability was unacceptable. Additionally, traditional Ethernet components—such as connectors, hubs, switches, and cables—were originally designed for office environments, not for the harsh conditions found in industrial settings. These limitations included poor immunity to electrical interference, lack of intrinsic safety features, and an inability to provide power to field instruments.
However, technological advancements have significantly improved Ethernet’s suitability for industrial applications. Today, 100M Ethernet is widely adopted, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet has already entered practical use. The development of switched Ethernet technology has largely eliminated the issue of transmission time randomness caused by collisions. Moreover, manufacturers are now producing Ethernet equipment specifically tailored for industrial environments, ensuring reliability and durability in challenging conditions.
Ethernet also offers several advantages that make it an attractive choice for industrial communication:
1. **Widespread Adoption and Support**: Ethernet is the most commonly used computer networking technology and is supported by nearly all programming languages, including Java, C++, and Visual Basic. This extensive support ensures a wide range of development tools and environments are available, making it easier to implement and maintain.
2. **Cost-Effective**: Due to its widespread use, Ethernet hardware is highly developed and available at low costs. Network cards for Ethernet are typically about ten times cheaper than those for fieldbuses like Profibus or FF. As integrated circuit technology continues to advance, these costs are expected to decrease even further.
3. **High Communication Speed**: Modern Ethernet technologies, such as 100M Fast Ethernet, 1Gbps Gigabit Ethernet, and 10Gbps Ethernet, offer much higher speeds compared to traditional fieldbuses. This makes Ethernet well-suited for handling large volumes of data and meeting future bandwidth demands.
4. **Abundant Resources**: Ethernet has been in use for many years, leading to a wealth of design experience and software resources. This knowledge base helps reduce both development and training costs, accelerating system deployment and improving overall efficiency.
5. **Strong Development Potential**: With broad application and continuous investment, Ethernet is constantly evolving. In today’s fast-paced information age, businesses rely heavily on efficient communication networks. As information and communication technologies advance, Ethernet will continue to improve, ensuring long-term technical sustainability.
By adopting Ethernet as the communication platform for industrial control systems, the fieldbus can remain aligned with mainstream computing technology. This integration allows for mutual development and innovation between fieldbus and other network technologies, avoiding the need for separate research and development efforts. In the future, industrial control networks will likely evolve toward a more interconnected and intelligent structure, as shown in Figure 4.1.
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