FIGURE 1: This depiction of an industrial IP network shows how the star, ring, and linear topologies can be utilized.
Source: Rockwell Automation, ON, Canada.
Something initially not considered
is that the environment within an
industrial building can incorporate
portions of design principles that are
normally thought of as outside plant
(OSP). Many industrial spaces,
though they may technically be
inside, are not environmentally
controlled and are subject to
temperature and humidity extremes,
which can potentially be more
severe than outdoor installations.
Some of the systems’ data enclosures
will reside within environmentally
controlled spaces, and others without,
so any interconnect medium
will need to be capable of
withstanding the transition from
indoor to outdoor. For example,
20 I ICT TODAY
consider the potential implications
of a designer selecting an indoor
distribution type optical fiber cable
to make this transition in a cold
weather climate. At the transition
point, the cable may accumulate
condensate internally during warm
humid weather, and when
temperature falls below freezing
in winter months and this moisture
becomes ice, the glass could be
severely compromised. These
transitions occur between office
space and factory space, but
remember also that industrial
control panels can be
environmentally controlled,
and there could be freezers
and coolers within factory spaces.
Operations flow and safety also
dictate unique design considerations.
Many industrial establishments
operate around the clock, so when
selecting infrastructure pathways
and data enclosure locations, the
installer needs to understand how
to work safely and efficiently while
the facility is in operation.
Considerations may include
overhead cranes, fork lift
and automatic guided vehicle
(AGV) traffic, pedestrian traffic,
and operator work areas. The
established pathways and spaces
must be planned to minimize any
negative impact on production and
occupant safety, while maximizing
installer efficiency and safety.