Proposal of the need for networking based on analysis of the configuration and connection forms of the field-end components in the fields of factory automation

A further sophisticated network, where the production control system is seamlessly integrated from the upper to lower network levels, is expected as a new system for the next generation in the FA (factory automation) field. In the current network system, however, no such practical network exists for components in the lowest layer called "field-end level" Therefore, very complicated wiring utilizing an enormous amount of wires is required in order to connect the field-end components. Moreover, with this being the situation, it is impossible to perform production control and maintenance of the manufacturing lines to the field-end components remotely using information technology. In spite of the need, networking for the field-end components has not yet been implemented. The authors have not found any study that clarifies the relationship between the configuration and connection forms of the field-end components. In this paper, they provide a first systematical analysis of the relationship by modeling the current configuration and connection forms of the field-end components. Then, they propose the need for an open network called "SwitchNet" that is optimal for the field-end components.