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The internet of things (IoT) is already emerging as the next big trend in the world of technology and is subsequently having a significant impact on many systems in the workplace and in the home.
The opportunities for businesses are plentiful. For instance, manufacturers can now network their industrial automation and control systems while also connecting plant production and business systems.
While there has been something of an emphasis towards making systems more wireless, there is no denying that Ethernet still plays an integral role in the creation of many corporate networks.
And these systems are poised to be heavily involved in the IoT revolution, evolving to meet the needs of such technology and lay the foundations for success.
More capabilities needed
Ethernet already contains the perfect combination of unmodified underlying Ethernet infrastructure, full IP compatibility and the feature of the Common Industrial Protocol, which makes it well-suited to the rigours and demands that are likely to arise from an IoT system.
A number of motion applications contain various connected components that, through the use of Ethernet, are united via CIP communications, with more than half of in-plant Ethernet endpoints using automation protocols.
IoT networks are taking many forms and subsequently leading to a growing demand for Ethernet technology to acquire new skills that its initial creators are unlikely to have previously anticipated.
Demands will increase, for example on physical layers such as cabling. Around 35 per cent of total failures in plant automation are attributed to physical problems such as deterioration, electrical failure, or poor installation and maintenance.
In the age of IoT, such problems can have catastrophic consequences, including unreliable network performance, as well as loss of critical data, system downtime, or even overall failure.
Certification can be key
Installation can often offer the background for problems when it comes to cabling installation. However, many of these issues arise from the cables itself.
Proper certification will help to ensure a company's infrastructure meets the required standards for quality and speed.
This can in turn provide a foundation for a successful IoT system as components can be connected more effectively.
However, it is worth bearing in mind that not all certifications are on the same playing field. Various test parameters are featured as part of the certification process, including loop resistance, return loss, propagation delay, and even cable length.
The most common standard for the Telephone Industry Association (TIA) for cabling remains Cat5e (up to 100MHz), but Cat6 (250MHz) and Cat6a (500MHz) are increasingly being used in industrial systems.
The demands of IoT are only going to increase as the technology progresses, meaning that certifications could go as high as Cat8 in the coming years, particularly in applications such as data centres.
Given the ever-changing nature of IoT, companies will need to ensure they have the cabling that is certified to do the job, not just now, but over the next few years too.
However, it is also worth bearing in mind that cabling alone won't make a network more capable. Upgrades also need to cover the components themselves in order to ensure your system performs at a high level.
