Switched Ethernet for factory communication

Focuses on the special requirements of the control-level within factory communication systems to transmit real-time data via a switched Ethernet network. A performance evaluation of switched Ethernet is presented by providing simulation results. The simulations study the influence of different network topologies as well as the scheduling algorithms first-come-first-served and priority queuing within devices and intermediate systems, like switches. Furthermore we suggest a bus-like topology to enable fieldbus-like cabling qualities. Moreover the paper considers the impact of the dwell time within the stations upon real-time behavior.