Q&A
What is the best way to connect an industrial device to a network?
The fastest and easiest way is to use a network gateway. This is a stand-alone protocol converter that "translates" signals between a device and a network. HMS offers network gateways for industrial use under the Anybus brand and for building automation under the Intesis brand.
If you want integrated network connectivity, the Anybus embedded products is a good choice. They integrate into an industrial device to provide high-speed, real-time communication to the major networks on the market — Fieldbus and Industrial Ethernet.
You can build a networking solution from scratch if you have in-house network expertise. This gives you control, but you must redo development and network certification for each network.
Which are the most relevant networks to implement?
PROFINET and EtherNet/IP share first place in the network rankings with 18% market share, followed by the strong contender EtherCAT, now at 12%.
Every year, HMS Networks analyzes the industrial network market to estimate the distribution of new connected nodes in factory automation. As an independent supplier of solutions within Industrial ICT (Information and Communication Technology), HMS has a substantial insight into the industrial network market.
Read the latest network study here
Is wireless used in industrial applications?
Wireless technology is growing quickly, also in industrial applications. Last year, 8% of newly installed nodes in factory automation were wireless. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are commonly used, but 5G cellular technology is also gaining interest.
Who is using HMS products for network connectivity?
Users include most major industrial and building automation companies such as Siemens, Rockwell Automation, Schneider Electrics, Toshiba, Sony, Panasonic, ABB, Daikin, Hitachi, etc.
