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Chapter VIII
Information level networks
1.1. Networks general characteristics and requirements
Information level occupies the topmost layer in the hierarchy of ACSNC.
The systems from this level are used for information exchange and management
of businesses. All important parameters concerning processes are collected and
archived in a database which is necessary for making managerial decisions. In-
formation level networks are characterized by high throughput (carrying capac-
ity) and are intended for exchange of large arrays of data. Most of the problems
inherent to them are related to:
Optimization of the amount and speed of transmitted information;
Security of transmitted data;
Data protection from unauthorized access;
Lack of a unified approach to defining the application layer of industrial
automation. Solutions of a number of specifications are incompatible due
to existing differences in the system architecture for communication, the
application layer protocols, object-oriented modeling and the systems
configuration models.
Ethernet appears to be the most widely used specification in the contempo-
rary systems of this level. The use of LAN and WAN networks of Ethernet type
and the fast development of Internet are a major prerequisite Ethernet and
TCP/IP/UDP to be of such interest on behalf of industrial automation. The ap-
plication of Fast Ethernet, programmable switches and full-duplex com-
munication allow the set up of more effective information and control systems at
that level. The standard version of Ethernet used for application in industrial
automation is referred to as Industrial Ethernet. Many organizations seem to join
efforts in developing a common protocol for Industrial Ethernet. However, the
solutions of these organizations are characterized by operating incompatibility.
Some popular specifications are:
Ethernet / IP (Open DeviceNet Vendor Association);
Foundation Fieldbus High-Speed Ethernet (Foundation Fieldbus);

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Interbus on Ethernet (Interbus Club);
Open Modbus (Modconnect);
Profinet 1.0 / 2.0 (Profibus User Organization);
IDA (IDA Group).
1.2. Real time operation of information level networks
Here are some of the most important underlying reasons for the incapability
of Ethernet to assure a time slot, within which the system should respond to ex-
ternal event:
Devices exchanging large arrays of data make nodal access blocking for
an indefinite time;
Collision buildup which results from the simultaneous transmission of
two or more devices whereby traffic to all devices is barred. In addition,
the larger the number of devices, the higher collision probability;
No available possibility to distinguish between high priority and low
priority traffic;
No guaranty for connection channel with minimal delay for the purpose of
real time exchange;
The frequency band is shared with no controlled distribution and there-
fore, needs arbitration.
1.3. Devices used with networks of information level
Control mainframe computers which enable the control of large bulks of
data and solution of sophisticated calculation tasks. These are capable of
maintaining hundreds even thousands of users;
Operator stations and human-computer interfaces;
Input/output modules and adaptors;
PLC processors, robots and systems.
1.4. Topology of information level networks
Information level is characterized by the use of star topology (fig. 8.1) which
incorporates groups of devices connected to a switch in point-to-point circuit
thereby assuring:

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Nodes in the network maintaining transfer speed of 10/100/1000 Mbit/s,
with speed matching being effected via switches;
Possibilities for simplified structured cabling, maintenance and diagnos-
tics.
1.5. Types of exchange at information level
The following main types of exchange are used at information level:

Fig. 8. 1.
Information exchange of general character:
- It used for large arrays which are non-critical in terms of time;
- Exchange is effected through short-lived explicit connections;
- Packets are transmitted along TCP/IP protocols and their specific
processing functions are used.
Input-output data:
- Exchange is carried out by small packets which are critical in time
and through long-lasting implicit connections;
- Packets are transmitted along UDP/IP protocols, the major advantage
being the high carrying capacity of UDP.
Real time synchronized cyclic exchange:
- It synchronizes cyclic transmission of data between machine-
manufacturer and a random number of consumers;
- Packets are transmitted along UDP protocol.