Installation guide

Network Infrastructure for EtherNet/IP™
Designing the Infrastructure
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4 Designing the Infrastructure
Network design is a methodical, step-by-step process. It includes the top-down process of
mapping out the network infrastructure required for an application. This systematic
process focuses on the application, technical objectives, and business goals.
When designing the infrastructure for an EtherNet/IP network, it helps to first define a logical view of the
network, including a description of traffic-flow and architectural topology, before designing the physical
layout. With a top-down network design, the emphasis is put on planning before implementation. If the
system involves a fully integrated control and business network, cooperation between control and
Information Technology personnel cannot be overemphasized. The two groups need to work together.
What follows is a review of the processes and steps involved in network design. This approach considers
both logical and physical network design, takes an in-depth look at infrastructure components, and
provides some guidelines for practical network design.
4.1 Network Design Method
The network design process can be viewed as a sequence of the following steps:
1. Definition of application requirements
2. Logical network design
3. Physical network design
The following sections list activities recommended for consideration during EtherNet/IP network design,
including functional application requirements, project scope, and other factors. To better understand the
design issues, they are presented in the form of a comparison between industrial networks with active
infrastructures (such as EtherNet/IP) and passive infrastructures.
4.1.1 Design Steps for Isolated EtherNet/IP Networks
Except for the active infrastructure of EtherNet/IP, the design process of an isolated EtherNet/IP network
is similar to a device-level network as shown in Figure 4-1.