Editorial team · Machine tools
InfoWeb Marketplace · Editorial team
Published on 10 August 2011 · 3 min read
Westermo Industrial Ethernet Switches Reduce Stress for ABB Force Measurement
InfoWeb Marketplace · Editorial teamPublished on 10 August 2011 · 3 min read
ABB FM (Force Measurement) uses Westermo's RedFox industrial Ethernet switch in its latest version of its stress measurement system for rolling lines. Its installation has reduced the number of communication devices from 6 to just one, thus simplifying the system while cutting costs.
ABB FM is a leading supplier of control systems for rolling mills. The stress measurement systems consist of a range of measuring and control instruments. They make it possible to optimize the process in order to produce the highest quality rolled products. In previous versions, up to six communication devices were required: switch, router, converter and firewall, from different suppliers. This could lead to incompatibility problems and gaps in critical network functions such as secure VPN or network separation. It also made these complex networks difficult to install and maintain. The control cabinet, saturated as a result, even required a cooling system, which was yet another item to maintain.
The solution is now based on a single 18-port RedFox, a 3-layer switch running the Westermo WeOS operating system. It was developed to provide layers 2 and 3, which means that RedFox can be used as both a switch and a router. This operating system also handles complex and advanced security issues. For example, each port can be configured with individual firewall rules and can support encrypted VPN tunnels, which means that a secure Internet connection is possible. These new functions allow the stress measurement system to manage several communication networks with a single communication device.
?We have been delivering our latest version of the stress measurement system with the integrated RedFox since 2010 and we have had no communication network problems,? says Christer Gustafsson, Data Communications Manager at ABB FM. ?When we updated our system, we wanted a more unified solution. Westermo's equipment makes this possible and spares us the compatibility problems between equipment from different suppliers. As this system is simpler for us to install and maintain, it allows us to reduce our costs.?
The RedFox's WeOS operating system allows the communication network to be subdivided into 3 virtual VLANs: a protected VLAN, using an encrypted VPN tunnel that is not accessible to the customer, connects to all measurement and control instruments. A second VLAN connects to the rolling mill's control computer and a third connects to the rolling mill's office network.
This new solution for the stress measurement systems' data network is delivered preconfigured and only a few cables need to be connected to get it running. Once installed, normally no maintenance is required. If updates are needed, ABB FM can simply connect to the network via the Internet and carry out these operations through the VPN tunnel. Although preconfigured, the solution is very flexible. If a device is added or removed, Network Address Translation (NAT) rules can be applied without affecting the initial configuration.
Stress measurement systems are installed in harsh environments. Westermo's RedFox industrial switches have been specifically designed for this. They can operate in areas with strong electromagnetic interference and across wide temperature ranges: from -40 to +70degC.
?We have tried many industrial data communication products from different suppliers, and none was good enough to meet our demanding needs. Our new solution, which includes the Westermo equipment, works very well and requires only minimal customer support,? concludes Christer Gustafsson.
Westermo provides a full range of industrial data communication solutions for the most demanding applications, notably for the transport, water and energy markets. For more than 35 years, Westermo has been at the forefront of technological development, and the company has often pushed back the limits of what technology allowed. To ensure the best possible support, we are present in more than 35 countries through our authorized distributors and our own local offices. Since 2008, Westermo has been part of the Beijer Electronics group, a fast-growing technology company with extensive experience in industrial automation and in the development and marketing of competitive, user-oriented products and solutions.
ABB FM is a leading supplier of control systems for rolling mills. The stress measurement systems consist of a range of measuring and control instruments. They make it possible to optimize the process in order to produce the highest quality rolled products. In previous versions, up to six communication devices were required: switch, router, converter and firewall, from different suppliers. This could lead to incompatibility problems and gaps in critical network functions such as secure VPN or network separation. It also made these complex networks difficult to install and maintain. The control cabinet, saturated as a result, even required a cooling system, which was yet another item to maintain.
The solution is now based on a single 18-port RedFox, a 3-layer switch running the Westermo WeOS operating system. It was developed to provide layers 2 and 3, which means that RedFox can be used as both a switch and a router. This operating system also handles complex and advanced security issues. For example, each port can be configured with individual firewall rules and can support encrypted VPN tunnels, which means that a secure Internet connection is possible. These new functions allow the stress measurement system to manage several communication networks with a single communication device.
?We have been delivering our latest version of the stress measurement system with the integrated RedFox since 2010 and we have had no communication network problems,? says Christer Gustafsson, Data Communications Manager at ABB FM. ?When we updated our system, we wanted a more unified solution. Westermo's equipment makes this possible and spares us the compatibility problems between equipment from different suppliers. As this system is simpler for us to install and maintain, it allows us to reduce our costs.?
The RedFox's WeOS operating system allows the communication network to be subdivided into 3 virtual VLANs: a protected VLAN, using an encrypted VPN tunnel that is not accessible to the customer, connects to all measurement and control instruments. A second VLAN connects to the rolling mill's control computer and a third connects to the rolling mill's office network.
This new solution for the stress measurement systems' data network is delivered preconfigured and only a few cables need to be connected to get it running. Once installed, normally no maintenance is required. If updates are needed, ABB FM can simply connect to the network via the Internet and carry out these operations through the VPN tunnel. Although preconfigured, the solution is very flexible. If a device is added or removed, Network Address Translation (NAT) rules can be applied without affecting the initial configuration.
Stress measurement systems are installed in harsh environments. Westermo's RedFox industrial switches have been specifically designed for this. They can operate in areas with strong electromagnetic interference and across wide temperature ranges: from -40 to +70degC.
?We have tried many industrial data communication products from different suppliers, and none was good enough to meet our demanding needs. Our new solution, which includes the Westermo equipment, works very well and requires only minimal customer support,? concludes Christer Gustafsson.
Westermo provides a full range of industrial data communication solutions for the most demanding applications, notably for the transport, water and energy markets. For more than 35 years, Westermo has been at the forefront of technological development, and the company has often pushed back the limits of what technology allowed. To ensure the best possible support, we are present in more than 35 countries through our authorized distributors and our own local offices. Since 2008, Westermo has been part of the Beijer Electronics group, a fast-growing technology company with extensive experience in industrial automation and in the development and marketing of competitive, user-oriented products and solutions.
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