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Network topology

Every network has a topology: Its devices are arranged in a certain structure to each other and connected with each other for the purpose of data exchange via transfer medium. The data traffic between the devices follows a certain logic which results from the structure but which can also follow own rules. This means that the physical topology differs from the logical topology in the same way as street network and street traffic need to be viewed separate from each other.

Network topologies result from the functional requirements that are made on the respective network. Network planners also have to take aspects into consideration such as administration, performance, spatial surroundings, safety, maintenance and potentials for saving costs. In the field of industrial networks further factors play a role. An automated production process requires for example that a certain number of devices in a certain arrangement can communicate with each other. Thus the network topology always represents a compromise in practical application, preceded by various considerations.

Basic topologies of industrial networks

There are basically three patterns according to which devices can be arranged in a network: the line, the star and the ring. In each of these three physical basic topologies, the smallest possible topology is contained in turn: the point-to-point topology between two devices.

In a line topology, all network devices are connected via a common transfer medium with each other. The medium is called a bus and thus it is also called bus topology.
In the star topology, there are point-to-point connections between a central network device and all others that are arranged as a star around them. The transfer medium runs point-to-point respectively between them so that a star structure is formed.
In the ring topology, the network devices are connected respectively at two points. This means that each device maintains two point-to-point connections with other devices so that a ring-shaped structure results.

Example: Line topology in the PROFIBUS

Example: Star topology in PROFIBUS with MULTIrep X5

Fundamental logical topologies can also be traced back to these three basic patterns:

In the line topology, the sent data of a network device are distributed across the common transfer medium. If a network device sends, then no other network device can send without data collisions occurring.
In the star topology, each connection between the central network device and a different network device consists of two lines – one for sending, one for receiving. The sent signal of a network device is sent to all others via the central network device.
In the ring topology, a network device may only send once it has received the sending authorisation (token) circulating in the ring. Data that is intended for sending is added to the token and transferred in the ring from device to device until the target device has been reached.

The physical and logical basic topologies generally are not found in such pure structures in industrial networks, but rather blend into individual and complex shapes, depending on the structure of production plants, which are visualised on detailed topology plans. Every change on a plant can lead to a change of the network topology. That is why it is important that the corresponding topology plan is always kept up to date and available at any time for planners, repair technicians or service employees.

Network topology Software PROscan Active V2

Example: Topology plan in PROscan® Active V2

Example: Device list in PROscan® Active V2

Network topology software

Software tools greatly facilitate the work with topology plans. Using the circuitry/network planning software TOPOCAD you can document the topologies of existing PROFIBUS systems digitally or design topology plans for new systems. The network devices are placed on a freely-definable grid and are arranged and wired. For designing Ethernet-based networks, the network planning software PROnetplan is suitable with which you can optimise parameters such a network limit, payload, line depth and update rate. With that you create a realistic draft for a stable, nearly ideal network structure that you can submit to the installers as a graphic print-out with all values, a complete device list and important security information.

If you want to record the topology of a PROFINET or Ethernet network, we recommend the software PROscan^® Active V2. With it you can determine all relevant device information, line information, port overviews and port statistics during running operations. Included in the prerequisites are manageable switches with SNMP functionality as well as network devices that make the PROFINET-specific parameters available. You can print out the scanned topology as a technical drawing or import it into the PROnetplan software in order to plan optimisations on an existing network there or to simulate a network structure. By this means, obligatory drafts for modernisation or expansions of the system can be made as well.