Support has been growing, with hundreds of suppliers indicating they are developing or planning to develop products. With this backing, it looks as though installations, including control applications, will begin by mid-2001. By the end of 2001, a full round of products may be available that will control, configure, and collect data on a single Ethernet system. Before migrating to Ethernet, a user should look closely at the misconceptions surrounding it. One key issue is network speed.
Wire speed is only one determinant of network update time.
Others include ladder logic or programming language, communication model, and protocol used. In addition, as you move to a 100 Mbps system, factors that were once irrelevant have greater importance. Network design has changed, and users must consider new factors such as interference from external devices as commercially available cable and media are used. Another misconception is that Ethernet will directly compete with existing automation networks. This not the case and has become apparent as the limitations of Ethernet become evident.