DLR is a network technology for industrial applications that takes advantage of embedded switch functionality in automation end deviceswww.cechina.cn, such as I/O modules and programmable automation controllersCONTROL ENGINEERING China版权所有, to enable Ethernet ring network topologies at the device level. Unlike a network- or switch-level ring topology that provides resilience to the network infrastructure控制工程网版权所有, DLR technology adds device-level network resilience to optimize machine operation. When a DLR detects a break in the ring, it provides alternate routing of the data to help recover the network at extremely fast rates. Enhanced diagnostics built into DLR-enabled products identify the point of failure, helping to speed maintenance and reduce mean time to repair.
"Functional tests show that the typical recovery time for a 50-node device level ring is less than three milliseconds," said Mike Hannah, manager, Networks Business, Rockwell Automation. "With this fast recovery, most failures become invisible to devices on the network, and machines often continue operating without interruptions. Keeping production running on the plant floor helps increase machine uptime and productivity—important KPIs for today's manufacturers."
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