Ethernet Commandments

B&B Electronics Manufacturing Company, Ottawa, Ill., has listed the "Ten Commandments of Industrial Ethernet" on its website. The list provides advice on topics ranging from the difference between how IP addresses are assigned in factories vs. an office environment to common security risks and steps to ensure that systems can't be "hacked.

By Staff April 1, 2004

B&B Electronics Manufacturing Company, Ottawa, Ill., has listed the “Ten Commandments of Industrial Ethernet” on its website. The list provides advice on topics ranging from the difference between how IP addresses are assigned in factories vs. an office environment to common security risks and steps to ensure that systems can’t be “hacked.” Commandment highlights include:

  • Make security a high priority.

  • Thoroughly document the Ethernet installation.

  • Execute a definite plan for assigning and reassigning IP addresses.

  • Use hardware that can withstand extreme cold and hot temperatures.

  • Maintain a healthy separation between offices and the factory using routers, bridges and firewalls.

  • Deploy wireless equipment carefully, and recognize the problems incurred by mixing Wi-Fi, Hi-Fi and process control.

For more information and the entire list, go to www.bb-elec.com/tencommandments .