Open Communications Network with PLCs - Assignment Example

To enable this communication, there are various communication levels. These include industrial communication networks, serial communication, and industrial Input/output (I/O) networks. These levels of communication are either open or closed. Open communication technologies using programmable logic controllers are in some instances considered to be less secure since they are prone to interference by unauthorized individuals. However, they are proffered by several companies due to their low costs (Beach, 2008).

Several devices enable data transmission using Programmable Logic Controllers. These encompass several gateways that are hosted in a different operating system development environment. Open network communication getaways use the open Linux development environment together with certified hardware to ensure secure and efficient data transmission. Using these getaways, several interfaces are employed. These include universal serial Buses (USBs), Serial ports, secure digits cards (SD cards), and Ethernet. Also, internal peripherals such as Global Position System (GPS) receivers, and cellular modems may be used.  

Programmable Logic Controllers networks are equipped with several options that are designed to meet specific communication and control requirements. Some of the typical options provided include peer-to-peer communications and host computer communications among others. The vendors of these PLC devices produce unique devices with unique networking capabilities (Irwin, 1997).