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Cisco IE 3000 Switch Software Configuration Guide
OL-13018-01
Chapter 1 Overview
Network Configuration Examples
Ethernet-to-the-Factory Architecture
This section is an overview of the Ethernet-to-the-Factory (EttF) architecture that provides network and
security services to the devices and applications in automation and control systems. It then integrates
those into the wider enterprise network.
EttF architecture applies to many types of manufacturing environments, but it must be tailored to the
industry type, the manufacturing type, and the production-facility size. Deployments can range from
small networks (less than 50 devices), to medium-sized networks (less than 200 devices), and to large
networks (up to and more than 1000 devices).
Within the EttF architecture are conceptual structures called zones that separate the various functions,
from the highest-level enterprise switches and processes to the smallest devices that control more
detailed processes and devices on the factory floor. See
Figure 1-1.
For more information about EttF architecture, see this URL:
http://wwwin.cisco.com/enterprise/solutions/manufacturing/solutions/ettf.shtml
Enterprise Zone
The enterprise zone comprises the centralized IT systems and functions. Wired and wireless access is
available to enterprise network services, such as enterprise resource management, business-to-business,
and business-to-customer services.The basic business administration tasks, such as site business
planning and logistics, are performed here and rely on standard IT services. Guest access systems are
often located here, although it is not uncommon to find them in lower levels of the framework to gain
flexibility that might be difficult to achieve at the enterprise level.
Demilitarized Zone
The demilitarized zone (DMZ) provides a buffer for sharing of data and services between the enterprise
and manufacturing zones. The DMZ maintains availability, addresses security vulnerabilities, and
abiding by regulatory compliance mandates. The DMZ provides segmentation of organizational control,
for example, between the IT and production organizations. Different policies for each organization can
be applied and contained. For example, the production organization might apply security policies to the
manufacturing zone that are different than those applied to the IT organization.
Manufacturing Zone
The manufacturing zone comprises the cell networks and site-level activities. All the systems, devices,
and controllers that monitor the plant operations are in this zone. The cell zone is a functional area within
a production facility.
The cell zone is a set of devices, controllers, and so on, that provide the real-time control of a functional
aspect of the automation process. They are all in real-time communication with each other. This zone
requires clear isolation and protection from the other levels of plant or enterprise operations.
Figure 1-1 shows the EttF architecture.
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