IEC 62439-2:2016

Overview

IEC 62439-2:2016 is an international standard developed by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that addresses high-availability automation networks built on ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 (IEEE 802.3, commonly known as Ethernet) technology. This standard, titled Industrial communication networks - High availability automation networks - Part 2: Media Redundancy Protocol (MRP), specifies a Media Redundancy Protocol engineered to deliver rapid and deterministic fault recovery in industrial Ethernet ring topologies. The protocol is designed to ensure that in the event of a single failure-such as an interrupted inter-switch link or faulty network switch-systems using MRP remain operational, maintaining reliable data communications that are critical to industrial automation environments.

This 2016 second edition includes new enhancements over the 2010 version, such as automatic selection of the media redundancy manager and support for redundant connections between MRP rings. The document is part of the broader IEC 62439 series and should be read in conjunction with IEC 62439-1.

Key Topics

• Ring Topology Recovery: Defines a protocol that enables rapid fault recovery in Ethernet-based ring networks, typically utilized in industrial automation for improved network availability.
• Media Redundancy Manager (MRM): Describes the function and role of a dedicated node responsible for controlling network redundancy, crucial for managing ring status and recovery operations.
• Automatic Manager Selection: Introduces extension protocols that facilitate the automatic selection of the media redundancy manager, improving configuration efficiency and robustness.
• Redundant Ring Interconnection: Specifies extensions that allow for the redundant connection between multiple MRP rings, increasing overall network resilience and scalability.
• Deterministic Fault Reaction: Ensures response times to failures are predictable and meets the requirements of real-time industrial applications.
• Compatibility with Standard Ethernet: Maintains full compatibility with standard Ethernet communication, enabling continued use of common Ethernet hardware and software.

Applications

The adoption of IEC 62439-2:2016 is crucial for industries and applications that demand high network availability, minimal downtime, and rapid recovery from failures. Typical application areas include:

• Industrial Automation: Use in process control, manufacturing execution systems, and robotics where uninterrupted communication is mandatory for safety and efficiency.
• Process Industries: Power plants, oil and gas, chemical production, and water treatment facilities benefit from robust network architectures that prevent costly disruptions.
• Critical Infrastructure: Transportation systems, utilities, and intelligent building networks employ MRP to support mission-critical control networks.

By leveraging the Media Redundancy Protocol, organizations can increase system uptime, enhance safety, and reduce maintenance-related interruptions, all while using established Ethernet technologies.

Related Standards

The IEC 62439-2:2016 standard is part of a larger family of international standards focused on network redundancy and automation. Key related standards include:

• IEC 62439-1: General concepts and requirements for high availability automation networks (to be read in conjunction with Part 2).
• IEC 62439-3: Specifies the Parallel Redundancy Protocol (PRP) and High-availability Seamless Redundancy (HSR) for additional redundancy mechanisms in Ethernet networks.
• ISO/IEC/IEEE 8802-3 (IEEE 802.3): The foundational standard for Ethernet-based communication, referenced throughout IEC 62439-2.
• IEC 61158 series: Provides the broader structural and terminology framework for fieldbus communication networks used in industrial automation.

Summary

Implementing IEC 62439-2:2016 supports the creation of high-availability industrial Ethernet networks that offer deterministic recovery and reliable data communications in the face of failures. This standard is integral for modern automation networks striving to meet the highest requirements for uptime and operational continuity in critical environments.