PCS SCADA network prototype

The PCS SCADA Network Prototype is an end to end networking solution, integrating the communication components of both the Industrial and Enterprise networks within the Material Processing Plant. The solution delivers a partially functional network prototype supporting communications between the numerous proposed devices within the gold processing plant, thereby facilitating process logic controller functionality design and development throughout the Material Processing Plant Lifecycle. The PCS SCADA Network 19s backbone follows a ring topology, exhibiting partial mesh tendencies to accommodate redundancy within the network. The network scope is defined by the net surface area of the Minerals Processing Plant with respect to the corresponding network connectivity coverage required by the facilities within the Plant, fringing on a MAN and LAN scope definition. The network benefits from functionality provided by both switches and routers, introducing a higher degree of network performance, effective bandwidth utilisation and security. Network optimisation has been continuously assessed and improved thorough utilising Network Management tools, producing a network with minimal response and down time. The PCS SCADA Network is complemented by the PCS SCADA HMI, providing an intuitive network analysis and management tool. The HMI provides a variable level of operational detail, from the abstraction of core elements within each device to an overall encapsulation of the network. This aims at providing network analysis tools to plant personal, a means to simplify troubleshooting device failures caused by the failure of network segments