Why Auto-Maskin selected Ethernet as its backbone communication.
Auto-Maskin decided over 9 years ago to employ Ethernet as the core process to move data around its proprietary networks. At the time, many other systems relied upon CAN based networks, and was viewed by others as “risky”. That choice has been borne out as Ethernet has subsequently become the “de facto” standard on board commercial vessels, Auto-Maskin’s long term view was that CAN was surpassed by Ethernet for several reasons.
Speed: Ethernet provides speeds that are orders of magnitude faster than CAN networks, with much larger volumes of data.
Safety: Using the 7 layer OSI standard, Ethernet data is safe, secure and constantly monitored.
Installability: Much longer cable runs can be supported, is true “Plug and Play” and requires no specialist skills. Familiarity from home or office based experiences increases confidence of both non expert installers and operators.
Unlike many other communication protocols, Ethernet supports virtually all popular network protocols, and as the standard has grown it has maintained its backwards compatibility, meaning it is easy to upgrade older systems or add additional functionality.
Ethernet is continually growing, getting faster [10 Gigabit/sec speeds now defined!], more capability such as Power over Ethernet [ PoE] and more user friendly. Auto-Maskin’s investment 9 years ago in using Ethernet is another example of why Auto-Maskin leads the market in diesel engine controllers with remote paneling.
