Networks for Digitalization in Harsh Environments

Networks for Digitalization in Harsh Environments

R&M develops infrastructure solutions for the «hyper-connected» factory. Massive computing power required on site. Cost-efficient data networks with Ethernet/IP.

Fremont, December 3, 2025. Data networks know no boundaries. Cables and connectivity are required in sunny, wet, frosty, dirty, oily, windy and germ-free worlds. R&M, the globally active developer and provider of infrastructure solutions for data and communications networks, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland, is meeting these challenges with innovative solutions. They help companies advance digitalization and connect machines under the most adverse conditions.

The industrial solutions from R&M integrate the path from the outdoor connector via local data networks and WiFi to the data center and Internet access. The Industrial division of R&M has developed solutions for factories and company campuses, wind and solar parks, ships and hospitals. Solutions for other markets such as mining, utilities, agriculture, military, ports and transport will follow. They are based on decades of global experience in industry and outdoor cabling as well as on new technologies for copper and fiber optic connectivity.

The «hyper-connected» factory

A new era of digital transformation is beginning in industry. «Industry 4.0» with the linking of production and data networks based on Ethernet/IP communication has already established itself. At present, 71 % of the newly installed network nodes in factories are based on Industrial Ethernet systems (source: HMS Networks, 2024). Now, artificial intelligence, self-learning machines and robots, augmented reality, connected workers and digital twins are finding their way into factories. «Industry 4.0» is evolving into disruptive, «smart manufacturing». However, the new data-driven applications require massive computing power directly on site and more transmission resources than ever before in order to be able to process large amounts of data immediately.

This is why not only additional cables and connectivity are being installed, but also edge and micro data centers and AI clusters. Added to this is 5G which will enable data and control commands to be transmitted wirelessly in real time across the entire network. However, 5G can only be operated with high-performance connectivity and network cabling to the antennas.

The infrastructure design for the «hyper-connected» factory is challenging. First, it’s about the business case, automation, productivity, and faster and smarter processes. Companies expect the new wave of digitalization to contribute to success in the short term.

Integration across the board

According to R&M, the new reality can be optimally achieved with holistic, integrating approaches. Ethernet/IP data networks will continue to form the cost-efficient and coherent basic framework in the future. The structure and communication protocol are non-application-specific and universally applicable. They can be seamlessly expanded, scaled, segmented, designed to be redundant and reconfigured spontaneously for the next production order.

Their simplicity is based on their strictly structured architecture. This is precisely why network planning requires a holistic approach. It starts with the classic LAN infrastructure and extends the perspective from the field level to the cloud. Careful planning anticipates the relevant and probable scenarios of digitalization.

The number of connected devices and data traffic in the production environment are increasing dynamically. The data network therefore requires multi-gigabit performance. For this reason, companies should choose solutions of at least Cat. 6_A for copper cabling. These support a transmission rate of up to 10 Gigabit/s within a 100-meter radius. Category 8.1 solutions are recommended for short distances and transmission of up to 40 Gigabit/s. FO infrastructures should be preferred for large distances between internal data centers, control rooms, office and Internet, for backbones, convergence and hybrid solutions.

Machines often communicate with each other in real time. As a result, latency and attenuation are becoming more important. The technology and quality of the cables and connectors play a decisive role in ensuring stable high bandwidths and minimizing latency and attenuation. Only highly robust components are used in industry.

Technologies for the future

R&M relies on selected industry-standard plastics and IDC technology. The latter guarantees a permanently dust-, gas-, and water-tight, corrosion-free and vibration-proof contact of the copper wires. IDC wiring can be implemented on site without errors in just a few simple steps. R&M is the only manufacturer to use IDC wiring in factory-assembled RJ45 patch cords. This ensures consistently high transmission quality.

Power over Ethernet (PoE), the power supply of terminal equipment via data lines, is gaining in importance in production. The technology eliminates the need for parallel electrical wiring. This supports the goal of cost efficiency. However, PoE requires a special quality of wiring for the wires and contact springs in order to prevent resistance and spark erosion.

Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) is a relatively new technology. R&M has driven forward the standardization of SPE in important phases together with other well-known manufacturers. SPE is a solution for extended digitalization beyond the old distances of LAN cabling. With SPE cabling, Ethernet/IP communication can be extended to up to 1,000 meters. This means that sensors, controllers, cameras, antennas and other terminal equipment of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) can be integrated into the LAN in the field and in open terrain via plug & play.

R&M also offers solutions for reinforced shielding of network cables and connectors from electromagnetic fields, which are increasingly common in production plants. One example of this is the die-cast zinc housing of the field-mountable FM45 connector.

Overall concepts for industry

In this way, R&M bundles the approach of integrated infrastructure solutions, advanced products and new technologies into overall concepts for the industry. R&M supports industries worldwide with consulting, engineering, customizing, assembly, ready-to-install delivery and cabling quality assurance. The goal is for companies to be able to successfully exploit the increasing digitalization in production and the entry into AI applications.

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About R&M 

R&M (Reichle & De-Massari AG) develops, produces and sells infrastructure solutions worldwide to enable unlimited communication and ultra-high-speed data transmission. The corporate Group, based in Wetzikon, Switzerland, operates in the Data Center, Public Networks and Local Area Networks (LAN) business areas. R&M integrates all levels from connectivity to management software in customized overall solutions. The company’s special competency lies in the development and manufacture of connection and distribution technology, cables, racks, enclosures as well as hardware and software for infrastructure management. R&M infrastructure solutions are used in Fiber to the Home, Fiber to the Antenna/5G, Smart Cities, Data Centers, Transport and Green Energy, LAN and Smart Buildings. The family-owned company, founded in 1964, is represented as a Group by local market organizations in over 40 countries and has its own production plants in numerous locations worldwide. Sustainability is a key element of R&M’s strategy and values. Website: www.rdm.com