MES Networks

Conceptually, the MES network comprises the following network types:

• Controls network

• Plant Production network

• Business network

• Corporate wide area network (WAN)

Not every plant will have these network distinctions, and the separation between the networks will vary from site to site and company to company.

The following topics describe each of these networks. It is important to understand the reasons for these network distinctions so that you know how to design the MES solution. See Designing an MES Solution for example topologies with these network types identified.