Reliability and Cost-Effectiveness Trade-Offs in Hierarchical Industrial Networks

In this study, we present a comprehensive comparison of reliability of different network topologies using the Reliability Block Diagram (RBD) method. Our analysis focuses on hierarchical industrial ethernet networks, where nodes are assumed to be perfect, and link failures are primarily attributed to commercial switches and routers. The primary objective of this research is to evaluate the reliability of different network topologies and explore the trade-off between reliability and cost. To achieve this, we introduce a cost factor matrix, which considers the switches utilized between the nodes. This matrix enables a systematic examination of the relationship between network reliability and the associated costs. We investigate the effects of different configurations on cost and also on the overall network reliability, enabling decision-makers to make informed choices when designing or upgrading industrial networks. Our findings reveal that the interconnected dual rings topology exhibits the highest level of reliability among the four studied topologies. However, it also involves higher costs due to the increased number of switches and redundant links. The star topology, on the other hand, demonstrates moderate reliability at a relatively lower cost. This study contributes to the understanding of network reliability analysis in hierarchical industrial networks, emphasizing the impact of topology selection on system reliability and cost considerations. The presented results can aid network designers and administrators in making informed decisions by balancing reliability requirements with budget constraints.