Sinema Server monitors industrial Ethernet networks

Sinema Server has been specially designed for the continuous monitoring of industrial Ethernet and Profinet networks by plant operators and by the maintenance and service personnel. At regular specified intervals, the software recognises any change to the network, including all components within the network from whatever manufacturer (autodiscovery) and clearly displays the current topology and any changes.

An extended, detailed diagnosis is available for Scalance network components. The use of Sinema Server enables any network problems affecting production, as well as standstills or malfunctions within a plant, to be cleared promptly. The result is claimed to be shorter downtimes and less damage to the manufactured goods or the production plant. Companies therefore benefit from the savings and from fewer delivery problems and delays.

Automated reporting

The second important function of Sinema Server is the documentation of network activities in the form of comprehensive reports. The report function informs production management about the performance and capacities of the network, thereby creating the basis for the specific control and planning of the network infrastructure.

If an external service provider has been commissioned to operate the network, the reports indicate whether the guaranteed availability has been delivered. Furthermore, it is possible to analyse retrospectively any malfunctions in the network or plant that have remained unnoticed and thus to optimise production. The length of period covered by the documentation can be selected as required.

The plug-and-play installation and commissioning of Sinema Server is said to be quick and self-explanatory because Siemens has designed the software for particularly easy and user-friendly operation. Several users can access the Sinema Server data simultaneously from any location using a web browser, and the display can be personalised for each user. In addition, the content can be displayed on monitors in the production facility using HMI (human-machine interface) or Scada (supervisory control and data acquisition) systems. The software supports numerous protocols such as OPC, SNMP, LLDP, DCP and Ping.

Sinema Server is suitable for companies in the production and processing industry as well as users from the power generation sector. It will be available through the sales outlets of the Siemens Industry Automation Division and through Scalance distributors. The licensing options are based on the number of supported devices, ranging from 50 to 250 devices.