[networks] Should we implement PRP in our network offer?

[Trinxs1]

When using M580 in substation automation and now with high availability offers. PRP provides a higher availability network than our tradition RSTP.

The fact that there is zero switchover time for pretty all architectures means that the network is available all of the time.  We struck a situation with a tunnel project where we functional safety risk assessment analysis showed that the dual S908 network architecture had a higher availability rating than the single RSTP ring.  Had we had an PRP solution it is my understanding this analysis would have resulted in a similar rating to that of the dual S908 and hence we could have deployed a Quantum IO to X80 IO upgrade.

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By 2025 (hopefully end 2024) we expect to have a dual ERIO network support using PRP.  This is an end point protocol. 

At the start of the network we plan to have a RSTP to PRP module most likely the Hirschmann RED25 and at the end i.e. the ERIO drop a new full size PRP CRA module. 

Both modules will have a PRP A port and a PRP B port, for connection to two separate ethernet  networks.  

In hot standby systems it may be possible to install two new PRP CRA modules to support redundancy of modules in the drop rack.

[kingslim]

I definitely support this idea 10000000000% and hope we will be getting it sometime in the near future.

[Trinxs1]

PRP has been delivered with the dual ERIO network connectivity in July 2025.   6 years after the request.