Abstract:
The article explores the relevance of industrial communication networks with a focus on the premises adopted by Industry 4.0, highlighting the use of passive optical technologies (PON-LAN), known as Laserway. Industry 4.0 consists of the transformation in industrial processes through digitalization and the integration of advanced technologies. In this context, connectivity solutions are essential for good system performance. Laserway networks can be considered a way of efficient and high-speed communication, supporting device connectivity in industrial environments, with advantages such as high bandwidth, cost efficiency, and scalability. Therefore, this article aims to present the concepts related to this technology and provide a comparative case study between two network architectures (one considering traditional switching solutions and the other considering passive optical network solutions). It is observed that optical networks are crucial for digital transformation in Industry 4.0, promoting innovation, efficiency, lower cabling density, centralized management, and reduced operational costs.