Industrial Network Basics: Practical Guides for the Industrial Technician!
“Industrial Network Basics” is a resource that serves as a practical guide in understanding traditional network technology and protocols before moving into the essentials of the network technologies used in manufacturing, automation, machine and process control systems. Whether you work as a technician or as a design engineer, “Industrial Network Basics” speaks to the world of possibilities available for machine and process control in a clear and understandable language. Special emphasis is given to the unique characteristics of popular fieldbus protocols and the integration of complementary high speed “backbone” applications such as FF-HSE, Ethernet/IP and ProfiNet. The foremost industrial Ethernet and fieldbus applications are covered with one objective, to give the reader a solid foundation in network communications with equipment such as “smart” I/O blocks, programmable automation controllers, SCADA systems and a wide array of other “intelligent” field devices that are used in modern DCS environments. Included in the many topics covered: • Physical wiring media such as UTP, STP, Coax and Fiber-optic cable and connectors • Understanding how physical wiring is rated • Typical network topologies • Understanding Bandwidth • Broadband & Baseband • Decimal, Binary and Hexadecimal conversion • Understanding the OSI layers • TCP/IP and other protocols used in both traditional networks and “industrial networks” • Fieldbus Technologies such as FF-H1, Profibus, DeviceNet and RS-485 networks • High speed “backbone” applications such as ProfiNet, FF-HSE, EtherNet/IP and Sercos III • Allen Bradley networks, connectivity, drivers and cable interfaces
Why Read This Book
You will get a highly practical, technician-focused tour of the industrial networking technologies that actually run factories — from classic fieldbuses through modern industrial Ethernet backbones. The book emphasizes hands-on understanding and troubleshooting, so you can compare protocols, design basic networks, and diagnose real-world problems without getting lost in academic theory.
Who Will Benefit
Ideal for maintenance technicians, automation engineers, and control-system designers who need a practical, applied grounding in fieldbuses and industrial Ethernet to deploy, maintain, or integrate automation networks.
Level: Intermediate — Prerequisites: Basic electrical/electronics knowledge, familiarity with PLCs or control hardware, and a working understanding of Ethernet and TCP/IP fundamentals.
Key Takeaways
- Compare the architecture and characteristics of major fieldbus protocols (Profibus, Foundation Fieldbus, DeviceNet) and industrial Ethernet variants (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, FF‑HSE).
- Design simple industrial network topologies and choose appropriate backbone and field-level technologies for machine and process control.
- Diagnose and troubleshoot common network issues using packet analysis, link-layer checks, and vendor tools.
- Integrate fieldbus segments with high‑speed Ethernet backbones and understand gateway/bridge considerations.
- Apply practical tips for commissioning, maintenance, and incremental upgrades of existing automation networks.
Topics Covered
- 1. Introduction to Industrial Networking
- 2. Networking Fundamentals and the OSI Model
- 3. Ethernet Basics and Differences from IT Networks
- 4. Fieldbus Fundamentals: Why Fieldbuses Exist
- 5. Profibus & Foundation Fieldbus — Architecture and Use Cases
- 6. DeviceNet, CANopen, and Controller Area Network Variants
- 7. Industrial Ethernet Families: EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT, FF‑HSE
- 8. Gateways, Bridges, and Integrating Fieldbus with Ethernet
- 9. Network Design, Topology, and Determinism Considerations
- 10. Troubleshooting, Diagnostics, and Packet Analysis
- 11. Security, Maintenance, and Best Practices for Technicians
- 12. Case Studies, Deployment Examples, and a Glossary
Languages, Platforms & Tools
How It Compares
Compared to specialist security references like Knapp & Langill's Industrial Network Security, this volume focuses more on practical protocol comparison, commissioning, and technician-level troubleshooting rather than deep security hardening; it complements vendor-specific manuals (Siemens, Rockwell) by providing a vendor-neutral overview.
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