Latest Networking Technical Articles

Understanding the building blocks of s-domain analysis and magnitude response theory can go a long way in helping…

Understanding the building blocks of s-domain analysis and magnitude response theory can go a long way in helping engineers predict how and why some system design choices are made over others.

Refining and integrating a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer with real-time data display and historian…

Refining and integrating a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer with real-time data display and historian capabilities for short-term data visualization.

Learn the first steps in focusing on the integration of a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer.

Learn the first steps in focusing on the integration of a front-end HMI application to an API middle layer.

The middle layer, or API layer of a custom-built HMI project involves a server that can submit or receive data to and…

The middle layer, or API layer of a custom-built HMI project involves a server that can submit or receive data to and from a device, either to provide the user interface or interact with the machine.

Wireless technology is typically slower to adoption for industrial automation, but what wireless advancements are shaping…

Wireless technology is typically slower to adoption for industrial automation, but what wireless advancements are shaping the current and future landscape of the automated factory floor?

Virtual networks can connect or isolate various local control networks through configuration of a managed switch. Why…

Virtual networks can connect or isolate various local control networks through configuration of a managed switch. Why would we use VLANs, and how can you segment a network switch to create a VLAN?

I could run down to the local box store or internet marketplace and buy a 5-port switch for less than 20 dollars, or…

I could run down to the local box store or internet marketplace and buy a 5-port switch for less than 20 dollars, or invest in an industrial switch for hundreds. Why would I choose the industrial switch?

An introduction to the various tag types used within one of the leading supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA)…

An introduction to the various tag types used within one of the leading supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) software powering IIoT, HMI, and I4.0 applications: Ignition by Inductive Automation.

Errors in communications often manifest as a result of electrical noise interrupting the data during the transmission…

Errors in communications often manifest as a result of electrical noise interrupting the data during the transmission process, leading to various methods for determining whether received data has been damaged.

Industrial and robotics cabling requires specialized termination strategies. This article introduces connectors involved…

Industrial and robotics cabling requires specialized termination strategies. This article introduces connectors involved in automation applications for cable-to-cable or cable-to-device termination.

Designing, installing, and maintaining control systems involves a lot of wires. Each wire has a purpose, often indicated…

Designing, installing, and maintaining control systems involves a lot of wires. Each wire has a purpose, often indicated by the color of the insulation. But what are the common colors, and what do they mean?

No more IIoT buzzwords! This article aims to walk through an implementation of MQTT using the paho-mqtt library using…

No more IIoT buzzwords! This article aims to walk through an implementation of MQTT using the paho-mqtt library using nothing more than your local machine and some simple Python programming.

Analytics from data algorithms can predict machine failures and provide diagnostics—but what should we measure? Then,…

Analytics from data algorithms can predict machine failures and provide diagnostics—but what should we measure? Then, once the information has been collected, what trends might point to problems?

Learn about the history, framework, and current uses of the Open Platform Communications United Architecture (OPC UA)…

Learn about the history, framework, and current uses of the Open Platform Communications United Architecture (OPC UA) communication protocol in industrial automation.

ASCII is a familiar acronym, found in applications like Modbus communications and string data types—but what is it, and…

ASCII is a familiar acronym, found in applications like Modbus communications and string data types—but what is it, and what does ASCII mean for automation engineers?

Addressing cybersecurity threats introduced by IIoT technology and devices can quickly seem overwhelming. However, an…

Addressing cybersecurity threats introduced by IIoT technology and devices can quickly seem overwhelming. However, an understanding of the risks can lead to some straightforward countermeasures.

EtherCAT is an often preferred competitor in the arena of industrial networking protocols. Learn the reason why many…

EtherCAT is an often preferred competitor in the arena of industrial networking protocols. Learn the reason why many technologies embrace this protocol and what sets it apart from other fieldbus varieties.

Computers understand values as long strings of binary bits, but we humans convert them to other systems for convenience.…

Computers understand values as long strings of binary bits, but we humans convert them to other systems for convenience. Decimal makes sense, but what about hexadecimal and the lesser-known octal systems?

Industrial Ethernet is getting a facelift, but will the industry adopt this new change? Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) offers…

Industrial Ethernet is getting a facelift, but will the industry adopt this new change? Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) offers gigabit speeds with a reduced footprint. When is it used, and where?