Latest Networking Technical Articles

Even with the most reliable networks, network outages are inevitable for a host of reasons, and managing these outages in…

Even with the most reliable networks, network outages are inevitable for a host of reasons, and managing these outages in VFD systems becomes critically important.

Allen Bradley’s Data Highway Plus (DH+) networking ability is still found commonly in interfaces with legacy equipment.…

Allen Bradley’s Data Highway Plus (DH+) networking ability is still found commonly in interfaces with legacy equipment. Understanding this network structure can bridge the gap between old and new systems.

What’s the difference between a Cat 6 and a Cat 6a cable, anyhow? Ethernet cables must meet certain performance…

What’s the difference between a Cat 6 and a Cat 6a cable, anyhow? Ethernet cables must meet certain performance standards, and these standards can be quite confusing at first glance.

Blockchain recording can reduce risks associated with data transactions such as data theft and erroneous information. But…

Blockchain recording can reduce risks associated with data transactions such as data theft and erroneous information. But what implications, if any, does blockchain hold for industrial control system engineers?

This article covers the prominent IEC 60870 standard for SCADA in electrical power systems, as well as background…

This article covers the prominent IEC 60870 standard for SCADA in electrical power systems, as well as background information on the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the publishing organization.

With the increasing appearance of “web-based” HMIs, we investigate these devices, learn how they differ from the…

With the increasing appearance of “web-based” HMIs, we investigate these devices, learn how they differ from the graphical HMIs, and see implications for our modern control system architecture.

Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two…

Modbus is a communication protocol stemming from the early days of Modicon PLCs, but is still common today. These two example implementations of Modbus transactions will get you started.

The objective of predictive maintenance is to foresee potential machine failure with the help of machine learning…

The objective of predictive maintenance is to foresee potential machine failure with the help of machine learning algorithms provided with vast quantities of data.

We've read about the capabilities of collaborative robots, but often, one question still remains - how do you program a…

We've read about the capabilities of collaborative robots, but often, one question still remains - how do you program a cobot? Last week, I got a chance to get my hands on a cobot for the first time.

The fourth pillar of effective statistical process control (SPC) is the use of designed experiments used to learn as much…

The fourth pillar of effective statistical process control (SPC) is the use of designed experiments used to learn as much as possible from a limited number of experiments, yet remain statistically relevant enough to be useful.

Statistical process control (SPC) allows for continual improvement process (CIP), a method of optimizing a process driven…

Statistical process control (SPC) allows for continual improvement process (CIP), a method of optimizing a process driven by data and statistical methods.

Industrial automation is only possible when the various system components can communicate with each other using physical…

Industrial automation is only possible when the various system components can communicate with each other using physical cable connections. In this article, learn about some of the most popular communication cables and connectors used in the industry.

Robots as a service (RaaS) can open the door to automation for small to mid-sized companies that are looking to automate…

Robots as a service (RaaS) can open the door to automation for small to mid-sized companies that are looking to automate a process without a large upfront capital investment.

This article reviews and compares some of the most prominent industrial Ethernet protocols.

This article reviews and compares some of the most prominent industrial Ethernet protocols.

We’re all familiar with information technology, or IT. The computer systems, hardware, internet, and various software…

We’re all familiar with information technology, or IT. The computer systems, hardware, internet, and various software we use in our own homes and offices are mostly IT. But when it comes to industrial workplaces, the rules are different.

In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship…

In this article, learn the basics of Allen-Bradley Data Highway, the various network structures, and the relationship between DH and Ethernet networks.

Technology advancements have provided us with terms that can seem foreign and confusing. Learn the definition of some of…

Technology advancements have provided us with terms that can seem foreign and confusing. Learn the definition of some of the important concepts that provide better efficiency for industrial manufacturing systems.

This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.

This article teaches the basics of gateways in industrial networks and PLC-to-PLC communication.

Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.

Learn the basics of connecting multiple PLCs to an HMI using various data types.