Industrial Ethernet: A Pocket Guide

This easy-to-use pocket reference provides essential information for industrial automation professionals looking to get up to speed on the latest industrial Ethernet technology. Readers will quickly gain a solid grasp of Ethernet basics, the constraints of the industrial environment, and the specialized requirements of machine control. This book will prepare industrial professionals plan industrial Ethernet installations with realistic expectations, make knowledgeable purchasing decisions, and identify common faults and causes of failure. Practical reference charts and technical tips make this pocket guide an ideal quick reference source at project meetings and installation sites. The text begins with basics of digital communication such as encoding mechanisms, error detection, topologies, basic traffic mechanisms, and a practical explanation of the seven-layer OSI model. It covers Ethernet physical layer terminology, including a complete summary of the IEEE 802.3 standard. Reference tables compare the attributes of the various Ethernet specifications as they relate to connectors, wiring, shielding, grounding, length and design rules, and constraints for UTP cables. The text goes on to explain the roles of common network components such as hubs, switches, routers, and interface cards. Special emphasis is given to the special requirements of industrial applications. Ethernet is compared to the various fieldbuses and legacy proprietary industrial networks. A chapter presents the basics of common Ethernet-based industrial networks including Modbus/TCP, EtherNet/IP, ProfiNet, Foundation Fieldbus HSE, and IDA. Wireless Ethernet is also discussed. The last part of the book provides installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and security tips.