In computer networking, a node is any physical or virtual device that is part of a network. This includes hosts like HMIs and PLCs, as well as devices that help manage network traffic, such as routers, switches, and access points. Every node has a unique identifier like a MAC or IP address and plays a…
A host is any device that connects to a network and can send or receive data. This includes computers, servers, PLCs, HMIs, smartphones, tablets, printers, and much more. Each host typically has its own IP address, which allows it to communicate with other devices over the internet or a local network. Hosts can share information,…
1000BASE-SX and 1000BASE-LX are Gigabit Ethernet standards using fiber optic cables for high-speed communication. Defined by the IEEE 802.3z standard, they support 1 Gbps data transmission. 1000BASE-SX operates on multimode fiber (MMF), reaching up to 550 meters, while 1000BASE-LX uses single-mode fiber (SMF), extending up to 10 km. These standards are ideal for long-distance, interference-free connections in industrial automation. They improve SCADA, HMI, and PLC communication by reducing latency and ensuring reliable data exchange. Example Scenario: HMI and PLC communicating…
Storm control monitors the rate of incoming packets on a port. It compares the rate of broadcast, multicast, or unknown unicast traffic to a configured Storm Threshold. When the traffic rate exceeds the threshold, storm control takes action. Actions can include shutting down the port, filtering/dropping excess traffic, and send an alert to the network administrator. See…
An Active VLAN is a VLAN that is actively used to separate traffic on a network. It helps keep devices isolated within their own virtual network while controlling communication. Active VLANs are configured on switch ports, allowing devices to communicate within the same VLAN. Once configured, these VLANs enable network management, security, and improved performance. An active VLAN helps…
100BASE-FX is an Ethernet standard that supports 100 Mbps speeds over fiber optic cabling. Defined by the IEEE 802.3u standard, it uses multimode fiber (MMF) with SC, ST, or LC connectors for data transmission. Unlike 100BASE-TX, it provides longer-distance communication, up to 20 km with multimode fiber. 100BASE-FX is commonly used in industrial networks where electromagnetic interference (EMI) can affect copper-based connections. It ensures reliable, high-speed communication between devices like HMI, PLC, and switches in harsh environments.…
1000BASE-T is an Ethernet standard that supports 1 Gbps (1000 Mbps) speeds over twisted-pair cabling. Defined by the IEEE 802.3ab standard, it operates using Cat 5e or higher cables and supports full-duplex communication. This baseband technology enables faster data transfer, improving network performance for industrial automation. 1000BASE-T is widely used in modern HMI, PLC, and SCADA networks where high-speed communication is required. It enhances real-time data exchange and reduces latency…
10BASE-T is an Ethernet standard for local area networks (LANs) that supports speeds of 10 Mbps over twisted-pair cabling. It is defined by the IEEE 802.3 standard and uses Cat 3 or higher cables to connect devices. 10BASE-T is a baseband technology, meaning it transmits data directly over the cable without modulating the signal. Although largely obsolete today, it was widely used in early networking setups for…
100BASE-TX is an Ethernet standard that supports 100 Mbps speeds over twisted-pair cabling. Defined by the IEEE 802.3u standard, it uses Cat 5 or higher cables and operates in full-duplex or half-duplex mode. It is a baseband technology, meaning it transmits data without modulation. IEEE 802.3u is widely used in industrial automation to connect HMI, PLC, and network switches for faster data exchange. This standard improves reliability and efficiency compared to older 10BASE-T networks. Example…
Port Authentication is a network security feature used to control access to network ports based on device credentials. Defined by the IEEE 802.1X standard, it ensures only authorized devices can connect to the network. Port Authentication uses RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) servers to validate devices attempting to access the network. Once authenticated, the device is granted access to the network,…
VLAN Tagging is a method used to identify and separate network traffic in Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs). Defined by the IEEE 802.1Q standard, VLAN tagging adds a VLAN ID to Ethernet frames allowing network switches to differentiate traffic from multiple VLANs on a single physical connection. VLAN tagging improves network organization, security, and performance by isolating devices into separate logical networks. It…
Class of Service (CoS) is a networking feature that prioritizes data traffic to improve performance and reduce latency. CoS is defined by the IEEE 802.1p standard, which assigns priority levels to network packets and is commonly used in industrial automation, VoIP, and video streaming, where certain data needs higher priority. CoS helps ensure critical traffic, like SCADA commands, is delivered without delays. CoS is implemented at Layer 2 using…