Latest Networking Technical Articles

Categories

Applications for Single Pair Ethernet: Perspectives for Device Manufacturers

Applications for Single Pair Ethernet: Perspectives for Device Manufacturers

Learn how SPE and Power over Data Line are enabling advanced developments in industrial and building automation, robotics, processing, infrastructure, and energy.


Remote Industry and the Growing Popularity of Cellular Systems

Remote Industry and the Growing Popularity of Cellular Systems

Previously reserved for personal and commercial deployments, learn how cellular IoT connectivity technologies are influencing industrial trends, organizations, and integrators.


Industrial Automation: Spare Yourself From Network Pitfalls!

Industrial Automation: Spare Yourself From Network Pitfalls!

Some new factories are networked from stem to stern, ready to roll. But sometimes, it’s just you and a new PLC, so it won’t really matter how you set things up, it’ll probably work just fine, right?


Actuator-Sensor Interface: ASi Installation and Commissioning

Actuator-Sensor Interface: ASi Installation and Commissioning

A common field-level protocol for automation is ASi or AS-interface–a method used to convey actuator and sensor data and commands between I/O devices and the PLC control system level.


Commissioning IO-Link Part 2: Tutorial PLC Project

Commissioning IO-Link Part 2: Tutorial PLC Project

After we explored the initial configuration, it’s now time to see exactly how to implement IO-Link in a simple PLC project, explaining how to interpret process data bytes for input and output.


Commissioning IO-Link Part 1: System Configuration

Commissioning IO-Link Part 1: System Configuration

IO-Link devices can be inputs or outputs, and often a mix of both. In this article, learn how to interpret datasheets that list the indexes and purpose of the bytes to read and write process data.


Remote Networking: Explaining VPNs for Control Engineers

Remote Networking: Explaining VPNs for Control Engineers

It can be risky to adopt unknown technology; it poses serious security concerns if misused. The Control.com engineering team contacted our friends at OnLogic to gain some insight into VPN technology.


Communication and Power Redundancy for Control Devices

Communication and Power Redundancy for Control Devices

Power and control interruptions are, at best, problematic. In some applications, it’s catastrophic. Learn about redundancy for the system, power supplies, control devices, and network topologies.


OPC UA Implementation: Rockwell, Siemens, and Beckhoff

OPC UA Implementation: Rockwell, Siemens, and Beckhoff

Machine-to-machine (M2M) communication is a critical component of the modern connected facility. OPC UA stands out as an open protocol for making the link between shop floor and cloud systems.


Ignition: An Example of OPC UA Data-Driven Manufacturing

Ignition: An Example of OPC UA Data-Driven Manufacturing

Truly understanding how to implement IIoT technology requires tangible examples of machines, platforms, and data insights that give relevance to high-level concepts.


Using OPC UA | Industrial Connectivity with KEPServerEX

Using OPC UA | Industrial Connectivity with KEPServerEX

Learn about how one example platform, KEPServerEX by PTC, uses OPC UA to integrate machine centers with various communication protocol differences, the ultimate goal of M2M integration.


How To Configure FANUC I/O: The Group and Digital Guide

How To Configure FANUC I/O: The Group and Digital Guide

Inputs and outputs play crucial roles in various automated processes. This article will explain the variances between digital and group I/O and offer guidance on setting up each type through Ethernet.


Machine-to-Machine Integration with OPC UA

Machine-to-Machine Integration with OPC UA

The OPC UA protocol is designed to solve two problems in automation: interoperability between device vendors and independence from incompatible transport layer differences.


All About PLCs: Networking and Communications

All About PLCs: Networking and Communications

Learn about the modules and systems that provide a network connection to the outside world, transforming traditional PLCs into true, modern process automation controllers (PAC).


Electrical Instruments and Gauges: Connection and Configuration

Electrical Instruments and Gauges: Connection and Configuration

In any process industry, transducers are the basic instrumentation unit for continuous monitoring of system variables that provide inputs for control system algorithms and outputs.


Using Structured Text in OpenPLC | Warning Simulator Tutorial

Using Structured Text in OpenPLC | Warning Simulator Tutorial

With a C++ extension, monitoring of status and warning messages can easily be displayed with OpenPLC. Arduino PLC variables can then be observed using a serial terminal or monitor.


Python Tutorial Part 8 | Conditional Flow: While Loops

Python Tutorial Part 8 | Conditional Flow: While Loops

We’ll start exploring loops with the ‘while’ loop in this tutorial. Loops are critical in all programming languages, especially in the control world, where loops form the basis of PLC functionality.


Communication Between Computers | Serial Data Terminal Equipment (DTE)

Communication Between Computers | Serial Data Terminal Equipment (DTE)

Learn about serial and parallel data communication modes, errors, and flow controls used in connecting legacy and even some modern point-to-point network devices.


How To: Use ControlByWeb’s I/O Controller for Web-Based Logic

How To: Use ControlByWeb’s I/O Controller for Web-Based Logic

Logic is critical for industrial control, and it usually looks like ladders, function blocks, or structured text. I/O controllers are designed to automate simple logic tasks and data functions.


Nidec Releases High-Speed Communications Module for HVAC Drive Systems

Nidec Releases High-Speed Communications Module for HVAC Drive Systems

Nidec’s Control Techniques has launched the SI-BACnet IP add-on module for new and existing HVAC drives to help communicate between devices and create a connected automated building.