Industrial Communications (Fieldbus & Industrial Networks) Course

Lesson 1 • Network Topologies and Media

Examines bus, ring, star, and tree topologies alongside cable and wireless media. Prepares students to select appropriate topology for specific industrial applications.

Lesson 2 • Communication Modes and Timing

Explains simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex modes alongside synchronous and asynchronous timing. Links timing concepts to real-time control requirements.

Lesson 3 • Signal Types and Transmission Basics

Covers analogue, digital, and discrete signal types used in industrial settings. Connects signal fundamentals to the need for standardised communication protocols.

Lesson 4 • OSI Model in Industrial Context

Maps the OSI seven-layer model to industrial protocol stacks. Provides the structural framework used throughout the course to analyse any fieldbus or network.

Lesson 1 • Modbus RTU and ASCII Protocols

Explains Modbus frame structure, function codes, and register addressing for RTU and ASCII modes. Students read and write device registers using Modbus tools.

Lesson 2 • RS-485 Multidrop Networks

Covers differential signalling, termination, and biasing for RS-485 multidrop buses. Provides the electrical foundation required for Modbus RTU and other RS-485 protocols.

Lesson 3 • Serial Network Troubleshooting

Applies oscilloscope, multimeter, and protocol analyser techniques to diagnose serial faults. Reinforces signal and protocol knowledge from earlier sections through practical fault scenarios.

Lesson 4 • HART Protocol Fundamentals

Introduces HART frequency-shift keying overlaid on 4–20 mA loops and its command structure. Bridges analogue instrumentation to digital fieldbus concepts.

Lesson 1 • DeviceNet and CAN-Based Fieldbuses

Covers CAN physical layer, DeviceNet object model, and explicit vs. implicit messaging. Positions DeviceNet within discrete manufacturing and safety applications.

Lesson 2 • Fieldbus Configuration and Commissioning

Guides students through address assignment, segment testing, and live-list verification for classic fieldbuses. Builds hands-on commissioning skills applicable across all fieldbus types.

Lesson 3 • PROFIBUS PA for Process Instrumentation

Explains PROFIBUS PA intrinsic safety, segment couplers, and device profiles for process instruments. Connects PA to DP backbone integration in process plants.

Lesson 4 • Foundation Fieldbus H1 and HSE

Introduces FF H1 function block model, publisher-subscriber communication, and HSE high-speed backbone. Highlights control-in-the-field capability unique to FF.

Lesson 1 • Ethernet Standards for Industrial Use

Reviews IEEE 802.3 variants, industrial-grade hardware, and environmental ratings relevant to factory floors. Distinguishes commercial Ethernet from ruggedised industrial implementations.

Lesson 2 • Redundancy Protocols for High Availability

Covers MRP, RSTP, and PRP/HSR redundancy schemes used in industrial Ethernet rings and parallel paths. Prepares students to design fault-tolerant network topologies.

Lesson 3 • IP Addressing in Industrial Networks

Covers IPv4 subnetting, static addressing, and DHCP considerations for industrial devices. Links addressing schemes to device discovery and network management practices.

Lesson 4 • Quality of Service and Traffic Prioritisation

Introduces IEEE 802.1p priority tagging and DSCP marking to ensure deterministic delivery of control traffic. Connects QoS configuration to real-time performance requirements.

Lesson 1 • EtherNet/IP and CIP Protocol Stack

Covers CIP object model, implicit and explicit messaging, and EtherNet/IP adapter configuration. Connects DeviceNet CIP knowledge to Ethernet transport for seamless migration.

Lesson 2 • EtherCAT Distributed Clock and Topology

Introduces EtherCAT frame processing, distributed clock synchronization, and flexible topology options. Highlights sub-microsecond synchronization for motion control applications.

Lesson 3 • Protocol Performance Measurement and Tuning

Applies Wireshark and vendor tools to measure cycle times, jitter, and packet loss across real-time protocols. Provides practical tuning techniques to meet application timing requirements.

Lesson 4 • PROFINET Architecture and Device Model

Explains PROFINET IO controller-device model, GSDML files, and conformance classes RT and IRT. Builds on PROFIBUS knowledge to show the migration path to PROFINET.

Lesson 1 • Purdue Model and Network Segmentation

Introduces the Purdue Enterprise Reference Architecture and its five levels for OT-IT segmentation. Provides the structural model used in all subsequent design and security discussions.

Lesson 2 • Network Documentation and Change Control

Establishes standards for network diagrams, IP address registers, and change management procedures. Prepares students to maintain accurate records throughout the network lifecycle.

Lesson 3 • Cable Plant Design and Installation

Details cable routing, bend radius, shielding, and grounding practices for industrial environments. Ensures students can specify and verify a compliant cable plant.

Lesson 4 • Device Selection and Network Sizing

Covers criteria for selecting switches, gateways, and media converters based on port count, throughput, and environmental requirements. Links device specs to network performance targets.

Lesson 1 • Device Hardening and Patch Management

Details firmware updates, unused service disabling, and credential management for industrial devices. Addresses the unique constraints of patching in continuously operating OT environments.

Lesson 2 • Security Frameworks and Risk Assessment

Introduces IEC 62443 zones and conduits, risk assessment methodology, and security levels. Provides the governance structure for all technical security controls covered in this chapter.

Lesson 3 • Security Monitoring and Incident Response

Introduces passive OT network monitoring, anomaly detection, and incident response procedures for industrial environments. Connects monitoring outputs to the risk assessment framework.

Lesson 4 • Firewalls, DMZs, and Network Access Control

Covers industrial firewall rule design, DMZ architecture, and port-based access control for OT segments. Applies Purdue model segmentation to enforce traffic policies.

Lesson 1 • Network Performance Monitoring

Introduces SNMP, LLDP, and vendor network management systems for continuous performance visibility. Connects monitoring data to proactive maintenance and capacity planning.

Lesson 2 • Physical Layer Diagnostics

Covers cable testers, TDR, optical power meters, and signal analysers for physical fault detection. Reinforces cable plant knowledge with hands-on measurement techniques.

Lesson 3 • Protocol-Level Diagnostics

Applies protocol analysers and vendor diagnostic tools to decode frames and identify communication errors. Builds on protocol knowledge from Chapters 2–5 to interpret captured data.

Lesson 4 • Structured Troubleshooting Methodology

Presents a layered, hypothesis-driven fault isolation process applicable to any industrial network. Establishes the diagnostic framework used throughout this chapter.