Industrial Networking

Catalog description

This course equips students with the skills to design, configure, monitor, and maintain basic Ethernet networks used in Industry 4.0 automation environments. Learners practice assigning and troubleshooting IP addressing for industrial devices—including PCs, PLCs, HMIs, robots, and sensors—and connecting equipment to operational Ethernet networks. Using hands-on labs with Layer 2 managed switches, students configure common switch features, identify network topologies, implement static and dynamic addressing, and interpret diagnostics to evaluate network performance. The course also introduces key industrial communication standards and protocols, including RS-485 serial networks and widely used protocols such as Modbus, BACnet, and LonWorks. Students may earn a Smart Automation Certification Alliance (SACA) C-212 Ethernet Communications 1 industry micro-credential.