Industrial Network Communications

In this chapter, we will discuss the various communication technologies available on the Logix platform. The focus of this book is the current state of Rockwell Automation's ControlLogix and CompactLogix controllers; however, we will touch on some legacy communication protocols, that you may still find running in the field today.

Communications allow us to interface with controllers, racks, and devices on our network. Establishing communications is an important step that enables us to connect with a device and transfer configuration changes and programs. After completing this chapter, you will be familiar with all the Rockwell Automation communication technologies that are actively used in the field today.

This chapter will cover the following key areas of industrial network communications in the Logix platform:

• Understanding the key terms in industrial communications
• Learning about modern network communication technologies
• Understanding legacy network technologies
• Comparing network communication technologies
• Working with EtherNet/IP Capacity Tool
• Using RSLinx Classic and FactoryTalk Linx
• Using Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture Builder

We will start this chapter by covering some of the basic terminologies for industrial networking.