Ethernet plays an integral and critical role in modern industrial and utility automation, as many industrial and utility sites are in the process (Or have completed the process) of upgrading to Ethernet networks. However, as Ethernet consists of many different features and functionality, it is a lot more complex than older legacy communications technology. Often someone with little to no knowledge of the workings of Ethernet is placed in charge of the network. Being thrown in the deep end like this can be very intimidating, and often because of this the simplest possible Ethernet network will be installed. H3iSquared’s goal is to provide training to individuals to elevate them from a point of almost no knowledge of the workings of Ethernet, to a point where they understand and can perform advanced configuration and troubleshooting of their network, with a strong focus on Ethernet standards in the utility and industrial sectors.
The H3iSquared intensive training course takes place over a period of 3-5 days, depending on the customer. In this time attendees will start with the basic building blocks of Ethernet, working all the way up to advanced protocols and features of Ethernet such as redundancy and traffic prioritisation. We intend to provide a basic foundation of knowledge intended to allow course attendees to be able to walk away not only with a strong theoretical understanding of Ethernet, but also some practical experience so as to be able to implement their new found knowledge on their existing networks. For this reason the course consists not only of an intensive theoretical section, but also includes a half to two days of practical workshop, where attendees can implement new features they have learnt in a non-critical classroom environment. This also provides learners the opportunity to implement specific configurations (e.g. what they currently have on site) and get confirmation, or suggestions as to changes that can be made, from the instructors.
The Industrial Ethernet Training 101 course (IET101) starts off at the very beginning of Ethernet evolution, explaining the history of where it originated, and some of the worldwide governing bodies that regulate the various protocols within Ethernet and maintain the worldwide standards and what they mean to us as Ethernet users. Next we move onto the basic physical aspects of Ethernet such as the different types cabling used to interconnect various Ethernet compatible devices and their respective pros and cons.
The next step is to move onto an understanding of how data is sent across the network. We introduce the basic building block, the Ethernet frame, and explain the build-up and logical layout of the frame. This will add key understanding of how Ethernet provides interoperability, and shows how even proprietary communications can take place over the open standard Ethernet network. We will explain how Ethernet works in layers or levels, and how these work.
From here we move onto an explanation of the two basic addressing methods in Ethernet by which devices communicate, namely the MAC and IP addresses of a device. We explain IP Subnetting and the importance of efficient Subnetting both for traffic control and network segmentation. We also talk about the importance of unique individual IP addresses for each device, as well as the difference between public and private IP subnets, and where each are used. Following this section of the course is a short practical where learners can test their IP Subnetting skills.
We move on to explaining how Ethernet signals are sent across a physical cable, as well as the mechanism that allows multiple device to all talk across a single physical cable. We pay attention to the correct laying of these cables and what outside factors can adversely affect the data travelling on the cable. From here we proceed to explain the differences between a switch and a hub, and the different switching methods by which switches transfer data (Store and Forward or On-the-fly). We also explain the basic concepts of routing and introduce the concepts of dynamic vs. static routing.
Now that a basic understanding of how Ethernet works is in place, learners will be introduced to some of the options available for testing a network. This will include components such as using MS DOS commands for basic IP analysis and testing, to using individual manufacturer software tools such as automated device discovery and maintenance software such as RuggedExplorer. We will also introduce the concept of a network “sniffer” for capturing network data, and explain the basics of reading and interpreting a network capture for troubleshooting or auditing purposes.
The next section of the course focuses on network design and the protocols available that need to be considered when designing a network. We start with an explanation of what environmental conditions can affect the network, and how to circumvent the effects of these conditions. We also speak briefly on selecting the hardware to be used for a specific application and give examples of the type of questions one needs to answer before even beginning the physical and logical designs, such as how large the network will need to be, what future expansion is currently planned and what applications (And their associated traffic) will be using the network. This will allow the designer to confirm that there will be enough bandwidth for all requirements.
After this is a breakdown of various types of topologies, with a focus on the redundancy provided by each. We then delve even further into the various open standard redundancy protocols available, and the pros and cons of each, followed by a short practical on redundancy protocols, such as RSTP and other, quicker recovery protocols. Redundancy is given a lot of focus in this course, as it plays an important central role in mission critical networks.
Next we move onto two technologies meant to be used for optimising network performance, namely prioritisation for ensuring that critical data always gets through, and multicast control to ensure that multicast traffic is not propagated to network segments that do not require it. Moving even further into the concept of traffic isolation, we explain VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) and the advantages of using them. VLANs are another concept that can be extremely intimidating and so are often left alone, or incorrectly implemented, on mission critical networks. However the advantages to using VLANs are numerous, and as the most powerful tool available in Ethernet for logical traffic separation should not be overlooked. This course aims to familiarise learners with VLANs to the point that they are not something scary to be ignored, but rather a powerful tool in any network administrator or designers arsenal.
After a short section on the difference between connectionless transport (UDP or User Datagram Protocol), connection-oriented transport (TCP or Transmission Control Protocol) and their pros and cons, we move onto a more specialised protocol that is essential for time sensitive networks, PTP (Precision Time Protocol). This protocol provides time synchronicity between devices of up to sub-microsecond accuracy, and we explain some of the applications where this is used.
Finally the theoretical portion of the course ends off with a discussion of NMS (Network Management Software) and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). An NMS provides invaluable assistance to network administrators in identifying and fixing problems on the network, and if correctly used can be an invaluable tool for saving time and money.
The course ends off with the practical workshop session/s, allowing learners to combine all they have learnt on a live (But not mission critical) network. Users are given various tasks meant to integrate all the various features they have learnt, and are also encouraged to present specific network setups about which they have questions or problems. This allows learners to understand how, what they have learnt in the course, will tie up with their live network, as well as providing an open, friendly environment which encourages people to work together to cement the knowledge they have learnt.
With the complexity of Ethernet growing constantly due to new protocols and features being implemented, no longer can a network administrator afford to not have a strong knowledge base when designing, implementing or maintaining an Ethernet network. This intensive course provided by H3iSquared aims to introduce such learners to the powerful and helpful tools available natively within Ethernet, as well as providing learners with the confidence and knowledge to use these tools on their own, live networks.
For more information on this Industrial and Utility Ethernet Training 101 course, please feel free to contact H3iSquared:
Email: training@h3isquared.com
Website: www.h3isquared.com
Tel: +27 (0)11 454 6025