Browse Categories

Ethernet based Network Types found in OT networks

bas ot ethernet based bas network guidelines tosibox managed switches distech jci optimizer commander johnson controls eclypse
ethernet ot networks

Ethernet Network Topologies


1. Star Topology
  • Description: In a star topology, each device (node) on the network is connected to a central device (such as a switch or hub). All data communication passes through the central hub.
  • Pros:
    • Easy to manage and troubleshoot due to the central point of control.
    • If one cable fails, only the connected device is affected, not the entire network.
    • High performance as each device has a dedicated connection.
  • Cons:
    • If the central hub fails, the entire network goes down.
    • Requires more cable than some other topologies.

2. Bus Topology
  • Description: In a bus topology, all devices are connected to a single central cable, known as the bus or backbone.
  • Pros:
    • Simple and cost-effective for small networks.
    • Requires less cable than star topology.
  • Cons:
    • If the central cable fails, the entire network is affected.
    • Performance decreases as more devices are added due to collisions and traffic.

3. Ring Topology
  • Description: In a ring topology, each device is connected to two other devices, forming a circular data path.
  • Pros:
    • Data packets travel in one direction, reducing collisions.
    • Predictable network performance.
  • Cons:
    • If one device or connection fails, the entire network can be disrupted depending on hardware.
    • More difficult to install and configure.

4. Daisy Chain Topology
  • Description: In a daisy chain topology, each device is connected in a series to the next device. It can be either linear or ring.
  • Pros:
    • Simple to connect and extend.
    • Requires less cable than star topology.
  • Cons:
    • If one device or connection fails, it can affect the entire network.
    • Difficult to manage and troubleshoot as network grows.

5. Mesh Topology
  • Description: In a mesh topology, each device is connected to every other device on the network, creating a highly redundant and fault-tolerant network.
  • Pros:
    • High reliability and redundancy.
    • Each connection can carry its own data load, providing high performance.
  • Cons:
    • Very expensive and complex to install and manage.
    • Requires a large amount of cable and network interfaces.
    • Maximum Run Length: Typically follows Ethernet standards, but can vary widely depending on the specific implementation and devices used.
    • More common in wireless networks

ethernet network typology


Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP)
  • Description: RSTP is an evolution of the original Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) designed to prevent network loops in Ethernet networks by dynamically managing the topology.
  • Pros:
    • Rapid convergence compared to STP, usually within a few seconds.
    • Backward compatibility with legacy STP.
    • Improves network resiliency and efficiency.
  • Cons:
    • More complex to configure than STP.
    • Requires compatible network devices.
  • Typical Use Cases: Used in larger, redundant network topologies to ensure loop-free, reliable connections, especially in enterprise environments.


Maximum Run Lengths for Common Ethernet Types
  • 10BASE-T: Up to 328 feet over twisted-pair cabling (Cat3 or higher).
  • 100BASE-TX: Up to 328 feet over twisted-pair cabling (Cat5 or higher).
  • 1000BASE-T: Up to 328 feet over twisted-pair cabling (Cat5e or higher).
  • 10GBASE-T: Up to 328 feet over twisted-pair cabling (Cat6a or higher).
  • 10BASE2 (Thinnet): Up to 607 feet over coaxial cable.
  • 10BASE5 (Thicknet): Up to 1640 feet over coaxial cable.
  • 100BASE-FX: Up to 1.24 miles over multimode fiber.
  • 1000BASE-SX: Up to 1804 feet over multimode fiber.
  • 1000BASE-LX: Up to 3.1 miles over single-mode fiber.

Conclusion

When designing or maintaining a OT network, choosing the right topology and understanding the constraints and benefits of each type is crucial. Daisy and Ring topologies are recommended in modern OT networks due to their reliability, relative simplicity, and lower cost while more complex topologies like mesh are reserved for scenarios requiring high redundancy and performance. Understanding protocols like RSTP is essential for ensuring efficient and loop-free network operations in larger and more complex setups.





Tosibox BAS Systems


On-Demand Training   Secure Access to BACnet

Tags

bas networking distech building automation iot ot control valves hvac systems industrial valves eclypse tosibox jci bas network hvac pumps hydronic systems commercial hvac centrifugal pumps chilled water systems heating water systems boiler safety boiler components industrial heating equipment heating systems chiller jace Pneumatic Electro-Mechanical and DDC systems maintenance calibration remote bacnet n4 automation honeywell control panels network configuration port security network control smart buildings energy management ethernet based bas network guidelines managed switches optimizer commander johnson controls pump selection pump sizing hydronic pump design pump fundamentals gpm flow rate total dynamic head tdh head pressure closed loop systems open loop systems glycol systems pump control strategies vfd pumps ecm pumps bas integration pump configuration inline pumps end suction pumps split case pumps redundant pumping lead lag pumps npsh hvac fundamentals industry terms pumps in hvac hydronic pump basics boiler systems hvac pump operation gpm and head pressure ahr boiler control Low Water Cut off Air Handler Unit AHU Air Handling Units HVAC Equipment york compressor tp valve temperature and pressure relief valve water heater safety domestic hot water systems plumbing safety devices pressure relief valves thermal expansion protection potable water systems water heater components mechanical code compliance plumbing code requirements boiler vs tp valve hot water storage tanks safety valves facility maintenance boiler relief valves dwyeromega ief electromagnetic flow transmitter optional lcd remote display AI future pressure class belimo gas monitor air quality training certification atrius cloud platform fireye burnlogix yb honeywell q tosi n5 bacnetsc sc niagara fx heating season checklist tc500 9000 8000 promo chart recorder industrial cxc customer center dcv sensor network security cyber ul508a industrial solutions engineering solutions panel assembly custom control panels commercial panels gas regulator sizing gas safety inlet pressure outlet pressure flow rate natural gas propane regulators subnet it managed ip switch vlan setup quality of service qos spanning tree protocol stp routing configuration network management lldp setup energy efficiency ethernet managed network switch benefits ot network energy savings building solutions connected power building management bms transformers din rail transformer functional devices transformer in a box ai in real estate cybersecurity data integration realcomm ibcon sustainability sensors controllers interfaces
Show All

Posts

2026 2025
December November October September August July June May April February January
2024
November October September August July June May April March February January
2023
December November October September August July June May April March
2022