Understanding Communication Networks and Industrial Standards
Communication Networks
A communication network is the set formed by the different stations and transmission facilities that communicate, with a subnet that is part of the overall network elements that bear some relationship between them. A network consists of stations, transmission lines, and nodes.
Network Nodes and Types
A node is every point in the network which is used to select the path that provides the information transfer from one station to another. A node can be a station or a smart device.
- Networks that have nodes are called peer-to-peer networks.
- Networks that have no nodes are called multipoint.
Network Categorization
Broadcast networks or networks can be categorized according to different criteria:
Depending on Property
- Public-Private Partnerships.
Depending on Use
- Industrial
- Telecommunications
- Computer
Depending on Transfer Technique
- Circuit switching network
- Packet switching network
- Message switching network
Depending on Geographic Extent
- LAN: Local Area Network. It connects computers in the same room, same building, or in buildings with a limit of two miles.
- MAN: Metropolitan Area Network. These are interconnected computer networks in the same city, with a limit of about 50km.
- WAN: Wide Area Network. This represents networks that pass the metropolitan boundary and can extend across regions, states, continents, or worldwide.
Depending on the Type of Link
- Point to point: There is an intermediate node serving at each point of interconnection of the network, and it is responsible for routing the information between stations.
- Multipoint or dissemination: No intermediate nodes are used to route information. As a result, each message must carry identification to indicate which station is the destination of the message.
Depending on the Topology (Physical Interconnect)
Point to Point Topologies
- Complete or total.
- Star.
- Ring.
- Intersection of rings.
- Lineal.
- Tree.
Multipoint or Broadcast Topologies
- Bus
- Ring
- Satellite
Industrial Communications and Standardization
Standardization is a group activity designed to provide solutions to recurring situations. In particular, this activity involves the development, dissemination, and application of rules or standards. Standardization offers significant benefits to society by facilitating the adaptation of products, processes, and services to the purposes for which they are intended, facilitating technological cooperation, reducing trade barriers, and protecting health and the environment.
The term normalization translates into specific rules that can be enforced or just recommendations.
International Standards
- ISO: International Organization for Standardization, which develops standards for all areas and coordinates the work of regional organizations.
- IEC: International Electrotechnical Commission, for the electrical area, producing IEC standards.
- ITU: International Telecommunication Union, which coordinates standards for telecommunications manufacturers and generates different standards or recommendations for different countries. It consists of three sectors: ITU-T, ITU-R, and ITU-D.
Standardization on Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
Electromagnetic compatibility is the ability of a device, equipment, or system to function satisfactorily without introducing intolerable electromagnetic disturbances in its environment. The study of EMC in the industry is essential because perturbations are growing due to increases in voltage and current levels, and in turn, electronic circuits are becoming increasingly sensitive and are closer to sources of disturbances. These disturbances are caused by devices or processes such as bursts from heavy-duty engines, semiconductor systems, etc., and can propagate by conduction along the conductors.