Basics of Communication Networks for Electrical Engineers in the Forest Products Industries

The functionality of various communication methods continue to change as advanced protocols and media are applied to, not only commercial products, but also industrial products. This paper will provide the electrical engineer with a fundamental background and other basics regarding various communication standards, protocols and media. When electrical engineers are engaged in the interconnection of devices where various communication methods are employed, a review of the requirements of these systems is required. These may include process automation protocols, industrial control system protocols, building automation protocols, power system automation protocols, and automatic meter reading protocols. These system requirements demand a full review to determine the interconnections and media necessary for successfully integrating these into the enterprise communication system.