It will be shown that industrial networks cover a large
domain and are of increasing importance to fields such as
manufacturing and electricity generation. They are highly
specialised and make use of a variety of protocols that have
been tailored to fulfil the rigorous requirements that result
from implementing real-time control of physical equipment.
Due to the fact that reliance on automation in the industrial
environment is constantly growing, the prevalence of
industrial networks is increasing and industrial networks are
becoming further integrated with conventional technologies
such as the Internet, greater numbers of professionals are
required to interact with industrial networks in some way.
While specialised knowledge is required for the development,
installation, operation and maintenance of such networks, an
understanding of the basic principles by which industrial
networks function and the requirements that they fulfil is of use
to those new to the field or who may interact with industrial
networks in a less direct manner.