This ISA author Q&A was edited by Joel Don, ISA’s community manager. The third edition of Industrial Ethernet: How to Plan, Install, and Maintain TCP/IP Ethernet Networks is the go-to guidebook for people who need to fully understand factory floor Ethernet and for those who need to have a basic understanding of Ethernet and TCP/IP terminology, Ethernet hardware, Ethernet software, Ethernet security, and the Internet of Things (IoT). The book is authored by John S. Rinaldi and Perry S. Marshall.
Q. Why were you compelled to publish an updated edition?
A. There have been a vast number of changes since the previous revision. Industrial automation is changing faster than ever. There are new networking technologies, new hardware platforms, new software standards, and new organizations. Many control engineers now work in the IT department. It’s not trite to say that EVERYTHING has changed. Not only do users have more technology options and more available products to choose from, they now have vastly new and difficult-to-achieve requirements from their management, their sales teams, and their customers. With the growing number of retirements among Baby Boomers, professionals that possess much of the institutional knowledge, the landscape is more challenging than ever.
Q. Could you tell me what makes this third edition different or more useful than the second edition? What areas have been expanded or improved?
A. The latest edition discusses Ethernet Ring, daisy-chaining Ethernet devices, synchronizing devices over Ethernet, Ethernet security and the hot topic in automation—implementing the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Many automation companies are planning to connect their processes to industrial cloud platforms. The book describes why this is occurring and outlines the differences between the cloud offerings from Microsoft, Oracle, and Amazon.
Q. How does this new information enhance the value of the book? What makes it an even more valuable reference source?
A. Control engineers have so many new ways to architect industrial automation systems. There are so many new requirements and so many new technologies to apply to those requirements. This book is a first step in understanding what these technologies are and how to use them.
Q. What specific sections/aspects of the book do you feel are the MOST compelling to highlight in the press release? Could you list them with a brief description?
A. The new subject areas and topics of particular importance in the updated edition include:
- EtherNet/IP – The book provides a detailed overview of EtherNet/IP, one of the most important technologies used in automation in the US.
- ProfiNet IO – The book furnishes a detailed overview of ProfiNet IO, one of the most important technologies used in automation in Europe.
- IIoT – The book delivers an introduction to the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and what it means to the industrial automation industry.
- Security – Security is one of the most critical topics in automation today. Though it is impossible to provide detailed information on such a broad topic in a single chapter, the book provides an introduction to the subject, and ensures that readers are familiar with the essential concepts in industrial network security.
About the Author
John S. Rinaldi is chief strategist, business development manager, and owner and CEO of Real Time Automation (RTA) in Brookfield, Wis. Over the last 30 years, RTA has been dedicated to simplifying industrial networking simple, has supplied software, engineering services, and network converters for industrial and building automation applications throughout the world. With a focus on simplicity, personalized support and service, consulting, and customization to meet customer needs, RTA is a leading supplier of networking technology worldwide. After graduating from Marquette University with a degree in electrical engineering (graduating cum laude), John worked in various jobs in the automation industry. Early in his career, he developed IT systems at Procter & Gamble. Next he developed software for converting machine registration systems at Kimberly-Clark. After earning a master of science degree in computer science at the University of Connecticut, John joined Allen-Bradley, a manufacturer of factory automation equipment, where he developed a number of embedded devices for the company’s Sensor Engineering Department. It is during this 30-year period of time that he developed and honed his expertise in machine-to-machine communications and industrial networking. In addition to being a recognized expert in industrial networks and an automation strategist, John is an active speaker, blogger, and author. He is the author of more than 30 articles on industrial networking and the author/co-author of four books.
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About the Author
Perry S. Marshall is a well-known author and business consultant. His clients seek him for his capacity to integrate many disparate fields: sales, engineering, art, and psychology. Marshall pioneered many best practices in pay-per-click advertising. His books include: 80/20 Sales & Marketing: The Definitive Guide to Working Less and Making More; The Ultimate Guide to Google AdWords: How to Access 100 Million People in 10 Minutes (now in its fourth edition); The Ultimate Guide to Facebook Advertising: How to Access 600 Million Customers in 10 Minutes (now in its second edition); and The Ultimate Guide to Local Business Marketing. His book, Evolution 2.0: Breaking the Deadlock Between Darwin and Design applies his digital expertise to one of the thorniest question in science. In 2015 he launched the Evolution 2.0 Prize, which seeks an answer for origin of information, one of the most fundamental unsolved problems in biology. Marshall earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
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