Practical Understanding of OT Networks

Learn how MAC and IP addressing function in an OT context, map and read simple topologies, and safely connect devices.

Hands-On Experience

Set up a small network with an unmanaged switch, PLC, HMI, and drives to troubleshoot common communication issues.

Confident Networking Skills

Avoid misconfigurations, diagnose communication problems, and discuss connectivity with IT and vendors.

About the Course

This course is tailored for controls engineers, SCADA and MES engineers, maintenance technicians, and IT professionals seeking to enhance their OT networking knowledge. Gain practical insights on connecting, configuring, and troubleshooting devices in a production environment without the need for formal networking experience. By the end of the course, you'll be equipped to tackle common communication challenges and engage in meaningful discussions about plant connectivity.

Meet Your Expert Instructor

I am Vladimir Romanov, an electrical engineer and MBA who has spent more than a decade building and troubleshooting real OT networks in manufacturing plants. I have led modernization and controls projects for companies such as Procter and Gamble, Kraft Heinz, and Post Holdings, working directly with PLCs, HMIs, drives, SCADA systems, and the networks that connect them. Through Joltek and my training work I have helped thousands of engineers and technicians build practical skills they can use on the plant floor. In this course I share the exact concepts, examples, and troubleshooting methods I rely on every day so that you can feel confident connecting, commissioning, and supporting OT networks in your own facility.

Course Curriculum

4 Chapters · 15 Lessons

  1. 1

    Introduction to OT Networking

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      L1.1 | Welcome to OT Networking Fundamentals: Core Concepts and Definitions

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      L1.2 | Building Your OT Networking Lab: Recommended Gear and Setup Tips

  2. 2

    Building the Foundation of OT Networking

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      L2.1 | Section Overview: From Home Networks to Industrial Connections

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      L2.2 | Networks 101: Learn Modem Router LAN WAN and IP Address Fundamentals

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      L2.3 | Home Office Networks: Beginner Guide Modem Router Switch Access Points

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      L2.4 | Why Plant Networks Are Different & Key to IT OT Integration Manufacturing

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      L2.5 | The OSI Model Explained for OT Engineers | Building Common Ground with IT

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      L2.6 | From Legacy Protocols to Ethernet: Modern Plant Network Challenges

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      L2.7 | Lab 1 Connecting Your Laptop to an IP Based Device

  3. 3

    Understanding Devices and Communication in OT Systems

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      L3.1 | How MAC Addresses Identify Devices in Industrial Networks

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      L3.2 | How IP Addresses Enable Communication in OT Systems

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      L3.3 | How Unmanaged Switches Work on the Plant Floor

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      L3.4 | Lab 2 Expanding Your OT Network with Unmanaged Switches

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      L3.5 | Understanding Static and DHCP Addressing for Industrial Systems

  4. 4

    Conclusion & Next Steps

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Conclusion and Next Steps

What Participants Are Saying

Testimonials build trust — fast. Edit this section to show how your product is making a difference and help your audience purchase with confidence.

”
I have been working with PLCs for years and always avoided anything to do with networking. This course finally connected the dots. The examples with switches, drives, and HMIs look exactly like what I see in the plant and I now feel confident troubleshooting basic comms issues on my own.
Jason R.

Controls Engineer, Food Manufacturer

”
The explanations are clear and practical. I used the laptop connection lab during a shutdown and it saved me hours chasing the wrong problem. This is the material I wish our whole maintenance team had when we started adding more Ethernet devices.
Maria S.

Maintenance Technician, Automotive Supplier

”
Before this course I always called IT whenever a machine lost communication. After going through the OT Networking Fundamentals lessons I can read our network maps, check IP addressing, and fix simple issues myself. It is very focused on real plant floor situations and not just theory. I highly recommend it if you work with PLCs, HMIs, or drives.
Daniel P.

SCADA Engineer, Packaging Plant

Ready to Master OT Networking?

Enroll now to gain the skills needed to excel in connecting, configuring, and troubleshooting OT networks.

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