Bridge the gap between IT and OT — develop foundational industrial networking skills to connect, configure, and secure modern industrial infrastructures across manufacturing and power energy environments.
Industrial Networking Essentials provides a comprehensive introduction to networking concepts crucial for modern industrial infrastructures, with a focus on the integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT). The course explores reference topologies specific to two industry verticals — manufacturing and power and energy — and provides hands-on experience configuring and testing industrial network scenarios using Cisco Packet Tracer. Topics span from hierarchical network design, Ethernet communication, and IP addressing through to industrial protocols such as Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, and Modbus, routing between networks, application layer services in the IIoT, and building a simulated Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS) network. Learners analyse real-world scenarios to see how these elements connect and support IACS and Smart Grid Networks.
Curriculum Chapters
- 1. Networking Concepts for Operations Technologies
- 2. Network Components, Types, and Connections
- 3. Network Media
- 4. Wireless Networks in Integrated IT and OT Systems
- 5. Communication Principles
- 6. Network Design
- 7. The Access Layer
- 8. Configuring Network Devices
- 9. The Internet Protocol
- 10. IPv4 Addressing
- 11. Gateways to Other Networks
- 12. Routing Between Networks
- 13. Transport Layer
- 14. Application Layer Services
- 15. Application Layer Implementation in IACS and the Internet of Things
- 16. Build a Small IACS Network
Skills You Will Learn
Explain the need for IT and OT integration in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and describe features of IIoT implementations. Identify network components, types, connections, and common network media. Configure wireless communication in an integrated IT/OT environment and describe wireless protocols used in industrial networks. Explain communication protocols, standards, and models including key IACS protocols such as Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, and Modbus. Describe hierarchical network design and the 3-layer model. Explain Ethernet MAC addressing, encapsulation, and how switches build MAC address tables. Use the Cisco IOS CLI to configure switches with VLANs and trunking. Explain IPv4 address structure, subnetting, public and private addresses, and configure routers and default gateways. Apply NAT and explain routing table operation. Compare TCP and UDP and explain how port numbers support application layer services. Describe common network application services including HTTP, Telnet, SSH, and AAA. Explain IIoT messaging protocols and special-use application layer protocols for industrial verticals. Configure device hardening and build a simulated IACS network using Cisco devices.
Technologies Used
Cisco Packet Tracer (20 activities across Manufacturing & Power Energy verticals)
Wireshark (CIP traffic analysis & Ethernet/IP packet analysis)
Cisco IOS CLI (switches & routers)
Industrial protocols: Ethernet/IP, PROFINET, Modbus
Course Details
Course Type: Instructor-led
Time: 35 Hours
Modules: 16
Labs: 23 labs & 20 Cisco Packet Tracer activities
Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites
Basic computer skills and familiarity with operating systems and internet usage. A basic understanding of industrial components such as PLCs, sensors, actuators, and remote terminal units (RTUs) is recommended.
Certification & Career
Career and Certification alignment: No target certification exam for this course. Upon completion, earners receive the Industrial Networking Essentials Cisco digital badge plus six domain-specific sub-badges. The course prepares learners for entry-level careers in Operational Technology (OT), Industrial Networking, and IIoT roles. Recommended next courses: Industrial IoT and Control Systems in Energy and Industrial IoT and Control Systems in Manufacturing.
Achievements & Badges
Upon completion, earn the Cisco Industrial Networking Essentials digital badge plus six domain-specific sub-badges covering IT/OT Convergence, Networking Concepts, IP & Addressing, Ethernet & VLANs, Device Configuration, and Industrial Protocols. Share your verified achievements on LinkedIn, your CV, or professional profile.
What Cisco verifies: Cisco verifies the badge earner successfully completed the Industrial Networking Essentials course, gaining a foundational understanding of industrial networking concepts, including the integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT), Industrial Reference Architectures, Network Segmentation, Ethernet, IP Addressing, and industrial-related protocols. The earner participated in up to 3 labs and 22 Cisco Packet Tracer activities simulating real-world industrial scenarios.