Smart Buildings Academy Episode 22

Introduction

• Presenter: Phil Zeto
• Topic: Network Basics for Smart Buildings
• Schedule:
  • Today: Fundamental physical aspects of the network
  • Monday: Data link
  • Next Wednesday: IP

Importance of Network Knowledge

• Essential for deploying new technologies in the built environment
• Networks are integral to all property technologies
• Growing need for professionals to be educated on networking concepts

Approach: Bottom-Up Topology

1. Controllers/Devices: Start with devices to be networked.
2. Connections: Examine how devices connect.
3. Data Sharing: Discuss how data is shared in the building.

Network Components

Controllers and Buses

• IP Trunks and MSTP Bus:
  • Historically used MSTP buses
  • Increasing use of IP trunks

Network Switch

• Central Hub for network connections
• Ports: Physical ports for cables
• Ethernet Cables: Typically have RJ45 connectors
• Network Interface Card (NIC): Connects devices to the network
• Access Link: Physical link between the device and the switch
  • Device on an access link is called a host

Connection Types

• Access Links: Enable devices to access the network
• Trunk Links: Connect switches to routers
  • Varied cable types: Ethernet, serial, fiber optic, etc.

Port Security

• Enabled Port: Port must be enabled and configured
• Unmanaged Switch Issue: Unmanaged switches (e.g., Linksys) may cause ports to shut down
• Ethernet Cable Use: Connection from switch port to NIC in devices

IP Controls

• Dual NICs: Some IP controls have dual NICs for redundancy
• Daisy Chain/Ring Topology:
  • Issues: Loss of power can disconnect the chain
  • Solutions: Use ring architecture with rapid spanning tree protocol (RSTP)

Cable Types

• Cat5e and Cat6: Commonly used cables
  • 100m/300ft Range: Maximum before signal degradation
• Cable Structure: Shielded/Unshielded twisted pairs with multiple conductors

Visual Demonstrations

• Examples of ethernet cables and network interfaces
• Detailed explanation of cable connectors and plugs

Q&A Summary

• Power/Comm Issue: Ring architecture with RSTP can mitigate issues
• Physical Details: Discussion on the structure of ethernet cables
• Future Sessions:
  • Monday: Layer 2 (ARP, MAC addresses, VLANs)
  • Next Wednesday: IP addressing, TCP/UDP, subnetting

Conclusion

• Next Sessions:
  • Monday 8 PM Central: Layer 2 Networks
  • Wednesday 11 AM: IP Addressing
• Reminder: Subscribe and click on the bell icon
• Engagement: Comment any further questions
• Closing: Thanks and see you on Monday night