An industrial control network is the communications environment that connects the controllers, supervisory systems, and other devices used to monitor or control an industrial process. It is one part of a broader industrial control system (ICS): the ICS is the overall system, while the network carries communications among its relevant components.
How an industrial control network differs from an ICS
NIST defines an ICS as “an information system used to control industrial processes such as manufacturing, product handling, production, and distribution or to control infrastructure assets,” as reproduced in the NICCS glossary. The term ICS covers several kinds of control systems, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), distributed control systems (DCS), and configurations using programmable logic controllers (PLCs), as described in a 2022 NSTAC working-draft report hosted by CISA.
In practical terms, the network is the communications fabric; the ICS includes that fabric along with the equipment, controllers, software, and other components that work together to achieve an industrial objective. This distinction is a useful way to explain the network’s role, rather than a separate quoted glossary definition.
Where SCADA fits
SCADA is one type of ICS, not another name for every industrial control network. The NICCS glossary describes SCADA as a computerized system capable of gathering and processing data and applying operational controls to geographically dispersed assets over long distances. A SCADA deployment therefore commonly connects remote assets with supervisory systems, but other ICS arrangements may control a process within a more localized facility.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- 【DUAL POWER – USB-C OR DC】Power this industrial ethernet switch via 5V USB-C (charger, laptop, or power bank) for portable use, or 9–56V DC terminal for fixed installations. Ideal for field work, control cabinets, and backup power scenarios. (Power adapter not included)
- 【12 PORT GIGABIT – PLUG & PLAY】12 × 10/100/1000Mbps auto-negotiation ports with 20Gbps switching capacity. This unmanaged gigabit switch requires no configuration—just plug and go. Easily connects PCs, printers, IP cameras, and gaming systems with stable, high-speed performance.
- 【DIN RAIL & RUGGED DESIGN】Pre-installed 35mm DIN rail clip plus wall mount brackets for flexible installation. Durable aluminum housing with a wide temperature range (-40°F to 167°F), built for factories, garages, and outdoor enclosures.
- 【PORTABLE & USB-C POWERED】Compact size (100 × 82 × 50mm) fits easily into toolkits or tight spaces. Run it anywhere using a power bank or low-voltage source—perfect for temporary setups, mobile workstations, or remote locations.
- 【VERSATILE FOR HOME & INDUSTRIAL USE】Ideal for home networks, offices, surveillance systems, and PLC control cabinets. A reliable solution for expanding wired connections wherever stability, flexibility, and uptime matter most.
What an industrial control network connects
A common way to explain industrial control architecture is the Purdue Reference Model, discussed in a CISA ICS-CERT Monitor from November–December 2016. It groups functions into logical levels:
| Logical level | Typical function or components |
|---|---|
| Level 0 | Physical process equipment, including sensors and actuators. |
| Level 1 | Controllers such as PLCs and remote terminal units (RTUs). |
| Level 2 | Supervisory automation for a machine or process. |
| Level 3 | Operations management and systems such as historians. |
These are functional categories, not a map of where equipment must sit in a building. CISA notes that the model’s levels do not necessarily correspond to physical locations inside a plant or manufacturing process. It is a reference for describing functions and segmentation; actual layouts vary with the industry, process, equipment, and operational and safety requirements.
Rank #2
- DEVICE INTERFACE: 5 x 10/100Mbps Ports; 4-Pin Removable Terminal Block; LED Indicators
- TRENDnet LIFETIME PROTECTION: We stand by our products. The TI-E50 5-Port Industrial Switch is secured with Lifetime Manufacturer Protection from TRENDnet.
- NDAA + TAA COMPLIANT: With our NDAA and TAA compliant Industrial switches, you can plan and install networking solutions that Government customers demand today (U.S. and Canada Only)
- RELIABLE TECH SUPPORT: Our team of advisors, support and tech experts are English speaking, and available for all your needs during normal business hours. We take pride in being there for our customers.
- FAST ETHERNET PORTS: This industrial hardened switch features five 10/100Mbps ports for high-speed device connections up to 200Mbps full-duplex per port with 1Gbps total switching capacity.
Why the network matters to operations and security
Communications on an industrial control network are tied to observing and controlling a physical process. As a result, operators need to account for both the safety of commands and the availability of the systems that support operations. CISA’s ICS/OT cybersecurity monitoring considerations recommend understanding expected traffic, maintaining an up-to-date inventory of critical assets, and identifying suspicious or unnecessary communications, including unauthorized connections between network segments or to external systems.
Internet exposure is another risk to account for. CISA’s Internet Exposure Reduction Guidance, published June 4, 2025, says misconfiguration, default credentials, and outdated software can leave assets accessible through internet-based search and discovery tools. The guidance includes ICS, SCADA, industrial internet of things (IIoT), and remote-access technologies among the relevant asset classes.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick Recap
Best Value
- Follow IEEE802.3 Ethernet and IEEE802.3u Fast Ethernet protocol standards
- Three redundant power inputs, more power supply guarantee, each channel supports anti-reverse connection.
- DIN rail installation, electric control box and weak current box supporting DIN rail seat, direct buckle installation
- All ports support full duplex/half duplex working mode
- Automatic MDI/MDI-X line sequence cross
Rank #4
- 8 PORT FULL GIGABIT POE SWITCH - Providing 8*10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet PoE ports and 2*1000Base-X SFP Ports. (Noted: Each PoE port can be used as an uplink port)
- 4 BT90W PORTS - The 1~4 ports complying with IEEE802.3af/at/bt POE++ standards, deliver up to 90W power per port, suitable for high-power POE devices, like POE monitor, POE lighting, PTZ camera, etc. The 5~8 ports support the IEEE802.3af/at POE+ standards, deliver up to 30W (PoE+) power per port. The total POE budget is 120W
- REDUNDANT POWER SUPPLY - Support 2 channel DC48-56V redundant power inputs. Supports 8-pin simultaneous power supply (1/2/4/5 positive, 3/6/7/8 negative) and POE Mode A/B output.
- 120W UL LISTED POWER ADAPTER - Default UL-certified 120W power adapter, optional Mean Well 240W Din rail Power Supply (ASIN: B015C9ITSS), the total PoE Budget of PoE Switch can be increased to 240W.
- GREAT COMPATIBILITY - Compliant with IEEE 802.3af/at/bt PoE Standards, works well with PoE / PoE+ / PoE++ / Non-PoE devices, like PTZ camera, IP cameras, PoE VoIP Phones, PoE Wireless APs, IoT devices, etc.
Rank #3
- 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet – The Industrial 5 ports Ethernet Switch have 5 RJ45 ports 10/100/1000Mbps half/full duplex.
- Small Size – The 5 ports Ethernet Switch size is 3.74x2.76x1.18in, it only need small space to install.
- ELECTRO MAGNETIC COMPLIANT & Surge Protection – Industrial DIN-rail switch complies with CE EN 55022 Class A standards, with surge protection design.
- Industrial Grade Quality – The Hardened Mini Gigabit Switch use industrial grade components and aluminum housing, it can work at wide range temperature -40°C to 75°C (-40°F to 167°F). You can use it in outdoor harsh environment.
- Din-Rail & Wall Mount –The media converter come with 35mm Din-rail Clip and Wall mount accessories.
Practical safeguards to consider
- Keep an inventory of critical control-system assets and the connections they require.
- Establish a baseline of normal communications so that unexpected traffic or unauthorized connections can be investigated.
- Review configuration changes and remove unnecessary ports, services, or external access paths where operationally appropriate.
- Use control-system-specific practices for defense in depth, patch management, incident response, and remote access. CISA collects these topics in its ICS Recommended Practices.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
