• Star topology: Provides high reliability, as failure in one segment does not take down the entire network.

• Bus topology: Cost-effective but can suffer from data collision and increased latency with the addition of devices.

• Ring topology: Offers redundancy through dual paths but can experience delays from packet traversal in larger networks.

Understanding how these topologies function is key to anticipating how changes can influence PLC operational efficiency and timeliness.

The transitional landscape of industrial networking has highlighted several lessons about the effects of network changes on PLC performance. The move from proprietary communication protocols to standardized options enabled better vendor interoperability, yet this evolution also led to increased complexity in managing diverse devices. Early adopters of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) solutions have faced challenges as they seek to bridge the performance capabilities of modern networks with legacy PLC systems. Leveraging historical insights can inform how we approach solidifying connectivity without compromising the responsiveness and reliability of operational technologies.