IT Skills for HVAC Technicians

AMERICAN TECHNICAL PUBLISHERS ORLAND PARK, ILLINOIS 60467-5756

Ronnie J. Auvil

1

Networking Personnel

2

Networking Overview

3

HVAC Control System Networks

1

Networking Personnel

5

Networking History · Networking · OSI Model · Ethernet Networks

23

Network Architectures · Web-Based Supervisory Controllers

4

Client Computers

29

HVAC Control System Client Computers · Computer Software · Network Access · System Security · Controls Software

5 Servers

39

HVAC Control System Servers · Server Software · Server Setup · Basic Server Troubleshooting

6

Wireless Networking

51

Wireless Networking · Wireless Network Troubleshooting

7

Diagnostic and Troubleshooting Tools

59

Hardware Tools · Software Tools

8

Troubleshooting Scenarios

67

Troubleshooting · Common Scenarios

Appendix

83

Glossary

87

Index

89

IT Skills for HVAC Technicians: Troubleshooting Web-Based Control Systems is an introduction to Ethernet networking concepts, hardware, configurations, and troubleshooting for non-IT professionals. This book is essential for HVAC controls technicians servicing automated control systems involving web-based supervisory controllers. Common network problems are typically simple, and HVAC technicians with basic IT skills should be able to resolve these problems before requiring assistance from IT professionals.

This book covers the fundamentals of Ethernet-based networks, including system requirements, servers, wireless networks, and diagnostic and troubleshooting tools. The final chapter begins with troubleshooting guidance and then lists scenarios describing the 19 most common causes of network problems. Each scenario includes the symptoms, diagnosis, and remedy of a common problem, along with advice on how to address the problem more efficiently in the future or how to avoid the problem altogether.

Interaction and collaboration skills with facility IT staffs are emphasized throughout.

Mobile App Available Available separately, this interactive mobile app makes common troubleshooting scenarios available for technicians in the field. A simple flow chart sequence is used to narrow down a problem to the most likely cause. This app addresses the most common network problems, how to diagnose and remedy them, and avoid the same problem in the future. Helpful graphics supplement selected scenarios. Also included are definitions of common field terms.

Look for Troubleshooting Web-Based HVAC Control Systems on the iTunes App Store™ and Google Play™.