{
  "id": 4266816,
  "title": "Networking in the Power Grid for Software Developers Part 1: Rebuilding a Local Network with Medieval Signal Towers",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/29/networking-in-the-power-grid-for-software-developers-part-1",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-29T19:58:28.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dev.to",
    "slug": "dev-to",
    "url": "https://dev.to/dmytro_huz/networking-in-the-power-grid-for-software-developers-part-1-rebuilding-a-local-network-with-3n21"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In this part of the series, I explore the concept of building a simple local network using medieval-style signal towers as a metaphor for understanding the fundamental principles of networking. By starting with two towers that can see each other directly, I demonstrate the basic idea of sending information between two points. I then introduce the idea of adding more towers and a relay point, which leads to the need for structure and organization in the communication.\n\nI introduce the concept of giving each tower a local identifier, such as Tower A = 0A, Tower B = 0B, Tower C = 0C, and Tower D = 0D. This identifier allows the towers to communicate with each other directly or through a relay point. By giving each tower a unique identifier, I create a simple addressing system that helps the towers identify each other and the direction of the message.\n\nI then introduce the idea of adding structure to the communication by including a destination address, a source address, a type of payload, and the actual data payload in a structure that resembles an Ethernet frame. This structure helps the towers understand what kind of information is being sent, where it is coming from, and where it is going. This is an early version of what we now know as Ethernet frames.\n\nOverall, this part of the series demonstrates the importance of establishing a basic communication framework, including addressing and payload structure, even in a simple local network. By using a metaphor of medieval signal towers, I aim to make the fundamental principles of networking more accessible and easier to understand for software developers entering the electrical-grid world.",
  "summary": "Recently I started working on a networking series for software developers who enter the electrical-grid world and suddenly discover that the grid speaks in packets, interfaces, switches, routes, protocols and a suspicious number of acronyms. Before going anywhere near IEC 61850, utility WANs or substation networks, I wanted to understand the ordinary networking machinery itself. Not only what a…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}