Decode Industrial Communication with Precision Using NetDecoder

Gain deep visibility into OT and SCADA systems with real-time decoding of industrial protocols, fieldbus communication, and control networks.

Overview

NetDecoder is a specialized industrial protocol analyzer designed to decode, monitor, and troubleshoot communications between programmable logic controllers (PLCs), remote terminal units (RTUs), and field devices. Unlike traditional packet analyzers, NetDecoder focuses on operational technology (OT) traffic across protocols like Modbus, Profibus, BACnet, EtherNet/IP, and more—making it invaluable for SCADA engineers and automation technicians.

At NetworkTestingTech, we help utility companies, energy producers, manufacturers, and smart infrastructure providers across North America implement NetDecoder in mission-critical systems. From our base in Phoenix, Arizona, our expert team offers seamless deployment, custom protocol support, and ongoing integration with broader OT and IT environments. Backed by rigorous testing and dedicated B2B support, NetDecoder gives you the insight needed to reduce downtime, ensure reliability, and maintain secure, compliant control networks.

Core Components

Software

NetDecoder application for Windows platforms
Built-in protocol decoders for major industrial communication standards
Real-time signal trace and message timestamping

Hardware (Optional Enhancements)

Field diagnostic adapters (e.g., RS-485, CANbus, Profibus DP connectors)
Pair with Line Testers from our PSTN Products to validate signal integrity and diagnose industrial communication protocols on-site.
TAPs and mirrored ports for Ethernet-based control systems
Utilize Ethernet Testers to verify traffic flow and performance from mirrored switch ports in Ethernet-based industrial networks.
Optional handheld test units for field operations
Combine with Visual Fault Locators to enable precise field-level diagnostics during deployment or maintenance of control systems.

Cloud Services (via NetworkTestingTech Integration)

Remote configuration and diagnostics via secure cloud tunnel
Historical traffic storage and compliance reporting
Integration with centralized OT asset monitoring platforms

Key Features and Functionalities

Decodes SCADA and fieldbus protocols in real time
Captures physical layer, data link, and application layer messages
Generates logic charts, communication timelines, and error reports
Supports live and replayed traffic sessions for troubleshooting
Message filtering by device address, function code, or register range
Time-stamped trace logs for post-incident forensics
Dual-bus or multi-channel simultaneous protocol monitoring
Auto-identification of connected devices and traffic roles

Integrations

NetDecoder integrates with:

SCADA/HMI platforms for traffic verification (e.g., GE iFIX, Wonderware, Ignition)
Asset management systems for tagging and logging field device behavior
Syslog/SIEM tools for centralized OT event correlation
Data historians and reporting platforms for traffic trend analysis

NetworkTestingTech ensures these integrations align with industrial cybersecurity frameworks and compliance objectives.

Compatibility

Operating Systems: Windows 10, 11, Server 2016+
Protocol Support: Modbus RTU/TCP, Profibus, BACnet/IP, EtherNet/IP, DNP3, CAN, IEC 60870-5-104, and others
Bus Interfaces: RS-232, RS-485, USB, Ethernet, and CANbus
File Formats: Native log, CSV, PCAP export for external analysis

Benefits

Diagnose network and protocol errors faster in live field environments
Prevent system downtime by identifying faulty controllers or communication links
Ensure protocol compliance across control systems and safety equipment
Support audits and root cause analysis with comprehensive timestamped logs
Bridge the gap between OT and IT teams with readable traffic summaries

Applications

SCADA network diagnostics and performance tuning
Field device commissioning and controller troubleshooting
Protocol compliance validation in industrial automation
Remote site audits and on-demand packet logging
Cyber-physical systems security monitoring

Industries

NetDecoder by NetworkTestingTech supports OT professionals in:

Electric Utilities – Monitor substation automation traffic
Water Treatment & Wastewater Management – Validate PLC and sensor interactions
Building Automation – Troubleshoot HVAC and lighting control protocols
Manufacturing and Process Control – Decode production line PLC communications
Transportation Infrastructure – Monitor signals, lifts, and IoT-enabled intersections

Relevant U.S. & Canadian Industry Standards

NERC CIP
ISA/IEC 62443
NIST SP 800-82
FISMA
PIPEDA (Canada)

Case Studies

Case Study 1 – Water Authority (Tampa, Florida)

A municipal utility relied on NetDecoder to pinpoint intermittent Modbus errors between RTUs and chlorination control units. With NetworkTestingTech’s deployment and support, the operations team identified failing serial converters and prevented a costly public service disruption.

Case Study 2 – Energy Plant (Houston, Texas)

At a natural gas plant, engineers used NetDecoder to debug communication failures in their Profibus-based turbine control system. NetworkTestingTech configured custom alert triggers and supported the rollout of new diagnostics without halting production.

Case Study 3 – Smart Building Developer (Vancouver, Canada)

A Canadian automation integrator used NetDecoder to validate BACnet/IP communications across a multi-tenant high-rise. NetworkTestingTech supported on-site tuning and traffic simulation to ensure climate systems were synchronized with occupancy and lighting schedules.

Contact Us

Want to streamline industrial diagnostics with the power of NetDecoder? Contact NetworkTestingTech to schedule a live demo, request a consultation, or explore deployment support for your OT network. Our team is here to help you decode with confidence.