An operator control station of an industrial automation system includes at least one input interface to receive a user input and a communication interface to communicate with one or more devices of the industrial automation system, including a first device via an Ethernet communication protocol. The operator control station also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the communication interface. The controller performs operations including generating a signal based on the user input and the signal instructs the first device to control at least one component of the industrial automation system. The controller also performs operations including providing the signal to the communication interface for transmission to the first device via the Ethernet communication protocol.

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to a multi-conductor ribbon cable provided for power and data transmission to a network of devices. The multi-conductor ribbon cable is keyed for mating with a modular connector. The conductors of the multi-conductor ribbon cable are connected to the network of devices via insulation displacement members and spring connectors contained within a modular connector.