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The world of industrial controls is a varied and wide-ranging one, and control networks, field busses, and enterprise connectivity have all received their fair share of attention in recent years. However, one of the lesser known facts is that the leading control networking standard to date is LonWorks technology, based on the open LonTalk protocol and administered by the LonMark Interoperability Association.
Along with the advent of control networks and LonWorks in particular, has come the demand for complete integration between the control network and the local- and wide-area network infrastructure present in the factory or building. Coactive's standard connectivity solutions provide this integration with a complete, open, distributed architecture that can save thousands of dollars over custom or application-specific solutions. Functionalities enabled by Coactive's solutions include:
- access to the LonWorks network from any computer on the LAN/WAN
- linking of separate LonWorks networks across the enterprise network
- remote access from the Internet (e.g., to support remote diagnostics and monitoring).
- reliable, embedded connectivity solutions that avoid the cost and performance bottlenecks of a PC
In addition to these system features, Coactive's products embody the expertise and experience of first-to-market innovators who are on familiar ground in the world of enterprise networking. By choosing Coactive products, you can be sure that your control system will meet with acceptance from IS professionals and network administrators, smoothing installation and delivering the full power of the network infrastructure to your application.
A Complete Suite of Solutions
It is important to realize that no single solution can completely address LonWorks connectivity to the LAN/WAN. Different application requirements demand different technical approaches. Coactive's IOConnect Architecture provides a framework under which these different approaches attain a unified set of benefits in reliability, scalability, and performance.
Click here for more information on Coactive's IOConnect Architecture.
Router-LL Ethernet Backbone Router
The Coactive Router-LL provides a powerful and flexible solution to Ethernet connectivity in your LonWorks automation system. The Router-LL allows multiple LonWorks subnetworks to all intercommunicate with each other across an Ethernet backbone. Good examples of LonWorks subnets are separate areas in a factory or separate buildings in an installation.
The Router-LL is the most general solution for LonWorks connectivity to Ethernet. The Router-LL functions equivalently to a standard LonWorks router between two physical media (e.g., FTT-10 to TPT/XF-1250), with configuration options including repeater, bridge, learning router, or configured router. The Ethernet network is viewed as an alternate LonWorks media.
Typical uses of the Router-LL in industrial automation systems include:
- connecting several LonWorks networks via an Ethernet backbone
- connecting buildings across an installation using the existing LAN
- connecting add-on subsystems to legacy systems
- connecting multiple branch or substation facilities together
Click here for more information on the Router-LL.
Router-LE Remote Network Interface
The Coactive Router-LE provides a cost-effective and easily installed solution for connecting the SCADA workstation to the LonWorks network across Ethernet. The Router-LE replaces a serial or modem connection such as an SLTA with flexible remote Ethernet connectivity to the LonWorks network from anywhere on the local- or wide-area network.
The Router-LE is the ideal solution for gaining access to the LonWorks network from anywhere on the local- or wide-area network. The Router-LE operates like a standard LonWorks interface, so SCADA software can connect across Ethernet without modification. Advanced features provide compatibility with management applications designed to function with single or multiple SLTAs. The Router-LE can be installed in any convenient location where the LonWorks network and Ethernet network physically meet, allowing total flexibility in determining or changing the location of the SCADA workstation. In addition, the Router-LE allows applications written for non-PC platforms (e.g. UNIX, MacOS) to access the LonWorks network using the Router-LE driver porting kit.
Typical uses of the Router-LE in industrial automation systems include:
- managing automation systems from a workstation across Ethernet
- connecting buildings across a factory to a central SCADA workstation
- providing remote management using standard WAN remote access
- enabling access to LonWorks systems from non-PC workstations
Click here for more information on the Router-LE.
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