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Andover Controls
Ethernet
The NetController is connected to workstations and other NetControllers via an
Ethernet interface. These connections are accomplished via one of two physical
methods. Both 10Base-T (RJ-45) and 10Base-2 (Thin coax) connection options are
available. Only one of the methods is installed depending upon your configuration.
The Ethernet is a high-speed CSMA/CD local area network (LAN) that includes all
Andover Controls controllers and workstations and the network software that makes
them communicate.
Ethernet consists of a minimum of two NetControllers or a NetController and a
workstation, usually connected via RG-58 a/u coaxial cable (10Base-2). Data
transmits over the Ethernet at a rate of 10 Mb/sec. Depending on your particular
installation, you may want to use unshielded twisted-pair (10Base-T), or both in a
variety of combinations.
Ethernet can be constructed as a bus or daisy chain or in a combination bus/daisy
chain and star topology called “distributed star” topology.
Andover’s Ethernet implementation is a baseband network, connected by up to
1,635-ft (500 m) of twisted pair cabling or 3,033 ft (925 m) of thin coaxial cable. The
number of nodes on the network depends on the type of cable you use. For each
applicable segment of coaxial cable, you can have 30 nodes. Each segment of
twisted pair cable connects two nodes in an arrangement called a “point-to-point”
configuration.
As with any baseband network, Ethernet is easy to install. It requires only cabling and
interface modules. Depending on cable length, you may need an electronic repeater
and/or cable switching box, to extend the amount of cabling to its maximum, to form a
distributed star topology, and to utilize every type of cable available.
Ethernet Nodes
The two types of nodes on the Andover Ethernet are NetControllers and
workstations. Each controller requires two types of IDs: one you assign strictly for use
by the local network and another that allows the unit to be used on not only your
Ethernet, but on a world-wide Internet.
Configuration of both these identifiers is done through the
Continuum
workstation.
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