How to Untangle Network Topologies
Scott Holm-Hansen, InterlinkBT -- Control Engineering, 3/1/1998
A topology, which is the pattern of interconnections among nodes, influences a network's cost and performance. While commercial networks move toward low cost solutions, industrial networks must concentrate on rugged, heavy-duty solutions for multiple environments.
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This is achieved by using stronger signal integrity and heavier shields in the physical media. A topology determines what network characteristics are possible. What goes on top of that foundation, such as the physical media and transceivers, will determine network parameters. Get on the bus Parallel network wiring is a great advantage. In many networks the nodes can be hot swapped in a bus configuration, an essential feature to some industrial process applications. Other advantages include low cost and easy installation. However, bus segment lengths are limited, and a network will fail if the main communication wires are cut. Some networks use repeaters to increase network length, and redundant communication cables ensure that a broken wire will not bring the network down. Examples of networks that use bus topologies include DeviceNet, Profibus, ControlNet, AS-i, and FOUNDATION Fieldbus. |
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Running rings
The second dominant
form is ring topology, in which each node acts as a repeater. Transmission
starts at a central station, usually the controller, and is sent to one node.
That node receives the transmission, processes the information if needed, and
sends it to the next node on the ring. Long networks are possible because each
node reconditions the transmission; throughput time around the ring is
predictable. When the ring breaks, communication is lost; hot swapping isn't
possible.Interbus, Lightbus, and SERCOS are among networks using ring topology.
Trees combine
Bus and ring
topologies are dominant in smaller fieldbus arenas. When a factory couples
topologies together through gateways, routers, and bridges, the combination is
called a tree topology. Large factories interested in keeping statistical data
on processes will use a tree topology to gather information from different
fieldbus controllers.
The Internet is the most common tree topology. Ways of using the Internet with control or supervisory systems are constantly being developed. Tree topologies interface with any topology as long a gateway exists, but that's also a disadvantage in many control systems. In gaining connectivity, the ability to determine the time it takes to receive information from a node is lost; generally throughput time is not a constant with a tree topology.
Star, mesh
Star and mesh topologies,
because of higher costs, are not used widely. Star topology has one central node
with a direct connection to each individual node. Because the protocol is easy
to develop, many private networks use it. The mesh topology connects each node
with every other node, creating an isolated data path between each node.
The first question when selecting a network should be: 'Will the pattern of interconnection among nodes allow the network to physically achieve what's needed? Manufacturers of the network components can confirm network parameters.
Mr. Holm-Hansen (BS
EE) is an electronics engineer in the
Engineering Technologies Department of
InterlinkBT (Plymouth,
Minn.), a joint venture between Banner Engineering
and Turck Inc.
that specializes in fieldbus-related products.
Send comments to mhoske@cahners.com.
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