NetLinx Open Architecture
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NetLinx Open Architecture Overview
NetLinx Open Network Architecture is the Rockwell Automation strategy of using open networking technology for seamless, top-floor to shop-floor integration. The networks in the NetLinx architecture speak a common language and share a universal set of communication services. As a result, information can be communicated seamlessly throughout the plant, from shop floor to top floor, and to and from the Internet for e-business applications.
The NetLinx architecture, created specifically for industrial applications, provides the ability to control, configure, and collect data on a single network, thus simplifying your plant communications. Time-critical communications, such as I/O, interlocking, and messages are supported without impacting network performance.
The Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) is a major component within the NetLinx Open Network Architecture, and it provides you with the following common features:
- Common control services—provides you with a standard set of messaging services for all three networks within the NetLinx architecture.
- Common communication services—lets you connect to any network and configure and collect data from any network common routing capabilities. This saves time and effort during system configuration because no routing tables or added logic are necessary to move data between networks.
- Common base knowledge—reduces the amount of training needed when moving to different networks within the NetLinx architecture by providing similar configuration tools and features.
The NetLinx-based networks – DeviceNet, ControlNet, and EtherNet/IP – all use the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP), so they speak a common language and share a universal set of communication services.
- The EtherNet/IP network is an open industrial-networking standard that supports implicit and explicit messaging and uses commercial, off-the-shelf Ethernet equipment and physical media.
- The ControlNet network allows intelligent, high-speed control devices to share the information required for supervisory control, work-cell coordination, operator interface, remote device configuration, programming, and troubleshooting.
- The DeviceNet network offers low-cost, high-speed access to plant-floor data from a broad range of plant-floor devices and a significant reduction in wiring.
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Network Selection
Each Allen-Bradley network is ideal for a wide-range of applications. Plus, all Allen-Bradley Open Communication Networks operate with devices manufactured by various vendors and share data with industry-standard information networks.
| ControlNet Network | DeviceNet Network | EtherNet/IP Network | Universal Remote I/O Link | DH-485 Network Overview | Data Highway Plus Network | |
| Function | Supports transmission of time-critical data between PLC processors and I/O devices | Connects low-level devices directly to plant-floor controllers — without interfacing them through I/O modules | Plant management system tie-in (material handling); configuration, data collection, and control on a single high-speed network | Provides connection between PLC processors and I/O adapters | Provides connection between SLC processors, HMI, and programming devices | Permits plant-wide and cell-level data sharing with program maintenance |
| Typical Devices Networked | PLC processors, I/O chassis, HMIs, PCs, drives, robots | Sensors, motor starters, drives, PCs, push buttons, low-end HMIs, bar code readers, PLC processors, valve manifolds | Mainframe computers, PLC processors, robots, HMI, I/O and I/O adapters, drives | PLC processors, I/O chassis, drives, PanelView operator terminals, RediPANEL operator modules | SLC processors, PCs, HMIs, MicroLogix | PLC processors, SLC Processors, ControlLogix, PCs, HMIs |
| Data Repetition | Medium-size packets; data transmissions are deterministic and repeatable | Small packets; data sent as needed | Large packets, data sent regularly | Medium-size or small packets; data sent regularly | Small packets; data sent periodically or as needed | Medium-size packets; data sent regularly |
| Number of Nodes (max.) | 99 | 64 logical | No limit | 1 scanner and 32 adapters | 32 | 64 per link (network can have 99 links) |
| Data Transfer Rate | 5 Mbps | 500, 250, or 125 Kbps | 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps | 230.4, 115.2, or 57.6 Kbps | 19.2 Kbps | 57.6… 230 Kbps |
| Device Suppliers | Open | Open | Open | Rockwell Automation and its partners | ||