Issue
What are the general recommendations for LonWorks system architecture?
Product Line
TAC Vista, TAC IA Series
Environment
- LNS database
- LonWorks network
- Vista Server
- I/A Series MNL
Cause
Understanding the different communication speeds and optimal site design can lead to improved performance of LON traffic on a network.
Resolution
There are three levels supported by LonWorks.
- TCP/IP
- 1.25mbs high speed backbone
- 78Kbs FTT-10 level
Our recommendation is to maximize the use of TCP/IP, minimize the use of the 1.25mbs high-speed backbone and use a tiered structure of 78Kbs LON segments. The IP provides high-speed data transfer, which is good. The 1.25mbs high-speed bus works fine, but it has a number of special requirements that must be adhered to for proper operation. The flexibility of this 1.25mbs network is limited for the expansion of new Lonworks segments, whereas the TCP/IP is more in line with current building infrastructure making it easier to expand the LonWorks system.
In the TCP/IP there are two options that allow for better communications.
- Standard TCP/IP configuration that will work well for most middle-sized networks. This is standard with NL220 or Lonmaker installations
- Orion Stack is an improvement on the standard TCP/IP and can poll multiple values at one time helping improve the TCP/IP response on large networks. More information in setting up an Orion stack improved TCP/IP LonWorks network.
