User manual

TD990200-0ME

2 Operation

Description

The Embedded Metasys Ethernet Router integrates Metasys N1

LAN segments with an Ethernet network that uses the TCP/IP

(Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) suite. The router

provides the physical connection between a Metasys ARCNET

segment and the Ethernet network. It takes advantage of a

customer’s existing Ethernet network, while maintaining the

dedicated Facility Management System (FMS) communications

necessary for complex, time-critical, local control strategies.

With the Embedded Metasys Ethernet Router, Metasys controllers

communicate transparently over Ethernet, using standard

components and maintaining complete compatibility with existing

network equipment. From an operator’s view, this coupling of the

N1 LAN to Ethernet creates a single large network. No special

commands are necessary to switch between networks; data

automatically transmits between networks without operator

knowledge or intervention.

The Embedded Metasys Ethernet Router communicates over an

Ethernet network using the TCP/IP protocol. Two networked

Metasys Ethernet Routers pass the ARCNET messages between

themselves using the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) service

provided by TCP/IP. On the Ethernet network, the router is seen as a

workstation passing messages to another workstation. If a power

failure occurs, the router automatically restarts communications once

power is restored.

The Embedded Metasys Ethernet Router is derived from the Metasys

Ethernet Router program that runs on a standard desktop PC.

Instead of a desktop PC, the router program resides in a

Contemporary Controls’ Communication Processor Module that fits

into two slots of a Contemporary Controls’ MOD HUB ARCNET

Modular Active Hub. Power for the Communication Processor

comes from the MOD HUB, while ARCNET communication comes

from the MOD HUB backplane. An EXP series expansion module is

required for making ARCNET connections to other devices. The

Ethernet connection is made through a 10BASE-T port on the

Communication Processor. Unlike a desktop PC, the