User manual

Publication CNET-UM001C-EN-P - November 2005
ControlNet Overview B-11
ControlNet Capacity
and Topology
When planning a ControlNet network, you should consider the following:
• topology
• number of nodes
• distances
• connections
Topology
ControlNet supports a variety of topologies, including trunkline/dropline, star,
tree, and ring redundancy. In its simplest form, ControlNet is a trunkline, to
which you connect nodes with a tap and a 1-meter dropline, as shown in the
figure Example ControlNet System Trunkline/Dropline Topology.
Repeaters are required to create other topologies, as shown in the figures
Example ControlNet System Star Topology (star) and Example ControlNet
System Ring Topology (ring).
TIP
• Coax repeaters are typically used in trunkline and star
topologies. Refer to publication CNET-IN002,
ControlNet Coax Media Planning and Installation
Guide, for more specific information on coax
topologies you can create.
• Using fiber media allows you to configure your network
in trunkline and star topologies and is the only method
of implementing ring redundancy. You can only use the
1786-RPFRL and 1786-RPFRXL repeaters in a ring.
Refer to publication CNET-IN001, ControlNet Fiber
Media Planning and Installation Guide, for more
information on fiber media and topologies.