Reference Manual Instruction Manual

1 Publication 9220-052C-EN-P - August 2002
Chapter 1
Introduction
What This Chapter Contains
This chapter introduces you to the ControlNet Traffic Analyzer tool.
The following table describes what this chapter contains and where to
find specific information.
Main Structure
of ControlNet
The ControlNet Traffic Analyzer tool is a 32-bit Windows

application
running on top of a 32-bit ControlNet Driver. This application is used
to examine, store, and analyze network data on a ControlNet network.
You can view the behavior of frames on the network, test ControlNet
reliability, and make sure that every transmission on the network is
correct.
Information Exchange on a ControlNet Network Link
A ControlNet network link’s most important function is to transport
time-critical control information (i.e., I/O status and control
interlocking). Other information (i.e., non time-critical messages such
as program uploads and downloads) is also transported, but does not
interfere with time-critical messages because of ControlNet’s unique
time-slice algorithm.
On a ControlNet network link, information is transferred between
nodes by establishing connections. Each message sent by a producer
contains a Connection ID (CID). Nodes that have been configured to
recognize the CID consume the message, therefore becoming a
consumer.
For information about See page
the main structure of ControlNet 1-1
the audience for this manual 1-3
the Traffic Analyzer tool’s software package 1-4
hardware recommendations 1-4
installation of the Traffic Analyzer tool 1-5
terminology used in this manual 1-8
common techniques used in this manual 1-9
Rockwell Automation support 1-9