Rockwell Automation Logix5000 Controllers I/O and Tag Data Programming Manual - Manual (Page 14)

Chapter 1 Communicate with I/O modules
Ownership
In a Logix5000 system, modules multicast data. This means that multiple devices
can receive the same data at the same time from a single device.
When you choose a communication format, you have to choose whether to
establish an owner or listen-only relationship with the module.
Term Definition
Owner controller The controller that creates the primary configuration and communication connection to a module. The owner
controller writes configuration data and can establish a connection to the module.
An owner connection is any connection that does not include Listen-Only in its Comm Format.
Listen-only connection An I/O connection where another controller owns/provides the configuration data for the I/O module. A controller
using a listen-only connection only monitors the module. It does not write configuration data and can only maintain a
connection to the I/O module when the owner controller is actively controlling the I/O module.
Use the following table to choose the type of ownership for a module.
If module is And another controller And you want to Then use this type of connection
Input module Does not own the module ------------------------------------> Owner (not listen-only)
Owns the module Maintain communication with the module if it loses
communication with the other controller
Owner (not listen-only)
Use the same configuration as the other owner
controller.
Stop communication with the module if it loses
communication with the other controller
Listen-only
Output module Does not own the module ------------------------------------> Owner (such as, not listen-only)
14 Rockwell Automation Publication 1756-PM004E-EN-P - October 2014