Echelon LonMaker - Manual (Page 408)

392 Appendix G – Glossary
Replacement
Process in which a failed or obsolete device is replaced on the network and in a LonMaker drawing
with a new or upgraded device. The LonMaker tool preserves the device’s functional blocks, network
variables, configuration properties, and connections and transfers them into the new device.
Router
Routers manage network message traffic, extend the physical size of a channel (both length and
number of devices attached), and connect different channel types. Unlike other devices, routers are
always attached to two or more channels. Each router side can be addressed by its Neuron ID or by a
subnet/node address. The side of the router closest to the LNS Server is referred to as the near side; the
other side of the router is referred to as the far side. Each router side can receive a packet, decide
whether the packet needs to be transmitted, and transmit the packet on the other side’s channel, if
required. A router can be use in one of the following configurations:
• Repeater – all packets are forwarded
• Permanent Repeater – all packets are forwarded. Subnets can span permanent repeaters.
• Bridge – all packets in a given domain are forwarded
• Permanent Bridge – all packets in a given domain are forwarded. Subnets can span permanent
bridges.
• Learning Router – packets are routed only for a given domain. The router starts as a bridge and
reduces forwarding as it learns the topology. Learning routers are vulnerable to failures if
configured devices are incorrectly moved within the topology.
• Configured Router – packets are routed only for a given domain. Configured routers forward
packets based on configured tables. This is the most reliable and efficient form of router.
Self-Documentation
A mechanism that a device can use to provide descriptive information about itself. Self-documentation
can be provided for the device's program and network variables. A provider of user-defined services
and events may also support self-documentation for itself, its services, events, objects, and properties.
When possible, the NSS makes self-documentation information available to the host application
through properties.
Sensor
Any component that is used to determine the condition or value of a physical system variable, or to
accept commands from a human operator.
SLTA-10
A serial NSI interface with built-in twisted pair transceiver that connects to any host with an EIA-232
(formerly RS232) port. It can also connect to the host remotely using a Hayes-compatible modem. The
SLTA-10 is the best NSI to use for remote application or for portable hosts that do not contain a type II
PC slot.
Service Pin
Each Neuron Chip has a service pin used during installation to acquire the Neuron Chip's Neuron ID.
When this pin is grounded, the Neuron Chip sends a broadcast message containing its Neuron ID and
program ID, which is called service pin message or packet. The method used to ground the service pin
varies from device to device. Examples of mechanical methods include grounding via a push button or
using a magnetic reed switch. By attaching one of the device's I/O pins to the service pin, the service
pin can also be put under software control as long as the device is configured. For example, the device
can ground the pin when the device is moved or when a predefined series of I/O occurs. The service
pin can also be used to drive an LED that indicates the Neuron Chip's state. The service LED is solid
on when the Neuron Chip is applicationless, blinks slowly when the Neuron Chip has an application