Design A Controlnet Media System; Application Requirements; Media Needs - Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley ControlNet 1734-ACNR User Manual

C-2 Determine Your ControlNet Media Requirements
Design a ControlNet Media
System
Publication CNET-UM001C-EN-P - November 2005
The design of a ControlNet media system is a process of measurement and
judgement. The objective is to select the ControlNet media that will serve as
the foundation for the network operations. When designing a network for an
application, you must address the following deciding factors to assure a steady
control foundation:

• Application Requirements

• Media Needs

• ControlNet Media Components
Application Requirements
Application requirements are environmental factors that, if not considered in
the network design, could limit or prevent network operation. Application
requirements are important in making the following decisions:
• What type of cable is needed?
• What type of cable connectors are needed?
The following application requirements should be factored into a network
design as well:
• High ambient temperature
• EMF noise
• Flooding
• Hazardous environments
Media Needs
Media needs are the physical requirements of a network and are measured
against the limitations of the media used. If the media needs are addressed
without regarding the media limitations, then this oversight could result in a
weak or unusable signal that could halt network operation. Media needs are
important in making the following decisions:
• How much cable is needed?
• How is the programming device connected?
The following media needs should be factored into a network design:
• Network length from first device to last device
• Ability to configure the network from any device connected to the
network