Echelon OpenLNS Commissioning Tool - Manual (Page 18)

2 Introduction
Introduction to the OpenLNS Commissioning Tool
The OpenLNS Commissioning Tool (OpenLNS CT) is a L ON W ORKS
®
network tool that runs on the
OpenLNS network operating system and uses Microsoft Visio
®
2010 or Visio 2003 (Professional or
Standard editions) as a graphical user interface. The OpenLNS network operating system implements
a client/server architecture with directory, installation, management, monitoring, and control services
provided by an OpenLNS Server that is included with the OpenLNS CT. The OpenLNS Server
allows multiple users running OpenLNS CT and other OpenLNS tools, applications, and plug-ins on
separate computers to access the OpenLNS Server simultaneously. This means that managers, system
integrators, installers, and maintenance personnel can all work on the same L
ON W ORKS network at the
same time. OpenLNS CT is compatible with Windows 7 (64-bit and 32-bit), Windows Server 2008 R2
(64-bit), Windows Vista with SP1 (32-bit), and Windows XP with SP3 (32-bit). The OpenLNS Server
and OpenLNS CT are backwards compatible with all existing LNS Turbo Edition databases and
LonMaker Turbo Edition drawings providing simple migration for existing LNS and LonMaker
networks.
OpenLNS CT can be used to manage all phases of a network’s life cycle—from the initial design and
commissioning to the ongoing operation. It provides the functionality of several network tools in one
single solution:
• Network Design Tool. You can design a network offsite (without actually being connected to the
network) and/or onsite, and modify it anytime.
• Network Installation Tool. You can rapidly install a network designed offsite once it is brought
onsite. The device definitions can be quickly and easily associated with their corresponding
physical devices to reduce on-site commissioning time. The OpenLNS CT Browser provides
complete access to all network variables and configuration properties.
• Network Documentation Tool. You can create an OpenLNS CT drawing during the network
design and installation process. This OpenLNS CT drawing is an accurate, logical representation
of the installed physical network. The OpenLNS CT drawing is therefore an essential component
of as-built reports.
• Network Operation Tool. You can operate the network using the operator interface pages
contained within the OpenLNS CT drawing.
• Network Maintenance Tool. You can easily add, test, remove, modify, or replace devices, routers,
channels, subsystems, and connections to maintain the network.
New Features
This section describes the major features included with the OpenLNS Server and OpenLNS CT.
• No-cost device installation.
• Automated product activation (Internet connection required).
• Annual product maintenance.
• Increased device compatibility.
• Longer database directory paths.
• Improved Microsoft Windows ®
Compatibility.
• Additional OpenLNS events.
• New OpenLNS CT Menus.
No-Cost Device Installation
You can install devices without commissioning fees (known as “credits” in LNS Turbo and LonMaker
Turbo software). OpenLNS CT features no-cost installation for all L
ON W ORKS devices that comply
with the ISO/IEC 14908-1 Control Network Protocol. This includes devices based on the FT 5000
Smart Transceiver, Neuron
® 5000 Processor, FT 3150
®
/3120
®
Smart Transceiver, or PL