Echelon OpenLNS Commissioning Tool - Manual (Page 378)

362 Appendix B – Glossary
Resource File
A file included with a L ON W ORKS device that defines the components of the device interface to be
used by OpenLNS CT. Defined components include functional blocks, network variables, and
configuration properties implemented by the device application. Resource files allow for the correct
interpretation and formatting of the data, and they are necessary for L
ON M ARK certification of a
device.
Replacement
Process in which a failed or obsolete device is replaced on a network and in an OpenLNS CT drawing
with a new or upgraded device. OpenLNS CT 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 OpenLNS 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 tables that are configured by an OpenLNS Server. 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.
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 network 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 modem.
Service Pin
An input/output pin on a Smart Transceiver or Neuron Chip that is used during installation to acquire
the Neuron ID of the Smart Transceiver or Neuron Chip. When this pin is activated, the Smart
Transceiver Neuron Chip sends a broadcast message containing its Neuron ID and program ID, which
is called service pin message. The method used to activate the service pin varies from device to
device. Examples of mechanical methods include activation 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