Echelon LonMaker - Manual (Page 18)

2 Introduction
Introduction to the LonMaker Tool
The LonMaker ® Integration Tool is a L ON W ORKS
® network tool that runs on the LNS ® client/server
network operating system and uses Microsoft Visio ® (Professional or Standard 2003) as a graphical
user interface. LNS provides the set of directory, installation, management, monitoring, and control
services used by the LonMaker tool. In addition, the client/server architecture of LNS allows multiple
users running the LonMaker tool on separate computers to access the LNS 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. The LonMaker tool is compatible with Windows XP
Professional and Home editions, Windows 2003 Server, and Windows 2000.
The LonMaker tool can be used to manage all phases of a network’s life cycle, from the initial design
and commissioning to the ongoing operation, because 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. The LonMaker tool can also learn an existing
network’s design through a process called network recovery.
• 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 LonMaker Browser provides
complete access to all network variables and configuration properties.
• Network Documentation Tool. You can create a LonMaker drawing during the network design
and installation process. This LonMaker drawing is an accurate, logical representation of the
installed physical network. The LonMaker 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 LonMaker drawing.
• Network Maintenance Tool. You can easily add, test, remove, modify, or replace devices, routers,
channels, subsystems, and connections to maintain the network.
What’s New for LonMaker Turbo Editions
This section lists and then describes the new features that have been added to the LonMaker tool for
the Turbo Editions.
LonMaker Design Manager
• One-click network creation
• New tabs for setting new network and LonMaker
default options
• Network Wizard accelerator
LonMaker Shapes
• ToolTips for displaying shape data
Application Devices and
Routers
• Simplified wizards
• Automatic channel selection
• Channel re-assignment with the Connector tool
• Simplified shape menus
• Firmware upgrade
• Device-specific configuration property support
• Passive configuration mode
• Enhanced subsystem recovery
• Active device template and resource file updates
• Accelerated device interface verification