Rockwell Automation 1203-CN1 ControlNet Communications Module 1203-CN1 - Manual (Page 16)

Publication 1203-5.13 – February, 2002
1-2 Overview
The module translates the ControlNet messages into SCANport
messages that can be understood by the SCANport product. Both
scheduled I/O data and unscheduled messages can be transferred
through the module. ControlNet capability enhances the functionality
and usefulness of the connected product and lets you communicate
with the SCANport product from any node on the ControlNet
network.
What Is ControlNet? ControlNet is a real-time, control-layer network providing high-speed
transport of both scheduled time-critical I/O data and unscheduled
messaging data, including upload/download of programming and
configuration data and peer-to-peer messaging, on a single physical
media link. Deterministic and repeatable, ControlNet’s high-speed (5
Mbps) control and data capabilities significantly enhance the size and
speed of I/O data and messaging data transfers.
Specifically, ControlNet provides:
• Bandwidth for I/O, real-time interlocking, peer-to-peer
messaging and programming—all on the same link, without
impacting time-critical I/O.
• Deterministic, repeatable performance for both discrete and
process applications.
• Multicast of both inputs and peer-to-peer data.
• Fiber media, media redundancy and intrinsically safe options.
• Simple and flexible installation requiring no special tools to
install or tune the network.
• Network access for any node.
• Support for up to 99 nodes per subnet to help flatten architectures
and support more distributed systems.
• User-configured real-time remote analog updates for more
flexibility and process capabilities.