Interlogix Topaz User Manual - Manual (Page 220)

Topaz
User Manual
202
Network Communications
This section provides guidelines for the network environment needed to support communication
between a Topaz Server and ACU Networked Intelligent Controller Field Panels. While it is not possible to
address every variable that may exist in a customer’s network environment, this highlights key network
considerations.
The information in the following table is assuming a minimum Topaz server software revision of 1.47
and a minimum ACURT panel firmware revision of 7.13.00
Table 17. Network communications guidelines
Port The TCP/IP port number that the ACU panel listens to is 3000 plus the system WAN number (typically
3001).
Protocol TCP/UDP
All messages are less than 255 bytes. The protocol is a simple command and response protocol with a
sequence number retry mechanism.
Timing Polling
Frequency 400 milliseconds per ACU panel (fixed)
Server Wait
and Delay
Time Wait time for the server to receive a response is 500 milliseconds. Networks should be
able to respond to a ping for each panel within 500 milliseconds for optimum
performance.
Additional user-configurable delay time of up to 3000 milliseconds can be set for each
panel. Typical additional delay is 500 milliseconds.
Server Retry If the server does not receive a response from the panel within the delay time described
above, the server re-sends another poll to the panel. The default number of retries is 3.
The Retry for each panel can be increased up to 10 by the system administrator. Setting
the number of retries above three is usually for testing purposes only, and not intended
for normal operation of the system.
Panel
Timeout If a panel does not receive a correct message from the server within 10 seconds, the
panel no longer responds to the server (a “local panel off-line” condition). This could be
caused by a network interruption or incorrect message(s). An example of an incorrect
message might be if the network corrupts a server message, resulting in a checksum
error. This causes the server to resynchronize communications with the panel. A
corresponding message is reported at the server as a “panel off-line”.
Timing
Calculations To determine proper panel settings for optimal communication, perform the following
calculations for each panel. The total delay, including retries, should be less than 10
seconds (Panel Timeout); The lower the total, the more optimal system performance.
ACU LAN Panel with no downline panels via serial connection:
#Retries X [Delay Time(secs) + Wait Time(secs)] = Total
For example: 3 X [1.2 + 0.5] = 5.1
ACU LAN Panel hosting down-line panels via serial connection:
#Down-line panels X #Retries X [Delay Time(secs) + Wait Time(secs)] = (Total)
For example: 3 x 3 x [0.5 + 0.5] = 9
Bandwidth
Dynamics It is important that allocated bandwidth remains consistent at all times and is not clamped down (or
reduced) during off-hours such as at night or on weekends. Inconsistent or dynamic bandwidth can
result in inconsistent on-line/off-line behavior of field panels, especially if network throughput is
marginal.