Echelon LonMaker User Manual
Page 395
LonMaker User’s Guide
379
or you may load it into the device from application files (.nld, .apb, and .nxe extensions) using the
LonMaker tool. The application program interfaces with the LonTalk firmware to communicate over
the network. It may reside completely in the Neuron Chip, or it may reside on an attached host
processor (in a host-based device).
Applicationless
A state a device enters when it has determined that it does not have a valid application image. Program
or hardware failure may cause a device to become applicationless. To restore an applicationless device,
you must reload the application image into the device.
Attached
The state of the LonMaker tool when it is connected to a L
ON
W
ORKS
network.
Authentication
A messaging service that ensures that a received message was sent by an authorized source.
Authentication is implemented by distributing 48-bit keys to the participating devices when they are
installed. For an authenticated message to be accepted by the receiving device, both the sending and
receiving device must possess the same key.
Backbone Network
A high-speed network channel connecting several lower speed channels. An example of a backbone
network is shown below. Common backbone channels include IP-852 and TP/XF-1250 channels.
Backup
A .zip file containing a saved version of a LonMaker drawing and/or LNS network database. Backup
files are used to protect against accidental file corruption or hardware failure, or to copy a LonMaker
network design from one computer to another.
Binding
Process of connecting network variables and message tags. Binding creates logical connections
(virtual wires) between L
ON
W
ORKS
devices. Connections define the data that devices share with one
another. Tables containing binding information are stored in the Neuron Chip’s EEPROM, and may be
updated by the LonMaker tool.
Bit Rate
The rate in bits at which the packet frame is transferred across the communication medium.
Bound Update
A connection between a monitored network variable and the LonMaker Browser or a LonMaker host.
Bound updates are ideal for monitoring slowly changing network variables.
Changeable Type Network Variable
A network variable for which there is no SNVT type or length information available. Changeable type
network variables can be bound to any other network variable type.
Channel
The physical media between devices upon which the devices communicate. The LonTalk protocol is
media independent; therefore, numerous types of media can be used for channels: twisted pair, power
line, fiber optics, IP, and RF, and other types.
Channel Segment
A portion of a channel. A single segment can be comprised of multiple sections connected by physical
layer repeaters.