P-NET on Ethernet IP (LAN)

Configuring the PD 602 on a local Ethernet

Connecting a number of PCs and PD 602 devices together by Ethernet is very easy.
If the Ethernet has no connection to the Internet or other external networks, the configuration is as simple as setting up a normal P-NET. In this case, all the default settings can be used.

Once electrically connected, the PD 602 must have the P-NET address set by the “Set P-NET node address” tool.
When this has been done, the P-NET address is used to automatically configure the unique Ethernet parameters. Now the PD 602 is ready to communicate with other PD 602 devices or PCs via the Ethernet.

PROCES-DATA has made a number of careful selections and decisions in choosing specific Ethernet options when developing the PD 602. The key focus has been on making a system that is fast, stable, reliable and easy to use.

Speed: PD 602 is fixed at 10Mbit/s. This is not the maximum possible Ethernet speed. However, by using sensible network design, this is of no particular disadvantage. Indeed, a lower speed is less sensitive to external interference and cable length is less critical.

Collision: When all devices are connected to a switch, each device has its own collision domain. Using such network design, collisions are significantly reduced, which raises the efficiency.

Network traffic: Only a fraction of the traffic on the network will be relevant to an individual PD 602. When a switch receives a packet it “looks” at the source MAC address and compares it with the address table within the switch. If the source MAC address is not present, the address is automatically appended. If the destination MAC address is not in the table the switch will send the packet to all ports except the port from which the packet was received.

Cables: PROCES-DATA recommends shielded network and patch cable (STP cable) as opposed to the more “office like” unshielded cable type (UTP cable). This again reduces the influence of electric noise and ensures high reliability.

Isolation: Switches with optical interfaces for a “switch to switch” connection are available. By this means, one switch group can be completely galvanically isolated. Using optical connections may also allow a faster communication speed between the switches, which raises the overall performance of the network.

Worldwide acceptance: As Ethernet is used worldwide for office installations, cables, spare parts and expertise are always locally available.