Using the Network Topology of PanelView Plus 7 Standard Terminals

Introduction

The PanelView Plus 7 Standard Terminals offer robust network connectivity options supporting multiple network topologies, including Device Level Ring (DLR), Linear, and Star topologies. Understanding how to effectively utilize these network configurations can significantly enhance the performance and reliability of your industrial control systems.

Device Level Ring (DLR) Topology

Device Level Ring (DLR) is a network topology specifically designed for fault tolerance. In a DLR network, devices are connected in a ring. This setup allows the network to maintain communication by automatically converting to a linear topology if a fault is detected on any segment of the ring.

Application: Only PanelView Plus 7 Standard terminals with two Ethernet ports, such as catalog number 2711P-T10C22D8S, can operate on a DLR network. These terminals act as ring nodes within the DLR network and ensure continuous data communication even when a fault occurs.

Tip: The PanelView Plus 7 Standard terminal operates strictly as a ring node and not as a supervisor node within a DLR network. It's essential to configure it correctly for optimal performance.

Linear Topology

A linear network topology is characterized by devices connected in a daisy-chain fashion across an EtherNet/IP network. This topology is straightforward to implement and can be highly cost-effective.

Application: Devices in a linear topology use embedded switch technology, which eliminates the need for additional external switches typically required in Star topologies. This embedded switch technology is a significant advantage, allowing for simpler and more cost-effective network setups.

Configuration: When using a linear topology, the PanelView Plus 7 Standard terminal with one Ethernet port can only be attached at the ends of the network. This placement ensures the termination of the network chain, maintaining network integrity and communication consistency.

Star Topology

The Star topology is a traditional network configuration where multiple devices are connected to a central Ethernet switch. This setup provides a high level of redundancy and simplifies network maintenance and troubleshooting.

Application: In a Star topology, each device, including the PanelView Plus 7 Standard terminals, connects to a central switch via individual Ethernet connections. This configuration allows for easy isolation of devices and segments in case of faults, enhancing the overall network reliability.

The Ethernet port or ports on the PanelView Plus 7 terminals connect to controllers on an EtherNet/IP network using standard Ethernet connections. Here are the steps for establishing a network connection:

1. Identify the network topology that best suits your application requirements—DLR, Linear, or Star.
2. Utilize the appropriate Ethernet ports on the terminal: single or dual ports depending on the chosen topology.
3. For DLR configurations, ensure your terminal is set up as a ring node and properly connected within the ring structure.
4. If using a Linear topology, daisy-chain your devices ensuring the PanelView Plus 7 terminal is either at the network’s start or end if it has only one Ethernet port.
5. For Star topologies, connect each device to a central Ethernet switch.
6. Verify the network setup by checking the yellow status indicator, which blinks when activity is detected on the Ethernet link.

Conclusion

Understanding and configuring the correct network topology for PanelView Plus 7 Standard Terminals can greatly enhance your system's robustness and reliability. Whether you choose a Device Level Ring for fault tolerance, a linear setup for simplicity, or a star configuration for ease of maintenance, the PanelView Plus 7 provides the flexibility and features needed to succeed in various industrial applications.