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- LONWORKS(Local Operation Networks) technology is an important new solution for control networks developed by Echelon? Corporation
- A control network is any group of devices working in a peer-to-peer fashion to monitor:
sensors
control actuators
communicate reliably
manage network operation
and provide complete access to network data
- In some ways, a LONWORKS control network resembles LAN
- It can control and link factory conveyor belts, product inventory, and distribution systems for optimum efficiency and flexibility
- Smart office buildings can turn lights on and off, open and lock doors, start and stop elevators, and connect all functions to a central security system
- Homeowners can program a vast array of products and conveniences, from sprinkler systems to VCRs, with a touch tone phone from any remote location
- LONWORKS technology is a solution for implementing distributed control networks
These networks consist of nodes that communicate with one another over a variety of communications media using LonTalk? protocol
- A common message-based communications protocol
- In a LONWORKS application, nodes sense, monitor, count, measure time, manage switches and relays, and respond to conditions reported by other smart nodes
- The technology of distributed nodes can reduce the amount of wire and number of junctions by one or more orders of magnitude
As a result, the network has simpler field installation, increased reliability, and decreased cost
- Since the communications protocol supports different transmission media, such as twisted pair, RF, and power line, the network is extremely flexible
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