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LON Technology
Operation of the LON Network
Network Variable Concept
A network node communicates with other nodes in the network using so-called network variables (NVs). The
function of network variables can be illustrated with the following analogy: in an electrical installation, terminal A
of a switch is connected to terminal B of a lamp to turn the lamp on and off.
Elektroinstallation
Electrical Installation
Switch
Schalter
Lamp
Lampe
Cable
Leitung
L
A
B
N
Network
Variables Communication
Netzvariablen-Kommunikation
Lamp
Switch
Schalter
Lampe
Switch on!
Schalte!
Transfer
Übertragungsmedium
medium
Light on?
Licht
ein?
When communication with network variables, the application program in the node "switch" interprets the signal
from the electrical contact and writes it, in case of change, to the output network variable “switch on!” Then the
neuron ensures that the network variable is released to the transfer medium (network). When the information
arrives at the node "lamp", the information is interpreted by the application program and the lamp is switched on.
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Now the neuron of the switch requires information regarding which node is designated to receive the sent data.
The receiving node "lamp" also requires information regarding which data and from which sender it is to receive
with the input network variable “light on”. This information is generated at the so-called binding process. Binding
also determines which output network variable (see terminals in the electrical installation, which switch controls
which lamp) of a sender is to be connected with which input network variable from which receiver
(see wiring of a cable in electrical installation).
LON
VIEßMANN
9