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An Introduction to Device Networks and LonMark® Open Systems

What is a Device Network?

A device network is a group of devices that are networked together to sense, monitor, communicate and control. In some ways, a device network resembles a data network (such as a LAN). Whereas, data networks consist of computers networked together, device networks consist of sensors, actuators and controllers networked together. Similar to data networks, device networks consist of devices attached to various communications media, connected by routers that communicate to one another using a common protocol. Network management software allows administrators to configure and maintain their networks. In control networks the components are optimized for the cost, performance, size and response characteristics of control applications, enable networks to extend into a class of applications that data networking technology cannot reach.

Device networks can range in sophistication from small networks embedded in machines to large networks with thousands of nodes controlling fusion lasers, paper manufacturing machines, building automation systems, semiconductor tools and diffusion furnaces. Buildings, trains, airplanes, factories and hundreds of other entities and processes can use control networks.

Before the advent of device networks, most control systems required thousands of feet – even miles – of expensive wiring to connect dumb components to a custom-programmed central controller. Expansion required costly rewiring and custom programming. These systems were vulnerable to failure of the central controllers – a single point of failure.

Device networks have changed all this. By distributing processing among all of the devices on the network, the central point of failure is eliminated. By allowing free flow of information between devices, control is improved and new applications are enabled. Additionally, plugging in new devices can expand the network.

Why a Device Network?

In contrast with traditional networks, device network manufacturers and builders provide a single, cohesive, interoperational system that does not depend on one proprietary vendor or require costly customization.

Why is Interoperability so important to device networks?

With interoperable devices, end-users and network integrators can purchase devices “off-the-shelf” from different manufacturers. Plugging in new interoperable devices, which work together regardless of manufacturer, can easily expand networks.

What is an Open System?

Open Systems use industry standard network services for design, installation, and commissioning of devices. An Open System does not include proprietary vertical sub-system implementations and does not require gateways, although gateways may be used to connect legacy systems. And finally, an Open System contains interoperable, interchangeable devices from multiple manufacturers. A device network designed to be “open” according to this definition is flexible, simple, cost-effective, and competitive.

What does LonMark International do to drive Interoperability and Open Systems?

LonMark International develops and maintains technical design guidelines to help manufacturers build interoperable LonMark devices based upon ANSI/EIA 709 and related standards, offering a complete, open, off-the-shelf networking technology platform for designing and implementing interoperable control networks.

LonMark International is also working to certify whole systems, simplifying the definition of open systems by combining guidelines that detail the various tools and functionality that comprise the system. Incorporating standard interfaces for machine-to-machine communications extends the footprint of an open LonMark system providing added benefits to end-users in the form of open procurement (bidding) and vendor independence.

LonMark International profiles provide guidelines to precisely layout the network interface for a particular device or system function. Functional profiles ease the specification process and enhance interoperability and open systems without compromising the ability of specifiers to call for unique capabilities, or the ability of manufacturers to differentiate products. The profiles are developed through a rigorous analysis and approval process that includes a cross-functional review to ensure that profiles not only interoperate within an individual subsystem, but also provide interoperability with other subsystems within a network. For example, the Fire profiles incorporate an Alarm network variable that is an essential characteristic of a fire system but is also available for use anywhere else in the building; for coordination of elevator control, damper control and exit lighting.

What are the benefits of LonMark certification?

The availability of LonMark certification provides end-users, system integrators and equipment specifiers the benefits of open, interoperable, multi-vendor systems:

• Choice of vendors
• Use of third party tools
• Easy integration
• Easy additions and changes

Where once end-users were locked into lengthy and costly service and upgrade agreements from a single vendor, they can now implement systems using LonMark devices from multiple vendors picking and choosing devices that best suit their needs knowing they can be easily integrated.

What does it mean, if a product is certified by LonMark International?

Products that have been verified to conform to LonMark Interoperability Guidelines are eligible to carry the LonMark logo. The LonMark logo is an indicator that a product has completed the LonMark conformance tests and has been designed to interoperate across a device network using the ANSI/EIA 709 protocol standard.

LonMark International offers a web-based tool that will allow member companies to self certify their products. The tool will support localization to better support member needs around the world.

What does it mean, if a system is certified by LonMark International?

Working together, LonMark members have driven the development of a new “System Definition” that divides the systems description into five categories: System Behaviors, Devices, Connectivity, Device Interfaces, and Network Software and Tools. Also addressed in the definition is the technique for communicating via the Internet. This allows data to be reviewed in a standard fashion using web services, such as SOAP and XML. Systems that meet the criteria as defined in this documentation are considered to be LonMark Open Systems.

What about LonMark membership?

Membership in LonMark International is open to any company, organization or individual committed to the development, manufacture, and use of interoperable products and device networks utilizing the ANSI/EIA 709 protocol.

What are the benefits for member companies?

• Membership in a visible worldwide organization.
• Forum for exchange of cross and inter-industry technology and business information.
• Activities developed for members to promote themselves, their products and services, and the LonMark brand.
• Marketing tools to help promote your company's business.
• Participation in Industry-specific Task Groups.
• Ability to influence the feature-set of products by profile definition.
• Participation in definition of Interoperability Design Guidelines.
• Networking opportunities with forward-thinking industry experts with common business objectives.
• Availability and utilization of LonMark Technical and Marketing staff.
• Election/appointment to Board of Directors.
• Right to vote in annual elections.

What are the LonMark International Task Groups?

The main driving force behind adopting guidelines is input from the LonMark members through task groups. The Association Task Groups provide the forum for LonMark members to develop the functional profiles that define the scope of products and systems.

A Cross-Functional Review Team, which consists of Task Group Leaders, addresses issues that overlap individual task groups. The goal of the Cross-Functional Team is to harmonize design approaches in the varied task groups to avoid duplication of effort and to make functional profiles as widely applicable as possible.

Task groups meet periodically and exchange proposals and comments via the LonMark International web site. Members can subscribe to e-mail lists for each task group and receive immediate notification of new documents and opportunities pertinent to a particular group.

Current LonMark International Task Groups Include: