3.2 Connecting to a Network
The Adept controller, once fitted with AdeptNet, offers direct connectivity to a ThinNet Ethernet network. The following are guidelines for the connection of 10BASE-T:
- Use RJ-45 10BASE-T ethernet cable to form the trunk segments of the network.
- The total length of a cable should not exceed 100m (328 ft.).
- If distances in excess of this limitation are required, use a device known as a repeater.
- All network interconnections must go through a hub.1 See AdeptNet 10BASE-T Installation Requires a Hub.
Figure 3-5. AdeptNet 10BASE-T Installation Requires a Hub
CAUTION: To minimize susceptibility to interference, take extra precautions when installing Ethernet in industrial environments. Take care to physically distance the Ethernet coaxial cable from noise sources such as motor cables, robot power cables, crosstalk from 10BASE-T circuits, ringing and dialing signals from telephones, high-voltage lines, switch-mode power supplies, and other sources of high-frequency or high-transient currents or voltages. Factory routed Ethernet should ideally be installed in grounded metal conduit or trunking to minimize the influence of noise and to provide physical protection.
The hub in a 10BASE-T network functions as a multi-port repeater: it receives, retimes, and regenerates signals received from any attached stations.