8 APPENDIXES
8.2.6 Locally and widely distributed configuration
When a certain controller in a network system having a basic configuration is positioned at a
distance or there is a high-voltage power supply or noise source near a network, a long-haul network
having an excellent noise immunity can be configured by dividing the network into two segments
and interconnecting them with an optical repeater.
Twisted-pair cable [UTP: Category 5]
(maximum cable length: 100 m)
Figure 8-12 Locally and Widely Distributed Configuration Example
8.2.7 Concept of FL-net system
The objective of the FL-net is to establish real-time communication among production system
controllers such as programmable controllers, robot controllers, and computer numerical control
devices.
FL-net establishes a broadcast-based token passing mechanism on the UDP/IP protocol of Ethernet
and uses it to effect cyclic communication and message communication.
Fiber-optic cable
(maximum cable length: 2 km)
Optical repeater
Hub
Coaxial cable
(maximum cable length: 500 m)
AUI cable (maximum
cable length: 50 m)
8-12
Optical repeater