Network Management

The network management is performed in the Explorer window which allows to Add networks and displays all the available C-Bus networks in the project.

Each network created consists of 3 nodes:

C-Bus devices
Applications
Application Log

The Network is represented with symbol

Operation performed on networks:

Each network created consists of the following nodes:

Add a Network

Explorer window allows you to add a C-Bus networks to the project, where each project can have a maximum of 255 networks.

Prerequisites: A Project must already be created and opened.

In the Explorer window, select the project and click

Step result: Add Network dialog box is displayed.
Fill in the network details in the displayed dialog box and click create

The process of creating a network is as demonstrated below:

The Add Network dialog box consists of following fields:

Fields	Description
Network Name	Enter the name of the network maximum of 32 characters
Interface Type	Choose an interface type from the following: Ethernet This interface type is used to connect a network through a Automation controller or a C-Bus Network Interface (CNI) Serial This interface type is used to connect a network through a PC Interface (PCI) C-Bus This interface type is used for interconnection of C-Bus networks using a bridge
Device Type	Enter the type of device: Valid device types for Ethernet Interface are: Application Controller Automation Controller C-Bus Network Interface Valid device types for Serial Interface are: PC Interface (PCI) PC Interface (PCI) USB Valid device types for C-Bus Interface is: C-Bus Network Bridge
COM Port	Communication port which the C-Bus interface device is connected

TIP: Alternate ways to Add a network:

Click and select ADD
Right click on project name in explorer window and select ADD

Add a Bridge Network

The C-Bus bridges provide connectivity between wired C-Bus networks. Each of the bridge units have a near and far side, which relates to whether the side is connected to a local or remote network.

Prerequisites: The project must already be created and at least one network has to be created to use as an transient network.

The Bridge network consists of components and functions as similar to other networks: C-Bus Devices, Applications (Lighting, Enable, Trigger), and Application log.

Bridge network can be created in 2 ways:

Method 1

Select the network and click in the Explorer window
ADD NETWORK dialog box is displayed
Select C-Bus as the Interface type and fill in the required fields

NOTE: A transit network is a network that is connected to the current network that is being defined.
Confirm Create

Method 2

Bridge network can also be created from the Network Devices. The Make Network function creates, configures, and opens a new network corresponding to the other side of the selected bridge or gateway.

Open and scan the live Network Devices
Right-click on the bridge network device
Select Make Network

The process to create bridge network is as demonstrated below:

CAUTION: When a Bridge network is deleted, all information related to this network will be lost. Far side bridge devices will also be deleted from adjacent networks. Any remote bridge networks connected to this bridge network will not be accessible.

For more details on bridge devices, see Bridges

C-Bus Network summary

The created C-Bus network (serial, ethernet, transit, bridge) summary can be viewed by selecting the network, the details are displayed in workspace window.

The summary gives the details of the network as shown below:

NOTE: If the network is overpowered (current supply is => 2,001 mA), current supply and its value is highlighted and a warning message is displayed as shown below:

The C-Bus network displays or attention, if any results and recommendations require action.

The is displayed for following C-Bus network states only:

Underpowered C-Bus network state (where the "Result and Recommendation" field states the message "XXX mA more power required").
High impedance C-Bus network state (where the "Result and Recommendation" field states the message "1 burden required").

The is displayed for following C-Bus network states only:

Overpowered C-Bus network state (where the "Result and Recommendation" field states the message "Maximum supply current exceeded").

The or is not displayed for the following C-Bus network states:

"okay" C-Bus network state (where the "Result and Recommendation" field states the message "OK").
"empty" C-Bus network state (no C-Bus devices) (where the "Result and Recommendation" field states the message "None").

NOTE: In the scenario where multiple C-Bus network states exist which include the overpowered network state, then

is displayed.

Search a Network

Prerequisites: The network must already be existing in the project.

Explorer Window allows you to search an existing network in the project

The search bar in the Explorer window allows searching for the existing networks in the project.

Enter the name of the network in the search bar.

The network matches the search criteria appears on the screen.

Delete a Network

Prerequisites: The network must already be existing in the project.

Explorer Window allows you to delete an existing networks in the project.

Click on the network to be deleted
Click in the Explorer window
Confirm with Yes in the Confirmation dialog box

TIP: Alternate ways to delete a network :

Click and select Delete
Right click on project name in explorer window and select Delete

IMPORTANT: When a Bridge network is deleted, all information related to this network will be lost. Far side bridge devices will also be deleted from adjacent networks. Any remote bridge networks connected to this bridge network will not be accessible.