FRICK
®
QUANTUM™ LX AcuAir
®
CONTROL PANEL S90-510 CS (MAR 07)
COMMUNICATIONS SETUP Page 11
ETHERNET AND NETWORKING
DESCRIPTION
Frick
®
Controls uses Ethernet as one method of
connecting one or multiple Quantum™ LX panels to a
common computer network. In the past, this
interconnection would have been done by serial
protocol wiring, such as RS-232/422/485. But with the
capabilities of today’s technology, Ethernet is the
quickest and most efficient way of providing this
interconnectivity.
Whereas the old serial communications methods
(RS232, etc.) were slow by today’s standards (kilobits
per second transmission speed), Ethernet is available
in two speeds: 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps.
NOTE: For connection examples, refer to the
section of this manual entitled Quantum™ LX
Local Ethernet Configurations and Quantum™
LX Ethernet Network Configurations.
CABLING
Each Quantum™ LX Ethernet connection must be
individually cabled (known as a homerun) direct from
a switch or computer. Unlike RS422/485
communications which allowed for cable daisy-
chaining, Ethernet connections do not allow this.
This type of cabling is designed to handle the 100-
Mbps speed needed by Ethernet. Both ends of each
cable must have an RJ-45 connector attached. The
RJ-45 connector looks similar to the RJ-11 connector
on the end of a telephone cord but is slightly larger
(and not compatible). You can buy Cat 5 cables in
predetermined lengths with the connectors already
attached (for short runs), or you can buy the cable in
rolls, cut it to length and install the RJ-45 connectors
to the ends (up to 100 meters per each cable run).
Frick
®
Controls recommends the use of shielded,
twisted pair Cat 5 cable. A cable that is not properly
constructed and tested can actually be detrimental to
the network. As long as all of the cables that are used
have been properly constructed AND tested, either
shielded or unshielded are acceptable. This is mostly
due to the excellent (electrical) noise immunity that is
inherent with Ethernet componentry.
NOTE: Follow standard networking procedures
for the interconnections of all components. For
individual cable runs in excess of 300 feet (~100
meters), a Switch/Hub must be used for each
additional run.
Cabling Do’s and Don’ts – Frick
®
Controls
recommends the following guidelines when installing
and using CAT 5 Ethernet cable:
Do:
•
Do run all cables in a star (homerun)
configuration.
•
Do keep all individual cable lengths
under 300 feet. If greater distances are
needed, use a switch/hub every 300
feet.
•
Do ensure that the twists of the wire
pairs within the cable are maintained
from end to end.
•
Do make gradual bends in the cable.
Keep each bend radius over one inch.
•
Do keep all cables tie wrapped neatly.
•
Do try to maintain parallel cable runs
where possible.
•
Do keep the cable as far away as
possible from EMF sources (motors,
transformers, solenoids, lighting, etc.)
•
Do label the ends of each cable, to
facility troubleshooting and identifying in
the future.
•
Do test each individual cable run with an
approved CAT5 E cable tester. A
TONING alone test is NOT acceptable.
•
Do use rubber grommets anywhere that
the cable enters through a hole in a
metal panel.
•
ALWAYS obey local, national and fire
building codes.
Don’t:
•
Don’t install cable taut, cables must
always have some “play” or slack in
them.
•
Don’t over-tighten cable ties.
•
Don’t Splice a cable. If a break occurs,
or the length is not long enough (under
300 feet), replace the entire run with a
intact length.
•
Don’t tie cables to electrical conduits.
•
Don’t strip more than one inch from the
end of each cable when installing end
connectors.
•
Don’t sharply bend or kink the cable.
•
Don’t mix 568A and 568B wiring at the
same installation. 568B is the most
common wiring.
•
Don’t use excessive force when pulling
cable.
RJ-45 CONNECTORS
Ethernet network cables require the use of industry
standard RJ-45 plugs as shown below, for the
termination of all cables.
Typical RJ-45 Connector