
•
Simple installation
•
Ideal for a local networking solution
Note
Network configuration and programming require careful consideration. Visit
ni.com/info
and enter
fdenet
for information about exploiting link redundancy and
automatically improving reliability.
Disadvantages:
•
Network traffic patterns can make troubleshooting difficult
•
Requires an external switch
Note
For information about daisy-chaining power, refer to
Power Connectors and
Wiring
.
Star Topology
In a star topology, the host communicates directly with each node through the external switch.
You must use an external switch in a star topology; for network synchronization, you must use
an external 802.1AS switch. Redundant links are recommended, but optional, in this topology.
You must configure the network properly with a recommended external switch before creating
redundant links in the network. Refer to
External Switch Requirements
for information about
what to look for in an external 802.1AS switch.
Figure 17. Star Topology
Node
Node
Node
Host
Networking
Redundant Link (optional)
External
Switch
Advantages:
•
Unpowered nodes and/or node failure does not disrupt network communication with
other nodes
•
Failure of any single Ethernet cable does not disrupt network communication when you
have a redundant link
FD-11613 User Guide
|
© National Instruments
|
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