Omron CJ1W-FLN22, Operation Manual, Page: 29 / 277

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FL-net Overview Section 1-1
FL-net Features
FL-net System Concept
FL-net was designed to provide realtime communications between controllers
in manufacturing systems, such as programmable controllers (PLCs), robot
controllers (RCs), and computerized numeric controllers (CNCs). FL-net is
configured to broadcast tokens using the Ethernet UDP/IP protocols to enable
cyclic and message communications.
FL-net systems have the following features.
1. FL-net is an open system.
2. FL-net enables a multi-vendor network.
3. FL-net enables personal computers and FA controllers, such as program-
mable controllers (PLCs) or computerized numeric controllers (CNCs), by
different manufacturers to be interconnected, controlled, and monitored.
Figure 1 Basic Configuration of FL-net Protocol
Conforms to Widely Used Standards
Efficient communications can be achieved by this system based on Ethernet,
which has become the standard particularly for OA devices, combined with
standard UDP/IP. The use of Ethernet offers the following benefits.
1. Low cost
Configurations allowing the application of widely used communications de-
vices reduces costs.
2. Compatible with existing network devices
Transceivers, hubs, cables, LAN cards for personal computers, and other
network devices widely used for Ethernet can be used.
3. Higher speeds
Baud rates are expected to improve in the future, increasing to100 Mbps,
and 1 Gbps.
4. Optical communications
By using devices such as optical repeaters, which are widely used with
Ethernet, optic fiber can be used for necessary components to enable
long-distance transmission of over 500 m, improved noise resistance, and
measures against lightning surge on outdoor wiring.
Application layer User application Interface
FA link protocol layer Cyclic transmission Message service
Message
transmission
Token management
Transport layer UDP
Network layer IP
Data link layer Ethernet
(IEEE802.3 standard)
Physical layer
FL-net
protocol