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IFI Routers/Repeaters Installation & Operation Manual - P/N: 53388:Rev: A1 5/5/09
Section 4 NCB-IM Routers
4.1 About Routers
Routers are used for applications that require network runs with large node counts, extreme
distances, and complex configurations.
Typically, a router is required under these conditions:
•
Any time more than 64 nodes are to be attached to a network segment.
•
When the segment needs to be more than 6000'.
•
When a free topology (star) configuration would be more efficient.
Routers regenerate the signal, resulting in no signal degradation. A router is an Echelon network
node that can be used to connect differing media types together or to extend the network. These are
the supported router types.
4.2 NCB-IM Product Description
This is a router that is used to connect Echelon network channels together via telephone lines.
NCB-IMs must be connected in pairs. The telephone lines used may be either leased line (dry
copper wires) or dial-up. In the dial-up configuration a telephone number must be programmed in
to the router. The NCB-IM’s have a neuron chip that is used to configure the router’s phone
number and to get additional status information from the router. This neuron chip should be linked
to the router when it is bound. The NCB-IMs also have DIP switches that are used to configure
additional parameters (leased line/dial-up, Originate/Answer, etc.).
NCB-IM routers are devices that when used in pairs allow you to connect multiple Echelon
networks in real time, spanning great distances. The communication channel between these
devices can be any analog or digitized analog channel capable of supporting V.32 turbo standard
modem signalling, including standard dial-up public switched telephone circuits, 2-wire or 4-wire
leased-lines or dry copper CAT 5 cable (dry copper mode uses leased-line configuration over
shorter distances). Data transfer between routers is delayed only by the transit time through the
routers and modem connections.
NOTE:
For detailed information about the router, refer to the manufacturer’s documentation
included with the product.
NOTE:
The NCB-IM the only type of router that support redundant router configuration.
Redundant NCB-IMs are used to protect against communication failure if one of the phone lines is
disconnected.
