Ethernet summarizes a variety of networking technologies, software (protocols) and hardware (cable, hubs, interface cards, etc.) for wired, local area networks (LANs). Originally published in 1983 as the IEEE 802.3 standard, Ethernet has evolved to today’s most used LAN technology. As a packet-switched network, Ethernet belongs to the layers 1 and 2 of the ISO/OSI layer model and defines addressing and media access. Ethernet is a common basis for networking protocols such as TCP/IP and UDP/IP and is able to multiplex several application protocols at the same time (e.g. HTTP, FTP, IP-852, BACnet/IP, KNXnet/IP).
LOYTEC devices with an Ethernet interface use 100Base-T (Fast Ethernet) at 100 Mbit/s and an RJ45 jack.
LOYTEC devices featuring two Ethernet ports can either be configured to use the internal switch to interconnect the two ports or every port is configured to work in a separate IP network.
When the Ethernet ports are configured for two separate IP networks, one port can be connected for instance to a WAN (Wide Area Network) with enabled network security (HTTPS) while the second port can be configure to be connected to an insecure network (LAN) where the standard building automation protocols like BACnet/IP, LON/IP, or Modbus TCP are present. These devices also feature firewall functionality of course to isolate particular protocols or services between the ports.
Using the internal switch, a daisy chained line topology of up to 20 devices can be built, which reduces costs for network installation. The IP switch also allow the setup of a redundant Ethernet installation (ring topology), which increases reliability. The redundant Ethernet topology is enabled by the Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), which is supported by most managed switches.
