When using the word "topology", we are referring to the arrangement
of the various components in the entire Benderlink cell.
For example, is Benderlink running at the measuring center, or is it
running near the bender? Is there a single Benderlink at each bender,
or is there one Benderlink system for a group of benders.
Ultimately, you can choose the best topology for your application. This
section helps you to understand six different topologies possible.
Here are the key points for this topology:
1. Good for the Multi Measure 5000 and IT525 measuring centers
2. Address Multiple Benders Automatically
3. Bender Data Storage On The Measuring Center Hard Drive
This topology is the most popular of all the topology choices.
Here are the key points for this topology:
1. Good for the Multi Measure 5000 and IT525 measuring centers
2. Address Multiple Benders Automatically
3. Bender Data Storage On The Measuring Center Hard Drive
4. No Hard Wire Contraints
These transceivers can communicate with indoor distances
up to 1 KM (over 3000 feet) if line-of-sight conditions are available. YAGI
antennas are placed so that they are within sight of each other. This application
is good for most customers because the measuring center is often in a small room
on the shop floor next to the CNC benders (typically within a 300 foot range).
In this case, the YAGI antenna at the measuring center is placed on the outside and top
of the measuring center room and aimed at the YAGI antennas at the benders.
This topology is a protocol that is designed to work with older measuring centers
that do not allow Benderlink to run on the measuring center computer.
Here are the key points for this topology:
1. Huge Quantity Part Storage at the Benderlink Computer
2. Address Multiple Benders Automatically
This topology operates like Topology 3, except with the advantages offered by wireless.
Like, Topology 3, it is a protocol that is designed to work with older Supravision
measuring centers that do not allow Benderlink to run on the measuring center computer.
This topology is a protocol that is designed to allow the bender operator to
have dedicated access to Benderlink to store and recall bender. It is designed for
easy and definite data segregation by bender.
Here are the key points for this topology:
1. Unhindered Access For Each Bender Operator
2. Huge Quantity Part Storage at Each Bender
This effectively gives each bender a separate hard drive for mass storage.
3. Ethernet LAN Connection Between Benders
This topology is similar to topology 5, except that it features industrial
enclosures at each bender with a touch screen interface.
Note that
there are other topologies which are not shown here.
Topology 1: Benderlink Running On The Measuring Center Computer with
Electronic Switch Box and Cable Connection
Because the MM5000 uses Supravision software, and it runs on a system
from within Windows 95 or Windows 98, it is possible to multitask Benderlink
and Supravision in the same computer.
Using SERVER MODE, this configuration allows Benderlink to respond to
a request for transmission from the Supravision software to any bender
using an electronic switch box. Currently, up to 64 benders can be addressed
in this topology. (Automatic addressing of multiple benders is available only
with the Supravision Network protocol. Other protocols require the operater to
select the bender at Benderlink before beginning transmission.)
Benderlink files are stored directly on the measuring center hard drive.
Topology 2: Benderlink Running On The Measuring Center Computer with
a Wireless Transceiver Connection (No Cables)
Because the MM5000 uses Supravision software, and it runs on a system
from within Windows 95 or Windows 98, it is possible to multitask Benderlink
and Supravision in the same computer.
Using SERVER MODE, this configuration allows Benderlink to respond to
a request for transmission from the Supravision software to any bender
in the wireless network. (Automatic addressing of multiple benders is available only
with the Supravision Network protocol. Other protocols require the operater to
select the bender at Benderlink before beginning transmission.)
Benderlink files are stored directly on the measuring center hard drive.
This wireless topology adds extreme flexibility to the benderlink network.
Cables no longer have to be run through the factory ceiling, and the machines
in the Benderlink network can be moved on a regular basis without disturbing
the network.
Topology 3: Benderlink Running On A Dedicated Computer At The Measuring Center Computer
with an Electronic Switch Box
Huge bender part storage management is available in this topology. (Benderlink can
store 250,000 parts per gigabyte of hard drive space available.)
Using SERVER MODE, this configuration allows Benderlink to respond to
a request for transmission from the Supravision software to any bender
using an electronic switch box. Currently, up to 64 benders can be addressed
in this topology. (Automatic addressing of multiple benders is available only
with the Supravision Network protocol. Other protocols require the operater to
select the bender at Benderlink before beginning transmission.)
Topology 4: Benderlink Running On A Dedicated Computer At The Measuring Center Computer
with a Wireless Transceiver Connection (No Cables)
Topology 5: Benderlink Running On A Dedicated Computer At Each Bender
Each bender operator has unhindered access to the parts on the computer
at the bender.
Huge bender part storage management is available at each bender
in this topology. (Benderlink can store 250,000 parts per gigabyte of hard
drive space available.)
Each Benderlink computer can have its own connection to an Ethernet LAN, so data can
be transfered to/from other benders with Benderlink computers. Also data can be
transferred to non-Benderlink on the same same network. This is excellent for off-site
backup.
Topology 6: Benderlink Running On A Benderlink Control Unit At Each Bender
