What Does a Circular Network Look Like?
A circular network occurs when multiple routes to the same controller exist and communicate at the same time. This happens when two or more communication protocols are active. For instance, if you have a network with both BACnet/IP and BACnet/Ethernet routes communicating with the same controller, this creates a loop.
Circular networks can lead to various issues, including network congestion, data collision, and reduced performance.
How Are Circular Networks Created?
A circular network is as easy as enabling both protocols with a simple checkbox on both controllers.
1. Enabling Multiple Protocols.
Many controllers support multiple protocols like BACnet/IP and BACnet/Ethernet. Often, enabling both protocols is as simple as checking both checkboxes on the controller’s configuration settings.
This can lead to a circular network where the same data is sent through both protocols, causing redundancy and conflicts.
2. Migration from Ethernet to IP
During the migration process from Ethernet to an IP-based network, it’s common to have a transition period where both networks are active.
This transitional phase can create a situation where two routers are configured to communicate via both IP and Ethernet simultaneously connect, leading to circular network routes.
3. Retaining Ethernet Networks
Sometimes, organizations and businesses decide to keep their existing Ethernet networks while integrating new IP networks for convenience and connectivity.
This dual-network setup can create circular networks if both Ethernet and IP routes are communicating with the same BACnet devices.
4. BACnet MS/TP Considerations
Although less common, circular networks can also occur with BACnet MS/TP in addition to BACnet/IP and BACnet/Ethernet.
This typically happens in more complex network configurations where multiple communication methods are in use.
What are the Impacts of a Circular Network?
- Network Congestion. Circular networks can cause data packets to circulate indefinitely, leading to increased traffic and network congestion.
- Data Collisions. Multiple routes communicating simultaneously can result in data collisions, where packets interfere with each other, causing loss of data integrity and retransmissions.
- Performance Degradation. The redundancy and collisions caused by circular networks can significantly degrade network performance, leading to slower response times and reduced efficiency.
- Troubleshooting Challenges. Identifying and resolving issues in a circular network can be challenging, as the redundant paths and collisions can obscure the root cause of network problems.
How do you Resolve a Circular Network?
Your circular network will be causing such a traffic storm that you won’t be able to reach any of the controllers. To fix it, you will need to unplug one of the problematic controllers’ ethernet network, isolate it from the network, and reconfigure it. You can then add it back onto the network.
Preventing Circular Networks
- Careful Configuration: Ensure that only the necessary protocols are enabled on controllers and routers. Avoid enabling multiple protocols unless absolutely necessary.
- Network Design Best Practices: Follow best practices for network design, ensuring that routes are clearly defined and do not overlap unnecessarily.
- Thorough Testing: During network upgrades or migrations, conduct thorough testing to ensure that circular networks are not created inadvertently.
- Documentation and Monitoring: Maintain detailed documentation of network configurations and continuously monitor the network for signs of circular routes and other anomalies.
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