LonWorks-based Virtual Device Network (VDN) for predictive maintenance

Abstract

Requirements for Distributed Monitoring and Control Networks (DMCN) differ greatly from those of typical data networks. Specifically, any DMCN technology which employs a fieldbus protocol is different from IP network protocol TCP/IP. In general. one needs to integrate fieldbus protocol and TCP/IP to realize DMCN over IP network or internet, which can be viewed as Virtual Device Network (VDN). Interoperability between devices and equipments is essential to enhance the quality and the performance of predictive maintenance (PM). This paper suggests a basic framework for VDN using DMCN over IP network and a method to guarantee interoperability between devices and equipments.