GRouter3 Datasheet

Introduction

The GRouter3 is the next generation in Adept System’s venerable line of standards based LON over IP routing products. The GRouter3 brings an innovative modular design for optimal scalability and cost effectiveness. The GRouter3 further widens Adept’s leadership in price performance for ANSI 852/709.1 routers.

Unique to the GRouter3 is the choice of either 10/100 Base-T Ethernet (CAT 5) or 802.11b WiFi wireless internet protocol network interface.

New to the GRouter3 is a wide range input power supply that accepts 18-72VDC and 24-48VAC RMS and/or 24-60V power over Ethernet (POE) passed through the Ethernet RJ-45 (not available on the WiFi version). The power connector now uses a 2 pin 3.5 mm Euro connector. The packaging is also new with built in DIN rail clip and popular “top hat” plastic enclosure. The GRouter3 comes in either a -25 to 70º C or -40 to 85º C temperature rating (depending on power supply configuration).

Also new are a real time clock, an optional external transceiver interface, and support for up to two 709.1 ports at a time. Each port acts as an independent LON to IP router. The external interface supports one single ended mode transceiver or one special purpose mode transceiver, such as, power-line. The two active ports can be selected from any combination of the two internal ports and the external transceiver interface. The internal port transceivers can be either FT-10 or RS-485 or one of each.

The GRouter3 uses a 55 MHz ARM 7 processor and is based on either the DIGI Connect ME™or DIGI Connect WIME™ modules. This modular approach has enabled Adept to significantly reduce the per channel cost of LON to IP connectivity.

Scalable component network with IP backbone using Adept's 852 based LON over IP routers

Interoperability

GRouter3 was designed to be compliant with existing router network management and configuration software to make upgrades easy for systems integrators. IP communications are based on the open ANSI 852 and 709.1 standard specifications. This enables interoperable LON over IP routers and tunneling repeaters.

GRouter3 is designed for seamless integration into existing LonWorks® control networks and is highly interoperable with existing management tools, nodes, gateways, and routers, such as, the i.LON® 600. It supports a direct IP connection to LNS or LonMaker® running on a PC. The GRouter3 also interoperates with and/or replaces legacy “Router-LL” systems.

Each LON/IP router can be configured to send to and receive from multiple other routers using selective forwarding. This allows more effective and efficient networks by reducing the number of routers needed to interconnect the 709.1 channels. Routers communicate by using either IP uni-cast or IP multi-cast. Adept’s routers are currently the only 852 compliant router to support 852’s IP multi-cast mode.

Adept’s routers provide unique features that solve problems for systems integrators. For example, the routers have a flood mode where two or more routers will be “invisible” to other LON network components and network management tools. This allows seamless connection of remote channels over a LAN or the internet such that they all appear as members of the local subnet. This is useful with legacy network controllers or embedded network configuration tools that are unable to configure routers. Multi-cast support makes flood mode efficient and scalable.

The on-board web server for remote configuration simplifies installation, especially in multi-building sites. The web configuration page includes service pin and reset buttons to enable remote commissioning in either Normal or Manual mode. The new look web interface includes full functionality for all configuration options and also allows in system upgrades of the firmware using the IP connection.

Distributed Multi-Building Network

Integrated WiFi Support

GRouter3 is the first ever 852 router to provide integrated 802.11b WiFi support. With the WiFi option the Ethernet port is replaced with a WiFi port. The standard configuration includes an omnidirectional whip antenna. Other antennas are available. This makes it convenient to extend the network between buildings and other remote sites or for retrofit applications.

GRouter3 with 802.11b WiFi

GRouter3 AdHoc WiFi Channel

WAN Support with NAT and DDNS

GRouter3 provides support for network address translation (NAT) when installed on a local IP LAN. Unique to GRouter3 is support for Dynamic DNS (DDNS). With a DDNS compliant NAT router such as the LinkSysTM BEFSX41, the GRouter3 will do DNS lookups to track changing IP addresses of its local WAN access point and those of other GRouter3s. This saves the expense of static IP addresses for widely distributed sites. The HTTP port for the GRouter3 router is also user configurable to avoid conflicts when used behind a NAT router.

NAT and Dynamic DNS (DDNS)

High Availability Twin Mode

The GRouter3 supports an optional redundant twin mode with enhanced reliability for high availability applications. Adept was the first to offer this feature in LON/IP routers and draws on years of experience In redundant twin mode two routers connect to the same LON channel but without duplicate forwarding of packets. This provides greater reliability without the scalability problems of excess duplicate packet traffic. The twins monitor, diagnose, and report faults. The secondary twin will automatically go active if the primary fails. Should there be a fault in either interface then both routers will go active and forward traffic until the fault has been healed. Standard Alarm SNVTs send out notification of faults. The router configuration is periodically and automatically synchronized between the two routers to reduce fail-over time and increase the fidelity between the backup and primary router operation.

High Availability Redundant Twin Mode

Bridging Router Mode

The GRouter3 uniquely supports an optional 852 to 852 bridging router mode for traffic management in large installations. This mode routes packets directly between two 852 channels. With bridging router mode, a hierarchy of 852 channels can be built for installations with large numbers of LON/IP routers. Multiple 852 channels can inter-network for an inherently scalable architecture of LON networks connected by IP networks.

GRouter3 "LON over IP" Router Architecture

GRouter3 Dimensions

GRouter3, GNode3, GadgetStack, GadgetGateway are trademarks of Adept Systems Inc. LonWorks, LonTalk, LonMaker, i.LON are registered trademarks of Echelon Corporation. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.