maxNET
maxNET
Key Features
• Operates at 100 Mbps
• Based upon Switched Fast Ethernet
Standard
• Uses intelligent switches
• Full duplex operation
• Multiple simultaneous communication
• No collisions possible
• Proven industry standard
• Fault tolerant network - Total redundancy
• Open architecture that uses Software
Backplane© and TCP/IP protocol
• Electrical or fiber optic media
• 6,500 ft (2 km) between switches
Overview
The maxNET is the network and middleware
that allows for functional and physical
distribution of the system. It interconnects
Distributed Processing Units (DPU)
connected to I/O modules, with
maxSTATIONs, printers, and other plant
automation systems. It has been designed to
have high reliability. The entire network is
redundant and there is no single point of
failure.
maxSTATIONs can include operator or
engineer stations, maxSTORIAN stations,
and maxLINKS gateways to other networks
and systems.
maxNET is a high-speed data highway that
assures fast response, no delays, and no
latency. maxNET guarantees all stations
have unlimited access without delay and
without the need for a traffic director.
maxNET was designed to maximize message
throughput and minimize network traffic, but it
makes use of spare bandwidth during upset
conditions. It includes self-diagnostics that
are utilized on all transmissions.
maxNET has no real limit to the number of
stations. Total network length and number of
nodes is limited only by available addresses.
Network switches extend Ethernet drive and
effective length. SOE synchronization is
assured through two network switches. DPUs
and maxSTATIONs can easily be added
since maxNET is based upon industry
standards that are proven and used the world
over in many different industries.
maxNET can be used in harsh conditions and
is available with fiber optic cables.
Figure 1 — maxNET Communication
System

maxNET – Switched Fast Ethernet
maxNET uses the widely accepted Switched
Fast Ethernet standard. It can coexist with
older 10Base-T networks. No protocol
translations are necessary to interconnect the
networks.
Intelligent switches enhance performance so
that all stations can access the network at
any time without the possibility of collisions.
Multiple simultaneous access to the network
is guaranteed at all times.
Intelligent switches are employed at various
locations in the network to form a backbone
for the system. It can be as simple as a star,
but more likely it will contain multiple
redundant sets at various locations. Each
station is direct connected to a switch over a
dedicated 10/100 mbps UTP CAT5 link. They
do not share the link with any other stations.
A switch can have many stations direct
connected. Switches are then interconnected
to a bi-directional backbone that operates at
100 Mbps. The media for this can be twisted
pair or fiber optic cable. Figure 2 shows a
simple example of such a network with
intelligent switches.
The major advantages of Switched Fast
Ethernet are as follows:
• Full duplex operation over the backbone
effectively doubles the communication
speed and bandwidth -200 Mbps.
• Switches support multiple simultaneous
communication, thus enabling more than
two sets of stations to address each
other at a time. The activity and demand
dictate the communication path at any
given time. Switches sustain traffic in
both directions and between stations
simultaneously
• No collisions can occur. No collision
detection is necessary. Traffic is never
stopped! Stations that monopolize a node
maxNET
are throttled back by the switch. Switches
produce “wire speed” transmission rates
through the nodes
• Increased physical size of the network.
Systems can be interconnected without
limit by using switches as gateways and
as buffers
• Access is permitted at any time. There is
no fixed scheme that determines when
access is permitted. Therefore, the
latency period associated with token
passing systems such as FDDI does not
exist in maxNET.
Figure 3 shows the possible simultaneous
communication paths that might occur in a
typical system.
Fault Tolerance
All maxNET components are redundant.
Switchover to the backup is instantaneous.
Switches are also redundant and have
diagnostics that can be used to detect the
section of the network that has a fault or is
broken.
Intelligent Switches
Switches come in several combinations and
sizes based on system needs.
Metso Automation provides intelligent
switches for both the “A” and “B” maxNET
networks. Switches are configured to
maximize security of each and every port to
eliminate unauthorized access while allowing
legitimate communication to occur among
defined devices.
 maxNET
Global Access
The system can be partitioned into separate
domains with independent configurations
each containing their own core stations,
resulting in smaller, more manageable
configurations and better operating security. Because each domain is defined by a set of
The proxy server program within each areas in the hierarchical database structure,
maxSTATION bridges different domains. An points in other domains can be accessed
auxiliary domain can be set up to access the using their HID (Hierarchical Identification)
plant automation system at a slightly lower designation without having to include the
priority than core stations. Core stations are unique tag name in the database of the
protected against interference from auxiliary requesting stations database of the
stations by the proxy server. Global access requesting station’s domain.
allows all process data in any domain to be
viewed at any maxSTATION. Global access The system also supports global access from
allows any maxSTATION on the maxNET to the Plant Information System network, either
control any part of the process in any domain. through remote graphic displays or through
the use of dynamic data exchange (DDE) or
The creation of domains supports central object linking and embedding maxOPC. The
operation of multiple units or processes, entire database can be accessible to the
which reduces control room space and connected systems.
requirements for operator workstations. A
domain can represent a complete process, or
a physical, or logical subset of the process.
Multiple domains are separated by switches
to isolate local network traffic, but still allow
access to other domains.
maxNETArchitecture

Other
Remote Computer
maxSTATION

Plant Management Network

All maxNET interfaces,

links and switches are
redundant. Single path is Modem
shown for simplicity.
maxSTATION maxSTATION
10/100 Mbps Full Duplex Additional maxSTATIONs,
Ethernet maxLINKS
or maxSTORIANs
100 Mbps Full Duplex
Ethernet
Fiber Optic
OR
FDX Full Duplex Cable
Ethernet Switch FDX FDX Optical
10 Mbps Full Duplex
Repeater

MMI Region
Control Region

To Additional Subsystem
Switches
FDX
10/100 Mbps Full Duplex Ethernet

D D D
P P P
U U U

Figure 2 — maxNET System with Full Duplex Intelligent Switches


Security
Access Security
The DPUs respond to requests only from
recognized clients on the maxNET Network
or remote clients. Clients are only defined off-
line to prevent unauthorized access.
Access to other domains is controlled for
each maxSTATION on a per area basis, with
wildcards allowed. Configuration files with
access information are secured to prevent
unauthorized access. Access levels for each
maxSTATION for each area are None, Read
Only (which allows data access but no
control), or Read-Write (which allows control
actions). This security is in addition to the
nine level security in the Operator’s
maxSTATION to read or write to an individual
point. Remote access security guarantees no
unwanted control actions.
maxNET
Physical Separation
The two Ethernet networks which make up
the maxNET Network use entirely separate
communications hardware. There are two
Ethernet adapter boards in each
maxSTATION processor with a separate
network cable for each. Related hardware
such as repeaters and frame switches are
also separate for each network.
Network Printing
Network printing supports up to 8 printers for
each Engineer’s maxSTATION in each
domain. Network printers can be alarm
loggers, page printers (used for reports) and
color printers used for screen printing.
Network printing features configurable
automatic failover in the event of a printer
failure.

Bi-directional Backbone

Switch 1 Switch 2
Figure 3 — Example of Multiple Simultaneous Communication System
© 2010 Metso P-414-U-10/10

For more information, contact your local Metso office.

www.metso.com www.metsoservices.com
Email: Info.max@metso.com
MAX 1™, MAX 1000™, MAX 1000 + PLUS®, maxDNA, and maxDNA CR are
trademarks of Metso Automation. All other company and product names are
registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective companies.
Specifications and terms are subject to change without notice.