ARCNET bus topology

The networking possibilities of Linear ARCNET

• The Linear ARCNET connects the individual stations directly to each other, i.e. without using any distribution units.
• Each station is connected to the network by using a T connector.
• Both cable ends must be terminated by termination resistors.
• A maximum of 8 stations can be connected to one Linear ARCNET.
• The maximum cable length of the network is 300 m.
• An additional segment can be connected at the end of the wired segment via an Active Hub (active distribution unit), see next but one drawing.

Linear ARCNET

Linear ARCNET, expanded by active distribution units (Active Hubs)

Active Hubs amplify the arriving signals. So they stabilize the network configuration and allow especially for high distances. The Active Hub decouples the station connectors from each other. Therefore, the entire network does not fail when one of the connections fails.

The maximum length of the network is 6 km.

A maximum of 255 stations can be used.

Linear ARCNET, expanded by active distribution units (Active Hubs)