1 OVERVIEW
1.1 What is FL-net
FL-net is an open FA network that the FA Open Systems Promotion Group (FAOP) standardized in
the Manufacturing Science and Technology Center (MSTC), which is an organization affiliated to
the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. The Japan Electrical Manufacturers' Association
(JEMA) prepared the specification.
As shown in Figure 1-1, this network can interconnect programmable controllers (PLCs), computer
numerical control (CNC) devices, and various other factory automation controllers and personal
computers of many different brands to exercise control and monitoring functions.
Computers
Controllers
Devices
PC
PC
Higher-level LAN Ethernet (TCP/IP, UDP/IP)
FL-net (Ethernet based control network)
PLC
Field network
Figure 1-1 FA Control Network Configuration Example
Server
PC
EWS
PLC
PLC
Sensor actuator
1-2
WAN
Panel
CNC
computer
RC