COMMUNICATION PROTOCOLS

Four powerful advanced communication protocols allow flexibility, speed and capacity

Developing our own communications protocols for internal networking and external device interfacing gives us the ability to maximize communications efficiency.

SmartLAN

SmartLAN, an RS-485 inter-panel communication protocol, was designed to communicate over inexpensive twisted pair LAN cabling while still meeting the ever increasing demand for data throughput.  This true peer-to-peer protocol allows any number of controllers to automatically self-boot to form a network.  Interrupt-based token passing ensures immediate response and fast throughput of high priority signals originating anywhere in the system.  All system functions and operator transactions are maintained at normal speeds even when the system is under extreme loading conditions.

ASCII Protocol

A digital communication protocol was designed to make interfacing with third party monitoring and control instrumentation quick and easy.  Any digital device is able to communicate with or through our control network.  Using this protocol, data packets are seamlessly added to the data stream.  This provides our control systems with the power to integrate with high sample rate and critical response control equipment.

Walker "Open Protocol for Interoperability" (OPI)

Walker's own natural language protocol for conversational transactions between devices. This protocol is being implemented for communications with lower level devices. It is the simplest protocol for an OEM to interface with Walker Product.

BACnet

In order to maintain compatability with industry direction, Walker has implemented a line of BacNET controllers that tie into existing systems.