PowerNet Protocol

PowerNet is a power management communication system.

The PowerNet protocol is a proprietary system owned by Eaton Corporation. Eaton produces power management software applications under its PowerNet brand. It created the PowerNet protocol to carry messages between devices running PowerNet devices over a network.

Features

PowerNet is an industrial networking system. The configuration of the network is a bus carrying signals from a controller to interface units. Eaton refers to this industrial networking relationship as client/server. The client always initiates communication, either with a request for data or a command.

Function

The PowerNet potocol replies on the transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) protocol suite to carry messages between client and server. The clients in the system are called NetPower device servers. The device servers monitor a particular machine or sensor, providing an interface between the industrial equipment and the network.

Access

PowerNet is a closed protocol. Eaton keeps the specification secret. However, it is clear the protocol is a messaging format for data to be passed between a central command unit and operating sensors and machines.

References

• Eaton Corporation: About Us
• Eaton Corporation: Metering, Relays and Communications Instruction Bulletins: PowerNet Part 2