What is the LonWorks Platform?
LonWorks is a networking platform created by Echelon. LonWorks networks really describe a complete solution to the problem of control systems. Like the computer industry, the control industry was, and in many cases is, creating centralized control solutions based on point-to-point wiring and hierarchical logic systems. This meant that you had a master controller, like a computer or programmable logic controller, physically wired to individual control, monitoring and sensing points, or slaves. The net result worked, but was expensive and difficult to maintain, expand, and service. It was also very expensive to install. LonWorks networks started out with some very simple notions – control systems are fundamentally the same regardless of application; a networked control system is significantly more powerful, flexible, and scaleable than a non-networked control system; and businesses can save and make more money building control networks over the long term than they can with non-networked
