Subnets

Abstract

Subnets are a division of tracks in partitions.

Definition

Subnets are a way to organize and hierarchize tracks in a tree topology.

To make subnets, you need to partition the 15 stations in subnets using dedicated signs.

• BC9002 creates a 2-station subnet
• BC9004 creates a 4-station subnet
• BC9008 creates a 8-station subnet

Constraints

Subnets are composed with consecutive stations address. If you create a 4-station subnet for example, your subnet will include a range of 4 stations with consecutive address.

Subnets are aligned with their respective length. For example, a 4-subnet will be aligned on 0, 4, 8 or 12 station address, giving 4 possible 4-station subnet :

• from XX.YY.1 to XX.YY.3
• from XX.YY.4 to XX.YY.7
• from XX.YY.8 to XX.YY.11
• from XX.YY.12 to XX.YY.15

Partition

You may partition your track in different ways, with respect of the design constraints explained above.

Here are some examples of partitioning:

• 8-station subnet from 1 to 7, and another 8-station subnet from 8 to 15

• four 4-station subnets as in the example above

• 8-station subnet from 1 to 7 partitioned in two 4-station subnets (Tree subneting)

• 8-station subnet from 1 to 7 and two 4-station subnets, from 8 to 11 and from 12 to 15, respectively (Mixed subneting)

• Howto When designing you physical network, identify groups of stations that could be addressed together. Instead of having all theses stations directly on your tracks, you can put a subnet sign to select carts going to these stations and send them to a dedicated circuit where you will select them individually.

Using subnets, you will save travel time since you don't need to have your carts going individually to each stations to check if their destination address matches. The track loop will be optimized to shorten loop travel time, distributing selected traffic to dedicated subnet distribution circuits.