Automatic Filter Table Creation:
Upon project creation, ETS automatically sets the filter tables of all involved Couplers per Group Address.
Example:
If Group Address 'A' links a Group Object of a device in line 1.1 and a Group Object of a device in line 15.15, the involved Couplers are Line Coupler 1.1.0, Backbone Coupler 1.0.0, Backbone Coupler 15.0.0, and Line Coupler 15.15.0. ETS will automatically set (not download!) the filter tables of these four Couplers. If a Group Object of a device in line 1.2 is later added to Group Address 'A', ETS will update the filter table of Line Coupler 1.2.0 as well.
Background Information:
When downloading a coupler, ETS calculates the Group Address filter table based on the current usage of Group Addresses in the project. Whenever this usage changes (e.g., new Group Address links are created or existing ones are removed), ETS assesses the possible impacts on the couplers of the project and resets the GRP programming flag on those couplers that need an update of their filter table. This informs the user about the need to re-download these couplers to enable the latest changes to work correctly.
In some cases, not all communication devices in the KNX installation are modeled as devices in the ETS project. Therefore, ETS might not be able to account for these devices and their Group Address links when calculating the filter table for the couplers. In such scenarios, the installer must manually ensure that the required Group Addresses are forwarded into the network segment where this communication partner is located (e.g., a visualization tool). This was common practice at times, where bus interfaces were not modeled in ETS and the installer did not want to use so-called dummy devices because of their many drawbacks. To manually control the filter table by using "Pass through Line Coupler".
Deprecation of Manual Filter Table Manipulation:
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve ETS, we will be deprecating the manual manipulation of filter tables. This decision has been made because manual alterations can lead to security risks and a reduced project overview. Automated management ensures better accuracy, security, and project clarity.
Effected from: ETS 6.3.0 and above
What does this mean?
The manual manipulation of filter tables will no longer be available or supported.
This means that:
- No longer support for setting the Group Address to "Pass through Line Coupler"
- No longer support for adding Single Group Addresses and blocks of Group Addresses to a Subnetwork Segment
What is still supported?
Existing projects with manual filter tables can still be edited in ETS, but a deprecation message will be displayed under "Sidebar Properties" and a warning dialog will appear when opening the project
Current Best Practices for Visualization:
Instead of directly manipulating filter tables, users are encouraged to consider the following options:
1. Utilize Bus-Interfaces:
-The bus interfaces are modeled in ETS, therefore one can drag 'n' drop the required group addresses to the respective tunneling interfaces, an example of which is illustrated below, after which the group addresses are added to the Filter table of the respective couplers.
Refer article here for comprehensive guidance on integrating and managing bus interfaces effectively.
2. Use of a Dummy Device:
- Add one or more dummy devices to the line where the visualization system is connected.
- Configure the device parameters to include the required Group Objects.
- Assign the necessary Group Addresses to facilitate communication.
Filter Table Preview:
Before the actual download, it is possible to check the virtual filter tables. This can be done via the Coupler context menu.
Device Info:
Reads out the latest downloaded Filter Table from the Coupler's memory. This can be done via the Coupler context menu.