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Logistic network: Difference between revisions

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(→‎usage as source: fix order to match description below)
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{| class="wikitable" width="1%"
 
| [[File:RoboTrainStation.gif]]
[[File:RoboTrainStation.gif|thumb|632x562px|right|''This gif shows how robots can load or unload chests in a train station. The top track is for loading; and there are [[Requester chest]]s on both sides. The requested items are then filled into the wagons. The second track is the unloading track, the delivered items are filled into [[Active Provider chest]]s and then put into the [[Storage chest]]s at the very top and at the center. At the bottom the incoming ores from both sides are moved into [[Active Provider chest]]s; and then put into the requester chests at the top track.'' Logistics robots are ideal in train stations, since very high item throughput on a short distance is needed.]]
|-
| ''This gif shows how robots can load or unload chests in a train station. The top track is for loading and there are [[Requester chest]]s on both sides. The requested items are then filled into the wagons. The second track is the unloading track, the delivered items are filled into [[Active Provider chest]]s and then put into the [[Storage chest]]s at the very top and at the center. At the bottom the incoming ores from both sides are moved into [[Active Provider chest]]s and then put into the requester chests at the top track.
''Logistics robots are ideal in train stations, since you need very high item throughput on a short distance.
|}


A [[Logistic network]] (LogNet) is a series of [[Logistic network/Chests|different chests]] and [[Logistic robot]]s all covered by one or more [[Roboport]]s.  
A [[Logistic network]] (LogNet) is a series of [[Logistic network/Chests|different chests]] and [[Logistic robot]]s all covered by one or more [[Roboport]]s.  


Depending on the type and configuration of the chests and area of the [[Robotic network]] the robots will transport items between these chests as a power-hungry alternative to moving items manually, by [[Transport network|belts]] or [[Railway network]].
Depending on the type and configuration of the chests and area of the [[Robotic network]] the robots will transport items between these chests as a power-hungry alternative to moving items manually, or by [[Transport network|belts]] or [[Railway network]]. However, robots offer much higher mobility, since they can fly over obstacles.


The player character can also act as [[Requester chest]] in the [[Logistic network]], allowing you to 'request' various items be kept at a set limit within your personal inventory. After [[Research|researching]] [[Character logistic slots]] you can configure an amount of Items and [[Logistic robot]]s will start to move the specified [[Items]] from the network to your characters inventory.
The player character can also act as [[Requester chest]] in the [[Logistic network]] with the correct researches, allowing them to 'request' various items be kept at a set limit within their personal inventory. After [[Research|researching]] [[Character logistic slots]], they can configure an amount of Items; and [[Logistic robot]]s will start to move the specified [[Items]] from the network to the character's inventory.


Do not mix up LogNet and [[Circuit network]]. They share a common component (smart inserter), but are otherwise disconnected and do not exchange any information. Also do not mix up logistic network with construction network or combinations of the two called [[Robotic network]].
Do not mix up LogNet and [[Circuit network]]. They share common components, but are otherwise disconnected and do not exchange any information. Also, do not mix up logistic network with construction network or combinations of the two called [[Robotic network]].


== Items ==
== Items ==
Line 23: Line 19:
| {{imagelink|Provider-chest|Active Provider chest}} || [[Logistic network/Chests|Logistic Chest]]: Supplies the contained items to the logistic network. (**)
| {{imagelink|Provider-chest|Active Provider chest}} || [[Logistic network/Chests|Logistic Chest]]: Supplies the contained items to the logistic network. (**)
|-
|-
| {{imagelink|Logistic-chest-passive-provider|Passive Provider chest}} || [[Logistic network/Chests|Logistic Chest]]: Supplies the contained items to the logistic network. (**)
| {{imagelink|Logistic-chest-passive-provider|Passive Provider chest}} || [[Logistic network/Chests|Logistic Chest]]: Supplies the contained items to the logistic network passively. (**)
|-
|-
| {{imagelink|storage-chest|Storage chest}} || [[Logistic network/Chests|Logistic Chest]]: Stores [[Items]] currently not requested. Supplies the contained items to the Logistic network. (**)
| {{imagelink|storage-chest|Storage chest}} || [[Logistic network/Chests|Logistic Chest]]: Stores [[Items]] currently not requested. Supplies the contained items to the Logistic network. (**)
|-
|-
| {{imagelink|Requester-chest|Requester chest}} || [[Logistic network/Chests|Logistic Chest]]: Will be filled by [[Logistic robot]]s until the configured amount is reached. (**)
| {{imagelink|Requester-chest|Requester chest}} || [[Logistic network/Chests|Logistic Chest]]: Will be filled by [[Logistic robot]]s until the configured amount is reached, or the chest becomes full. Can request multiple different types of items. (**)
|-
| {{imagelink|Smart-inserter|Smart inserter}} || [[Smart inserter]]: Can be turned on/off depending on the contents of a logistic network it is located in.
|-
|}
|}


(*) At the beginning each robot can carry only 1 [[Items|item]]. This amount can be increased by researching [[Logistic robot cargo]].
(*) At the beginning each robot can carry only 1 [[Items|item]]. This amount can be increased by researching [[Logistic robot cargo]].


(**) Logistic chests are also usable for a [[Circuit network]] by using wires.
(**) Logistic chests are also usable for a [[Circuit network]] by using wires, like [[red wire]] or [[green wire]].
 
== Basic ==
 
To start with, just use passive provider- and requester chests! Place the passive provider chests at the output inserters of assemblies and requester chests at the input (let them request the needed items). Place a [[Roboport]], which covers these chests with the inner area. Place some logistic bots.
 
The robots will begin to work.
 
You can now limit the number of produced item either with the [[Storage/Stack#Stack limitation|stack limitation]]-feature or - in the long term much better - with [[Smart inserter]]s, which are configured to limit the number of available items in the logistic network.
 
=== How it works ===


Place some logistic bots anywhere, or in a Roboport, they will immediately begin to work.
== Use ==


The logistic bots try to fulfill the configured requests (requester chest) by moving items from storage- or active/passive provider chest to requester chest.
To start with, just use passive provider- and requester chests. Place the passive provider chests at the output [[inserters]] of [[assembling machine]]s and requester chests at the input (let them request the needed items). Place a [[Roboport]], which covers these chests with the inner orange area. Place some logistic bots. The robots will fly out of the top hatch and will begin to work. You can now limit the number of produced item either with the [[Storage/Stack#Stack limitation|stack limitation]]-feature.


=== Usage ===
Logistic network is very capable for creating more and more complex items in a relatively small factory-area. Low complexity and high volume activities over longer distances (like smelting) can (and should) be left using belts or railway network.


Logistic network is very capable for creating more and more complex items in a relatively small factory-area. Low complexity and high volume activities over longer distances (like smelting) can (and should) be left using belts or railway network.
The basic thing needed are [[Roboport]]s. When placing the port and hover over it, notice an orange and a larger green area.
 
The basic thing you need are [[Roboport]]s. When you placed the port and hover it, you see a orange and a larger green area.


* The orange zone is the Logistic Network area. This is also the maximum distance for connecting two roboports.
* The orange zone is the Logistic Network area. This is also the maximum distance for connecting two roboports.
* The green zone is the Construction area.
* The green zone is the Construction area.
''For more info on the specifics of how [[roboport]]s work, check the page dedicated to them.''


=== Expand the logistic zone ===
=== Expand the logistic zone ===
Use more roboports to create a bigger logistic-zone! When the zones of two or more roboports touch or overlap, they are linked together to form a single network. This will show as a dotted line between the linked roboports (if they have power).
If only the construction zones touch or overlap, the roboports are '''not''' connected.
The inner zone covered by a [[Robotic network]] is identical to that of the Logistic network. All [[Logistic network/Chests]] inside the zone are connected and make up the [[Logistic network]]. Items in logistic chests are available for request by the Player or another chest within the logistic network.


There can be many separate logistic networks. Two roboports are in the same network only if they are connected, as described above. To prevent roboports from linking, the Player needs to build them far enough away from each other so that the orange zones don't touch.
There can be many separate logistic networks. Two roboports are in the same network only if they are connected, as described above. To prevent roboports from linking, the Player needs to build them far enough away from each other so that the orange zones don't touch.


Bots do normally not fly from one network into another (exception: when running out of charge).
Bots do not fly from one network into another, unless requiring a recharge. Robots will never "nest" in a different network.
 
=== Danger of losing bots ===
 
Logistics robots are a priority target of biters, and will prioritize attacking them over many objects in the vicinity of the robots.


With v0.10.0 the bots are not longer destroyed, when running out of energy, but have then only 20% of their speed, which gives them the chance to reload and a chance for the player to find the problem.
=== Losing bots ===


Pay attention to robotic networks which form some kind of U-shape (where the shortest way between two chests goes over an uncovered area): if a bot runs out of charge in this area, and cannot return fast enough to a roboport, the bot will be significantly slowed and as a result the logistics network will frequently slow down at this point.
Logistics robots are a priority target of biters, and will prioritize attacking them over many objects in the vicinity of the robots. Destroyed robots will not be replaced, unless automatic control of the robot creation system is used.


Robots may run out of charge on longer journeys. When the charging-queue for the bots gets too long, the bots (and their loads) will slow down. Generally, a roboport can charge between 50 and 70 bots, but are not very efficient at charging large queues of bots and can quickly become overworked.
With v0.10.0, the bots are not longer destroyed when running out of energy, but will be reduced to 20% of their speed, which gives them the chance to recharge eventually and a chance for the player to notice the problem.


== Advanced ==
Pay attention to robotic networks which form some kind of U-shape (where the shortest way between two chests goes over an uncovered area): if a bot runs out of charge in this area, and cannot return fast enough to a roboport, the bot will be significantly slowed and as a result the logistics network will frequently slow down, with large groups of bots slowly flying over the uncovered area.


=== Network info ===
Robots may run out of charge on longer journeys. When the charging-queue for the bots gets too long, the bots (and their loads) will slow down. Generally, a roboport can charge between 50 and 70 bots per min, 4 at a time, but are not very efficient at charging large queues of bots and can quickly become overworked. Place more roboports near the first one to share the load.
A Logistic network knows the numbers of all [[Items]] stored in storage and active/passive chests and also the number of all items currently carried by [[Logistic robot]]s. This information can be seen by '''hovering over a logistic chest''':
* you see the sum of all items in storage/provider chests (The list can get very long, this will be fixed)
* currently on the way in this logistic network and
* currently requested items.


=== Negative numbers ===
=== Negative numbers ===
It is possible to notice negative numbers on the right info panel when looking at network storage. Contrary to common belief, this is intended.


For some reasons, you can see negative numbers in the network info. This is not a bug!
The logistic network numbers report items in provider and storage chests, ''minus the amount of items scheduled to be picked up by robots.'' When negative numbers are shown, it means that more items are being requested than are available in the network. There is a deficit. This can be a problem, or intended, depending on the player's choice. The negative value is just to explain why items aren't being delivered. For example, a deficit of 20 iron plates would look like this:


The logistic network numbers report items in provider and storage chests, ''minus the amount of items scheduled to be picked up by robots.
{{icon|iron plate|-20}}


This means, that the bots can transport more than available because of [[Logistic robot cargo]]:
=== Receiving more items than requested ===
* A chest orders a robot to pick up one item to bring it to another chest.
* But the robot is able to pick up two. And will also pick up two, if available then.
* So, the simple calculation is: One item available, minus 2 items, that are ordered to picked up is -1 items.


Realistically, it means "you are trying to use more of these than you're producing" - increase production rate if you want to get rid of a bottleneck.
The delivered number of items in the requester chest can be higher than requested. This depends from the [[Logistic robot cargo]]-bonus you have researched, since bots will always take as much as they can carry if an unlimited amount is available.


=== Active/Passive Provider chest ===


The provider chest is used by the logistic bots as "source".
== Priorities of robots ==


You insert the items into this chest with an [[Inserters|inserter]]; a useful case is directly inserting the output of an [[Assembling machine]]/[[Furnace]] into this chest. Use a [[Smart inserter]] to limit the number of items you put into the logistic network!
This overview reflects the priorities in which order the chests are filled/emptied.
 
The priorities between active and passive Provider chest are equal ( see http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=3415 )
 
==== active provider chest ====
* The content of active provider chests is delivered to '''both requester and storage chests
* Active provider chests are immediately emptied unless the demand for that item in requester chests is already met or there is no space in a storage chest left.
 
==== passive provider chest ====
* The content of passive provider chests is '''delivered to requester chests only'''.
* Passive provider chests are only emptied if there is a requester chest which has an unmet demand for those items.
 
=== Requester chest ===
 
The requester chest is used by the logistic bots as "target".
 
You can set the needed amount of items in the [[Requester chest]]. The logistic bots try then to deliver this requests.
The logistic bots take the requested items (first from provider chests, then from storage chests), until the demand us fulfilled.
(The delivered items can then be placed via [[Inserters]] to the destination, e. g. an [[Assembling machine]]).
 
==== more items then requested? ====
 
The delivered number of items in the requester chest can be higher than requested. This depends from the [[Logistic robot cargo]]-bonus you have researched.
 
=== Storage chest ===
 
This chest is used by the logistic bots as both, "source" and "target". You can use the storage chest in the same way as the active/passive provider chest: deliver items to the requester chests. But that is not it's purpose.
 
==== usage as target ====
The storage chest is used as target, when all other targets for the provider chests are fulfilled and if there are free bots left. Then the bots move items from provider- to storage-chest.
 
They try to move the item to a storage chest, that '''already contains items of the same type'''. Empty storage chests are filled first. This should avoid having storage chests with different items inside.
 
==== usage as source ====
Storage chests have a lower priority than active provider chests. The bots look for an active provider chest as source, before they search in a storage chest for that item. At last they search in a passive provider chest for that item
 
==== useful cases for the storage chest? ====
 
This has been quite long discussed (See [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1237#p8625 this] and [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1237#p8625|this thread]).
 
As the result the provider chest has been changed to the [[Active Provider chest]] and the [[Passive Provider chest]] was introduced.
 
There are now no cases, where the storage chest can't be used; there is always a way to integrate them into the layout and this is especially important for deconstruction or for example at [[Railway network/Train station]]s. [http://www.factorioforums.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1237#p8625 see here] )
 
== The possible ways and order priorities ==
 
This overview reflects also the priorities, in which order the chests are filled/emptied.


The logistic network looks for orders by the chests in this order:
The logistic network looks for orders by the chests in this order:


* A ''requested'' item is first looked up in the active provider chests, then in the storage chests, then the passive provider chests. So, the active provider chests are emptied first, then the storage chests, then the passive provider chests.
* If robots are free and there is space left in storage chests, and there are unrequested items in an active provider chests, the items are moved from active provider to a storage chest.
* For the storage chests, the bots search for one storage which has the same item already. If that can't be found, they begin using a new storage chest. This is to avoid having storage chests with different items inside, allowing greater organisation.


{| class="wikitable"
Storage chests will be filled with items from active provider chests, and construction robots that have had their orders cancelled while they were carrying items.
! Source !! Target
|-
| {{imagelink|provider-chest|Active Provider chest}} || {{imagelink|character-logistic-slots|Character logistic slots}}|-
| {{imagelink|storage-chest|Storage chest}} || {{imagelink|character-logistic-slots|Character logistic slots}}|-
| {{imagelink|Logistic-chest-passive-provider|Passive Provider chest}} || {{imagelink|character-logistic-slots|Character logistic slots}}|-
| {{imagelink|provider-chest|Active Provider chest}} || {{imagelink|requester-chest|Requester chest}}|-
| {{imagelink|storage-chest|Storage chest}} || {{imagelink|requester-chest|Requester chest}}|-
| {{imagelink|Logistic-chest-passive-provider|Passive Provider chest}} || {{imagelink|requester-chest|Requester chest}}|-
| {{imagelink|provider-chest|Active Provider chest}} || {{imagelink|storage-chest|Storage chest}}|}
 
To read this: Requests are coming from the [[Character logistic slots]], requester- and storage chests and are accessed in this above given order.
 
* A ''requested'' item is first looked up in the active provider chests, then in the storage chests, then the passive provider. So the active provider chests are emptied first, then the storage chests, then the passive provider chests.
* If robots are free and there is space left in storage chests, and there are unrequested items in an active provider chests, the items are moved from active provider to a storage chest.
* For the storage chests, the bots search for one storage, which has the same item already filled. Only if that can't be found, they "open up" a new storage chest. This should avoid having storage chests with different items inside.
 
In other words: the '''storage chests''' are filled, when all requests are fulfilled, emptied before using the passive provider chests and try to store only the items they already have inside.
 
== Order of movement ==
The bots fulfill '''all requests with the same priority'''. The algorithm looks for the next free robot, then the next request in the queue and after giving orders to the robot, this request is put at the end of the queue, so that first all other requests are done.
 
In reality it looks very often like, that far chests are less frequent delivered, than near chests. This is especially true, if you order small number of items.
 
This is explained, if you look at the "delivery" status of a requester-chest (hover over the requester chest): There are not more items delivered, than needed at a time. So if some bots already on the way to a far away chest, and the number of delivered items to this chest is equal or higher than the needed, then there will be no more orders, until that number is again smaller.
 
What you can do is to increase the number of items you request for the far away chest, raise the number of bots in your system, or increase the number of missing items in your network.
 
The results are not optimal; for example it still happens, that the farthest next robot will be requested, even if there is a much closer. Because of this, it's recommended to '''not use the logistic network for long distances and/or high throughput.''' (For that are the [[Belt transport system]] or [[Railway]] is much more useful.)


See also [[Transport/What Transport for which case?]], that explains, which transport system is best useable for which case.
=== Order of movement ===
The bots fulfil '''all requests with the same priority'''. The algorithm looks for the next free robot, then the next request in the queue and after giving orders to the robot, this request is put at the end of the queue, so that first all other requests are done.


== See also ==
== See also ==
Line 193: Line 90:
* [[Robots]]
* [[Robots]]
* [[Transport]]
* [[Transport]]
* [[Roboport]]
* [[Logistic robot]]
* [[Construction robot]]


{{C|Networks}}
[[Category:Networks]]
{{C|Logistic network}}
{{C|Circuit network}}
{{C|Transport network}}

Revision as of 17:44, 7 August 2016


This gif shows how robots can load or unload chests in a train station. The top track is for loading; and there are Requester chests on both sides. The requested items are then filled into the wagons. The second track is the unloading track, the delivered items are filled into Active Provider chests and then put into the Storage chests at the very top and at the center. At the bottom the incoming ores from both sides are moved into Active Provider chests; and then put into the requester chests at the top track. Logistics robots are ideal in train stations, since very high item throughput on a short distance is needed.

A Logistic network (LogNet) is a series of different chests and Logistic robots all covered by one or more Roboports.

Depending on the type and configuration of the chests and area of the Robotic network the robots will transport items between these chests as a power-hungry alternative to moving items manually, or by belts or Railway network. However, robots offer much higher mobility, since they can fly over obstacles.

The player character can also act as Requester chest in the Logistic network with the correct researches, allowing them to 'request' various items be kept at a set limit within their personal inventory. After researching Character logistic slots, they can configure an amount of Items; and Logistic robots will start to move the specified Items from the network to the character's inventory.

Do not mix up LogNet and Circuit network. They share common components, but are otherwise disconnected and do not exchange any information. Also, do not mix up logistic network with construction network or combinations of the two called Robotic network.

Items

Roboport.png
Roboport
Centre of the Robotic network in which the Robots can move and with its coverage forming the logistic network.
Logistic robot Moves items between Logistic Chests. (*)
Active Provider chest Logistic Chest: Supplies the contained items to the logistic network. (**)
Passive Provider chest Logistic Chest: Supplies the contained items to the logistic network passively. (**)
Storage chest Logistic Chest: Stores Items currently not requested. Supplies the contained items to the Logistic network. (**)
Requester chest Logistic Chest: Will be filled by Logistic robots until the configured amount is reached, or the chest becomes full. Can request multiple different types of items. (**)

(*) At the beginning each robot can carry only 1 item. This amount can be increased by researching Logistic robot cargo.

(**) Logistic chests are also usable for a Circuit network by using wires, like red wire or green wire.

Use

To start with, just use passive provider- and requester chests. Place the passive provider chests at the output inserters of assembling machines and requester chests at the input (let them request the needed items). Place a Roboport, which covers these chests with the inner orange area. Place some logistic bots. The robots will fly out of the top hatch and will begin to work. You can now limit the number of produced item either with the stack limitation-feature.

Logistic network is very capable for creating more and more complex items in a relatively small factory-area. Low complexity and high volume activities over longer distances (like smelting) can (and should) be left using belts or railway network.

The basic thing needed are Roboports. When placing the port and hover over it, notice an orange and a larger green area.

  • The orange zone is the Logistic Network area. This is also the maximum distance for connecting two roboports.
  • The green zone is the Construction area.

For more info on the specifics of how roboports work, check the page dedicated to them.

Expand the logistic zone

There can be many separate logistic networks. Two roboports are in the same network only if they are connected, as described above. To prevent roboports from linking, the Player needs to build them far enough away from each other so that the orange zones don't touch.

Bots do not fly from one network into another, unless requiring a recharge. Robots will never "nest" in a different network.

Losing bots

Logistics robots are a priority target of biters, and will prioritize attacking them over many objects in the vicinity of the robots. Destroyed robots will not be replaced, unless automatic control of the robot creation system is used.

With v0.10.0, the bots are not longer destroyed when running out of energy, but will be reduced to 20% of their speed, which gives them the chance to recharge eventually and a chance for the player to notice the problem.

Pay attention to robotic networks which form some kind of U-shape (where the shortest way between two chests goes over an uncovered area): if a bot runs out of charge in this area, and cannot return fast enough to a roboport, the bot will be significantly slowed and as a result the logistics network will frequently slow down, with large groups of bots slowly flying over the uncovered area.

Robots may run out of charge on longer journeys. When the charging-queue for the bots gets too long, the bots (and their loads) will slow down. Generally, a roboport can charge between 50 and 70 bots per min, 4 at a time, but are not very efficient at charging large queues of bots and can quickly become overworked. Place more roboports near the first one to share the load.

Negative numbers

It is possible to notice negative numbers on the right info panel when looking at network storage. Contrary to common belief, this is intended.

The logistic network numbers report items in provider and storage chests, minus the amount of items scheduled to be picked up by robots. When negative numbers are shown, it means that more items are being requested than are available in the network. There is a deficit. This can be a problem, or intended, depending on the player's choice. The negative value is just to explain why items aren't being delivered. For example, a deficit of 20 iron plates would look like this:

Iron plate.png
-20

Receiving more items than requested

The delivered number of items in the requester chest can be higher than requested. This depends from the Logistic robot cargo-bonus you have researched, since bots will always take as much as they can carry if an unlimited amount is available.


Priorities of robots

This overview reflects the priorities in which order the chests are filled/emptied.

The logistic network looks for orders by the chests in this order:

  • A requested item is first looked up in the active provider chests, then in the storage chests, then the passive provider chests. So, the active provider chests are emptied first, then the storage chests, then the passive provider chests.
  • If robots are free and there is space left in storage chests, and there are unrequested items in an active provider chests, the items are moved from active provider to a storage chest.
  • For the storage chests, the bots search for one storage which has the same item already. If that can't be found, they begin using a new storage chest. This is to avoid having storage chests with different items inside, allowing greater organisation.

Storage chests will be filled with items from active provider chests, and construction robots that have had their orders cancelled while they were carrying items.

Order of movement

The bots fulfil all requests with the same priority. The algorithm looks for the next free robot, then the next request in the queue and after giving orders to the robot, this request is put at the end of the queue, so that first all other requests are done.

See also