# Channels

The following is a simplified depiction of how the operation of a typical channel relates to Source Net Addresses (SNA), optional Destination Net Addresses (DNA), and Destinations or Devices.

* In addition to specifying the address location which the channel is to continuously scan and read, the Source Network Address (SNA) also determines the analog or discrete Data Type. The data type dictates, which channel configuration choices, are offered. Changing the SNA will clear other configuration settings for the channel. Therefore, the SNA should always be configured first.

** A Destination Net Address (DNA) can also be configured for any channel. (don't confuse the DNA with the destinations for reports) When so configured, the data monitored by the channel will be continually delivered into the DNA location, at the RTU scan rate.