Fluke NetDAQ 2640A User Manual page 264

2640A/2645A NetDAQ
Users Manual
low system data throughput because of the processing rate of host computers and
disk systems, and instruments that are physically close to the host computer.
Now, the increased processing capability of affordable host computers, increased
channel measurement rates, and pressure to place the instruments close to the
signal source have made support of high-speed, long distance communication
techniques necessary. At the same time, many companies are installing network
wiring to support general client/server processing on Personal Computers.
Using networking techniques to communicate between the PC and the instrument
has many advantages (and a few disadvantages). Advantages include:
High data transfer rates
Standard wiring methods and use of in-place wiring
Standard protocols
Low cost interface boards
Disadvantages include:
Increased setup complexity
Increased instrument power consumption (compared to RS-232)
Additional interface in the PC
The NetDAQ instrument and host computer software use Ethernet wiring and low
level protocols, TCP/IP high level protocols, and the WINSOCK application
interface layer. These are all public domain, non-proprietary standards with
multiple-company support. Use of these non-proprietary protocols and hardware
ensures that NetDAQ instruments and software will operate on most installed
networks and have the lowest possible cost using off-the-shelf commercial
networking products. Read "Network Primer" in this appendix for more
information on these standards.
NetDAQ and Your Network Administrator
If you plan to communicate between your host PC and the NetDAQ instruments
on a network that is totally isolated from any other network communication
devices, you can install the network and set up the devices without consulting
Network Administration. However, if you're going to communicate on an existing
network, you need to coordinate this with your Network Administrator.
Specifically, you need to ask the following questions before installing and setting
up your instruments and host PC:
1. What values should I use for my IP addresses, Socket Port Number, and
Subnet Mask?
I-2
I-3.