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2-2
How data is exchanged
The following is a brief explanation to help understand how information is exchanged over the Ethernet
with the other devices, such as between the robot controller and PC.
In the communications method called TCP/IP, an IP address is assigned to each device connected on
the network. The IP address is a number unique to each device and serves to identify that device. In
the communications process, the IP address of the robot controller must first be specified to make
connection. After making the connection, the actual data is exchanged between the devices and when
finished the connection is terminated.
The RCX series robot controllers equipped with the Ethernet unit operate as a server and constantly
await a connection request from the client (other party's device such as a PC). Specific actions are
then carried out when a request arrives from a client. So the robot controller does not connect to
another server on its own.
IP address
192.168.0.3
Server
Ethernet
w
q
Client
192.168.0.10
Device such as PC is the client, connects to server and issues commands to perform
specified actions.
q Specify the IP address of robot controller to exchange data with and make the connection.
(Above example shows the client 192.168.0.10 has specified the robot controller 192.168.0.5
and made a connection.)
w After making the connection, the robot controller runs a specific series of actions according to
instructions from the client.
n
NOTE
During multitasking by the client, several robots can be simultaneously connected to one client unit.
Only one client can make a simultaneous connection to one robot controller unit.
Settings such as the IP address and subnet are made from the programming box.
192.168.0.5
RCX series
robot controller
+
Ethernet Unit
Client
192.168.0.11
2-2 How data is exchanged
Functions as a server.
Performs specified
actions upon receiving
request from client.
Client
192.168.0.12
7
2
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