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Preparation for Use
Selecting a LAN Network
For the purposes of this user's guide, a private (isolated) LAN network is
defined as a network configuration in which instrument access is a direct
connection between the computer and the instrument, or to multiple
instruments connected via a dedicated router or switch. A site
(company-wide) LAN is defined as a network in which instrument access is
available to many users at on-site and remote locations.
The instrument's application and/or your company's IT (Information
Technology) department may have guidelines that help decide the type of
network (private or site) used. If a network configuration has not been
determined, refer to the following considerations concerning each type.
Private LAN Considerations
Among the basic parameters of a private LAN network to consider are
security, performance, reliability, and IP address availability.
Security: a private network generally involves a direct connection between the
computer and the instrument, or to multiple instruments using switches or
routers. Access to the instrument is limited to users on the private network, as
opposed to users on a site network that could locate and access the instrument
from any location. Private networks can reduce the possibility of tests being
disrupted by unplanned or unauthorized access. Code generation for test
systems on a private network is often simplified as provisions against
unauthorized users may not be required.
Performance: test systems where large amounts of data are transferred
usually have faster throughput on a private network. On a site network, heavy
and unpredictable LAN traffic affects each instrument (node) on the network.
The impact on a test system is that repeatability is difficult to achieve as
latencies are difficult to account for.
Reliability: private networks are fundamentally more reliable than site
networks as they host fewer users and are less complex than site networks.
Private networks are isolated from conditions that could bring down (crash) a
site network.
IP Address Availability: Every instrument (node) on a LAN (private or site)
has an IP (Internet Protocol) address. Due to the expanding use of the
internet, the number of site network IP addresses available is limited. By using
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L4411A Getting Started Guide
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