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6.5 Ethernet Operation
6.5.01 Introduction
6.5.02 IP Address
6.5.03 Home Page
The Ethernet interface in the instrument supports operation on 10-BaseT and 100-
BaseT networks via straight through or crossover RJ45 patch cables. The instrument
includes a built-in web server allowing any browser to communicate with it using
http protocol, as well as socket support for direct communication via TCP/IP.
The IP address of the instrument needs to be unique on the network to which it is
connected. If this network has a DHCP server present on it, then the IP Address
Assignment control on the instrument's Ethernet Settings menu should be set to
Automatic. This is normally the easiest method of establishing Ethernet
communications with the instrument.
If the network does not have a DHCP server present, or if it is desired to connect to
the instrument using a direct Ethernet link, then the IP Address Assignment control
on the instrument's Ethernet Settings menu must be set to Manual and a suitable IP
address entered. The instrument's IP address must be chosen to ensure that both the
controlling PC and the instrument are communicating on the same Subnet Mask. To
achieve this, first set the IP address of the controlling PC. Normally, if the Ethernet
port on a PC is not connected to a network and not set to use a manual IP address
then Windows will eventually automatically allocate it an address in the range
169.254.xxx.xxx, where xxx ranges from 0 to 255. The actual address that has been
allocated can be determined by using the IPCONFIG utility on the PC. This is
accessed by typing "CMD<return>" on the Start - Run menu, and they typing
IPCONFIG<return>.
Once the IP address of the PC has been found, set the instrument's IP address so that
the first two octets match that of the controlling PC. For example, if the PC has an IP
address of 169.254.50.10, then set the instrument to use an address in the range
169.254.xxx.xxx, where xxx ranges from 0 to 255 and so that the IP addresses differ.
In this case suitable addresses would include 169.254.50.11, or 169.254.40.10.
If the automatic IP address allocated by Windows to the PC's Ethernet adapter is for
some reason unsuitable then a manual address can be chosen by editing the Internet
Protocol TCP/IP properties of the adapter.
Setting the IP address manually can be avoided even for direct Ethernet
communications simply by connecting the instrument to an Ethernet router that
provides DHCP functionality, and then connecting the router to the PC.
When the instrument has a valid IP address the browser on a computer on the same
network can then access it, simply by typing the IP address in the address bar. A
typical display is shown in figure 6-1 below. The feature is extremely useful for
checking that communications are working properly.
Clicking on the link in the left hand column access a "static interface" page that
allows commands to be typed and the responses displayed.
Chapter 6, COMPUTER OPERATION
6-7
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