Basler Pioneer User Manual page 66

Network Recommendations
PC
1 Port
GigE
Adapter
Single Path
GigE
Network
Switch
GigE GigE GigE GigE
Camera Camera Camera Camera
Fig. 17: Multiple Cameras Converging to a Single Path
For more information about managing network bandwidth when using multiple cameras on a single
network path, see Section 6 on page 73.
Network Switch Issues
When selecting GigE network switches for use in the type of network described above, there are
several issues you must keep in mind. First is that the switch must be able to handle large packets
(also known as "jumbo packets" or "jumbo frames"). The typical maximum packet size on Ethernet
devices used in the past was 1.5 kB. With newer "jumbo frame capable" devices, the maximum
packet size can be up to 16 kB. Basler GigE cameras and the recommended Intel Pro 1000
adapters can both handle jumbo frames. For maximum network efficiency, your camera should be
set to used the largest packet size that your network can handle. If you select a network switch that
can only handle a small packet size, you will limit network efficiency.
A second issue involving the network switch is buffer capacity. In the situation where multiple
cameras are attached to a switch, the switch must have enough buffer capacity to hold the incoming
data from the cameras while it transmits the data out in an orderly fashion on the single outgoing
line. In general, more buffer capacity is better.
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