Omron CX-Supervisor, User Manual

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Configuring a Client PC running Windows XP Service Pack 2 Appendix A Configuring
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Appendix A
Configuring a PC for Remote Connection
The OPC interface and CX-Supervisor Communications Control use a
Microsoft technology called DCOM. This allows the Clients and Servers to be
seamlessly 'Distributed' over a PC network. The Server should be running on
the PC with direct connection to the Device or Device network. However, the
Client, or indeed multiple Clients, can be run on different networked PCs and
will automatically read and write data over the PC network. To do this, the PC
running the Server must be correctly configured. If necessary refer to your
OPC server documentation. For full details of DCOM configuration and
security issues see your Microsoft documentation. The following is a quick
guide:
A.1 Configuring a Client PC running Windows XP Service Pack 2
Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes a communications 'Firewall' to protect
your computer from malicious communications. By default, this firewall is
turned on, and so will block all OPC and DCOM communications.
1, 2, 3… To allow OPC or DCOM communications through the firewall either:
• Completely disable the firewall as follows. Note can leave your computer
vulnerable to attack so consult your computer documentation or IT
administrator if you are unsure:
a. Open Control Panel followed by Computers.
b. Right click My Computer and select Security Center.
c. Select Windows Firewall.
d. On the General tab choose option Off.
• Alternatively, on the Exceptions tab you can configure specific programs
to permit communications
All other required settings are the same as for running standard Windows XP
as explained below.
A.2 Configuring a Client PC running Windows XP
1, 2, 3… 1. Start Component Services e.g. by running DCOMCNFG.EXE by selecting
RUN from the start button. The default location is
C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM.
2. Select Component Services followed by Computers.
3. Right click My Computer and select Properties
4. View the Default Properties tab. Ensure that the Enable Distributed COM
on this computer is checked.
A.3 Configuring a Client PC running Windows NT or 2000
1, 2, 3… 1. Start DCOMCNFG.EXE e.g. by selecting RUN from the start button. The
default location is C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM.
2. View the Default Properties tab. Ensure that the Enable Distributed COM
on this computer is checked.
Note: Although DCOM connections can be achieved using Windows 98 and ME they
are more difficult to configure, and offer less functionality. For best results
always use Windows NT or Windows 2000.