Watkiss DigiVAC, Руководство по обслуживанию

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Electronics & Software
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Software - GUI Control Panel
Watkiss DigiVAC Service Manual - Issue 2 - 30/11/04
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4.4.5 Networking DigiVACs
4.4.5.1 What is a Network?
Generally, a ‘network’ refers to a group of computers that are connected to
each other by cables. These cables allow information to be passed back and
forth between any of the computers on the network.
If a DigiVAC is connected to such a network, then any computer on that net-
work can be used to communicate with it, for example to send the DigiVAC
the latest version of the application software.
A network might consist of several computers and DigiVACs. However, it
could also consist of just one computer and one DigiVAC.
There are three conditions that have to be met in order to set up a network:
• The computers and machines must all use the same network type
• The computers and machines must all use the same protocol
• The computers and machines must all be properly addressed
4.4.5.2 Network Type
The computers and machines on a network must all use the same type of net-
work connection. The DigiVAC uses an Ethernet connection, because this is
the most popular type. This means that the DigiVAC must be networked with
computers that are fitted with Ethernet cards.
4.4.5.3 Cable Connections
There are several types of cable that can be used to make an Ethernet network.
The DigiVAC uses a type of cable known as ‘10BaseT’. It will be easier to
connect the network together if all the hardware uses the same type of cable.
A simple network might use a central ‘hub’. Each computer and DigiVAC on
the network will have its own cable, which plugs into the hub. Hubs are avail-
able with various numbers of ports, depending on how many computers and
machines you wish to connect to it. Each computer and DigiVAC needs its
own port on the hub.
It is possible to connect a computer directly to a DigiVAC. However, this re-
quires a ‘cross-over’ cable. Cross-over cables are not required if a hub is used.
It is possible to connect a 10BaseT cable to an Ethernet network that uses a
different type of cable. You will need a special type of hub or switch, depend-
ing on your network requirements.
4.4.5.4 Protocol
All of the computers and machines on the network must use the same protocol.
The DigiVAC uses a protocol called TCP/IP, which is widely supported. It can
only communicate with computers on the network that also use TCP/IP.
Windows 95 and later supports TCP/IP, it may be necessary to install it from
your Windows CD-ROM or back-up disks. See the Windows help topic ‘in-
stalling TCP/IP’ for more information.
Glossary
Hub
: This is piece of hardware
that has several ports. Each com-
puter on a network is connected
to a port on the hub, by (in this
case) a 10BaseT cable. The hub
allows all the computers con-
nected to it to communicate with
each other.
Cross-over Cable
: This is a type
of cable that allows two comput-
ers to be linked directly to each
other. It doesn’t look any differ-
ent to a normal cable, but it is
wired differently inside.
Glossary
Protocol
: This is an agreed way
of sending and receiving infor-
mation
.