Sending data over Ethernet

[MCA]

In a Windows network (IPX or TCP/IP), I have one PC that collects data from sensors via an A/D and displays them in various forms including table and graphics in different screen groups. I'd like some help as how to broadcast these data over Ethernet so other stations can display the data at their own choice. In other words, I want to throw the raw data onto the cable and it's up to the stations to pick and choose what to use.<br>
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Regards

 

[MasterRacker]

Alternate suggestion:<br>
<br>
Map drives on all machines to a central one that will function as a pseudo-server. Your data collection unit logs all readings to that one. The others can query the logs at will to display whatever is needed. You could code this with simple file access calls and ignore the network infrastructure completely. <p> Jeff<br><a href=mailto: masterracker@hotmail.com> masterracker@hotmail.com</a><br><a href= > </a><br> Of all the things I've lost in life, I miss my mind the most ...

 

[david902]

I'll shoot this over here too. I replied in the IPX forum.<br>
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Is there some application that is used to display data ?<br>
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assuming there is, the application should be going out the the device and retreiving the data, you'd probably then want to install said application on to each workstation that you want to retrive data from the source.<br>
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If there is not an application, there is a difficulty in broadcasting data to multiple devices. there would have to be a very low level program to create the frames and packets needed with the destination address being the broadcast MAC address for the ability to send data to every workstation.<br>
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It's more logical to make each workstation send a request to the server to request the data it wants. that way you wouldn't have to worry about broadcasing and you wouldn't need to worry about layer 1 and layer 2 programming issues.<br>

 

[RanD]

you should use multicast .... use 3rd party software, you can use ip class_d addressing to set up the multicast, so you dont flood the whole network.. have a look at <A HREF="

http://www.techrepublik.com"

TARGET="_new">

http://www.techrepublik.com</A>

or equal sits to find out more...<br>
you can find multicast sw on softseek ...

 

[CoolNick]

<b>Your problem is found in industry all the time.</b> Looking at an expensive solution involves a package such as Citex which is a MMI to control a plant over an industrial WAN, including communication with PLC's, sensors, Windows servers, windows clients through network OLE, etc. However there are many commercial products where you build a MMI and access variables across a LAN.<br><br>You can code all you want in C++ if its time critical or specialised, or look for a package that pulls variables and displays them.<br><br>Sorry I can't list any packages but if its really important I can probably find some information for you.<br><b>Also contact the Department of Electrical Engineering at Wits University as a fourth year project last year involved controlling a plant, with sensors and actuators, over a LAN using TCP/IP.</b> The students name was Albert and this might help.

 

[hnd]

I have realized some projects with that problem.<br><br>If you are going to realize a similar software you have to consider following:<br>· If it is necessary to send the data in “true” realtime across the network, then forget Windows, Unix and Ethernet.<br>· Do not send single data, but send complete packages. This will increase the effectivity of the network.<br>· Think as an alternative about installing a sensor – Network based on fiber-Optics.<br><br>The software on network transmission itself is very simple.<br><br>The Hardware to be used depends on your requirements. (Acquisition rate, Number of values, transfer-rate….) <br> <p>hnd<br><a href=mailto:hasso55@yahoo.com>hasso55@yahoo.com</a><br><a href= > </a><br>

 

[hnd]

Perhaps this thread maybe more interesting in the &quot;Factory floor automation&quot; Group <p>hnd<br><a href=mailto:hasso55@yahoo.com>hasso55@yahoo.com</a><br><a href= > </a><br>