User`s guide

142

TCP/IP Network Basics

LAN Interface Overview

LAN Hardware Architecture

A LAN is a way to extend the control of instrumentation beyond the limits of

typical instrument interfaces. You can communicate with instruments using a

web browser, the Telnet utility, or sockets. However, to program (send SCPI

commands) over the LAN, you must first configure the LAN interface using

the Agilent

IO Config utility provided with the Agilent IO Libraries.

Client-Server Model The LAN software uses the client-server model of computing. Client-server

computing refers to a model where an application (the

client) does not

perform all necessary tasks of the application itself. Instead, the client

makes requests of another device (the

server) for certain services

As shown in this figure, a LAN client, such as a PC, makes requests over

the network to a LAN server, such as a PC or a LAN-enabled instrument.

For example, in this figure the Server PC and the instruments can act as

LAN servers. Once the LAN server has completed the requested operation

on the instrument or device, the LAN server sends a reply to the LAN client.

This reply contains requested data and status information that indicates

whether or not the operation was successful.

Windows 98/Me/2000/NT/XP PCs

Instrument

Clients

LAN

Servers