Programming instructions

Getting Started
Using LAN
Chapter 1 19
Using Sockets LAN
Sockets LAN is a method used to communicate with the signal generator over the LAN
interface using the Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). A socket is a
fundamental technology used for computer networking and allows applications to
communicate using standard mechanisms built into network hardware and operating
systems. The method accesses a port on the signal generator from which bidirectional
communication with a network computer can be established.
Sockets LAN can be described as an internet address that combines the Internet Protocol (IP)
with a device port number and represents a single connection between two pieces of software.
The socket can be accessed using code libraries packaged with the computer operating system.
Two common versions of socket libraries are the Berkeley Sockets Library for UNIX systems
and Winsock for Microsoft operating systems.
Your signal generator implements a sockets Applications Programming Interface (API) that is
compatible with Berkeley sockets, for UNIX systems, and Winsock for Microsoft systems. The
signal generator is also compatible with other standard sockets APIs. The signal generator
can be controlled using SCPI commands that are output to a socket connection established in
your program.
Before you can use sockets LAN, you must select the signal generator’s sockets port number to
use:
• Standard mode. Available on port 7777. Use this port for simple programming.
• TELNET mode. Available on port 7778.
An example using sockets LAN is given in Chapter 2 of this programming guide.