Networking Considerations
Networking Considerations when using Comtrol Ethernet Serial Hubs
(See definitions of various network elements)
Ethernet Serial Hub
An Ethernet serial Hub (serial hubs) is a black box that provides "native COM ports" to Windows XP/2000 computers while connected anywhere on the Ethernet LAN. SuiteFactory (or any application software that addresses COM ports) can transparently access machine tool controllers connected to the serial hub just as if they were attached to a multi-port serial controller installed in the Windows computer itself. This means that you can locate serial hubs near the machines where the data is to be transmitted and received without concern for distance limitations of RS-232 communications.For best performance serial hubs should be isolated from regular network traffic. A serial hub is just like any other device attached to a LAN in that it resides in a Collision Domain. This means that any network traffic in that segment appears at the serial hub. Conversely, network traffic produced by the serial hub appears on all the other devices in that segment. It therefore follows that putting a serial hub on a busy LAN segment can deteriorate the performance of that segment especially if many machine tools are attached to that hub. Worse, the non-SuiteFactory network traffic can hinder the performance of the serial hub, interfering with communications to the machine tools.
It makes sense, therefore, to put serial hubs and the computers that service them in there own isolated collision domains. There are several ways this can be done. For example, you can put a second NIC (Network Interface Card) in your server dedicated to the serial hub or hubs. Alternatively, you can use and Ethernet switch to segment your LAN into isolated Collision Domains. The method used depends on the specific details of your requirements. Some that come to mind are:
- How many machines?
- How many shop floor workstations for SuiteFactory?
- How many other workstations?
- How many servers?
- Is the server dedicated to SuiteFactory or not?
- How powerful are these servers and workstations?
- How is your facility laid out - how far apart are the machines, servers, workstations, printers, etc.?
- Where will your database or databases reside?
In order to familiarize you with some of the aspects of installing a computer network the click on the definitions and rules/configurations to the left. Click here for manufacturers of these products (Need Internet connection for this link to work.).
CAD/CAM Integration, Inc. can assist you in configuring your network, laying out the topology and recommend hardware. We can also assist in installation and setting it up. Please inquire regarding our terms.
