Networking Basics

[DJDDA]

I've tried searches for datasocket, vi server, networking, shared variables, variable server, data server, and various combinations of the above. I get several dozen results for each, but all of them that I've read are talking about things that are above me (e.g. it talks about changing server settings, but never about how to set up a server in the first place).

I need to make a program where a LabVIEW Application runs on one computer can control a different LabVIEW Application running on another computer, with both computers probably but not definitely using Windows. I can find a lot of advanced help files on this, but I don't understand the basics at all. Does anyone know which help files would instruct me in the basics of remote operations?

Edit: Spelling.

Message Edited by DJDDA on 01-18-2008 02:53 PM

[tst]

There are two types of options -

• The remote display option, which simply shows you what you see on the other computer. This can be done with programs like VNC or specifically in LabVIEW using the web publishing tool. As far as I know, the web publishing tool should work on non-Windows machines (try Tools>>Publish), but I think that you can only browse to these on a web browser in Windows, because it is implemented using an ActiveX control. For other platforms, you will probably need to use an application written in LabVIEW.
  The relevant options should be in the Options menu, and can be set in an executable as well through the options menu or by copying INI keys from the LabVIEW.ini file.
• Implement a simple protocol where you have a message structure similar to: Message type [2 bytes], Data length [4], Flattened data [x]. Flattening the data and sending it from side to side is very easy and you should find an example by searching the example finder (Help>>Find Examples) for "TCP". Also, searching the site for "Messaging protocol" should provide a more detailed example. The actual details of the protocol are up to you.
  

[TCPlomp]

To add to TST, you could also use Remote Panels from within LabVIEW, this should work OS-independent.

Ton

[DJDDA]

Thank you both, I will look into these methods soon (I don't have access to my LabVIEW computer until Tuesday). You may hear from me again then--but hopefully not. 😉