Medoc PATHWAY - Network Communication (TCP Sockets); System Requirements; TCP Socket Interface Overview; External Control Configuration

Pathway Technical Reference Manual
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14.4 Network Communication (TCP Sockets)
Network communication is based on inter-application communication using TCP socket
connection. The external application can be running from the same computer as Medoc Main
Station or it can be installed on a second computer.
14.4.1 System Requirements
1. Computers must have an IP address (even when using one computer for Medoc Main
Station and external controlling application).
2. A local network must exist between both computers.
3. Communication port must be open to data transmitting and receiving on both sides (check
firewall settings).
4. Medoc Main Station license must include the External Control Interface. For additional
information please contact your local distributor.
14.4.2 TCP Socket Interface Overview
Communication between MMS and the Controlling application is achieved using a TCP Socket.
MMS acts as the server-side program and establishes a socket connection on specific port on
the computer it is running on (host). The controlling application acts as the client-side program
and establishes a connection to the server program (MMS) on the particular host and port
number. The host address and port number can be configured in Medoc Main Station.
Figure 101: Server Client Relationship
All communications are initiated by client application and consist of two stages:
1. Client application sends command
2. Server application (MMS) sends response after performing the required action
In order to control command order, the commands contain the current time stamp and
corresponding response will contain the same time stamp.
For a detailed description of the command and response structure please
refer to the documentation provided with the External Control License.
14.5 External Control Configuration
To access the External Control configuration menu: from the top menu bar, select Settings
and then External Control.
14.5.1 Setting Communication Method
To set the communication Method:
1. Select the control type:
1.1. LPT Port (parallel communication)
1.2. TCP port (Network communication).
2. For TCP port the IP address of the Medoc Main Station computer will be displayed as well
as the default Port number. The port number can be changed.