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CHAPTER2 Ethernet Unit
2-2 How data is exchanged
The following is a brief explanation to help understand how information is exchanged
over the Ethernet with the other devices, such as between the controller and PC.
In the communications method called TCP/IP, an IP address is assigned to each device
connected on the network. The IP address is a number unique to each device and serves
to identify that device. In the communications process, the IP address of the controller
must first be specified to make connection. After making the connection, the actual data
is exchanged between the devices and when finished the connection is terminated.
The controllers equipped with the Ethernet unit operate as a server and constantly await
a connection request from the client (other party’s device such as a PC). Specific actions
are then carried out when a request arrives from a client. So the controller cannot connect
to another server on its own.
Server
Client Client Client
IP address
192.168.0.3
192.168.0.5
192.168.0.10 192.168.0.11
192.168.0.12
Controller
+
Ethernet Unit
q
w
Functions as a server.
Performs specified
actions upon receiving
request from client.
Device such as PC is the client, connects to server and issues
commands to perform specified actions.
Ethernet
q Specify the IP address of controller to exchange data with and make the connec-
tion. (Above example shows the client 192.168.0.10 has specified the controller
192.168.0.5 and made a connection.)
w After making the connection, the controller runs a specific series of actions accord-
ing to instructions from the client.
MEMO
MEMO
During multitasking by the client, several robots can be simultaneously connected to one
client unit.
Only one client can make a simultaneous connection to one controller unit.
Settings such as of the IP address and subnet are made from the TPB.