Agilent Technologies L4400 manual Connecting the LAN Cables, Site LAN Considerations

2Software Installation and Configuration

Security: a private network generally involves direct connections between the computer and the instruments, and may include switches and routers. Access to the instrument is limited to users connected directly to the private network, as opposed to users on a site network that could locate and access the instrument from any location - possibly disrupting tests in progress. Code generation for test systems on a private network is often simplified as protection against unauthorized users may not be required.

Performance: test systems where large amounts of data are transferred usually have faster throughput on a private network. On a site network, heavy and unpredictable LAN traffic (lots of data) affects each instrument (node) on the network. The impact on a test system is that repeatability is difficult to achieve as latencies are difficult to account for.

Reliability: private networks are fundamentally more reliable than site networks as they host fewer users and are less complex than site networks. Private networks are isolated from conditions that could bring down (crash) a site network.

IP Address Availability: Every instrument (node) on a LAN (private or site) has an IP (Internet Protocol) address. Due to the expanding use of the internet, the number of site network IP addresses available is limited. By using a router with Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) capability on a private network, the router can assign an IP address to each instrument thus creating a sub- network (subnet) that does not consume site IP addresses.

Site LAN Considerations

For applications requiring access by many users or by users at distributed sites, a site LAN network is required. In addition to supporting multiple users, site LANs often offer the advantage of being maintained by IT departments.

When using a site LAN, consult your IT department regarding all LAN configuration and security issues.

Connecting the LAN Cables

LAN cables are connected to the LAN terminal on the instrument, the computer, and to the router or switch if they are part of your network.

18 L4400 User’s Guide