Agilent Technologies N5183A MXG - Manual (Page 49)

Agilent N518xA, E8663B, E44x8C, and E82x7D Signal Generators Programming Guide 39
Using IO Interfaces
Using LAN
Using Sockets LAN
NOTE Users with Windows XP operating systems and newer can use this section to better
understand how to use the signal generator with port settings. For more information, refer to
the help software of the IO libraries being used.
Sockets LAN is a method used to communicate with the signal generator over the LAN interface
using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). A socket is a fundamental
technology used for computer networking and allows applications to communicate using standard
mechanisms built into network hardware and operating systems. The method accesses a port on the
signal generator from which bidirectional communication with a network computer can be
established.
Sockets LAN can be described as an internet address that combines Internet Protocol (IP) with a
device port number and represents a single connection between two pieces of software. The socket
can be accessed using code libraries packaged with the computer operating system. Two common
versions of socket libraries are the Berkeley Sockets Library for UNIX systems and Winsock for
Microsoft operating systems.
Your signal generator implements a sockets Applications Programming Interface (API) that is
compatible with Berkeley socket for UNIX systems, and Winsock for Microsoft systems. The signal
generator is also compatible with other standard sockets APIs. The signal generator can be controlled
using SCPI commands that are output to a socket connection established in your program.
Before you can use sockets LAN, you must select the signal generator’s sockets port number to use:
• Standard mode. Available on port 5025. Use this port for simple programming.
• TELNET mode. The telnet SCPI service is available on port 5023.
NOTE For backward compatibility, on the E8663B, ESG, and PSG, the signal generator also accepts
references to the Telnet SCPI service at port 7777 and sockets SCPI service at port 7778.
Ports 7777 and 7778 are disabled on the Agilent MXG.
An example using sockets LAN is given in “LAN Programming Interface Examples” on page 101 of
this programming guide.
Using Telnet LAN
Telnet provides a means of communicating with the signal generator over the LAN. The Telnet client,
run on a LAN connected computer, will create a login session on the signal generator. A connection,
established between computer and signal generator, generates a user interface display screen with
SCPI>
prompts on the command line.
Using the Telnet protocol to send commands to the signal generator is similar to communicating with
the signal generator over GPIB. You establish a connection with the signal generator and then send
or receive information using SCPI commands. Communication is interactive: one command at a time.