Network adapter

There are several things to consider when selecting, configuring, and using a network adapter. The individual topics are divided into three areas and are described in the following chapters:

Basic settings

• First, select a suitable network adapter for connecting the camera. The adapter must be supported by the TwinCAT real-time Ethernet driver and suitable for real-time operation. The steps required to install the driver are described in the chapter Installing the TwinCAT real-time Ethernet driver.
• All unnecessary network protocols should then be disabled for this network adapter and the IP settings adjusted to ensure trouble-free camera communication. The configuration steps required for this, including setting up a persistent IP address in the IP stack of the TwinCAT project, are described in the chapter IP configuration & network protocols.

Advanced settings

• The use of jumbo frames may be necessary for image transmission at high data rates. The requirements, configuration, and effects on the system behavior are described in the Jumbo Frames chapter.
• If several cameras are to be operated on the same port of the network adapter, additional adjustments must be made to the IP stack. The configuration for this is described in the chapter Operating multiple cameras on one port.
• To ensure stable image transmission, a sufficient bandwidth reserve must be planned. For basic information and design guidelines for single and multiple cameras, see the chapter Bandwidth management for GigE Vision.

Diagnostics

• In addition, options for diagnostics of network communication are available. These are described in the Network diagnostics chapter.