Datasocket or vi server?

[pincpanter]

Hi all,
I need to exchange data among Windows based PC's over a local network. In the past I used files in a shared directory, but I recently had troubles, so I would like to switch to a new technique. I considered two possibilities: datasocket or vi server. I can't use shared variables, because some PC has very limited resources and has W98 installed, so I must stick on LV 6.1 or 7.0. The data size is small ( < 1 kb). Now:
a) which method is the best in your opinion?
b) is any of them cross-version, that is, can I mix versions 6.1 and 7.0 for the client and the server (I suspect I can't)

Thank you

[becktho]

Hi pincpanter

I first have to say, that I never had to exchange data over the network using LV.

I would use datasocket unless you don't use other languages. I very strongly assume the NI does not change the dstp-definition between LV versions.

Another way could be to use standard network protocols (TCP/UDP). This would allow you to communicate with other programs which are written in other languages very easily. For sure you could also implement the dstp-protocol in other languages, but I don't know if its specification is available.

[Ben]

I like VI server using a Call by reference.

Once you have connected to the remote system, the network issues fade away and are handled by VI server.

A LV 7 app can call LV 6.1 VI.

Ben

Message Edited by Ben on 02-14-2007 07:40 AM

[pincpanter]

Thank you for your advices!
becktho: you are right that standard protocols are more portable, but in my case any other language but LabView is ruled out (not for ideology, only practical reasons!).
On the other side, I agree with Ben that using VI server is really seamless.
I made a quick check and found that, as far as my data structures are involved (no 64 bit integer or other exotic controls), not only 7.0, but also 7.1 and 8.0 can read a 6.1 server.
It seems that NI made a good work about compatibility!

[becktho]

Well - in general a higher version should be able to handle things from lower versions. As you said you want to exchange data I was thinking bidirectionally. Maybe the other way round does not work.

Message Edited by becktho on 02-15-2007 11:52 AM

[pincpanter]

6.1 and 7.0 can read a 7.1 server. I didn't try with a 8.0 server.

[Loura]

Hi pincpanther,

About your question, I can give you a couple of hints:

1. First, you should find interesting this "table of compatibility":

http://ae.natinst.com/operations/ae/public.nsf/web/searchinternal/5197a72b2d60c141862570dc004cb534?OpenDocument

2. Second, as a "thumb rule" complete compatibility should be guaranteed for three consecutive versions (according to this so, Labview 8.0 may not be seen by LV 6.1 which should be completely compatible with LV 7.0 and 7.1).

3. The best thing you can do is to download the free LV 8.0 Evaluated Version and try it!

I hope I've been of some help

carlo> 

[becktho]

Hi claraclara

The provided link does not work.

[carlo&gt;]

Hi becktho,

Sorry but in this period we have a lot of work, in fact as you can see I logged as "claracarla" and not as me "carlo>", so I probably make a mistake.

Here is the link again:

http://ae.natinst.com/operations/ae/public.nsf/web/searchinternal/5197a72b2d60c141862570dc004cb534?O...

I hope it works well now.

carlo> 

[pincpanter]

Ciao carlo>,
still no access to the page: is it a restricted area, despite of the public.nsf path?