Ethernet implementation modes

Ethernet readers connect to the host system over the network — useful when USB or serial connections are impractical, for example in distributed installations or when readers are mounted far from the host. Before implementing, decide how the connection should be initiated:

There are 2 modes for implementing the host application:

• Host as client: The application acts as a client and opens a connection to the passively waiting readers.
• Host as server: The application acts as a server that waits for readers to open a connection when certain events occur.

The following table provides more details about the implementation modes:

	Host as client	Host as server
Connection initiation	The host opens a connection to the readers.	Readers open a connection to the host in certain events.
Network topology	Use this approach if your network meets both of these conditions: Manageable number of readers Parallel threads can be maintained without performance loss. Readers not behind a firewall	Use this approach if your network meets either of these conditions: Large number of readers Parallel threads will impact host/network performance. Readers are behind a firewall
Reader detection	Via known static IP address Via SLP	Only needed for deployment of initial network settings via BALTECH Uploader (see below). After that, readers establish connections to the host.
Deployment of initial network settings	Via Wired Upload Via wired upload Via ConfigCard Via host application	Via Wired Upload Note: The tool BALTECH Uploader always acts as an Ethernet client and thus needs to be able to detect the readers. This is an option in the following cases: You run Uploader in the same subnet as the readers and detect them via SLP. This currently requires PKI authentication and encryption. Readers use known static IP addresses. This currently requires PKI authentication and encryption. You connect the readers in maintenance mode before installation. Via ConfigCard Via host application Note: Readers need to find the host via UDP introspection. This is an option if both of the following apply: Readers are not protected by a firewall. Each reader is connected to a PC (or another network device) with a known IP address.
Operation modes	Use any mode. Pick the one that suits your requirements best.	Readers must be set up for autonomous operation. Use one of the following operation modes: Autoread to read a number VHL & Autoread to read data other than a number, or write data to the card
	All operation modes include step-by-step instructions on setting up the host-reader connection.
	Explore Modes	Autoread   VHL & Autoread

Would you like some personal advice?

As you see, there are various options of setting up a host-reader connection in an Ethernet network. If you're unsure of what's the right approach for you, we're happy to give you personal advice. Just get in touch with us.