Lesson 5

Serving Data to a Client Using TCP/IP

TOPICS
A. TCP/IP Overview
B. Implementing the Client/Server Model

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 A. TCP/IP Overview
• Link two Ethernet devices together using a
crossover cable
• Link many devices together using a hub
• Communicate using IP address

PC 128.1.0.0

X.X.X.X

Ethernet Device N N N

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The Client/Server Model

Server Client

Service Provider Service Requestor

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Client Model Overview
NO
Open Execute
Connection Command Done?
To Server on Server
YES

Close
Connection
To Server

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Server Model Overview (Handles one client)
Initialize Wait for a
Server Connection
Wait for a
Command
NO

Return Execute
Done?
Results Command
YES

Close
Connection

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 Exercise 5-1: Simple Data Client VI and
Simple Data Server VI

Concept
Open and examine two of the TCP/IP example VIs that
GOAL

show how you can use LabVIEW as a TCP client and

TCP server.

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B. Implementing the Client/Server Model
NO
Open Execute
Connection Command Done?
To Server on Server
YES

Close
Connection
To Server

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Server Model VIs
Initialize Wait for a
Server Connection
Wait for a
Command
NO

Return Execute
Done?
Command Command
YES

Close
Connection

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Server Model VIs

• TCP Listen combines both VIs into a high-level easy to use VI

• Creates a listener and waits for an accepted TCP network
connection

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Server Model (Handles multiple clients)

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Client/Server VIs
Read Modes:
Execute
Command • Standard (default): Returns bytes
Client or Server requested or more; timeout error if
less than requested are received
• Buffered: Returns bytes requested
or none; timeout error if less than
requested are received
• CRLF: Returns bytes read up to
and including carriage return and
line feed; timeout error if not found
• Immediate: Returns any bytes

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Client/Server VIs
Close
Connection

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 Exercise 5-2: TCP File Transfer

Concept
Create a file transfer program using TCP
GOAL

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Summary

• The client/server model is commonly used for networked

communication
• A client application initiates the connection and instructs
the server to read and/or write data
• A server application waits for a connection and then reads
or writes data as instructed by the client

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