Network hosts typically have to poll the I/O server repeatedly in order to obtain remote sensor data over an Ethernet network. This white paper presents a new approach to IP-based data acquisition and control that is dramatically faster, more flexible, easier to configure, and easier to program for.

The following topics are covered in this white paper:

• PC-based I/O in the past
• The development of Ethernet I/O
• Taking full advantage of Ethernet technology
• Proactive I/O event transmission vs. repeated polling
• Local control for immediate response to I/O events
• Easy configuration of I/O control logic
• Easy integration with enterprise IT systems
• Reduced wiring costs with peer-to-peer I/O over Ethernet
• Traditional Ethernet I/O vs. Active Ethernet I/O
• A new generation in IP-based data acquisition and control