Network

The production computer and all display computers must be connected using an Ethernet network, which comes standard on most computers. Wireless networks are generally not recommended.

Stand-alone System

For a minimal system configuration, connect all computers to a network switch. For stand-alone operation of a WATCHOUT system, this is usually all you to do in terms of hardware connection.

NOTE: If you’re using just one display computer (possibly driving multiple displays), you can simplify the system even further by removing the switch and connecting the production computer directly to the display computer.

Computer Addressing

All WATCHOUT computers on the network must have a unique address. Addresses may be assigned automatically or manually. In most cases, automatic addressing is preferred, since it makes system setup and configuration easier, and avoids configuration errors such as assigning the same address to more than one computer. When using automatic addressing, use the Network Window in WATCHOUT to assign computer names.

Many networks support dynamically assigned addresses based on the DHCP standard, which is a form of automatic addressing. If that applies to your network, you’re good to go. If your network doesn’t support dynamic addressing, your computer will generally fall back on self-assigned addressing (also known as “Link-Local”), where each computer grabs an address for itself after first making sure that it isn’t already in use.

NOTE: If using self-assigned addresses, ensure all computers on the network employ this method, or they will not be able to communicate with each other.

If you choose to use manual addressing, you must assign a fixed IP address to each computer (see “Manual Addressing”).