Connecting instrument to Lab LAN

Question

I have 3 ICP-MS installed in our cleanroom that I'm trying to get connected to a local network. Each instrument has it's own computer to access the Mass Hunter software. When I connect all 3 instrument and 3 computers to a switch hub, I get communication errors. All 6 items have their IP addresses changed to match our labs local network. I am able to connect 1 computer and 1 ICP-MS to the hub, but as soon as another computer is added, this communication error is caused. What am I missing? It seems the computer knows which instrument to talk to as I enter in the instruments IP address inside Mass Hunter, but the instrument doesn't know which computer it needs to communicate with. Any help would be appreciated.

emretoprak · Accepted Answer

Since you have 3 instruments and 3 workstations, you will need to change the IP address for each of them, in order to prevent any conflict in your network. The issue happens as soon as you add the second icp-ms to the network, so there must be a conflict. I would also recommend to add the host name for each icp-ms in the corresponding "hosts" file under C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc folder. Try adding them one by one. If you have specific questions, you can contact the local support team in your country, or I will try to help you from this platform.

cpevans · Answer

I don't know the layout of your lab so I might be wrong here, but would it not be easier to connect your ICPs to their control PCs, and then the PC to the LAN switch? You'd need to install a second network card in the control PC, although for LC-MS and GC-MS computers supplied by Agilent there is already a second NIC - I assume that's also the case for ICP computers.

edgarvs · Answer

Hi Bob, 
 The instruction to adjust the IP address for the 7700 is added. This instruction if from the installation manual you get with a new instrument. the BootP program connect the icpms hardware (MAC) address with an ip address. this is how the icpms get another IP address. After this the IP address in the MassHunter should be adjust to the new one. could be done in the EDIT HOST or in the communication in the MassHunter. 
 Be aware to note the new IP address and the MAC address somewhere you could find back easy. like a sticker on the instrument. this is useful when there are network or pc issues.

Connecting instrument to Lab LAN

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