A new technology to increase enjoyment of the hobby?

Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should

pay particular attention to "enable public access"

quote:

If you want to have better consistency and predictability when it comes to programming or troubleshooting, Static IP would make more sense. 

Static IP addresses are much more difficult to manage in the long run. These days, it seems that most, if not all, IP ready devices come set up to use DHCP. As I recall, as long as the network is flat (single subnet), DNS isn't needed, ARP tables will do. 

quote:

As I recall, as long as the network is flat (single subnet), DNS isn't needed, ARP tables will do.

You don't need DNS for DHCP to work but you do need something to ensure the devices always get the same address.  If an IP device on the net only talks and basically only talks to things not on the local net it doesn't matter what its IP address is.  If you want/need to control something on the local net you'd like it to stay put, e.g. a wireless printer.  You don't want to guess which address it's sitting at every time it gets powered up or the DHCP source (usually the local wireless router) decides to refresh.  Reserved DHCP takes care of this but it requires DNS or some type of table to manage it.

You can make the DHCP leases long. Devices should not be referenced by address. They should be referenced by name, with either DNS or the ARP table doing resolution.

quote:

with either DNS or the ARP table doing resolution.

Which means you have to set this up, by some means.  Either you employ a DNS/DHCP based system (not easy), or you set up an ARP table with MAC addresses pointing to dynamically applied but statically reserved IP addresses (not a lot of fun).  I don't see either of these alternatives as a way to get people back into the hobby or making a layout easier to set up/running.

One final note on this technology from CNN Money:

http://money.cnn.com/2012/02/2.../index.htm?hpt=hp_t3

I could be mistaken, I thought ARP tables were automatically maintained by each device.

Penny's comment, "Why?", in the Big Bang Episode (re: public access) pretty much summed it up for me: too much techno-geekism spoils the fun!

RARP will follow the rules set up for it.  In it's simplest form it will just pass out addresses for anything that requests an address.  This is great for MacDonald's/Starbucks public WiFi where stuff comes and goes and nothing but the router is around for any length of time.  You can program in additional restrictions like only known/registered addresses are honored or that a specific MAC address gets a specific IP address.

Amazing how this thread has drifted away from trains to alphabet gibberish...

http://www.cnn.com/2012/02/28/...index.html?hpt=hp_c1

"Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've created..." -Darth Vader

Rusty

Never heard of ARP or RARP assigning addresses.

If you are using DHCP the computer requesting an address sends out an Address Resolution Protocol packet, aka I'm here, anybody know me?.  The host that "honors" those requests responds by sending back a RARP packet with the IP address, gateway, subnet mask and possibly DNS server addresses as well.  This info either comes from an ARP table on the DHCP server on a simple network or is tied into other server(s) that map domain name service (DNS) back to specific IP addresses or IP address ranges.

Unfortunately, I find that on occasion terms have different meanings depending on the discipline within the world of IT. The doc's I've seen indicate that DHCP is based on BootP, and have their own packet structure.

Try out ATM for max possible "definitions".

I agree that it is more fun to operate the trains directly rather than use a computer.  However, I have three little grandsons 1500 miles away that love to run my trains.  I think it would be great to be able to let them run the trains via Skype/software programs. 

I suspect there are many other forum members that have loved ones located far away that would love to let them operate their layout.  The software will only work with TMCC/Legacy or conventional.  It will not work with DCS.

I do have the program working fine over my home network, but I have not used it over the Internet due to the requirement to open a hole in my firewall to allow another computer on the Internet to directly access my home computer via the TCP/IP address.  John Korlings suggestion to use a completely separate computer to handle the train program looks like a good way to prevent hackers/viruses to get into my working computers.  It has been a little over a year since I wrote the program and abandoned it because of the firewall issue.  I would like to work with someone with a good understanding of routers to get the program working over the Internet. 

Earl

Yes sir, if I had a computer to run my trains I'd have more time to mow the yard  !

Stack

Earl:

Your remote hookup to enable your grandchildren to remotely operate your trains is very admirable, and I do hope you can  resolve the security issue!

I am also NOT opposed to progress per se, but some of the "techno-speak" above seems rather extreme for a hobby that should be relaxing, and not require an IT Engineering degree!

Personally, my Legacy remote and my Z-4000 is as technical as I wish to get!

I might add I have made a video of my trains so I can view them operating on my smart phone while undergoing my dialysis treatments.

All that for a slice of toast!

I am still laughing over that Rockwell (SNL?) "presentation"!

A "dingle arm?" - TOO funny!

I can picture Dan Akroyd doing that bit!

This is what happens when you let technology rule your lives!

I don't think it's looking for the layout...

Rusty

Fold tab "A" into slot "B". Put the red wire on the positive terminal of the booster battery. The toe bone connected to the foot bone. The foot bone connected to the ankle bone. The ankle bone connected to the shin bone.....

I understand the reluctance to become involved in all this technology, but someone only needs to figure out the best way to handle Internet Protocol (IP) technology for this once, and package it for the rest of us. Personally, if there were iPad controls interfaced to TMCC or Legacy, I believe it would open up additional "apps" like voice control ("Engine 14, go to speed step 3; switch 5, go straight; ...") which I would dearly love.

   Bob A.

I  am in favor of any new technology to enhance our enjoyment of the hobby eg.  a new DCS or legacy/TMCC remote similar to the iphone or an ipad screen and software package to use as a control panel for RR's, that brings new technoolgy but does not take me away from viewing the trains or model rr I created and just being obsessed with the newest latest Tech gadgetry. Happy Railroading!!!!-Don Klose

Check us out

www.bellevueandschenectadyrr.com

The on problem that will needs to be overcome is that DCS is a close system.  We can not get the protocol to talk to DCS. 

I understand we can get the protocol for TMCC.  Is the protocol for Legacy available?  

DCC is an open protocol. 

Frank G. Haymes