Preparing for Use > Remote Access via an External Controller > Remote Access via a VNC Client Software
Remote Access via a VNC Client Software

A VNC client software is an application which can be used to access and control the instrument from a remote computer via LAN.

The following description explains how to establish the remote access, represented by means of the client software Ultr@VNC. The software is included in Linux/Unix operating system, but it is also available as a free-of-charge download on the Internet http://www.uvnc.com/download/index.html. Thus, it is also available for remote computers with Windows operating system.

The GUI appearance of Ultr@VNC may vary if you use a later release. Also, similar programs may deviate in some details, but the basic procedure is the same.

Risk of Unauthorized Access

If the VNC service is enabled on the instrument, any user in the network who knows the computer name and password can access it.

Disable the VNC service on the instrument to prevent unauthorized access.

Setting up a VNC connection
  1. Connect the instrument and the remote computer to a LAN, see "Connecting the Instrument to the Network".

  2. Install the Ultr@VNC application and enable it on the instrument.

  3. In the ICF firewall, enable communication on the network via Ultr@VNC program.

  4. Install the VNC Viewer on the remote computer with Windows operating system, see "Installing the VNC Viewer on a Windows PC".

  5. Set up the VNC connection between the instrument and:

    1. the remote computer with Linux/Unix operating system, see "Setting up the VNC connection on the Linux/Unix remote computer";

    2. the remote computer with Windows operating system, see "Setting up the VNC connection on the Windows remote computer".

Enabled Direct Control

The direct control of the instrument is not disabled and the instrument can be controlled from the front panel and via the remote computer alternately.

Installing the Ultr@VNC application
  1. Download the program from the internet and copy it to a directory that can be accessed.

  2. On the instrument, shut down firmware using the ALT+F4 key combination.

  3. Double click on the setup file to start the installation.

    The setup wizard leads through the installation. This description focus only on the relevant settings.

    1. Select installation of all components.

    2. In the "Additional Task Panel", enable all entries.

    A successful installation is indicated by a message.

    At the same time a warning is displayed stating that a password must be set.

  4. Select "OK".

    The "Default Local System Properties" panel opens.

  5. Enter a password with a length of at least five digits.

    This password is used on the remote computer to access the instrument. Other settings may be changed according to the user-specific security requirements.

    After the installation the Ultr@VNC program is automatically started together with the operating system. On mouse over, the IP address of the instrument is indicated.

    This IP address and the user-defined password are the prerequisites to enable remote access on the remote computer. Terminated connection is indicated by changed icon color.

Installing the VNC Viewer on a Windows PC
  1. Download the Ultr@VNC program form internet and follow the installation instructions.

    Only the program component VNC Viewer is required.

    Note: The VNC Viewer program is included in the download for the installation of the Ultr@VNC program on the signal generator if "Full installation" was selected in the "Select Component" panel. In this case, the program ultr@vncviewer.exe can be copied to the Windows PC.

  2. Install VNC Viewer program component on the remote computer.

Setting up the VNC connection on the Linux/Unix remote computer

The VNC program is available per default for Linux/Unix operating systems.

  1. Start a Web browser on the remote computer and enter the IP address of the instrument.

  2. Enter the following address:

    vnc://<IP-address of the instrument>, e.g. vnc://192.168.1.1.

    A dialog is opened and the password for the remote VNC connection is requested.

  3. Enter the password as defined in the "Default Local System Properties" panel of the Ultr@VNC program and select "Log On".

    The connection is established, the instrument is remote accessed and the current signal generator screen with the block diagram is displayed. The individual functions are operated using the mouse and keyboard.

    In contrast to remote access via Remote Desktop, the direct control of the instrument is not disabled and the instrument can be controlled from the front panel and via the remote computer alternately.

Setting up the VNC connection on the Windows remote computer
  1. Start VNC Viewer program component on the PC, select "VNC Server" and enter IP address of the instrument.

  2. To initialize the connection, select "Connect".

    A message requesting the password appears.

  3. Enter the password as defined in the "Default Local System Properties" panel of the Ultr@VNC program and select "Log On".

    The connection is established, the instrument is remote accessed and the current signal generator screen with the block diagram is displayed. The individual functions are operated using the mouse and keyboard.

Enabled Direct Control

The direct control of the instrument is not disabled and the instrument can be controlled from the front panel and via the remote computer alternately.

Terminating VNC Connection

The remote access via VNC connection can be terminated either on the R&S SMA or on the external PC. Terminating the connection does not disable it. It can be established again any time. See the notice above concerning unauthorized access due to VNC connection!

  1. Terminate the connection on the R&S SMA

    1. Press the "Windows" key to access the operating system.

    2. Right-click on the VNC icon on the task bar and select "Kill all clients".

  2. To terminate the connection on the external Linux/Unix PC, close the internet browser or close the signal generator window.

  3. To terminate the connection on the external Windows PC, close the VNC Viewer program.

    The connection is terminated. The color of the VNC icon in the status bar of the instrument changes.

    A message on the external PC indicates the disconnection.

Disabling Remote Access via Ultr@VNC

The VNC connection can be disabled by removing the program on the instrument or by deactivating the VNC Server service.

  1. Remove the VNC program

    1. Press the "Windows" key to access the operating system and open the "Add or Remove Programs" by selecting "Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs".

    2. Remove the VNC program.

  2. Deactivate the VNC Server service

    1. Press the "Windows" key to access the operating system and open the "Services" by selecting "Start > Settings > Control Panel > Services".

    2. Deactivate the VNC Server service.

    The connection is disabled, the VNC icon disappears from the task bar of the instrument.

 


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