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Ask Slashdot: Best Way To Solve a Unique Networking Issue?

Posted by timothy on from the that-seems-like-a-decent-way dept.

New submitter petro-tech writes: I work as a service technician, maintaining and repairing gas pumps and POS equipment. In my day to day activities, one that consumes a ton of time and is relatively regular is the process of upgrading the software on pumps. This is done by connecting to the pump via direct ethernet from my laptop, then running a manufacturer-provided program that connects to the device and pushes the new software. Some sites have 8+ pumps with 2 devices in each, and at 20-30 minutes apiece this can be quite time consuming. Unfortunately the devices are not actually on a network, and as such cannot be updated remotely, also since they are not on a network, they are all configured with the same IP address. Additionally the software doesn't allow you to specify the adapter to use. I would like to be able to get to a site, connect a cable to each pump, and load them all at the same time. The only way I can figure to accomplish this with the software we've been provided is to do this: Get a 16-port powered USB hub, with a usb-ethernet adaptor in each port; Set up 16 VM's with extremely stripped down XP running on each, with only one USB-ethernet adaptor assigned to each VM; Set XP to boot the application for loading software as its shell; and load each device that way at the same time. Is there a better way to accomplish this? Have a question for Slashdot's readers? Take a look at other recent questions first to see if someone else has had a similar question. And if not, ask away! The more details and context you include, the more likely your question will be selected.

7 of 384 comments (clear)

  1. It's not a networking issue. by xxxJonBoyxxx · · Score: 4, Funny

    >> Unfortunately the devices are not actually on a network

    So...it's not a networking issue?

    1. Re:It's not a networking issue. by g0bshiTe · · Score: 4, Funny

      I think you like many are missing the main question and would in fact be the only question I'd ask him and it would determine if you should continue or stop right there.

      Are you paid by the hour? If yes, what the actual fuck are you thinking?

      --
      I am Bennett Haselton! I am Bennett Haselton!
    2. Re:It's not a networking issue. by Krishnoid · · Score: 4, Funny

      If you're not very affluent in networking, the above will sound VERY confusing, but trust me it can be done.

      I think you mean 'fluent', as in you understand networking well. Then again, you could mean that this is expensive, in which case, 'affluent' would be correct. Although, the original problem refers to programming pumps, so it could be 'effluent'.

      Glad I could clarify that.

    3. Re:It's not a networking issue. by mjm1231 · · Score: 4, Funny

      I used to tell this to my boss all the time when we had to make changes to all 500 PC's on the domain, and walking from PC to PC to do it manually was still standard practice. If I screw up with a script, at least they'll all have the same mistake, instead of 500 different mistakes.

      --
      Ideology: A tool used primarily to avoid the bother of thinking.
  2. wow, that makes me feel good by phantomfive · · Score: 4, Funny

    Unfortunately the devices are not actually on a network, and as such cannot be updated remotely, also since they are not on a network,

    It makes me feel good to know that something in this world is still air-gapped.

    --
    "First they came for the slanderers and i said nothing."
  3. ToTo, I don't think we are on Slashdot anymore. by GrantRobertson · · Score: 4, Funny

    A competent, helpful answer in the third post.

  4. What's the best way to sharpen my football bat? by netsavior · · Score: 4, Funny

    I am having trouble with my billiards table, could you please tell me the best way to keep my football bat sharp so that my chlorine levels stay consistent?