Application-level protocols for network-based control and data acquisition

We present the results of our research into protocols for network based data acquisition systems. Such systems potentially offer high performance, especially with the advent of Gbit Ethernet, but sub-optimal choices of architecture, protocols and buffer sizes can create bottlenecks in the system. We have investigated these subjects on a network based data acquisition system, We have developed a flexible and comprehensive application level protocol over TCP for distribution of commands and data, and maximized data throughput by implementing an application protocol over UDP for data transmission.