Use Scripting To Automate Your Test Environment
Users of APCON IntellaPatch physical layer switches often want to automate their test-lab or equipment-sharing environment. Automation offers a major advantage, in part due to the improved efficiency in time and labor, but also due to the significant cost savings that result.
Scripts are commonly used to manage the IntellaPatch, as well as other hardware within the environment. Thus, users benefit from centralized management and full automation. The scripts are responsible for running tests, logging test results, and providing a way to monitor, along with stopping and starting the test. Because a scripting language is used, users are not limited to a basic set of commands, only by the available functions or classes in the scripting language and by the code writer's skills.
So, where do you start when it comes to implementing an automated script environment? The most important decision that needs to be made is the scripting language to be used. Possibilities include Perl, Java, TCL, Python, PHP, and others Scripting with one of these languages, if done properly, can provide a single script that runs on multiple operating systems - assuming the language chosen is available for the required platforms. Familiarity with writing code, platform compatibility, and the ability to read and write to a socket connection or serial interface are prerequisites when deciding which language to use.
APCON has real world examples of scripts. They can be found in the APCON Software Users Manual, which is accessible from the help menu in APCON Control Software for Windows. Even more scripts are available directly from APCON support. If you would like further help with example scripts in languages not covered in the users manual or have additional questions regarding functionality or integration, contact APCON support directly.
In addition to scripting, APCON has other solutions for interfacing with the IntellaPatch switches, including a C/C++ API (application programming interface) and APCON CmdX, which is a command line utility. The C/C++ API is designed specifically for users who need to integrate IntellaPatch control within a C/C++ program. It provides hooks that can be written into custom software programs. Knowledge of IntellaPatch firmware commands and response syntax is not required; one just needs to learn the more familiar API function calls. APCON CmdX manages the socket or serial connection and takes care of error handling. APCON CmdX is operating system dependent - binaries are currently available for Linux, Solaris and Windows.
APCON's physical layer switches have been designed from the ground up with automation in mind. The new IntellaPatch 288 includes an additional embedded Telnet/SSH command line interface. The Telnet/SSH interface is operating system independent and shares the same commands as APCON CmdX.
With all the software management options available, it may be difficult to decide which option is right for you. Understanding the flexibility of the IntellaPatch and all the software options that are currently available can simplify the decision. Remember that if you need assistance, give APCON support a call or contact us at support@apcon.com.
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