Series 4000 Galils: Does a firewall help

[KathrynBaker]

As someone providing support for 4000 series Galils (e.g. the absolute encoders on ZOOM), I'd like to see if using them with a firewall in the mix provides any gains for memory consumption and controller stability

Acceptance Criteria

1. Confirm that the Galil still ends up in an error state after a period of running
2. Provide a benchmark figure for the memory usage of the IOC at present with both Serial and Ethernet connections
3. Place a firewall between the Galil and the existing ethernet connection this uses (this is a private network connection), and configure it suitably
4. Check the memory usage of the IOC with the firewall in place
5. Check that the Galil does not enter into an error state within three times the duration of the non-firewalled setup
6. If the Galil remains stable for the specified three times the duration of the non-firewalled setup, and the memory usage is similar to or lower than the benchmark value:
   1. Document the firewall setup clearly so that it can be reproduced
   2. Create a ticket to complete longer testing so that the Galil remains stable for at least 60 days (covers most cycle durations), with acceptance criteria for verifying the network solution is acceptable and changing all 4000s to use this method if that 60-day test is successful.

Notes

1. The period of running for the error state may need to be checked or determined
2. This should be a test rather than a change to the network infrastructure, should we wish to use this method long term that should be undertaken with consideration and discussion for those with responsibility for the network and systems
3. This is likely to involve a long elapsed time to verify that the controller can last the required length of time
4. The 60-day test is a required elapsed time to call the ticket done - it is probably best if it is assigned to the same person as this ticket as an immediate follow on and that the assignee takes responsibility for making sure that that is in included in the appropriate sprint once the elapsed time is over.

[KathrynBaker]

It is worth checking out the thread "Probelm with ethernet interface of Galil controller" on Tech Talk for more information, especially the messages from Mark C as there are some good suggestions and considerations for diagnosing the underlying problem and the fix.