Note: Text covers an earlier version. |
Using MeOS in a Network
To use MeOS in a network with more than one computer connected to the same competition, you need a computer acting as server. Install MySQL server on this computer. Use MySQL version 5.0 or later.MySQL, Community Edition, is free and can be downloaded from www.mysql.com. You can install with default options, see Installing MySQL
On the page Competition select Database Connection. Now you can enter server specific data, and you also get information on how to configure the server.
Note
Firewalls can cause various problems. The most common symptom is that it is not possible to connect at all. Even worse, smart firewall can decide to analyze all incoming traffic, with the effect that the network works, but is extremely slow. Our recommendation is disable firewalls entirely during the competition, at least on the server.
A wise action is then to not let Internet be generally available over the network. Make sure that only those computers that really need an Internet connection has connection (and possibly also an active firewall).
In the field MySQL server, type the name of the server or its IP address. Username and password refers to user name and password for MySQL, not the login of the computer. The field port can normally be left blank. Client name is the name of your computer. You will see this name in a list of connected computers. You can choose names such as Read out 1, Direct Entry 3, and so on, if you like.
Firewalls can cause various problems. The most common symptom is that it is not possible to connect at all. Even worse, smart firewall can decide to analyze all incoming traffic, with the effect that the network works, but is extremely slow. Our recommendation is disable firewalls entirely during the competition, at least on the server.
A wise action is then to not let Internet be generally available over the network. Make sure that only those computers that really need an Internet connection has connection (and possibly also an active firewall).
After you connected, you will see some information on the server you connected to. If no competition is open, you will see two lists, one with local competitions and one with competitions on the server.
Select a competition from one of the lists, and then Open Competition.
To upload a competition to the server, open it locally in MeOS. Verify that you are connected to the right server (or connect to the right server) and click Upload Competition to Server on the page Database Connection. Now, other clients can connect to the server, and open the competition you uploaded.
Hint
Verify that the Runner Database is up-to-date on the computer that you upload the competition from. All connected clients will use that database.
When you open a competition on the server, the headline of MeOS will change to indicate that you run against a server.
Verify that the Runner Database is up-to-date on the computer that you upload the competition from. All connected clients will use that database.
Note
Make sure all computers are connected to the server.
Make sure all computers are connected to the server.
Fast Advance Information
If you check Send and receive fast advance information on control punches and results MeOS will broadcast information to the entire local network as soon as a result it changed. Other MeOS clients that listen to this information are able to update result lists and speaker lists immediately, without accessing the server, which gives a few seconds delay. Only one MeOS session on each computer can listen to this information. Even if MeOS fails to listen to this information, all data will be up-to-date, as soon MeOS communicates via the database some seconds later.MeOS Insight
MeOS communicates the Fast Advance Information via UDP broadcast on the local network. All MeOS clients started on one single computer may broadcast, but only the first started client can listen to that port; you will get an error when you connect the second client, as discussed above.
By default MeOS uses port 21338, but this can be controlled by changing DirectPort, see Local Settings. You need to allow this traffic through any firewall. If you change the value, make sure to set the same port on all client computers.
Note that different competitions may coexist in the same network, and use the same port without interference. This will work as long as the id (in the database) of the competitions are distinct, which is guaranteed if the same MySQL server is used for all competitions.
MeOS communicates the Fast Advance Information via UDP broadcast on the local network. All MeOS clients started on one single computer may broadcast, but only the first started client can listen to that port; you will get an error when you connect the second client, as discussed above.
By default MeOS uses port 21338, but this can be controlled by changing DirectPort, see Local Settings. You need to allow this traffic through any firewall. If you change the value, make sure to set the same port on all client computers.
Note that different competitions may coexist in the same network, and use the same port without interference. This will work as long as the id (in the database) of the competitions are distinct, which is guaranteed if the same MySQL server is used for all competitions.
Disconnecting from the Database
If you select Disconnect Database when a server competition is open, you get a local copy of the competition named "name (local copy from: server name)". You should only use this copy in an emergency situation, since it is not guaranteed to be complete (it is in fact a snapshot of what is on your computer at the moment you disconnected).To create a backup, use instead Backup / Save As on the page Competition.
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