SoFunction
Updated on 2025-04-11

Detailed steps for implementing remote monitoring and control of host computers in C#

1. Basic concepts of remote monitoring and control

Remote monitoring and control refer to the functions of connecting the upper and lower computers (such as devices, sensors, PLCs, robots, etc.) through network communication to realize the functions of remotely reading the device status, transmitting data and controlling the device's actions. Remote monitoring usually includes:

  • Collect equipment status data (such as temperature, pressure, position, etc.).
  • Display data in real time and provide an alarm mechanism.
  • Send control commands to perform start and stop or parameter adjustment of the device.

Key functions of remote monitoring and control:

  1. Real-time data collection: Read sensor data, working status, logs, etc. from the device.
  2. Data display: Display device data to users in a graph, table or graph.
  3. Remote operation control: Send commands through the interface to control the device to perform actions.
  4. Alarm and notification: When an abnormal device occurs, notify the user in time and trigger an alarm.
  5. Logging: Record operation and equipment status for easy post-event analysis.

2. Common communication protocols for remote monitoring and control of upper computers

In order to realize remote monitoring and control, the C# program needs to communicate with the lower computer (device) through the network. Common remote communication protocols include:

1. TCP/IP communication protocol

The TCP/IP protocol is widely used for communication between the upper and lower computers, especially when the lower computer device has a network interface (such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi). The TCP protocol provides reliable, connection-oriented data transmission, suitable for applications requiring high stability.

  • Application scenarios: Network-connected equipment, such as industrial computers, PLCs, sensors, cameras, etc.

2. Modbus protocol

Modbus is an industrial communication protocol that is widely used in data transmission of PLC, sensor and other devices. Modbus protocols include RTU (serial communication) and TCP (Ethernet-based communication). C# can be used through third-party libraries such asNModbusTo achieve it.

  • Application scenarios: Communication between PLC and sensors and other devices.

3. WebSocket protocol

WebSocket is a TCP-based protocol that can establish a persistent connection between the client and the server and supports full duplex communication. WebSocket is perfect for monitoring systems that require real-time updates.

  • Application scenarios: Real-time display of device status, sensor data, etc.

4. HTTP/HTTPS protocol

HTTP/HTTPS is a commonly used protocol in web applications, suitable for obtaining device data through the RESTful API or sending control commands to devices. C# can be usedHttpClientThe class makes HTTP requests.

  • Application scenarios: Devices with a Web interface or HTTP API.

3. Steps to realize remote monitoring and control of upper computers

1. Create a basic TCP/IP communication program

C# providesNamespaces enable simple TCP/IP communication with devices. Here is a basic example of using C# to communicate with remote devices over TCP/IP:

Sample code:

using System;
using ;
using ;
 
class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        string ip = "192.168.1.100";  // The device's IP address        int port = 502;  // The port number of the device 
        try
        {
            // Create a TCP connection            TcpClient client = new TcpClient(ip, port);
            NetworkStream stream = ();
 
            // Send commands to the device            byte[] message = Encoding.("READ DATA");
            (message, 0, );
 
            // Receive data returned by the device            byte[] buffer = new byte[1024];
            int bytesRead = (buffer, 0, );
            string response = Encoding.(buffer, 0, bytesRead);
            ("Device Response: " + response);
 
            // Close the connection            ();
            ();
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            ("Error: " + );
        }
    }
}
  • Key points：
    • useTcpClientConnect to a remote device.
    • NetworkStreamUsed to send and receive data.
    • Pay attention to exception handling and connection closure.

2. Integrated Modbus communication

Modbus is a widely used protocol in the industrial field, especially for data interaction with PLCs and sensors. By using third-party librariesNModbus, C# can easily implement the support of Modbus TCP or RTU protocol.

Sample code (Modbus TCP):

using System;
using ;
using ;
 
class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        TcpClient client = new TcpClient("192.168.1.100", 502); // Modbus server IP and port        ModbusTcpMaster master = (client);
 
        byte slaveId = 1;  // Device ID        ushort startAddress = 0;  // Start address        ushort numOfPoints = 10;  // Number of read registers 
        // Read device data        ushort[] values = (slaveId, startAddress, numOfPoints);
 
        ("Device Data:");
        foreach (var value in values)
        {
            (value);
        }
 
        ();
    }
}
  • Key points：
    • useNModbusThe library simplifies the implementation of the Modbus protocol.
    • ModbusTcpMasterClass is used to establish a connection with the device and perform data reading.

3. Realize real-time monitoring and control interface

Windows Forms or WPF in C# can be used to build the user interface (UI) of the host computer, display device data and control interface in real time.

Example: Real-time data display (based on Windows Forms)

using System;
using ;
 
public class MonitorForm : Form
{
    private Label labelData;
 
    public MonitorForm()
    {
        labelData = new Label() { Top = 20, Left = 20, Width = 200 };
        (labelData);
         = "Device Monitor";
         = new (300, 200);
    }
 
    public void UpdateData(string data)
    {
         = "Device Data: " + data;
    }
 
    static void Main()
    {
        (new MonitorForm());
    }
}
  • Key points：
    • Dynamically update device status on the UI interface.
    • useLabelThe control displays data, which can realize real-time update of device information.

4. Remote control

The host computer not only needs to monitor the device status, but also needs to remotely control the device. Control operations are usually achieved by sending commands to the lower computer. For example, send a "Power on" or "Stop" command.

Example: Remote control device

using System;
using ;
 
class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        string ip = "192.168.1.100";
        int port = 502;
 
        try
        {
            TcpClient client = new TcpClient(ip, port);
            NetworkStream stream = ();
 
            // Send a boot command            byte[] startCommand = Encoding.("START");
            (startCommand, 0, );
 
            // The status returned by the receiving device            byte[] buffer = new byte[1024];
            int bytesRead = (buffer, 0, );
            string response = Encoding.(buffer, 0, bytesRead);
            ("Device Response: " + response);
 
            // Close the connection            ();
            ();
        }
        catch (Exception ex)
        {
            ("Error: " + );
        }
    }
}
  • Key points：
    • Send control commands (such as "START", "STOP", etc.) to the device.
    • The device's response needs to be considered to ensure that the commands are executed correctly.

4. Summary

Using C# for remote monitoring and control of host computers has very powerful capabilities. Through TCP/IP, Modbus and other protocols, communication with devices can be easily achieved, real-time data collection and remote control operations can be completed. Combining C#'s graphical interface development (Windows Forms/WPF) and multi-threading technology, a more efficient and user-friendly remote monitoring system can be achieved. During development, special attention should be paid to issues such as network connection stability, data format processing and error management to ensure the reliability and real-time nature of the system.

The above is the detailed content of the detailed steps for C# to realize remote monitoring and control of host computers. For more information about remote monitoring and control of C#, please pay attention to my other related articles!