Connection Modes

PhonePad 4 had two Connection Modes: Local Mode (direct file access) and Remote Mode (Client/Server).  The aim was to provide maximum flexibility in configuring PhonePad 4 on networks, however, with that flexibility came some complexity as well.

Using Local Mode, PhonePad on each workstation connected directly to the PhonePad database located on a network drive on a Server, or a shared drive on a Host PC.  

This method had some drawbacks, including:

•The database was sometimes susceptible to corruption from a variety of causes: workstations crashing, anti-virus software, intermittent faults with network cables, network interface cards, network hardware, etc.

•Windows permission issues.

•Setting up the connection to the database was confusing for many users.

•Performance bottlenecks with the Windows file system.

With Remote Mode PhonePad connected to the PhonePad Server application located on a Server or Host PC.  One of the advantages was that no workstation had direct access to the PhonePad database, only DBServer did.  This reduced the chances of data corruption while at the same time increasing performance.

However, setting up the connection to the server on each workstation was also problematic for many users.  Additionally, Windows on Host PCs had a habit of changing their IP Address, breaking the connection.

This has all changed with PhonePad 5.

There is only one connection mode: Client/Server (or Remote Mode).  This simplifies things greatly as users no longer have to worry about Windows permissions, setting up network shares, and so on.

In fact, there is no need for users to set up the connection at all.  We have worked hard to make things as easy as possible with PhonePad 5.  The result is that PhonePad 5 automatically connects to the PhonePad 5 Server without any action required by users.  It even adds an exception rule to your Server's or Host PC's Windows Firewall to allow connections between workstations and the Server or Host PC.

Each time PhonePad starts on the workstation it searches for any PhonePad 5 servers on the network.  When the server receives this request it sends out its connection information.  PhonePad then uses this information to establish a connection with the server.  The advantages of this method are:

•There is no configuration required on workstations.

•If the Server or Host PC's IP Address changes, workstations can still connect as they will always have the latest server connection information.

There is one disadvantage though:  if you had installed PhonePad 4 on a network drive you will no longer be able to do this with PhonePad 5.  The PhonePad 5 Server must be installed on a local drive of a Server or Host PC, and so does the PhonePad database.  You can still install PhonePad 5 Workstation on a network drive if you wish although we believe you will get better performance installing it directly on a workstation.