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Using front panel data binding to control a front panel control remotely through the Shared Variable Engine provides faster and more reliable data transmission than dstp as well as seamless connections to shared variables and NI-Publish-Subscribe-Protocol (PSP) data items.

Enabling a dstp, opc, ftp, http, or file connection for a control lets a control write and read live data through the DataSocket Server, an OPC server, FTP server, or Web server. Do not enable a connection for a control if you want to establish or save the URL for the object but not write or read data.

Complete the following steps to enable a control for a dstp, opc, ftp, http, or file connection.

1. If you are using a dstp connection, launch and configure the DataSocket Server. If you are using an opc, ftp, http, or file connection, skip to step 2. Open the DataSocket Server by selecting Start»All Programs»National Instruments»DataSocket»DataSocket Server.
2. Right-click a front panel object and select Properties from the shortcut menu to display the Properties dialog box for the object.

Note  You cannot create front panel data connections for type definitions.

3. Click the right arrow button to navigate to the Data Binding page of the Properties dialog box.
4. Select DataSocket from the Data Binding Selection drop-down list.
5. Enter a dstp, opc, ftp, http, or file URL in the Path text box. You also can select DSTP Server or File System from the Browse drop-down list to navigate to a URL.
6. Select Read/Write from the Access Type drop-down list.
7. Click the OK button.