This section provides general guidelines for setting up, configuring, and operating GigE Vision cameras in a reliable and high-performance environment. The information is applicable to most GigE Vision compliant devices and network interfaces.

GigE Vision cameras require proper network configuration, sufficient bandwidth, and stable hardware to achieve consistent image acquisition performance. For performance application special network interface cards are needed (see camera suppliers). To ensure high throughput and deterministic behavior, camera and host setup must be planned carefully.

• Camera → Network switch → Host
• Host → Switch → Corporate/Facility Network

Suitable for initial tests or setups where no direct link is possible. Important: The used switch has to provide Jumbo Frames and needed Bandwidth

For maximum throughput and predictable timing:

• Unordered List ItemCamera connected directly to the host’s primary Ethernet port
• Unordered List ItemHost connected to the normal network via a secondary interface (e.g., USB-to-Ethernet adapter)

Advantages:

• Full dedicated bandwidth for the camera
• Camera-NIC settings can be safely customized
• Eliminates risk of affecting general network connectivity
• Reduces latency and packet loss
• Allows automated optimization tools without breaking IP settings

Some camera suppliers provide specialized network interface cards (NICs) designed specifically for GigE Vision applications. These NICs often include hardware features that significantly improve image acquisition stability and throughput.

• Apply network configuration settings manually, unless the interface is isolated.
• Avoid using virtual machines for image acquisition
• VM network stacks often throttle throughput or add jitter.
• Testing and deployment should happen on the same physical machine.
• Hardware differences between PCs can lead to different results.
• Install all required runtime environments and development tools directly on the physical workstation.
• Begin testing with simple acquisition examples to verify performance before integrating application logic.

Proper configuration of the camera network interface is critical for stable GigE Vision performance.

Basler Network Configuration (GigE Cameras)

• Press Win + R, enter ncpa.cpl, confirm
• Right-click the relevant adapter → Properties
• Click Configure
• Open the Advanced tab

1. Jumbo Frames → Set to the maximum available value

   1. If unavailable, configure the MTU / frame size parameter instead
2. Receive (Rx) Ring Buffer / Receive Descriptors → Maximum value
3. Interrupt Moderation Rate / CPU Interrupt Settings → Low value (e.g., around 1000)

   1. Some NICs require enabling moderation in a separate parameter
4. Speed & Duplex → Auto Negotiation
5. (Optional) Increase Transmit Buffers if available for improved streaming stability
6. Repeat configuration for all network adapters used for image acquisition.

Perform all testing on the physical machine that will also be used for deployment. Start with basic examples from the camera SDK or vision toolkit.

How to Acquire From GigE Vision Cameras With Vision Acquisition Software Acquiring from GigE Vision Cameras with Vision Acquisition Software

Validate:

• Connection stability
• Achievable frame rate
• Packet loss and resends
• Only after reliable base acquisition is confirmed, proceed with:
• Image processing routines
• Synchronization logic
• UI and application integration

• Direct camera-to-PC connection is strongly recommended for high-performance GigE Vision applications.
• Avoid VMs; always test and run on physical hardware.
• NIC tuning is essential for stability and throughput.
• Keep normal network traffic separate from camera traffic when possible.
• Test on the target system to avoid hardware-related deviations.