We use an old pc at each machine. Each pc is connected to our network and labled as the machine number. These are in turn wired via RS232 to their respective machine. We have to have this as we run alot of large programs drip style. If you are concerned about the amount of wire you probably do not want to run a wired network and probably do not want to spend the cash for wireless. You can get old notebook computers for dirt cheap and install windows nt to run the assist program while still maintaining some security on the enterprise.
Jeff Lange
Lightning Tool & Manufacturing, Inc.