Panther allows for remote access over a TCP/IP connection, which is commonly used for Ethernet networks. This functionality is typically handled through the SDConnect application and the RCI (Remote Control Interface) automation features.

Here's how it generally works:

1. SDConnect: This application acts as the bridge for remote connections. When you want to connect to a remote Panther system, you'll use SDConnect.

2. Local vs. Remote Connection: Local - SDConnect can try to connect to the SDAppMgr (the main application manager for Panther) running on the same computer. It can even attempt to launch SDAppMgr automatically if it's not already running. Remote - This is where TCP/IP comes in. You can connect to an SDAppMgr instance running on a different computer on the network. You'll need to provide the IP address of that remote machine. In this mode, SDConnect cannot launch the remote SDAppMgr automatically; it must already be running on the remote system.

3. Firewall Configuration: For remote connections over TCP/IP, you might need to configure the firewall on the remote machine. Specifically, you may need to open port 35000 to allow the connection.

4. SDK and Automation: Spectral Dynamics provides an SDK (Software Development Kit) that includes a class file (like `RCI_Automation.cpp` for Visual C++) to help you programmatically connect and communicate with SDConnect. This allows you to send RCI commands and retrieve information from the remote Panther system. You'd typically import `SDConnect.tlb` into your project.

5. Connecting: You'll instantiate the SDConnect class and then call a function like `ConnectT40()`, passing either the string "LOCAL" or the IP address of the remote machine.

6. RCI Commands: Once connected, you can use functions provided by the SDK to send commands (like `RCICommandIn()`) to simulate input signals or query the status of output signals (`RCIStatusOut()`). So, in essence, you use SDConnect to establish a TCP/IP connection to the remote Panther system's application manager, and then leverage the RCI automation features and SDK to control and monitor your tests remotely.