N P o r t Server Lite User’s Manual FOR DE-301/331 Third Edition, Mar 2001 Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd. Tel: +866-2-8919-1230 Fax: +886-2-8919-1231 www.moxa.com support@moxa.com.
N P o r t Server Lite User’s Manual The software described in this manual is furnished under a license agreement and may be used only in accordance with the terms of that agreement. Copyright Notice Copyright 2000 Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Trademarks MOXA is a registered trademark of Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd. All other trademarks or registered marks in this manual belong to their respective manufacturers.
MOXA Internet Services Customer satisfaction is a number one concern of ours. To ensure that customers receive the full benefit of our products, Moxa Internet Services has been set up to provide technical support, driver updates, product information, and user’s manual updates. The following services are provided: E-mail for technical support address: support@moxa.com.tw FTP site for free driver updates address: ftp://ftp.moxa.com or ftp://ftp.moxa.com.
Table of Contents 1.1 Overview..............................................................................................................1-1 Features...............................................................................................................1-2 Package Checklist ............................................................................................1-2 Top / Front / Rear View ....................................................................................1-3 2.
Upgrading NPort Server Firmware............................................................ 4-56 Toolbar Functions............................................................................................................................... 4-58 Uninstalling the Software ................................................................................................................. 4-61 5.5 Windows 2000 - Installation and Configuration........................................
1 1 Overview Welcome to Moxa NPort Server Lite, an Industrial Serial Device Server that greatly enhances the ability of a Windows NT/95/98 host to control multiple serial port devices over a TCP/IP based Ethernet network.
Features q Built-In LCD Human Machine Interface q Long range connection through the Internet/Intranet between host and serial port q Easy serial port expansion; up to 256 ports for one Windows NT/95/98 host q Supports sharing of the server or ports to multiple hosts q Remote control of NPort Server through the Internet/Intranet q Driver for Windows NT/95/98 platform q Easy configuration and management under Windows NT/95/98 q Secured access control to network hosts q Free Moxa PComm Pro Ser
Overview Top / Front / Rear View There are three network status LEDs located on the top panel of NPort Server Lite, each with its own specific function. LED name Power Link Traffic LED function Turns green when power is supplied to the server. Turns green when the Ethernet link is detected. Blinks green while transferring data over the Ethernet.
2 2 Getting Started Now that you have been introduced to NPort Server Lite's features and specifications, it’s time to install the hardware and get your system up and running. We begin this chapter with a brief explanation of the two general types of operation mode available when using NPort Server Lite. The setup procedure is somewhat different for each operation mode; so first take the time to determine which application best suits your needs.
Knowing Your Application NPort Server Lite is an advanced Industrial Serial Device Server designed to fit into today's ever-expanding networking world. It extends the usage of traditional COM ports on a PC—an isolated machine with restricted ports—to being able to access the port over a TCP/IP network. Through the nature of networking, you can control your serial devices from a distance, either over a LAN, or even over the Internet.
Getting Started Pair-Connection Mode Connecting a serial device, such as the bar code reader shown below, to a PC, can certainly be accomplished by connecting the serial device directly to one of the PC’s COM ports. This method, however, limits the maximum distance between the PC and serial device to approximately 15 meters. By using two 1-port NPort Server Lites in tandem, this dis tance can be extended to half of a kilometer.
Connecting the Hardware In the previous section we illustrated the two general operation modes of NPort Server Lite. We begin this section by describing how to find a proper location for your server, and then explain how to connect to the network, hook up the power cable, and connect to the server’s serial port. Choosing a Location There are three placement options available. NPort Server Lite can be: q placed on a desktop, q fixed to a wall or inside a cabinet, or q fixed to a 35-mm DIN Rail.
Getting Started Figure 2-2a. NPort Server Lite—Wall Mounting Brackets (bottom) Figure 2-2b. NPort Server Lite—Wall Mounting Brackets (top view) DIN Rail Figure 2-3. Din Rail Mounting Bracket NPort Server Lite can also be mounted on a standard 35-mm DIN Rail. First use two screws to attach the DIN Rail bracket to the metal plate (Fig. 2-3). Since the screw heads are beveled, and the holes in the plate are countersunk, the tops of the screws will be flush with the metal plate.
Figure 2-4. Din Rail Mounting Brackets—Orientation of Metal Plates This allows the metal plate (now with the DIN Rail bracket attached) to be screwed to the bottom of the server in such a way that it does not stick out over the edge of the server. Use three screws to attach the metal plate to the bottom of NPort Server Lite, with the orientation as shown in Fig. 2-4. Network Connection There are two ways to use the 10/100BaseT Ethernet jack located on NPort Server Lite’s front panel (see Fig. 1-2): 1.
Getting Started Note that there is no on/off switch. The server automatically turns on when plugged into the outlet. If the server is working properly the LCD panel back light will glow for a few seconds before shutting off, and the green PWR LED will also light up, indicating that the server is receiving power. The LCD panel should look similar to what is shown in Figure 1-1. Serial Connection The model of NPort Server Lite that you purchased has one DB9 serial port jack on the back panel (see Fig. 1-3).
3 3 Configuring the Network In the previous chapter we described the steps required to physically connect NPort Server Lite to the network. In this chapter we explain how to configure the server.
Preparing Windows NT/95/98 for a TCP/IP Network In order use a PC via an Ethernet network to control serial devices connected to NPort Server Lite, you must first have a host running Windows NT/95/98. This type of application also requires the host to have an Ethernet card and TCP/IP protocol installed. If your computer does not already have an Ethernet card installed, you will need to purchase one, and then follow the instructions provided by the Ethernet card manufacturer to install and set up the card.
Configuring the Network 2. 3. 4. Press s twice, at which point the LCD screen displays: M A I N N E T W O M E R K N ↑ U S E T T I N G ↓ Press SEL to select NETWORK SETTING, and then press s twice. The LCD screen should look like: N E I P T W O R K A D D R R S E T E S S T I N G ↑ ↓ Press SEL again, after which the default IP address will be displayed.
7. 8. Press SEL to NOT save the setting, or press r to change to the following screen: S A V Y E S E C H A N G E ? ↓ Press SEL to save the setting. At this point the system will restart, and then return to the default screen showing the server’s name, serial number, and IP address. Telnet Console Depending on the way your computer and network are set up, you may find it convenient, or even necessary, to set up NPort Server Lite over a network. This can be done using the Telnet program.
Configuring the Network 4. A connection between your computer and NPort Server Lite should now be established, and the MOXA NPort Server Lite utility program will automatically start running. 5. Use the keyboard arrow keys to highlight [serverConfig] as shown below, and then press Enter to select this option. 6. A window showing the various parameters required to configure NPort Server Lite opens up.
DHCP Configuration This section is applicable if you are using your Windows NT/95/98 host as a DHCP server, where DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This type of server is set up to provide IP addresses for new devices as they log onto a network (hence the Dynamic part of the name).
Configuring the Network 3. You must now define the DHCP server “scope”. A “scope” is simply a range of IP addresses that the server assigns to machines as they log onto the network. Since the assignment is dynamic, the IP address assigned to a particular device can change each time the device logs in. What we will do is use DHCP Manager to set aside a specific IP address that will always be assigned to your NPort Server Lite when it is hooked up to the network.
8. Assign a name to the scope, and if you like, include a comment. Click OK to accept the values. 9. A window opens with the question: Activate the new scope now? Click on Yes to activate. At this point we explain how to input a unique IP address reserved exclusively for use by your NPort Server Lite.
Configuring the Network 10. From the DHCP Manager – (Local) menu bar, click on Scope, and then select Add Reservations. 11. The Client Properties window that opens contains text input boxes for IP Address, Unique Identifier, Client Name, and Client Comment. First enter the selected IP address, and then locate and enter your NPort Server Lite’s MAC address in the Unique Identifier field.
12. To check that the numbers just entered are correct, return to the DHCP Manager main window, click on Scope, and then choose Active Leases from the pull down menu. The IP address reserved for your NPort Server Lite will be displayed in the window that opens up. Check to make sure that it is accurate.
4 4 Installation and Configuration In the previous chapter we explained how to set up NPort Server Lite for use on a network. In this chapter we explain how to configure the server for the particular application you have chosen.
q Pair-Connection Mode q NPort Server Diagnostic q q 4-2 • Configuration • Viewer Status and Diagnose NPort Server Monitor • Configuring NPort Server Monitor • Save and Load Configuration • Monitor Ø Port Status Ø Refresh Monitor Ø Reset Port Ø Reset Server Upgrading NPort Server Firmware NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
Installation and Configuration Host-Based Mode There are two options under Host-Based Mode. You should follow the installation instructions under Single Host Mode if you will be accessing NPort Server Lite from just one host. Follow the instructions under Custom Mode for all other Host-Based applications. Single Host Mode Driver and Software Installation 1. Insert the NPort Server Lite disk into either the floppy disk drive or CD ROM drive, depending on the type of disk that was provided.
4. Select the type of application, Single-Host in this case, and then click on Next. 4-4 5. In the Select Destination Directory window that opens up, click on Next to install NPort Server Lite files in the given default directory, or click on Browse, enter the name of a different directory, and then click on Next. 6. A window opens up asking if you would like to run Add Server Wizard now. Follow the instructions, select Yes, and then click on Next. Continue with the instructions in the next section.
Installation and Configuration Adding an NPort Server Lite—Add Server Wizard 1. In the Add Server Wizard window, use the mouse to highlight the server you want to add. (If you forgot to plug in the your server’s power cord, do so now and then click on Find….
4-6 2. You must choose a COM port number to assign to your NPort Server Lite serial port. Highlight the desired number from the pull down list. 3. Choose and then type a password in both the Server Password and Confirm Password text input boxes. Click on Next to continue.
Installation and Configuration 4. Once the Complete! window opens up, verify that all information is correct, and then click on Finish. 5. The installation program evokes the NPort Lite Manager utility, which displays the server you have just added, including port configuration settings. You should see a screen similar to the one below if the Add Server Wizard completed the task successfully. .
Using NPort Lite Manager When you run the Setup program to install NPort Server Lite software, you are automatically asked to add one server. However, you have the option to run NPort Lite Manager at a later time if you decide to add more servers, change server names, remove servers, or change COM names. To start NPort Lite Manager, click on: Start à Programs à NPort Server Lite à NPort Lite Manager.
Installation and Configuration Figure 4-1. NPort Lite Manager main window and menu options NPort Lite Manager Toolbar Icons The NPort Lite Manager toolbar icons also provide an easy way for you to manage your servers. Save all Servers In order to be activated, modifications of NPort Server Lite, or changes to port configurations, must be saved by the NT/95/98 system or the server. Clicking on the toolbar Save all Servers icon will automatically detect any changes and save them in the appropriate places.
Add Server If you need to add another NPort Server Lite to your system after the initial installation, simply click on the toolbar Add Server icon to start the Add Server Wizard, and then follow the instructions given earlier for adding new servers. Restart the system as requested. Delete Server If one of the NPort Server Lites originally installed on your system has been moved, or you do not need the server installed on your system anymore, then you can use NPort Lite Manager to delete it.
Installation and Configuration Unmap Port If you do not need to use a port any more, you may use the toolbar Unmap Port function to remove it from your Windows NT/95/98 operating system. 1. Click on the server you would like to modify. The port on that server will be listed in the right info box. 2. Click on the port to highlight it. 3. Click on the Unmap Port icon to remove the selected port.
You may also use this function to “Auto-Save”, i.e., to have Windows NT/95/98 remember your password for you. By auto saving the password, you will not be asked to enter the password when modifying server properties from this computer. (Keep in mind that other people using your computer will also have ready access to the NPort Lite Manager functions.) 1. Click on the server whose password you would like to change. 2. Click on the toolbar Properties icon. 3. Select the Password page. 4.
Installation and Configuration 5. If the new server is password protected, enter the pre-set password when prompted to do so. 6. Click OK to save the current settings to the new server. 7. Click on Save Configuration to activate. . Note: Previous configurations, including server name and port settings, are retained after going through the above described Replace Server procedure.
4-14 3. The setup program prompts you with a welcome message and asks if you want to install NPort Server Lite now. Click on Next. 4. Select the type of application, Custom in this case, and then click on Next. 5. In the Select Destination Directory window that opens up, click on Next to install NPort Server Lite files in the given default directory, or click on Browse, enter the name of a different directory, and then click on Next.
Installation and Configuration 6. A window opens up asking if you would like to run Add Server Wizard now. Follow the instructions, select Yes, and then click on Next. 7. Click Next to start Add Server Wizard. Continue with the instructions in the next section. Adding an NPort Server Lite—Add Server Wizard 1. In the Add Server Wizard window, use the mouse to highlight the server you want to add. Note that Select Existing NPort Servers on the network should be selected.
4-16 NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
Installation and Configuration 2. If the server is at a remote site, you must select Manually Enter the IP address of NPort Server and then click on Next. Enter the server’s IP address in the text input box, and then click on Next to continue. 3. First-time installers jump directly to next step. If the server being set has a password, you will see a password protected screen. If you are the server administrator, select Yes and enter the password.
5. You must choose a COM port number to assign to your NPort Server Lite serial port. Highlight the desired number from the pull down list. 6. Choose and then type in a password. Click on Next to continue. . Note: Remove the check mark from the Auto-Saved box if you do not want the server password be saved to your NT/95/98 operating system.
Installation and Configuration 7. Once the Complete! window opens up, verify that all information is correct, and then click on Finish. 8. The installation program evokes the NPort Lite Manager utility, which displays the server you have just added, including port configuration settings. You should see a screen similar to the one below if the Add Server Wizard completed the task successfully. .
9. If you would like to add another server, click on Add Server Wizard, and repeat the above process. 10. Exit NPort Lite Manager when you finish. Using NPort Lite Manager When you run the Setup program to install NPort Server Lite software, you are automatically asked to add one server. However, you have the option to run NPort Lite Manager at a later time if you decide to add more servers, change server names, remove servers, or change COM names.
Installation and Configuration Figure 4-2. NPort Manager and the menus NPort Lite Manager Toolbar Icons The NPort Lite Manager toolbar icons also provide an easy way for you to manage your servers. Save all Servers A In order to be activated, modifications of NPort Server Lite, or changes to port configurations, must be saved by the NT/95/98 system or the server. Clicking on the toolbar Save all Servers icon will automatically detect any changes and save them in the appropriate places.
Add Server If you need to add another NPort Server Lite to your system after the initial installation, simply click on the toolbar Add Server icon to start the Add Server Wizard, and then follow the instructions given earlier for adding new servers. Restart the system as requested. Delete Server If one of the NPort Server Lites originally installed on your system has been moved, or you do not need the server installed on your system anymore, then you can use NPort Lite Manager to delete it.
Installation and Configuration Unmap Port B If you do not need to use a port any more, you may use the toolbar Unmap Port to remove it from your Windows NT/95/98 operating system. 1. Click on the server you would like to modify. The port on that server will be listed in the right info box. 2. Click on the port to highlight it. 3. Click on the Unmap Port icon to remove the selected port.
1. Click on the server whose password you would like to change. 2. Click on the toolbar Properties icon. 3. Select the Password page. 4. Enter the current password and new password as indicated. 5. Check the Auto Save Password on this computer box if you want Windows NT/95/98 to remember your password. 6. Click OK to save the changes. C Granting Access to Hosts It is possible to assign access permission to hosts to allow them access to the ports on a shared NPort Server Lite.
Installation and Configuration To grant access, you must first enter the Access Control Page: 1. Run NPort Lite Manager 2. Click on the server you want to modify. 3. Click on the toolbar Server Properties icon. 4. Select the Access Control tab. 5. The screen will show a list of ports, and two methods of adding permission. When adding access permission, you may either view the access control list by Port, or by IP address. These two approaches also apply to the procedure for adding new hosts.
3. Click on Add IP to open the Grant Access IP window. 4. To add access for only one computer, select a single computer, and then enter the host’s IP address in the appropriate text box. To add access for a group of computers, select a group of computer, and then enter the IP address and netmask. (E.g., for network class C computers, you might enter 192.168.1.0 for IP address and then 255.255.255.0 for netmask.) 5. Click OK. 6.
Installation and Configuration 7. Click OK to finish, and return to the Access Control page. 8. The ports granted access to will be listed under the host’s IP address. Click OK to finish, and then choose Save Configuration to activate the settings. Modifying the Host Setting 1. Select the IP address of the host you would like to modify. 2. Click on the Modify button. 3. Modify the configuration as desired. 4. Click OK to exit. 5.
Removing Ports from a Granted Host 1. Double click on the host’s IP address. 2. Click on the Port that you would like to remove from the list. 3. Click on Remove, and then click OK to exit. 4. Select Save Configuration if you need to activate the settings immediately. Removing a Host If you do not allow a particular host to use any of the ports, simply remove the host from the list. Note that removing all hosts will grant server access to all computers. 1. Double click on the host’s IP address. 2.
Installation and Configuration Adding a Host IP Address to a Specific Port 1. Click on the Port you would like to add the host to. 2. Click on Add IP. 3. To add access for only one computer, select a single computer, and then enter the host’s IP address in the appropriate text box. To add access for a group of computers, select a group of computer, and then enter the IP address and netmask. (E.g., for network class C computers, you might enter 192.168.1.0 for IP address, and then 255.255.255.
5. When the Server Properties window opens up, you can look at the Access Control page to verify that the host was added to the port. 6. Click OK to finish. 7. Select Save Configuration if you need to activate the settings immediately. Modifying Granted Host 1. Click on the port. 2. Click on the IP address you want to change, and then click on Modify. 3. Modify the IP address as needed. 4. Select Save Configuration if you need to activate the settings immediately. .
Installation and Configuration 4. Select Save Configuration if you need to activate the settings immediately. Adding Routes to NPort Server Lite To enable access from an Internet/Intranet host, first make sure your NPort Server Lite can be connected through the Internet. You may add routes into NPort Server Lite if your Windows NT/95/98 host is at a remote site. This section lists the steps you should follow to add new routes, including examples you can refer to.
1. Click on Add. 2. Enter the Destination, Gateway, Netmask and Metric as needed. 3. Click OK to exit Gateway Settings. 4. Click OK to exit Server Properties. 5. Save Configuration as needed. Modifying Routes 4-32 1. Start NPort Manager. 2. Select the server whose routes you want to modify. 3. Select Server Properties from the toolbar, or double click on the server. 4. Click on the Advanced tab. 5. Select the route settings you want to change, and then click on Modify. 6.
Installation and Configuration Removing Routes 1. Start NPort Lite Manager. 2. Select the server whose routes you want to remove. 3. Select Server Properties from the toolbar or double click on the server. 4. Click on the Advanced tab. 5. Select the route setting you would like to remove, and then click on Remove. 6. Click OK to exit Gateway Settings. 7. Save Configuration as needed.
Your route will be: Configuring Routers for one Internet Connection and one Intranet Connection You will need to add two routes to NPort Server Lite for the more complex case in which the server is connected to the Internet and Intranet at the same time. 203.67.6.10 Router 203.67.6.254 NT Router 203.67.6.252 Router 202.65.6 TCP/IP 203.67.6.253 NPort NPort Server Lite Internet NPort Serv er Server Asynchronous Devices Figure 4-4.
Installation and Configuration You will only need to add the first route to NPort Server Lite if the environment is the same as above, except that the server only needs to be accessed by the private network. G Configuring Routes through Multiple Routers You should configure NPort Serve Lite as follows for the case in which the two subnets reach through the routers. 203.67.6.10 Router 203.67.6.254 Router NT TCP/IP Router 203.67.6.252 Router 203.67.6.
If only the 202.65.66.0 network is needed to provide access, configure your NPort Server Lite as shown below. Upgrading NPort Server Lite Firmware Upgrade Moxa continually upgrades its driver software and server firmware to keep pace with the ever-expanding world of computing. You can use the Upgrade Firmware function located on NPort Lite Manager’s toolbar to carry out the upgrade procedure. Please access Moxa's Web site at http://www.moxa.
Installation and Configuration 3. Locate and then select the filename of the firmware that you downloaded. 4. Click on Open and then wait until you see an “upgrade completed” message. The server will restart automatically. . Note: When using this procedure, only the selected server’s firmware is upgraded.
Configuring the IP Addresses There are four steps that must be followed to properly configure the two NPort Server Lites so that they will able to communicate with each other over the Ethernet network. In the following example we assume that the servers are called NPL1 and NPL2, and that • NPL1 (Master) should have IP address set to 192.168.1.1 • NPL2 (Slave) should have IP address set to 192.168.1.2 1.
Installation and Configuration NPort Server Diagnostic NPort Server Diagnostic is one of the NPort Server Lite utilities installed along with the driver. NPort Server Diagnostic provides remote self-test functions for NPort Server Lite. It can perform an internal loopback test and external loopback test. In general, you may run Diagnostic to perform internal loopback tests to make sure NPort Server Lite is working properly.
Configuration The first time you run NPort Server Diagnostics, you will need to choose configuration settings by selecting target servers, ports, and diagnostics items. 1. To start the configuration procedure, either click on Diagnose and then choose Config, or just click on the toolbar Config icon. 2. The Diagnostic Config window will open, displaying the tabs Test Object, Test Item, and Communication Parameters. We start with the Test Item tab, which is chosen automatically when the window opens. 3.
Installation and Configuration 5. If the NPort Server Lite you chose is password protected, the following window will open. Type in the correct password and then click OK. 6. The server information will now appear in the Selected NPort Server info box. . Note: Click the Search button before selecting a server from the pull down list if you add more NPort Server Lites after the Diagnostics utility is initiated. Otherwise the new server will not be listed in the pull down list. 7.
Test Item Selection Click the Test Item tab in the Diagnostic Config window. The tests that you want to run should be checked. Add or remove check marks as necessary by clicking inside the appropriate check box. q Internal Test: If this test item is selected an internal test will be done on the RS-232 serial port, and the result (successful or failed) will be displayed when the test is completed.
Installation and Configuration Communication Parameters Selection Click on the Communication Parameters tab to set up communication parameters. Set Baud rate, Data bits, Parity, and Stop bits, to the appropriate values. Last Step 9. Click OK in the bottom right corner of the Diagnostic Config window to return to the NPort Server Diagnostics window. All NPort Server Lites that are to be tested will be listed in the left info box as shown below.
Viewer Status and Diagnose Before starting the testing procedure, you can check the status of your NPort Server Lite. 1. Either click on the Diagnose menu and then choose Server Status, or click on the toolbar Server Status icon to open the NPort Server Status window. The server information displayed is: server name, IP address, model number, serial number, and firmware version. The port information dis played is the COM name (COM3 in the example below), serial port interface, and current port status. 2.
Installation and Configuration 6. The report will be displayed in the Test Report info box. Items that tested okay will be marked with a green OK. Error codes are in red. To check error messages with corresponding error codes, choose Error Code Reference under the Help menu in the NPort Server Diagnostics window. If one or more of the test items for a particular server fails, the test object in the To be tested… info box is marked with a red colored Fail.
Printing The printing function is included to provide an easy way to print out test reports. 1. Click on the NPort Server Lite shown in the To be tested… info box to determine which testing report to print. 2. Click on File and then choose Print… or simply click on the toolbar printer icon to print out the report. Save J This function allows you to save the diagnostic report in a “txt” file for future reference. 1. Click on the test object in the To be tested… info box. 2.
Installation and Configuration NPort Server Monitor NPort Monitor is one of the NPort Server Lite utilities installed along with the driver. You should refer to Chapter 3 for instructions on how to install the driver. NPort Server Monitor provides a remote port monitoring function for NPort Server Lite. It allows you to obtain useful information about the server, such as Login Name, Login IP Address, DTR, RTS, Tx/Rx Count, and throughput. In this section we explain how to configure and use Nport Monitor.
1. Click on the Monitor menu and select Configure, or click on the toolbar Configure icon to open the Monitor configuration window. Note the three tabs, Select Port, Select Item, and General, located towards the top of the window. The Select Port tab will be selected by default, and the program will find all NPort Server Lites currently connected to the network. 2. From the Serve r IP Address pull down menu, select the server(s) that you want to monitor.
Installation and Configuration 4. If you need to delete some servers from the list, highlight the servers to be deleted, and then click on the Delete Server button in the lower left hand corner of the Monitor configuration window. 5. Click on the Select Item tab to open the list of options shown below. This function is provided so that you can select monitoring items according to your need. Items selected will be displayed in the NPort Server Monitor screen. Check or uncheck the boxes as needed. 6.
7. 4-50 After returning to the NPort Server Monitor window, the servers and ports that were selected will be listed in the info box. General information such as Model No., NPort Server Name, OP_mode, NPort Server IP Address, and Port No. will also be displayed.
Installation and Configuration Save and Load Configuration Save Configuration This function is provided so that you can save new or updated configurations for future use. After initiating NPort Monitor, you may choose to either load a saved configuration file, or configure NPort Monitor again. The next section explains how to load a configuration. To save a configuration, do the following: 1. Click on File and choose Save Configuration, or simply click on the toolbar Save Configuration icon. 2.
1. Click on File and choose Load Configuration, or simply click on the toolbar Load Configuration icon. 2. Navigate to the directory that contains the configuration file you would like to load (recall that the file extension is .mnt). 3. Click on the file name, or type the name into the File name text input box. 4. Click on Open to load the selected configuration file.
Installation and Configuration Port Status This function displays a status graph for each port being monitored, providing additional information such as TX/RX CPS history, and other relevant information. 1. Click on the port item you wish to check to highlight it. 2. Click on Monitor and then choose Port Status, or simply click on the toolbar Port Status icon. 3. Click OK to return to the NPort Server Monitor window.
Reset Port This function allows you to restart the port manually if necessary. While resetting the port, the port transmission process will be halted, and all temporary data will be lost. . Note: Do not use Port Reset while transmitting IMPORTANT data. 1. Click on the port that you are going to reset to highlight it. 2. Click on Monitor and choose Reset Port, or simply click on the toolbar Reset Port icon to reset the port. .
Installation and Configuration Reset Server This function allows you to restart the server manually if necessary. While resetting the server, the server transmission process will be halted and all remaining data will be cleared. . Note: Do not use Server Reset while transmitting IMPORTANT information. 1. Click on the server that you are going to reset to highlight it. 2. Click on Monitor and choose Reset Server, or simply click on the toolbar Reset Server icon to reset the server. .
4. Click OK to reset the server. The following message box will open to verify that the server reset was successfully . Exiting the Program When you have finished, click on File and choose Exit, or click the close window button in the upper right hand corner of the NPort Server Monitor window. Upgrading NPort Server Firmware Moxa continually upgrades its driver software and server firmware to keep pace with the ever-expanding world of computing.
Installation and Configuration 2. The Search all NPort Servers window opens, indicating that the program is searching the network for all active NPort Server Lites. 3. After completing the search, the NPort Server firmware upgrade utility window opens, listing all NPort Server Lites that were found.
Toolbar Functions Nport Server General Info The General Info function can be used to display basic information about a specific NPort Server Lite. To apply the function, do the following: 4-58 1. Click on the server you would like to obtain information about to highlight it. 2. Click on the Server menu and choose General Info., or simply click on the toolbar General Info. icon. 3. If the server in question is password protected, enter the password in the Enter Server Password text input box. 4.
Installation and Configuration Search All NPort Servers The Search All NPort Servers function can be used to search the network for all active NPort Server Lites. 1. Click on the Server menu and choose Search all servers, or simply click on the toolbar Search all NPort Servers icon. A search will be initiated, during which time the following window will be visible. 2. Click on Cancel if during the search you decide that it’s no longer necessary to continue.
3. Click on OK. Upgrade firmware The Upgrade NPort Server function can be used to upgrade the server firmware. 4-60 1. Access Moxa's Web site at http://www.moxa.com to download the required firmware file (contact our sales department if you need assistance with this). 2. Click on the server whose firmware you would like to upgrade to highlight it. 3. Click on the Tool menu and choose Upgrade, or simply click on the toolbar Upgrade firmware icon. 4. The Upgrade NPort Server window opens.
Installation and Configuration Uninstalling the Software If your Windows NT/95/98 host no longer needs access to any NPort Server Lites, you may use the Uninstall NPort Server utility to uninstall the driver and software. 1. Go to Start à Program à NPort Server Lite from the NT/95/98 desktop. 2. Select Uninstall NPort Server. 3. Restart the NT/95/98 system as requested.
5 5 Windows 2000 - Installation and Configuration In this chapter, we explain how to configure NPort Server Lite under the Windows 2000 operating system. The installation and configuration procedure is substantially different than for Windows NT/95/98/ME, so read carefully.
Windows 2000 Driver Installation Installing NPort Server Lite to run under Windows 2000 involves installing the drivers that are used to operate the NPort Server Lite and its port. This is done by running the Windows 2000 “Add/Remove Hardware Wizard”. In fact, unless you have previously installed and then uninstalled an NPort Server Lite on your system, you will need to run the “Add/Remove Hardware Wizard” twice, once to install NPort Server Lite itself, and then once to install NPort Server Lite’s ports.
Installation and Configuration 4. Select the Add/Troubleshoot a device option, and then click on Next to continue. 5. Windows 2000 will spend some searching for a device that is connected directly to your computer. Keep in mind, however, that this procedure does not detect devices that are connected over a network.
6. Select Add a new device and then click on Next to continue. 7. Choose the No, I want to select the hardware from a list option from the next window, and then click on Next to continue.
Installation and Configuration 8. Select Multiport serial adapters and then click on Next to continue. 9. The Select a device driver window displays a list of manufacturers and products. If Moxa’s name is not listed, you will need to click on Have Disk… and then select the NPort Server Lite driver from diskette, CD, or from your hard drive. 10. If necessary, click on Browse… to locate the directory that contains the NPort Server Lite driver.
11. The next window will contain a list of NPort Family products. Select MOXA NPort Server Lite DE-301, or DE-302/304/331/332/334 depends on what you have and then click on Next to continue. 12. The Start Hardware Installation window should verify that you have chosen the correct driver. Click on Next to continue.
Installation and Configuration 13. You may safely ignore any admonitions such as Digital Signature Not Found. Simply click on Next to continue. 14. A series of windows indicating the progress of the installation procedure will open and then close. 15. The next window lists all NPort Server Lite units that are currently connected to your network. Select the server you wish to install, or manually enter an IP address of your server if it does not show up in the list. Click on Next to continue.
D E-301 17. Click on Finish to complete the installation of NPort Server Lite. Keep in mind, however, that you may still need to install the port. MOXA NPort Server Lite DE-301 Installing NPort Server Lite’s Serial Port If you or someone else has previously installed an NPort Server Lite on your system, then NPort Server Lite’s serial port should be installed automatically. In this case, you may skip this section and continue to the section “NPort Server Lite Properties”.
Installation and Configuration 2. Choose the Specify a location option from the Locate Driver Files window, and then click on Next to continue. 3. If necessary, click on Browse… to locate the directory that contains the NPort Server Lite driver. During the installation shown here, the driver was located on the A: drive, so the next step is to click OK. Note from the second figure that the driver name is NPORT.
4. The next window verifies that a MOXA communication port will be installed, and the correct driver, nport.ini, will be used for the installation. 5. Click on Finish to complete the installation procedure. NPort Server Lite Properties NPort Server Lite’s configuration parameters, such as IP address, COM port number, etc., are easily changed from within the Windows 2000 system’s device manager. 1. To evoke the device manager, double click on the System icon from the Control panel window.
Installation and Configuration 2. Select the Hardware tab, and then click on Device Manager…. 3. Click on the plus sign to the left of Multi-port serial adapters and then double click on MOXA NPort Server Lite DE-301 or DE-302/304/331/332/334 to open the Properties window.
MOXA NPort Server Lite DE-301 MOXA NPort Server Lite DE-301 Configuration Select the Properties window’s Configuration tab to change parameter settings for your NPort Server Lite. Most of the system settings are accessed by clicking on Settings (see the “NPort Server” subsection below). The COM port number can be changed by clicking on Ports Setting (see the “Port Status” subsection below).
Installation and Configuration The Basic Configuration page, open by default, allows you to make changes to the following items. Server Name Choose an appropriate name for NPort Server Lite. The default name is simply “NP” followed by the serial number. IP Address Check with your network administrator. 255.255.0.0 is for Class B networks. Netmask 255.255.255.0 is for Class C networks. Gateway This is the IP address of the router connecting your LAN to the Internet.
The Interface Setting page shows the current Serial Port interface setting. You must use the DIP switch settings on NPort Server Lite’s front panel to make any changes. To see changes in the setting, click OK at the bottom of the Property Sheet window to close the window, and then follow the instructions given above to reopen the window. The Access Control page can be used to allow access to NPort Server Lite’s serial port.
Installation and Configuration • You may add access by Port as shown here. • There are two options to choose from when adding access. Choose Single Host to only allow access to the computer with the given IP Address. Choose A Group of Host to allow access to a group of computers. In the example shown here, computers connected to the same LAN as NPort Server Lite, and with IP addresses of the form 192.168.xxx.xxx, will all be given access.
Port Status NPort Server Lite’s serial port’s COM number can be changed by clicking on the Ports Setting button. D E-301 Click on Modify Setting to make changes. Use the following window to change the Port Number, Transmission Mode, and TxFIFO.
Installation and Configuration Driver The Driver page displays important information about the driver. Use the buttons at the bottom of the window for Driver Details…, Uninstall the driver, or Update Driver.
6 6 Troubleshooting This appendix explains how to solve some of the most common problems you could encounter while using NPort Server Lite. If you are still having problems after reading this chapter, contact your dealer, or e-mail Moxa for help. You may use the "Problem Report Form" at the end of this manual to describe the symptoms of your problem. We cover the following general problem topics.
Installation and Configuration Troubleshooting Cannot use the first computer installed with the Single-Host NPort Lite Manager to access NPort Server Lite. For security reasons, and to simplify operations, the Single-Host Mode allows only one host to connect to NPort Server Lite at a time.
Troubleshooting After installing NPort Server Lite, the NPort Lite Manager program indicates “'Un-authorized” status for some of the ports. This means that NPort Server Lite’s Access Control list does not contain your computer’s correct IP address. This can happen in one of two ways: 1. Your NT/95/98 machine is just one of the hosts sharing the ports on the selected server, and you do not provide the server password while installing NPort Server Lite. 2.
2. If the route is okay, try running ping [server-IP-address] from your NT/95/98 host, where [server-IP-address] is the server’s IP address. If the server cannot be pinged, you will need to ask someone at the remote site to check and see if the power is on, and make sure that the connection is okay. And then double click on the server icon that has the question mark (?) on top of it. This will evoke NPort Lite Manager to reconnect with the server.
Troubleshooting Programming Problems Win32 COMM API functions return fail, or the PComm Pro library functions return a Fail code - SIO_WIN32FAIL The fail code for the COMM API functions implies something different than the fail code received from the standard COM driver. For example, you get the fail code when the network connected to the server is unreachable, or the server is offline. If the network connection is through the Internet, the network could be unreachable if Internet traffic is jammed.
A A. Telnet Console This appendix contains instructions and illustrations that explain how to use Telnet Console Interface. The following discussion and examples were generated by running Telnet from a Windows NT/95/98 host. Starting Telnet From the Windows NT/95/98 desktop click on Start and then choose Run. As shown below, type telnet [NPort Server Lite IP address] in the Open text box, and then click OK to begin the Telnet session. (We are assuming that the IP address for this example is 192.168.3.95.
This activates the Telnet Console Interface utility program. In what follows we refer to the screen shown below as the Telnet Console Interface MAIN MENU. Navigating the Telnet Console After activating the Telnet Console, you will need to use the keyboard keys to maneuver about the vt100 screen. The operation is really quite simple. q While in the MAIN MENU, the left/right arrow keys move the cursor between menu headings, and pressing the Enter key activates whichever menu heading is highlighted.
Telnet Console When you first activate the Telnet Console Utility’s MAIN MENU, you may find that the arrow keys on your keyboard initially have no effect on the cursor. If that’s the case, first click on Terminal, located on the Telnet menu bar, and then choose Preferences. The Terminal Preferences window opens up, allowing you to select various options that affect the function of the keyboard.
Consider Server Name for example. To change the name of your NPort Server Lite, use the keyboard arrow keys to position the cursor over the first character of the current name. Simply type in the new name, and then use the arrow keys to move to the next configurable setting. As a second example consider Operating Mode. This manual only considers 1-port NPort Server Lites, so there are actually three options for this attribute.
Telnet Console If you find that you chose the wrong setting, simply press Enter again to reactivate the pop-up window, and choose the correct setting. When all of the settings are correct, press the Esc key to return to the MAIN MENU.
The other options are as follows: l RS-422/485 Interface RS-422 or RS-485 l RS-485 Comm.Mode ADDC, BX RTS l Baud Rate 15 specific rates from 50 bps up to 230400 bps (Pair-Connection Mode only) l Parity None, Odd, Even l Data Bit 5, 6, 7, 8 l Stop Bit 1, 1.5, 2 l Flow Control None, RTS/CTS, XON/XOFF l Alive timeout any value between 0 and 99 min. (Pair-Connection Mode only) l Tx FIFO Disable, Enable When all of the settings are correct, press the Esc key to return to the MAIN MENU.
Telnet Console Monitor The Monitor function displays the following information: Ping Ping is a standard network testing function that checks to see if a computer with a particular IP address is logged onto the network. Restart and Exit When you are sure that all of your settings are correct, return to the MAIN MENU, and run Restart. You will be prompted with a warning that your settings are going to be changed. Press Enter to proceed.
B B. LCD Panel Configuration In this appendix we explain how to operate the LCD display using the four buttons on NPort Server Lite’s top panel. It’s best if your NPort Server Lite is in front of you and plugged in. (If necessary, see the section Connecting the Hardware from Chapter 2 for an explanation of how to connect the power cord.
There are four buttons on the top panel of NPort Server Lite. Going from left to right, the buttons are: Button Name MENU menu r up cursor s down cursor SEL select Action activates main menu, or returns to a previous screen selects items, as indicated, on the screen selects items, as indicated, on the screen selects options on the LCD panel’s second line The buttons are manipulated in a manner similar to the way a modern cellular phone is operated.
LCD Panel Configuration As you use the buttons to operate the LCD display, you will notice that with very few exceptions, moving up one level causes the bottom line of the display to move to the top line of the display. Taking a look at the tree graph, you will also notice that the bottom three options in level 2, and all of the options in level 3 have either a C or D attached. The meaning is as follows: l C = configurable: i.e., you are allowed to change the setting of this option l D = display only: i.e.
) ALIVE TIMEOUT Figure B-1: Tree Graph Displaying LCD Menu Options B-4 NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
LCD Panel Configuration The part of the LCD operation that still requires some explanation is how to edit the configurable options. In fact, you will only encounter two types of configurable options. Back in Chapter 4, for example, we explained how to use the LCD buttons to change NPort Server Lite’s IP address. In this case, you change the number one digit at a time.
C C.
C-2 NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
D D. Declaration of Conformity Manufacturer’s Name: Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd. Manufacturer’s Address: Fl.4, No.135, Lane 235, Pao-Chiao Rd., Shing Tien City, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Problem Report Form NPort Server Lite Customer name: Company: Tel: Fax: Email: Date: 1. Moxa Product: o DE-301 (1 RS-232 port) o DE-331 (1 RS-422/485 port) 2. Interface: o RS-232 o RS-422 o RS-485 (ADDC) o RS-485 (by RTS) 3. Operation mode: o Host-Based mode o Pair-Connection mode 4. Serial Number: ___________ 5. NPort Firmware Version: ________________ 6. NPort Manager Version: ________________ 7. PC Host: Make _________ 8. CPU: Speed _____MHz 9.
RETURN PROCEDURE For product repair, exchange, or refund, the customer must: Provide evidence of original purchase. Obtain a Product Return Agreement (PRA) from the sales representative or dealer. Fill out the Problem Report Form (PRF). Include as much detail as possible for a shorter product repair time. Carefully pack the product in an anti-static package, and send it, pre-paid, to the dealer.
