N P o r t Server Lite User’s Manual for DE-302/304/332/334 Third Edition, March 2001 Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd. Tel: +866-2-8919-1230 Fax: +886-2-8919-1231 www.moxa.com service@moxa.com.
NPort 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 one of our number one concerns. 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.................................................................................................
Upgrading NPort Server Firmware ...........................................................................4-52 Uninstalling the Software ................................................................................................................. 4-57 5.5 Windows 2000 - Installation and Configuration.....................................5-1 Windows 2000 Driver Installation ..............................................................................5-2 Installing NPort Server Lite.....................
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 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 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 Free Moxa PComm Pro Serial Control Library for easy serial device control q 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. Network status LEDs LCD display panel Buttons for panel configuration Figure 1-1.
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 operation mode available when using NPort Server Lite. The surest and quickest way to get your system configured properly is to first read everything in this chapter, and then start the actual installation process.
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 ports 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 Connecting the Hardware In the previous section we illustrated the general operation mode 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.
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.
Getting Started 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. For many of the applications using NPort Server Lite, you will simply plug one end of your Ethernet cable into the 10/100BaseT jack, and the other end into the hub connected to your network. 2. In some cases, such as when configuring drivers and software, you will find it convenient to hook NPort Server Lite directly to your computer’s Ethernet card.
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 3. 4. 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. Note that the first digit of the IP address will be highlighted by a blinking cursor, indicating that it can be edited: I P 1 9 2 A D D R R E S S . 1 6 8 . 1 2 7 ↑ .
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. In the following discussion, we assume you are using a Windows NT/95/98 host. 1. From the Windows NT/95/98 desktop click on Start and then select Run. 2.
Configuring the Network 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. Those parameters that are “configurable” are enclosed in square brackets, and those parameters that are “display only” are not enclosed. 7.
DHCP Configuration This section is applicable if you are using your Windows NT 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). As the operation of NPort Server Lite requires a fixed IP address, we strongly recommend that you establish an IP reservation list in DHCP in order to maintain fixed IP assignments based on the server’s MAC address.
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 q q NPort Server Diagnostic • 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 • 4-2 Ø Uninstalling the Software 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.
4-4 4. Select the type of application, Single-Host 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. 6. A window opens asking if you would like to run Add Server Wizard now. Follow the instructions, select Yes, and then click on Next.
Installation and Configuration The configuration instructions continue 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, and then click on Next to continue. (If you forgot to plug in the power cord for your system, do so now and then click on Find….
4-6 2. You must choose a COM port number to assign to the first port on your NPort Server Lite. Highlight the desired number from the pull down menu. This will add all ports (2 ports for models DE-302/332 or 4 ports for models DE-304/334) on the server to your NT/95/98system, with consecutively numbered COM port names. 3. You will need to choose and then type in a password. 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 Server Lite Manager utility, which displays the servers 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 Server 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 Server 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 Server Lite Manager, click on: Start à Programs à NPort Server Lite à NPort Server Lite Manager.
Installation and Configuration Current Installation Type Figure 3-1 NPort Server Lite Manager main window and menu options NPort Server Lite Manager Toolbar Icons The NPort Server Lite Manager toolbar icons also provide an easy way for you to manage your servers. Save all Servers Modifications of NPort Server Lite, or changes to port configurations, must be saved in order to be activated.
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 Server Lite Manager to delete it. First highlight the name of the server you would like to remove, and then click on the toolbar Delete Server button. Map Port You may use NPort Server Lite Manager to change previously assigned COM names. Click on the Map Port toolbar function, and then choose from one of two options.
Installation and Configuration 5. Click OK to finish. 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 ports on that server will be listed on the right side of the window. 2. Click on the port you want to delete to highlight it. 3. Click on the Unmap Port icon to remove the selected port.
Properties—Change Name You may modify the server name by using the toolbar Properties function. 1. Click on the server whose name you want to change. 2. Click on the toolbar Properties icon. 3. Modify the server name as desired. 4. Click OK to save the configuration. Properties—Change Password To add more security to your NPort Server Lite, it is highly recommended that you set a password as soon as you complete the installation.
Installation and Configuration Replacing a Server In the unlikely event that your NPort Server Lite needs to be replaced, you can use the Replace Server… option listed under NPort Server Lite Manager’s Server menu. This procedure uses NPort Server Lite’s “hot-swap” feature, and provides an easy way for you to find the replacement server. The configurations set while installing the now defective server will also be saved.
Custom Mode Driver and Software Installation 4-14 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. From the Start Menu, choose Run. 2. Type A:\setup in the dialog box if using drive A, and then click OK. (Replace A with the correct drive letter if you are using a different drive.) 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.
Installation and Configuration 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.
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. If you forgot to plug in the power cord for your system, do so now and then click on Find….
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 will jump to the next step directly. 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 Server 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.
. Note: If you see ports with the status ‘Non-authorized’, and you are a general user, ask your server administrator to add access permission to the server for you. 9. If you would like to add another server, click on Add Server Wizard, and repeat the above process. 10. Exit NPort Server Lite Manager when you finish. Using NPort Server Lite Manager When you run the Setup program to install NPort Server Lite software, you are automatically asked to add one server.
Installation and Configuration Current Installation Type Figure 5-1. NPort Manager and the menus NPort Server Lite Manager Toolbar Icons The NPort Server 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.
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 Server Lite Manager to delete it. First highlight the name of the server you would like to remove, and then click on the toolbar Delete Server button. Map Port You may use NPort Server Lite Manager to change previously assigned COM names.
Installation and Configuration Change the COM name of all ports consecutively 1. Start NPort Server Lite Manager, and then click on the name of the server, listed in the left info box, whose port numbers you would like to change. 2. The ports on this particular server will be listed in the right info box. Click on the first port to highlight it. 3. Click on the toolbar 4. Select the new COM port name you would like to map the first port to.
Server Properties—Change Password To add more security to your NPort Server Lite, it is highly recommended that you set a password as soon as you complete the installation. If you did not set the password while running Add Server Wizard, or you would like to change the current password, you may use the toolbar Properties function to do so. You may also use this function to “Auto-Save”, i.e., to have Windows NT/95/98 remember your password for you.
Installation and Configuration . Note: If you want to allow the ports to be accessed by all users, simply empty the access control list. To grant access, you must first enter the Access Control Page: 1. Run NPort Server 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.
2. Click on the server you would like to modify. 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.) 4-26 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 the 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 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. Adding Routes Through Server Properties 1. Select Start à Programs à NPort à NPort Server Lite Manager. 2.
4. Click on Add. 5. Enter the Destination, Gateway, Netmask and Metric as needed. 6. Click OK to exit Gateway Settings. 7. Click OK to exit Server Properties. 8. Save Configuration as needed. Modifying Routes 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 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. Examples of Internet/Intranet Routing Configuration Configuring Router for Internet Connection Some routers have the capability to learn routes automatically. To ensure that your Internet connection will work properly, you can consider adding the routes for those routers without RIP protocol.
A 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 TCP/IP Router 203.67.6.252 203.67.6.253 NPort ServerNPort Lite Router 202.65.66.2 Serve r Internet Asynchronous Devices Figure 5-2. Scheme for NPort Server Lite connecting to the Intranet or Internet 21 50 6 32 4 N T R .0 7e 3 .
Installation and Configuration B 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 NT Router 203.67.6.254 Router 204.5.6.254 TCP/IP Router 203.67.6.252 203.67.6.253 NPort Server Lite NPort Router 202.65.66.2 Serve r 202.65.66.4 202.65.66.5 204.5.6.2 Asynchronous Devices Figure 5-3. Scheme for NPort Server Lite connecting to multiple routers If only the 202.65.66.
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 Server Lite Manager’s toolbar to carry out the upgrade procedure. Please access Moxa's Web site at http://www.moxa.com to download the required computer file (contact our sales department if you need assistance with this), and then follow these instructions. 1.
Installation and Configuration . Note: When using this procedure, only the selected server’s firmware is upgraded. If you know that new NPort Server Lite Manager software has been released, it is recommended that you uninstall the old NPort Server Lite Manager program from your NT/95/98 host’s hard drive, and then install the new one. NPort Server Diagnostic NPort Server Diagnostic is one of the Nport Server Lite utilities installed along with the driver.
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 6. The server information will now appear in the Selected NPort Server information window. . Note: Click the Search button before selecting a server from the pull down menu 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 menu. 7. The check box for all ports needing to be tested should be checked (refer to the figure in step 5).
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. q External Test: If this test item is selected an external test will be done to check that the connection signals between NPort Server Lite and other points on the line are OK. The items described below which are check marked will be tested.
Installation and Configuration Last Step 1. 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.
2. 3. Click OK to return to the NPort Server Diagnostics window. To begin testing, either click on the Diagnose menu and then choose Go, or simply click on the toolbar Go icon 4-42 . 4. A window containing a warning message opens up. Click OK to proceed with the testing. 5. The Test Status window that opens displays some basic information about the test and test results. Click on View Report to see details about the tests that were done. 6. The report will be displayed in the Test Report info box.
Installation and Configuration 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 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.
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 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.
Installation and Configuration 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 Server IP Address pull down menu, select the server(s) that you want to monitor. The server information will appear in the Monitoring NPort Server info box. 3.
4-46 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 needs. Items selected will be displayed in the NPort Server Monitor screen. Some operations can be activated simultaneously. Check or uncheck the boxes as needed. 6. Click the General tab to set up the Sampling interval.
Installation and Configuration 7. 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. Save and Load Configuration Save Configuration This function is provided so that you can save new or updated configurations for future use.
Load Configuration This function is provided so that you can load a configuration file that was previously saved. You may load the desired configuration file when initiating NPort Monitor. To load a saved configuration file, do the following (you may refer to the figure used in the previous subsection): 1. Click on File and choose Load Configuration, or simply click on the toolbar Load Configuration icon. 2.
Installation and Configuration NPort Server Monitor will use colors to differentiate the current status of server ports. q Black means that the port is currently hooked up to your LAN and is active. q Red means that the port is currently not accessible. It could either be inactive, removed from the LAN, or have a routing error. q Pink means that two or more NPort Server Lites have been assigned the same IP address. You must use NPort Server Lite Manager to rectify the situation.
Refresh Monitor This function is provided to allow you to manually update port information. 1. Click on the port you would like to refresh to highlight it. 2. Click on Monitor and choose Refresh Monitor, or simply click on the toolbar Refresh Monitor icon to update port information manually. Reset Port This function is provided to allow you to reset the port whenever the NT/95/98 server was not shut down properly, or the network was disconnected.
Installation and Configuration 3. Enter the password and then click OK. If you entered an incorrect password, the following window will open. Click OK and then reenter the password. 4. After reentering the password, click OK. The following window will open to verify that the serial port reset operation has completed. Reset Server This function is provided so that you can reset the server whenever the NT/95/98 server was not shut down properly or the network was disconnected.
3. Enter the password if necessary. Otherwise skip Step 3. .Note: The system will display an error message if you entered an incorrect password. Click OK and input the password again. 4. Click OK to reset the server. The following message box will open to verify that the server reset was successful. Exiting the Program When you have finished, click on File and choose Exit, or click on the close window box in the upper right hand corner of the NPort Server Monitor window.
Installation and Configuration 1. To start Firmware Utility, click on Startà Programs à NPort Server Liteà Firmware Utility 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: 4-54 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.
2. The Connect a NPort Server window opens up. Enter the IP address of the server you want to connect to in the NPort Server IP text input box. 3. Click OK. Upgrade firmware The Upgrade NPort Server function can be used to upgrade the server firmware. 4-56 1. Access Moxa's Web site at http://www.moxa.com to download the required computer 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.
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 comp uter. 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. 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 NPSERVER. 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.
Installation and Configuration 12. The Start Hardware Installation window should verify that you have chosen the correct driver. Click on Next to continue. 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 16. When the Installation Completed! window opens, check to make sure that the information displayed is correct. D E-301 17.
Installation and Configuration 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”. If this is the first time that anyone has installed an NPort Server Lite on your system, the following window should open automatically. 1.
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.
Installation and Configuration 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.
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.
Installation and Configuration MOXA NPort Server Lite DE-301 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).
MOXA NPort Server Lite DE-301 D E-301 NPort Server Clicking on Settings in the above Properties window causes NPort Server Lite’s Property Sheet to open. If prompted, enter NPort Server Lite’s password, and then click OK to continue. 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.
Installation and Configuration D E-301 The Password page allows you to change the password. Click the Remember Password box to have the password automatically stored by your operating system. 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.
The Access Control page can be used to allow access to NPort Server Lite’s serial port. The process of adding and removing IP addresses is straightforward, although three comments are in order. 5-16 • You may add access by IP Address as shown here. • You may add access by Port as shown here.
Installation and Configuration • 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.
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 also use the "Problem Report Form" at the end of this manual to notify your dealer that you require prompt technical support. We cover the following general problem topics.
Installation and Configuration Troubleshooting Cannot use the first computer installed with the Single-Host NPort Server 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 Server 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. This will evoke NPort Server 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/2000/95/98 desktop click on Start and then choose Run.
You should see a window requesting the Console terminal type you would like to use. Type 1 for ansi/vt100 and then press Enter. 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.
Telnet Console q The Esc key is used to maneuver backwards. For example, if you have made modifications to the settings listed under the serverConfig menu, press the Esc key to return to the MAIN MENU. 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.
Attributes that can be edited are enclosed in square brackets, and those that can’t be edited are not enclosed in brackets. Furthermore, there are two types of configurable attributes, those with a large number of possible settings, and those with only two or three possible settings. 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.
Telnet Console Press Enter to activate a pop up window displaying the two DHCP options (shown below). Use the up/down arrow keys to highlight the desired setting, and then press Enter. The new setting, enclosed in square brackets will appear to the right of Operating Mode. 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.
Serialport Options Starting from the Telnet Console Interface MAIN MENU, use the arrow keys to position the cursor over the Serialport menu, and then press Enter to display the configurable options RS-422/485 Interface, RS-485 Comm. Mode, and Tx FIFO. The options are as follows: • RS-422/485 Interface RS-422 or RS-485 • RS-485 Comm. Mode ADDC, By RTS • 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. Highlight Ping and then press Enter to activate the function. Type the IP address of the device in the space provided and then press Enter. For the example shown below, we pinged the NPort Server Lite currently connected to the PC’s Ethernet card.
The program begins sending “packets” of data, and tests the return response. Press Esc to stop sending, and to receive a short report. In this case the ping was successful. If you try pinging an IP address for a device not connected to your network, the report will tell that “0 packets were received”. 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.
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.) Basic Operation If the server is working properly, the LCD panel will display a yellow color for a few seconds, after which it turns green.
The buttons are manipulated in a manner similar to the way a modern cellular phone is operated. As you move through the various functions and setting options, note that the top line shows the current menu or submenu name, and the bottom line shows the submenu name or menu item which is activated by pressing the SEL button. Detailed Menu Options The best way to display all of NPort Server Lite’s LCD functions is to use the tree graph shown in Fig. B-1.
LCD Panel Coniguration Figure B-1: Tree Graph Displaying LCD Menu Options NPort Server Lite User’s Manual B-3
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-302 (2 RS-232 ports) o DE-332 (2 RS-422/485 ports) o DE-304 (4 RS-232 ports) o DE-334 (4 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.
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.
