AXIS 2490UM, 2490 User Manual

User’s Manual

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual

About This Document

This document is intended for administrators and users of the AXIS 2490 Serial Server, and is applicable for software release 2.0. Although many of the operational aspects of the product are described in the on-line help, this manual does contain information for configuring, managing and using the unit in your networking environment, as well as a general overview of the product functionality.

Readers are recommended to use this manual as a supplement to the Wizards and other online information available via the Web-based interface. Later versions of this manual will be posted to the Axis Website, as required.

Safety Notices

Please observe all safety markings when using this product.

Caution! - Potential hazard that can damage the product.

Important! - Potential hazard that can seriously impair

operation. Do not proceed beyond any of the above notices until you have fully understood the implications.

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)

USA - This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate

radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause interference to radio communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area may cause interference, in which case the user will be required, at his/her own expense, to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference. Shielded cables should be used with this unit to ensure compliance with the Class A limits.

Europe - This digital equipment fulfills the

requirements for radiated emission according to limit B of EN55022/1994, and the requirements for immunity according to EN55024/1998 residential, commercial, and light industry.

Axis Communications AB cannot be held responsible for any technical or typographical errors and reserves the right to make changes to the product and manuals without prior notice. Axis Communications AB makes no warranty of any kind with regard to the material contained within this document, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Axis Communications AB shall not be liable nor responsible for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance or use of this material.

Trademark Acknowledgments

Acrobat, Adobe, Boa, Ethernet, IBM, Internet Explorer, LAN Manager, Linux, Macintosh, Microsoft, Netscape Navigator, OS/2, UNIX, Windows, WWW are registered trademarks of the respective holders. Java and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Axis Communications AB is independent of Sun Microsystems Inc.

Warranty

This product is supplied with a 1-year warranty. Please register your product at http://warranty.axis.com

Support Services

Should you require any technical assistance, please contact your local dealer. If your questions cannot be answered immediately, your dealer will forward your queries through the appropriate channels to ensure you a rapid response. If you are connected to the Internet, you can obtain on-line manuals, technical support, software updates, application software and general corporate information from www.axis.com

Liability

Every care has been taken in preparing this manual. If you find any inaccuracies or omissions, please inform your local Axis office. Addresses and telephone numbers can be found on the AXIS website at www.axis.com.

AXIS COMMUNICATIONS

<Product Name> Quick User’s Guide

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Assembling Your Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Checking the Hardware Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

The AXIS 2490 in Your Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Networking Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Connecting to a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Quick Installation Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Verifying the Connection From Your Browser... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Alternative Methods of Assigning the IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Configuring Your Serial Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Complete the Basic Installation Using the Installation Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Using the Administration Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Reinstating the Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Appendix A - Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

PINGing Your IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

How to test your setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Test a COM Port Redirector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Symptoms, Possible Causes and Remedial Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Appendix B - Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Appendix C - Updating the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Appendix D - The Unit Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

The Serial Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Appendix E - Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Serial port control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Open serial port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Simple TCP Client Program Example for a Generic TCP/IP port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Overview AXIS 2490 User’s Manual

Overview

The old way of installing serial devices was by connecting them to PCs, either directly with serial cables or by using modems. This often required a lot of PCs, long cables, etc.

The AXIS 2490 Serial Server makes it possible to connect serial devices directly to a network without using a PC, thus providing applications with convenient remote access to these resources via HTTP and TCP/IP. The illustration below shows the following physical setups:

❶ to ❸ The PC application uses a network socket or a COM-Port redirector to

communicate.

❷ to ❹ PC to Serial Server to network. This can be used if you have an old application that

uses the serial port and when you can’t use a COM-port redirector.

❸ to ❹ Two serial devices connected to each other via a "virtual extension cable".

❶

❷

❹

❸

For more information, please refer to The AXIS 2490 in Your Application, on page 9.

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual Overview

With its own built-in Web server, the AXIS 2490 allows direct access from any browser on the network and provides full Web-based control of the management and configuration functions.

The AXIS 2490 Serial Server supports high data rates and high throughput. It enables 10 Mbit and 100 Mbit Ethernet network access to serial devices using TCP/IP or HTTP as the transport protocol.

One or two serial servers replace long cables and one PC, allowing dramatic reductions in installation costs. The network solution also makes it possible to contact the application/device remotely. As there are no physical confinements, the device can be managed from anywhere within the network and controlled centrally, which is useful if many people need access. Service engineers especially, will find it much more convenient to troubleshoot devices remotely. System uptime will also be increased, as many moving parts, i.e. the hard drives in the PC’s, are eliminated.

Overview AXIS 2490 User’s Manual

Features and Benefits

Easy to Use - The AXIS 2490 is completely independent of any other server and requires no

special hardware or software. All you need is Netscape Navigator 4.x or above, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x or above. The AXIS 2490 has complete plug-and-use functionality - all you need do is assign a valid IP address.

Simple Installation - The AXIS 2490 connects directly to Ethernet or Fast Ethernet networks,

Its Web-based interface greatly simplifes the installation process, and allows a seamless integration into your networking and application environments.

Open Standards Environment - Supporting TCP/IP, HTTP and other protocols, the AXIS 2490

can be used in mixed environments, such as Windows, UNIX, Macintosh and OS/2. Integrates easily into other WWW/Intranet applications and CGI scripts.

Simple Administration - Configuration and management via the product’s own Web-based

Administration Tools. Adjust the settings for; serial ports, security, the network etc, directly from your browser.

Security - Data protection is normally implemented by your Network Administrator using

the unit’s security settings in combination with an organization’s Internet firewall. The Administrator can decide whether individuals, groups, the whole company or the whole world may access your Serial Server. The AXIS 2490 supports multi-user password protection. Furthermore, when using the serial ports in TCP/IP mode, it is also possible to specify Allowed Users and Allowed IP-addresses.

AXIS Technolgy - Axis’ renowned chipset technology is built on an open architechture that is

streamlined to provide device connectivity independent of any file server.

The AXIS 2490 is driven by a powerful AXIS ETRAX 32-bit RISC processor.

Linux Operating System - Including a Boa Web server, the Linux operating system provides a

stable platform for open-source development in future releases of the product. In accordance with the GNU General Public License, Axis have published the kernel for this product at http://developer.axis.com/. Axis would like to thank Paul Phillips, who wrote Boa; and Larry Doolittle, who is now enhancing and maintaining this free software published at www.boa.org.

Complimentary Software - AXIS IP Installer - for quick installation of multiple units.

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual Product Description

Product Description

Read the following information to familiarize yourself with the AXIS 2490, making particular note of where the connectors and indicators are located.

Front Panel

Serial Number

Located on the underside label of the AXIS 2490, the serial number is identical to the Ethernet address of the unit.

Screw Connector Block

One RS-485/RS-422 serial port on screw terminal block. The block connector also provides an auxiliary connection point for AC or DC power to the unit.

Two RS-232 serial ports, 9-pin male

D-SUB. Both ports support: RX, TX, RTS,

CTS, DSR, DTR, RI and CD.

Control Button

Used to reset the unit and to reinstate the factory settings.

Rear Panel

Power Supply Connector

A single Jack socket (PS-B) for connection of AXIS 2490 power supply.

Status

Indicator

Power

Indicator

Network Connector

The AXIS 2490 is designed for 10 Mbps Ethernet and 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet networks and connects to the network via a twisted pair category 5 cable (10baseT and 100baseTX) terminated using a standard RJ-45 connector. Supporting NWAY, the AXIS 2490 detects the speed of the local network segment and varies the speed of data communication accordingly, between 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps.

Assembling Your Unit AXIS 2490 User’s Manual

Assembling Your Unit

The information provided in this section will help you unpack and assemble your product; you are then ready to proceed with the installation and configuration of the product into your application environment, as described in the following sections of this document.

Checking the Hardware Inventory

Unpack and check all the items against the itemized list below. You should contact your dealer immediately if you find anything is missing or damaged.

Item Model Variants Part Numbers

Serial Server AXIS 2490 0108-001-01

Europe 13267

UK 13268

Power Supply (PS-B)

4 x Rubber Feet 13933

4 x Screws ST4.2X25 RXS-Z FZB 17645

4 x Plugs 30X3.5-4MM 17644

Printed Materials

Australia 13269

USA 13270

Japan 13936

Getting Started Guide AXIS 2490 R1.0 (or later)

17298

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual The AXIS 2490 in Your Application

The AXIS 2490 in Your Application

The AXIS 2490 can be used in a wide variety of applications. Installing directly onto an Ethernet network, the product is completely independent and requires no additional software, unless you plan on using a COM-port Redirector (see below).

This section will help you prepare for the installation and configuration of the unit. Not to be regarded as a comprehensive catalog of possible applications, the section describes several typical general applications. For more examples of applications, see Examples, on page 35.

Networking Applications

Traditionally, serial devices have always been connected to PCs, either directly by cables or via modems. Now, however, you can use an existing Ethernet network (LAN/WAN) to connect to your serial device. Using the AXIS 2490 Serial Server as the link between the serial device and the network, simply connect the device to the AXIS 2490, which in turn plugs into the LAN/WAN. Lastly, set the IP address for the Serial Server and you’re ready to start using your serial devices over the network.

Port Modes

The Serial Server has two operational modes: Generic TCP/IP and Generic HTTP. The mode can be set independently for each serial port: (two RS-232 ports and one RS-422/485 port).

Generic TCP/IP

This mode is as a data connection for transparent communication, where the AXIS 2490 can act both as a server and a client. The mode can be used for the following configurations:

Remote access using an application with network support

The AXIS 2490 supports the Telnet option for COM port control according to RFC2217. This is one example of how the setup shown below can be used. Please see Protocols, on page 27 for a complete list of the protocols supported.

The AXIS 2490 in Your Application AXIS 2490 User’s Manual

Telnet RFC2217 Options

COM port control according to RFC2217 uses telnet options in the data stream to encapsulate status and control information. It can be used to control the state of the control outputs (RTS and DTR) and to monitor the state of inputs (CD, DSR, CTS and RI). It can also be used to control the COM port settings, such as baudrate, parity settings etc. A COM port redirector that supports RFC2217 will configure the baud rate etc., to the configuration set by the application on the PC.

Remote access using a COM port redirector

Many applications require local serial ports for their function and will not work with a networked serial port, which is what you’ll have when using the AXIS 2490. To make the server’s ports appear to the application as if they were local ports, you must install and use additional software - a COM Port Redirector. This software allows programs (especially older ones) that use Windows serial port drivers to be used over a network. The application itself runs as usual, with no modifications.

Note: For more information about COM-port Redirectors, please see the AXIS 2490 product pages on

the Axis website att www.axis.com.

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual The AXIS 2490 in Your Application

2 Serial Servers used together create a "tunnel" and use the network as a "virtual extension cable"

This alternative can be used to connect two serial devices or a serial device with a PC using an application that uses COM ports. See Tunnel Communication, on page 36 for the necessary settings.

Generic HTTP

The Generic HTTP mode gives you the ability to receive status/data and send commands via HTTP. Communication via HTTP can be restricted to defined users or it can be available for annonymous access.

Connecting to a Network AXIS 2490 User’s Manual

Connecting to a Network

Quick Installation Procedure

Follow the instructions below to quickly connect the AXIS 2490 to an Ethernet network:

❶ Note the Serial number

Note the Serial number on the underside of the unit. You need to know this to set the IP address:

Serial number same as

Ethernet number; e.g.

00408c100086 =

00-40-8c-10-00-86

❷ Assigning an IP Address

Important!

•Do not use the default IP address featured in the following examples when installing your AXIS 2490. If in doubt, consult your Network Administrator before assigning an IP address.

• Server Privileges: Although no special privileges are required for Windows 95/98, you do need Administrator privileges for Windows NT/2000, and Root privileges on UNIX.

Using an appropriate method for your operating system, assign your AXIS 2490 with a unique IP Address from a computer on your network, using the ARP command, as follows:

indows 95/98 & NT/2000 only - Start a DOS window

and type these commands:

Syntax:

arp -s <AXISServer IP address> <Ethernet address> <my PC IP address> ping -t <AXISServer IP address>

Example:

arp -s 172.21.1.200 00-40-8c-10-00-86

172.21.1.193

ping -t 172.21.1.200

You will now see the message ‘

Request timed out...’, repeatedly returned in the window.

UNIX only - Type these commands in your command line:

Syntax:

arp -s <IP address> <Ethernet address> temp ping <IP address>

Example:

arp -s 172.21.1.200 00:40:8c:10:00:86 temp ping 172.21.1.200

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