Black Box SWI080A-R3 User Manual

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]

© Copyright 2006. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

DECEMBER 2006

SWI080A-R3

Network Power Switch Jr.

CUSTOMER SUPPORT INFORMATION

Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]

1

FCC AND IC RFI STATEMENTS

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

AND

INDUSTRY CANADA

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.

It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing
device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules,
which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case
the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be
necessary to correct the interference.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

2

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)

ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT

INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD

1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes
de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.

2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.

3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.

4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.

5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo,
cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca,
etc..

6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales
que sean recomendados por el fabricante.

7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.

8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más
allá a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio
deberá ser referido a personal de servicio calificado.

9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama,
sofá, alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se
debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los
orificios de ventilación.

3

NOM STATEMENT

10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.

11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el
aparato.

12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.

13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen
del aparato.

14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.

15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las
lineas de energia.

16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no
sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.

17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.

18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:

A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u

B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del

aparato; o

C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o

D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en

su desempeño; o

E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

4

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

Mac is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

BLACK BOX and the Double Diamond logo are
registered trademarks of BB Technologies, Inc.

Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds.

Windows is either a registered trademark or a trademark
of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or
other countries.

Netscape Navigator is a registered trademark of
Netscape Communications Corporation.

Telnet is a trademark of Telnet Communications, Inc.

UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters
Laboratories Inc.

UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX System
Laboratories, Inc.

Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are
acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners.

5

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

When using this product, follow these basic safety
precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and
injury.

1. Read and understand all instructions.

2. Follow all warnings marked on the product.

3. Unplug this product from the wall outlet before
cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use a damp cloth for cleaning.

4. Do not use this product in an outdoor
environment or near water (for example, near a
bath tub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub,
in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool).

5. Do not place this product on an unstable cart,
stand, or table. The product may fall, causing
serious damage.

6. Slots and openings are provided for ventilation to
protect the product from overheating. These
openings should not be blocked or covered. The
openings should never be blocked by placing the
product on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar

6

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

surface. This product should never be placed in a
built-in installation unless proper ventilation is
provided.

7. This product should be operated only from the
type of power source indicated on the label. If you
are not sure of the type of power supply to your
home, consult your local power company.

8. This product is equipped with a three-wire
grounding-type plug (a plug that has a third
[grounding] pin). This plug will only fit into a
grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety
feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into
the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety features
of the grounding-type plug by using a 3-to-2 prong
adapter at the receptacle. Using this type of
adapter may result in electrical shock and/or
damage to this product.

9. Do not allow anything to rest on the power cord.
Do not put this product where the cord will be
abused by persons walking on it.

10. Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords
as this can result in electric shock.

7

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

11. Never push objects of any kind into this product
through slots, as they may touch dangerous
voltage points or short out parts that could result
in fire or electrical shock. Never spill liquid on the
product.

12. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not
disassemble this product; instead, take it to a
qualified service person when service or repair
work is required. Opening or removing covers may
expose you to dangerous voltages or other risks.
Incorrect re-assembly can cause electric shock
when the appliance is subsequently used.

13. Unplug this product from the wall outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under the
following conditions:

a. When the power supply cord or plug is

damaged or frayed.

b. If liquid has been spilled into the product.

c. If the product has been exposed to rain or

water.

8

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

d. If the product does not operate normally by

following the operating instructions. Adjust
only those controls that are covered by the
operating instructions. Improper adjustment of
other controls may result in damage and will
often require extensive work by a qualified
technician to restore the product to normal
operation.

e. If the product has been dropped or has been

damaged.

f. If the product exhibits a distinct change in

performance.

14. Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless
type) during a electrical storm. There may be a
remote risk of electric shock from lightning.

15. Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in
the vicinity of the leak.

16. Do not exceed the maximum output rating of the
auxiliary power receptacle.

9

CONTENTS

Contents

Chapter Page

1. Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.1 Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.2 Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.3 Multiple Control Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

2.3.1 Auto-Ping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

2.3.2 Heartbeat Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.3.3 Switch Control Programs. . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

2.3.4 Direct TCP Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

3. Hardware Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.1 Power Connectors and Switches . . . . . . . . . . 19

3.2 Ethernet Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

3.3 AC Power Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4. Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

10

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

Contents (continued)

Chapter Page

5. Web Browser Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5.1 Password Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5.2 Control and Status Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

5.3 Setup Pages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

5.3.1 Device Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

5.3.2 TCP/IP Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

5.3.3 Auto-Ping Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

5.3.4 Heartbeat Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

5.3.5 Power Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

5.3.6 System Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

5.3.7 Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

6. Advanced Operation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

6.1 Auto-Ping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

6.1.1 Auto-Ping Setup Page. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

6.1.2 Using Auto-Ping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

6.2 Heartbeat Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

6.2.1 Heartbeat Setup Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

6.2.2 Using Heartbeat Monitor . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

6.2.3 Using the Heartbeat Program . . . . . . . . . 50

11

CONTENTS

Chapter Page

6.3 Control Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

6.4 Direct TCP/Telnet Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

7. User Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

8. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

8.1 Calling Black Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

8.2 Shipping and Packaging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

NOTE

The Network Power Switch Jr. is referred to as iBoot in the
software that you received. These names are shown in
some of the illustrations in this manual.

12

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

1. Specifications

Software Requirements: Netscape Navigator®3.0 or
higher; Internet Explorer 3.0 or higher

Input Cord: 16 AWG x 3C 10A 250, UL

®

/CSA/VDE

rated

Connectors: Power In: (1) IEC-320 male plug;
Power Out: (1) IEC-320 receptacle;
Network: (2) RJ-45 10/100BASE-T Ethernet

Indicators: LEDs: (2) Link, (1) Power

Power: Voltage Range: 105–240 VAC, autosensing;

50/60 Hz;

Maximum Capacity: 12 amps @ 105–125 VAC;

10 amps @ 210–240 VAC

Size: 2.3"H x 4.5"W x 6"D (5.8 x 11.4 x 15.2 cm)

Weight: 1.3 lb. (0.6 kg)

13

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

2. Introduction

2.1 Overview

The Network Power Switch Jr. is a network-attached,
IP-addressed, Web-controlled AC power switch. Anyone
with a Web browser can access the switch for power on,
off, or power cycle (reboot or power burst). The switch
is password-protected for security. It also uses
international standard IEC-320 connections and has
an autosensing power supply (105–240 VAC). The
switch handles circuits up to 12 amps (10 amps at
210–240 VAC).

2.2 Applications

Uses for the Network Power Switch Jr. include:

• Remotely reboot any device, such as routers,
servers, kiosks, etc. The device to be rebooted
need not be attached to the network.

• Secure sensitive devices by keeping them powered
off when not in use. This prevents hackers from
seeing them at all times.

• Power down equipment when not needed for
power savings and to save on wear and tear.

14

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

• Power up alert devices such as sirens, lamps,
messages, or control environmental systems such
as heaters, coolers, pumps, etc.

Figure 2-1 shows the Network Power Switch Jr. in a
typical application.

Figure 2-1. Power your Ethernet devices remotely

via the Network Power Switch Jr.

2.3 Multiple Control Functions

In addition to the Web control capabilities, the switch
features several other ways to operate automatically
(auto-ping, heartbeat monitor) or under computer
control (remote control program, direct
TCP/IP/Telnet™ control). For details about auto-ping,

PC with

Web Browser

Internet or

Intranet

Dual 10/100

Ethernet

Network Power

Switch Jr.

Server

15

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

see Sections 2.3.1 and 6.1. For more information about
heartbeat monitor, see Sections 2.3.2 and 6.2. For details
about the switch’s remote control program or
TCP/IP/Telnet control, see Sections 2.3.3 and 2.3.4.

2.3.1 A

UTO-PING

Simply put, during auto-ping, the switch pings the
network device.

Auto-ping allows the switch to automatically detect failed
equipment and perform a timed reboot or other power
control function (like turning on an indicator or siren).
Three options are available: local ping, remote ping,
and remote alarm. Figure 2-2 shows the local ping
option, Figure 2-3 shows the remote ping option, and
Figure 2-4 shows the remote ping with alarm option.

Local Ping

Set any IP address to be periodically pinged. When the
switch no longer detects a response from the address,
the programmed power control function is activated.
See Figure 2-2.

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NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

Figure 2-2. Local ping: The Network Power Switch Jr. monitors the

local device and automatically reboots it if there is no response.

Remote Ping Options

Put the Network Power Switch Jr. at a central facility to
monitor a remote system (see Figure 2-3) and power up
an alert (see Figure 2-4) when the remote device no
longer responds.

Figure 2-3. Remote ping: The Network Power Switch Jr. monitors the

network connection and reboots when there is no response.

PC with

Web Browser

Internet or

Intranet

10/100
Ethernet

Network Power

Switch Jr.

Response

Ping

Ping

Response

17

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

Figure 2-4. Remote ping: The Network Power Switch Jr. monitors the

remote device and powers up an alarm when there is no response.

2.3.2 H

EARTBEATMONITOR

Like the auto-ping in reverse, heartbeat monitor enables
an Ethernet device to send a message (ping) to the
switch. (The device pings the switch in heartbeat
monitor, as opposed to the switch pinging the device, as
in auto-ping.) If the switch does not receive the message
(ping), it will perform the programmed power control
function.

2.3.3 S

WITCHCONTROLPROGRAMS

Two applications simplify switch operation. The control
program operates one switch from a command line or
application. The control center allows control of

Response

Ping

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NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

multiple switches from one application, eliminating the
need for multiple web pages. This also allows for
simultaneous control of multiple switches and
automation using time of day features. Call Technical
Support at 724-746-5500 for details.

2.3.4 D

IRECT

TCP C

ONTROL

The switch can be controlled directly by messages sent
via TCP. This feature allows programmers to add power
control directly to their application and build
automated scripts in any language to operate the switch.
Call Technical Support at 724-746-5500 for details.

19

CHAPTER 3: Hardware Installation

3. Hardware Installation

3.1 Power Connectors and Switches

Figures 3-1 and 3-2 show the power connectors and
switches on the Network Power Switch Jr.

Figure 3-1. The power input and network connectors

are located on the back of the switch.

Figure 3-2. The power output connector is located

on the front of the switch.

Power Output

IEC-320 Female

Power Status

LED Indicator

Shipped with 18" IEC­320 M to NEMA 5-15

Receptacle Cable

20

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

CAUTION

Disconnect the Network Power Switch Jr. from the AC
power source before making any control connections.

3.2 Ethernet Connections

The Network Power Switch Jr. supports 10/100 Ethernet
using CAT5 unshielded twisted-pair cabling. A two-port
built-in hub is included, with two network jacks for
access. They are autosensing for 10/100 and
uplink/downlink.

NOTE

A Link LED next to each connector indicates when the
connection to the network is properly established.

The built-in hub allows one cable from the wiring closet
to be used for both the switch and the device it is
powering (or any other device). This greatly simplifies
installation. Using both network jacks is optional. See
Figure 3-3.

IMPORTANT!

The switch supports DHCP. If your network uses a DHCP
server, it will automatically assign an IP address when the
switch is first powered up on the network. If you do not use
DHCP, there are several other methods of assigning an IP
address. See Chapter 4 for details.

21

CHAPTER 3: Hardware Installation

Figure 3-3. Connect a PC to an Ethernet device via the switch.

3.3 AC Power Connections

1. Connect the device to be powered ON and OFF to
the IEC receptacle marked “Switched Outlet,”
which is located on the front of the switch. See
Figure 3-4. A short IEC-320 to North American
(NEMA 5-15) power cord is included for
connecting the switch outlet to the device to be
power controlled.

Figure 3-4. Use the included power cord (or one for your country)

to connect to the power output.

Networked Device

(PC Workstation, Router, etc.)

10/100BASE-T Unshielded

Twisted Pair

Network Power

Switch Jr.

Network Server

IEC to NEMA 5-15

extension cord

(supplied)

Network

Power

Switch Jr.

22

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

2. If a cord with a different terminating receptacle is
required, be sure it is properly rated and meets all
the local electrical standards. If the device to be
powered uses an IEC-320 receptacle and a
detachable power cord, you can use an IEC to IEC
extension cord.

3. Connect the supplied power cord to the connector
labeled “AC Input” (on the back of the switch),
and connect the other end to your AC source. See
Figure 3-5. If a power cord with a different
terminating plug is required, be sure it is properly
rated and meets all required local electrical
standards.

Figure 3-5. Connect the switch to the input power source.

Network Power

Switch Jr.

Input Power Cord

(included)

23

NOTE

You can connect the switch to a power strip to allow
simultaneous control of multiple devices.

CAUTION

Make sure that the combined load of all controlled devices
does not exceed 10 amps for 210–240 VAC or 12 amps for
105–125 VAC.

CHAPTER 3: Hardware Installation

24

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

4. Configuration

When configuring the Network Power Switch, Jr., fill in
its user settings (MAC address, IP address, subnet mask,
and gateway) in Chapter 7.

IP Address

The Network Power Switch Jr. comes with a factory­installed IP address of 192.168.1.254. In most cases,
you will need to change this.

Consult your network administrator to determine the
appropriate IP address. You can set the IP address
automatically from a DHCP server, via ARP/ping, or by
the Web browser via the setup page. Record the IP
address in the chart in Chapter 7.

S

ETTING THE

IP A

DDRESS FROM A

DHCP S

ERVER

A DHCP server will automatically assign an IP address
(dynamic address) as well as subnet mask and gateway to
the Network Power Switch Jr. If you power up the switch
without a fixed (static) IP address, the DHCP server will
be able to assign an IP address. This is the factory-default
setting for the switch. Once an IP address is assigned,

25

CHAPTER 4: Configuration

you must check the DHCP server to see what address is
assigned to the switch.

If you set the IP address using another method, the
address becomes static. To return the switch to dynamic
addressing using DHCP, change the IP address (using
the Web browser) to 0.0.0.0.

S

ETTING THE

IP A

DDRESSUSING

ARP/P

ING

The ARP technique uses a PC running a command line
to set the IP address. To set the IP address using ARP,
connect the switch to your local network and apply
power.

The computer used to set the IP address must be on the
same local network segment as the Network Power
Switch Jr. ARP does not work across routed or switched
networks.

To set the IP address using ARP, you must know the
hardware (MAC) address. The address is printed on the
bottom of the switch. The syntax for the MAC address is:
nn-nn-nn-nn-nn-nn.

26

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

Windows®(98 and Later)

1. Open a DOS window. (Run Command.)

2. Type the following command, then press <Enter>:

arp -s <IP Address><MAC Address>

where <IP Address> is the desired IP address
(in dotted decimal notation) for the Network
Power Switch Jr. and <MAC Address> is the MAC
address of the switch. The MAC address of the
switch is printed on the bottom of the unit. Record
the MAC address in the chart in Chapter 7.

For example, type:

arp -s 63.211.86.165 00-50-c2-05-01-c1

and press <Enter>.

3. Ping the switch to program the IP address into the
switch. Type ping <IP Address> and then
press <Enter>. If the ping command returns “host
not responding” four times, then the address has
not been programmed properly, or the IP or MAC
address is incorrect. In either case, repeat step 2.
If the problem persists, contact Technical Support
at 724-746-5500.

27

4. Delete the entry from the ARP cache by typing
arp -d <IP Address> and pressing <Enter>.

5. Ping the switch to confirm that it has been
programmed. If the switch fails to respond, repeat
steps 2–4. If the problem persists, contact
Technical Support.

UNIX

®

, Linux®, Mac®, and Others

Consult your system administrator for information on
setting an IP address using ARP. You should ping the
unit after you set the IP address to confirm proper
operation.

S

ETTING THE

IP A

DDRESSUSING AWEBBROWSER

To set the IP address using a Web browser, connect the
10/100BASE-T connection to your local Ethernet
network and apply power to the Network Power Switch
Jr.

CHAPTER 4: Configuration

28

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

Open your browser and access the switch by entering the
default (192.168.1.254) or current IP address into your
browser’s address window. Enter the password (the
factory default is PASS).

NOTE

The password is case-sensitive; make sure you enter it in
all capital letters.

Click on Setup and enter the IP address, subnet mask,
and gateway address for your network. (Record these
parameters in the chart in Chapter 7.) Click Apply.
Disconnect the power input to the switch. When you
reconnect power, the new IP address will be installed.
See the Web browser operation in Chapter 5 for more
details and screen shots.

Changes to the subnet mask and gateway occur as soon
as you press the Apply button. You don’t have to power-
cycle the switch.

29

CHAPTER 5: Web Browser Operation

5. Web Browser Operation

5.1 Password Protection

To access the Network Power Switch Jr., open your
browser and enter the default (192.168.1.254) or
current IP address into your browser’s address window.
After connecting to the switch, you’ll need to enter the
password. You do not need a username.

The Network Power Switch Jr. uses two passwords, one
for normal power control use and one that also provides
access to the setup functions. As described earlier in this
manual, both default passwords are PASS (all capital
letters). You can change this from the Setup screen (see
Figure 5-1). Write down your password and keep it in a
secure place in case you forget it.

If you forgot your password…

Call Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500.

NOTE

The Network Power Switch Jr. is referred to as iBoot in the
software that you received. These names are used
interchangeably in this manual.

30

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

Figure 5-1. Enter the password in the Setup screen.

The Network Power Switch Jr. also uses an inactivity
timer for security. When there is no activity for two
minutes, the connection is closed and you will need to
enter the password again for access.

31

5.2 Control and Status Page

Once you enter the password, the Control and Status
page (shown in Figure 5-2) appears. Note that only one
person can be connected to the Network Power Switch
Jr. at a time.

Figure 5-2. Access the various switch parameters

via the Control and Status page.

CHAPTER 5: Web Browser Operation

32

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

To control the power, click on the appropriate button
(Power On, Power Off, or Cycle Power) in the Control
and Status page. During power cycling, the power status
bar will indicate the status by showing a blue
background. Once the cycle is complete, the status bar
will revert to its original condition. To abort a power
cycle, click on either the power on or power off button.
The Network Power Switch Jr. will immediately assume
the status selected.

If the auto-ping or heartbeat features are in use, the
page will also display the current status (OK or
triggered) for each. A counter of how many times auto­ping or heartbeat was triggered also appears on this
page. If connecting with the setup password (refer to
Section 5.1), a reset button for the counter is provided.
These features are described in greater detail in
Chapter 6.

Use the refresh link—not the refresh button—(type in
the IP address in your browser) to obtain the Network
Power Switch Jr.’s latest status. Using your browser’s
refresh button can lead to inadvertent power switching.

To access the setup page, the setup password must be
used for the initial login. As mentioned before, the

33

CHAPTER 5: Web Browser Operation

factory default for the setup password (as well as the
operation password) is PASS. Both passwords can be
changed as described in Section 5.1.

When you are finished with the Setup page, click on
Logout. A confirmation page will appear. See Figure 5-3.
If you close your browser window without first clicking
on the Logout button, there will be a two-minute delay
before you can re-access the switch.

Figure 5-3. Exit via the Logout screen.

The Network Power Switch Jr. uses an inactivity timer for
security. When there is no activity for two minutes, the
user is logged out and the password will need to be
entered again for access.

34

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

5.3 Setup Pages

The setup pages consist of several sections. Each time
you change a setting, click on Apply to save the changes
for that section. If you change the IP address via the
TCP/IP settings page (Figure 5-5), you must reboot the
switch to install the new address. To do this, remove the
power cord on the switch from its power source; don’t
just click on OFF from the main screen.

5.3.1 D

EVICE

S

ETTINGS

Set a 20-character device name to be displayed on the
top of the Device Settings page (see Figure 5-4). This
assists in identifying which Network Power Switch Jr. is
being accessed.

35

CHAPTER 5: Web Browser Operation

Figure 5-4. Set Device settings.

Set a power cycle time (0 to 999 seconds). This is the
length of time the power will be off during a reboot or
during a power burst.

Click on Apply. Once you finish setting the device
settings, you are ready to set the TCP/IP settings.

36

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

5.3.2 TCP/IP S

ETTINGS

Enter either a new IP address, or enter address 0.0.0.0 to
enable automatic IP addressing via DHCP. Enter the
subnet mask and gateway. Record these settings in the
chart in Chapter 7. Set the HTTP port. Click on Apply
after entering all the parameters in the TCP/IP Settings
screen. See Figure 5-5.

Figure 5-5. Enter TCP/IP settings.

37

CHAPTER 5: Web Browser Operation

Once you click on Apply, then click on the Reboot
button that will appear at the top of the page. (See
Figure 5-6.) The new IP address will not take effect until
the switch is rebooted.

Figure 5-6. The system prompts you to reboot the switch.

Upon clicking Reboot, a page indicating the new URL
for the device appears. Use this new URL to access the
Network Power Switch Jr. See Figure 5-7.

Figure 5-7. The new URL is shown on the Set Location screen.

38

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

Change the subnet mask if required. To do this, go to
the TCP/IP Settings screen shown in Figure 5-5 and
enter the appropriate subnet mask. Record this setting
in the chart in Chapter 7. The subnet mask will be
automatically set if using DHCP.

Change the gateway if required. To do this, go to the
TCP/IP Settings screen shown in Figure 5-5 and enter
the appropriate gateway. Record this setting in the chart
in Chapter 7. The gateway will be automatically set if
using DHCP.

The HTTP port setting is used to allow access to the
switch on a port other than the Web standard port 80.
If the port is changed, you will need to identify the port
number when you enter the switch’s IP address into
your browser. For example, if the new port is 9100, then
enter the address http://192/168.254.9100 to
access the switch.

CallerIP filters IP addresses to ensure that only
authorized personnel can access the Network Power
Switch Jr. You can set two IP addresses or subnets that
are authorized to access the switch. If CallerIP 1 is set to

0.0.0.0 or blank, the switch will not filter any addresses.
To authorize an entire subdomain, set the CallerIP to

39

CHAPTER 5: Web Browser Operation

xxx.xxx.xxx.255 (where xxx.xxx.xxx is the
subdomain you want to authorize).

After changing the port, a reboot is necessary. Consult
your network administrator for available port
assignments. Click on the Reboot button at the top of
the page to install the new port.

5.3.3 A

UTO

-P

INGSETUP

See Chapter 6 for details about auto-ping setup.

5.3.4 H

EARTBEAT

S

ETUP

See Chapter 6 for details about heartbeat setup.

5.3.5 P

OWER

P

ASSWORD

See Section 5.1 for instructions on changing the power
password.

5.3.6 S

YSTEMPASSWORD

See Section 5.1 for details on changing the system
password.

5.3.7 H

OME

To return to the Home page, click on the Home button
in the Device Settings screen (see Figure 5-4).

40

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

6. Advanced Operation

6.1 Auto-Ping

The auto-ping feature allows the Network Power Switch
Jr. to automatically detect failed equipment and perform
a timed reboot or other power control function (such as
turning on an indicator or siren). Set any IP address to
be periodically pinged. When the switch no longer
detects a response from the address, the programmed
power control function is activated. See Figure 6-1 on
the next page.

To use auto-ping locally, put the switch next to the
device to be monitored; it will reboot automatically
when it no longer responds.

To use auto-ping remotely, put the switch at a central
facility to monitor a remote system. The switch will
power up an alert when the remote device no longer
responds.

41

CHAPTER 6: Advanced Operation

Figure 6-1. Auto-ping locally or remotely.

Local Ping

Example: The Network

Power Switch Jr. monitors

a local device and

automatically reboots

if there is no response.

Remote Ping

Example 1: The Network

Power Switch Jr. monitors

the network connection

and reboots when there is

no response.

Remote Ping

Example 2: The Network Power

Switch Jr. monitors the remote
device and reboots when there

is no response.

Local Device

Remote Device

Remote Device

Internet or

Intranet

Internet or

Intranet

Network Power Switch Jr.

Network Power

Switch Jr.

Network Power

Switch Jr.

42

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

6.1.1 A

UTO

-P

INGSETUPPAGE

When auto-ping is enabled, the Network Power Switch
Jr. pings the attached Ethernet device. If it gets no
response from the device, the switch automatically
powers off, powers on, or reboots the device. Figure 6-2
shows how to set up the auto-ping.

Figure 6-2. The auto-ping setup page.

Enter the ping address, ping frequency, fail counter, and
desired action in the auto-ping setup page.

43

CHAPTER 6: Advanced Operation

Ping Address: Enter the IP address of the device to be
pinged.

Ping Frequency: Enter 1 to 999 seconds. The ping will
go out to the selected device this often.

Fail Counter: Enter how many times (1 to 99) the ping
needs to fail consecutively before the selected action is
taken.

Action: Via the drop-down menu next to “Action” in
Figure 6-2, select one of the following options:

• None: Auto-ping is not used.

• Power-On—Latch: Upon loss of ping response, the
Network Power Switch Jr. will power on and
remain on until changed.

• Power-On—Follow: Upon loss of ping response,
the switch will power on. When the ping response
returns, the switch will power off.

• Power Off—Latch: Upon loss of ping response,
the switch will power off and remain off until
changed via the Web or direct messaging.

44

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

• Power Off—Follow: Upon loss of ping response,
the switch will power off. When the ping response
returns, the switch will power on.

• Power Cycle: Upon loss of ping response, the
switch will cycle the power. The switch will wait as
long as the ping frequency. If the response does
not return, the power will be recycled again. This
will continue until the ping response returns or
auto-ping is turned off. Make sure your auto-ping
frequency is longer than the time required to
reboot your device.

• Power Cycle Once: Upon loss of ping response,
the switch will cycle power one time. It will not
cycle again automatically until the ping response
returns and is lost again.

Once you select the Ping Address, Ping Frequency, Fail
Counter, and Action, click on the Apply button.

6.1.2 U

SINGAUTO-PING

With auto-ping operational, the screen shown in Figure
6-2 will display the current Action status (enabled or
disabled) to the right of the Action drop-down menu
box. If the switch is enabled, it means that the switch is
receiving responses to the ping or that the fail counter
has not yet been exceeded.

45

If the fail count has been exceeded, the fail count status
will change to disabled. The trigger counter indicates
the number of times the auto-ping feature has been
triggered. A counter reset button is provided when
logging in with the system password.

6.2 Heartbeat Monitor

Like auto-ping, the heartbeat monitor allows the switch
to monitor one or more devices and take action when
these devices fail. With the heartbeat monitor enabled,
the attached device pings the Network Power Switch Jr.
The switch will expect a network message on a regular
interval. When it misses a user-defined number of
intervals, it will perform its programmed action.

Use the heartbeat to ensure that your server is running.
When it crashes, it will be automatically rebooted.

Figure 6-3 shows a typical application with heartbeat
enabled.

CHAPTER 6: Advanced Operation

46

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

Figure 6-3. A kiosk generates heartbeat at a regular interval.

When the kiosk crashes, the heartbeat stops, and

the switch automatically reboots the kiosk.

The heartbeat can be generated in any of several ways:

• A Windows executable program will run as a tray
applet; it transmits continuous heartbeats to a
Network Power Switch Jr.

• A Windows .dll file is also available for use by
Windows applications.

Heartbeat

Confirmation

Kiosk

Network Power

Switch Jr.

47

• A Windows executable program (.exe) that will
run as a tray application and monitor a specific
process. If the monitored process stops
responding, the application will stop transmitting
the heartbeat to the switch.

• The heartbeat protocol allows developers to
embed this capability directly into their software
products.

NOTE

For heartbeat tools, contact Black Box Technical Support at
724-746-5500.

6.2.1 H

EARTBEATSETUPPAGE

When heartbeat is enabled, the attached Ethernet
device pings the Network Power Switch. If the switch
gets no signal from the device, the switch automatically
powers off, powers on, or reboots the device. Figure 6-4
shows how to set up the heartbeat.

CHAPTER 6: Advanced Operation

48

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

Figure 6-4. Set up the heartbeat via the Heartbeat Monitor page.

Enter the ping frequency, fail counter, and desired
action in the Heartbeat Monitor page.

Frequency: Enter 1 to 999 seconds. If the heartbeat is
not received within this time, the counter will reset.

49

CHAPTER 6: Advanced Operation

Fail Counter: Enter how many times (1 to 99) the
heartbeat needs to fail before the selected action is
taken.

Action: Via the drop-down menu next to “Action” in
Figure 6-4, select one of the following options:

• Power On—Latch: Upon loss of heartbeat, the
switch will power on and remain on until changed.

• Power On—Follow: Upon loss of heartbeat, the
switch will power off until changed.

• Power Off—Latch: Upon loss of heartbeat, the
switch will power off and remain off until changed.

• Power Off—Follow: Upon loss of heartbeat, the
switch will power off. When the heartbeat returns,
the switch will power on.

• Power Cycle: Upon loss of heartbeat, the switch
will cycle the power. The switch will wait the
frequency time; if the heartbeat does not return,
the power will be recycled again. This will
continue until the heartbeat returns or the
heartbeat monitor is turned off. Make sure your
frequency is longer than the time required to
reboot your device.

50

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

• Power Cycle Once: Upon loss of heartbeat, the
switch will cycle power one time. It will not cycle
again automatically until the heartbeat returns
and is lost again.

Port: Enter the port number on the Ethernet device
from which the heartbeat will be received by the switch.

6.2.2 U

SING

H

EARTBEATMONITOR

With the heartbeat operational, the Heartbeat Monitor
page (shown in Figure 6-4) will display the current
status—either disabled or enabled. When enabled, the
switch is receiving heartbeats or the fail counter has not
yet been exceeded.

If the fail count has been exceeded, the status will
change to triggered. The trigger counter indicates the
number of times the heartbeat feature has been
triggered. A counter reset button is provided when
logging in with the system password.

6.2.3 U

SING THE

H

EARTBEATPROGRAM

For details on how to use the heartbeat program,
contact Black Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500.

51

CHAPTER 6: Advanced Operation

6.3 Control Programs

A remote control program allows you to control the
Network Power Switch Jr. directly. For details, contact
Tech Support.

6.4 Direct TCP/Telnet Control

For application developers, the Network Power Switch
Jr. also supports control via direct TCP communications.
To control the switch in this manner requires opening a
socket to the Network Power Switch Jr. and sending
specific commands. For more information, call Black
Box Technical Support at 724-746-5500.

52

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

7. User Settings

Record your Network Power Switch Jr.’s settings here.

MAC Address___________________________________

IP Address______________________________________

Subnet Mask____________________________________

Gateway________________________________________

Notes:

53

CHAPTER 8: Troubleshooting

8. Troubleshooting

8.1 Calling Black Box

If you determine that your Network Power Switch Jr. is
malfunctioning, do not attempt to alter or repair the
unit. It contains no user-serviceable parts. Contact Black
Box at 724-746-5500.

Before you do, make a record of the history of the
problem. We will be able to provide more efficient and
accurate assistance if you have a complete description,
including:

• the nature and duration of the problem.

• when the problem occurs.

• the components involved in the problem.

• any particular application that, when used,
appears to create the problem or make it worse.

54

NETWORK POWER SWITCH JR.

8.2 Shipping and Packaging

If you need to transport or ship your Network Power
Switch Jr.:

• Package it carefully. We recommend that you use
the original container.

• If you are shipping the Network Power Switch Jr.
for repair, make sure you include everything that
came in the original package. Before you ship,
contact Black Box to get a Return Authorization
(RA) number.