Comtrol DeviceMaster NS-Link User Manual

NS-Link

Device Driver User Guide

Windows 8/8.1

Windows Server 2012

Windows 7

Windows Server 2008

Windows Vista

Windows Server 2003

Windows XP

Trademark Notices

Document Part Number: 2000595 Rev A

Comtrol, DeviceMaster, RocketModem, and RocketPort, and NS-Link are trademarks of Comtrol Corporation.

Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.

Seventh Edition, July 1, 2014
Copyright © 2001-2014. Comtrol Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.

Comtrol Corporation makes no representations or warranties with regard to the contents of this document or
to the suitability of the Comtrol product for any particular purpose. Specifications subject to change without
notice. Some software or features may not be available at the time of publication. Contact your reseller for
current product information.

Table of Contents

Overview...................................................................................................................................5

When to Use the DeviceMaster NS-Link Device Driver ....................................................................... 5

Comtrol Drivers Management Console .................................................................................................... 5

Supported Operating Systems.................................................................................................................... 5

Products Supported ...................................................................................................................................... 6

Conventions .................................................................................................................................................... 6

Downloading the Latest Software and User Guides ............................................................................. 7

PortVision DX Overview .............................................................................................................................. 7

Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console .....................................9

Initial Installation Overview ...................................................................................................................... 9

Install the Hardware..................................................................................................................................... 9

Install PortVision DX.................................................................................................................................. 10

Program the IP Address (Network Information)................................................................................. 11

Check the SocketServer Version ............................................................................................................. 13

Uploading SocketServer ............................................................................................................................ 14

NS-Link Device Driver Installation .................................................................................15

Overview........................................................................................................................................................ 15

Installation Setup Wizard.......................................................................................................................... 15

Checking the Device Driver Version ...................................................................................................... 20

Updating the Driver.................................................................................................................................... 21

Adding a DeviceMaster (Existing Installation) .................................................................................... 25

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration.............................................................................27

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration Considerations ...................................................................... 27

IP or MAC Addressing Issues .................................................................................................................. 27

NS-Link Device Driver Features ............................................................................................................. 28

Using the Port Sharing Feature .............................................................................................................. 28

Using the Comtrol Drivers Management Console ............................................................................... 29

Accessing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console ............................................................................ 29

Displaying All Installed Devices .............................................................................................................. 29

Collapsing the View .................................................................................................................................. 30

How to Configure Device Properties........................................................................................................ 30

Customizing the Device Name ................................................................................................................. 31

Customizing the COM Port Name ........................................................................................................... 31

How to Configure COM Port Properties.................................................................................................. 32

How to Save Changes ............................................................................................................................... 33

Associating the MAC Address ................................................................................................................... 34

Same Network Segment ........................................................................................................................... 34

Different Physical Segment...................................................................................................................... 35

Using IP Mode and Enabling SSL ............................................................................................................ 36

Configuring Device Properties ................................................................................................................ 38

Configuring COM Port Properties .......................................................................................................... 41

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A 3

Table of Contents

Network Configuration in Comtrol Drivers Management Console................................................. 46

Disabling IP Mode .................................................................................................................................... 46

Changing a Static IP Address .................................................................................................................. 47

Setting Up DHCP ..................................................................................................................................... 49

Configuring DeviceMaster Ports as Sockets ......................................................................................... 50

Enabling Secure Data Mode...................................................................................................................... 51

Using Driver Configuration Files.....................................................................................53

Saving Driver Configuration Files .......................................................................................................... 53

Loading a Driver Configuration File ...................................................................................................... 54

Loading Device Configuration ........................................................................................................... 54

Loading Port Configuration ............................................................................................................... 56

Removing the DeviceMaster and Driver ........................................................................59

Removing a DeviceMaster ......................................................................................................................... 59

Removing the NS-Link Device Driver .................................................................................................... 60

Troubleshooting and Technical Support........................................................................63

How to Find Diagnostic Tools and Utilities .......................................................................................... 63

Troubleshooting Checklist ........................................................................................................................ 64

General Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................... 65

Connectivity Requirements ...................................................................................................................... 66

DeviceMaster LEDs ..................................................................................................................................... 68

Port LEDs.................................................................................................................................................. 68

Network and Device LEDs ....................................................................................................................... 68

Using the Advanced Tab ............................................................................................................................ 70

NS-Link Driver Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................. 75

Using Port Monitor to Test Ports............................................................................................................. 76

Using Test Terminal.................................................................................................................................... 79

Opening Ports ........................................................................................................................................... 79

Sending and Receiving Test Data (RS-232/422 and RS-485: 4-Wire) .................................................... 80

Loopback Test (RS-232)............................................................................................................................ 81

Sending and Receiving Data (RS-485: 2-Wire) ....................................................................................... 82

How Disable/Enable the Device Driver .................................................................................................. 85

Technical Support ....................................................................................................................................... 85

Appendix A. Configuring Non-Plug and Play Devices ................................................87

Installing Non-Plug and Play Devices .................................................................................................... 87

Installing Modems .................................................................................................................................... 87

Installing Printers .................................................................................................................................... 88

4 DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Overview

This section discusses the following topics:

• When to Use the DeviceMaster NS-Link Device Driver

• Comtrol Drivers Management Console

• Supported Operating Systems

• Products Supported

• Conventions on Page 6

• Downloading the Latest Software and User Guides on Page 7

When to Use the DeviceMaster NS-Link Device Driver

Install the DeviceMaster NS-Link device driver to use DeviceMaster serial ports
as native COM ports and to set up secure COM ports. If you install the device
driver, you can also configure the ports for socket mode or serial tunneling. See

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration Considerations on Page 27 for detailed

information about the NS-Link device driver.

Comtrol Drivers Management Console

This User Guide discusses how to install and configure Comtrol device drivers
using the Installation Setup Wizard and the Comtrol Drivers Management Console
for the NS-Link device driver.

The Comtrol Drivers Management Console is accessible through the Windows
Control Panel using a dedicated shortcut created during the initial device driver
installation process. The Comtrol Drivers Management Console allows you to
browse all installed and supported Comtrol products in one place and apply any
changes quickly.

Note: This User Guide discusses the DeviceMaster, see the RocketPort EXPRESS/

INFINITY, RocketPort and RocketModem (Universal PCI) Series User
Guide for Windows for adapter specific information.

You can refer to Using the Comtrol Drivers Management Console on Page 29 for
general information about the Comtrol Drivers Management Console.

Supported Operating Systems

The Comtrol Drivers Management Console supports the following operating
systems:

• Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 8.1

• Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008, and Windows Server 2003

• Windows Vista

• Windows XP

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Overview - 5

Overview

Products Supported

These are the products supported by the Comtrol Drivers Management Console:

•DeviceMaster LT

• DeviceMaster PRO

• DeviceMaster RTS

• DeviceMaster Serial Hub

• DeviceMaster 500

• RocketModem IV

• RocketPort EXPRESS

• RocketPort EXPRESS SMPTE

• RocketPort INFINITY

• RocketPort Plus Universal PCI

• RocketPort Plus/422 Universal PCI

• RocketPort Universal PCI

• RocketPort Universal PCI SMPTE

Conventions

In the remainder of this User Guide, the products are referred to accordingly:

• Comtrol device unless there is model-specific information

• DeviceMaster means the DeviceMaster models listed in the previous
subsection

• RocketPort means any RocketPort model

• RocketPort EXPRESS/INFINITY means RocketPort EXPRESS, RocketPort
EXPRESS SMPTE, and RocketPort INFINITY

• RocketPort and RocketModem (Universal PCI) means RocketModem IV,
RocketPort Universal PCI, RocketPort Plus Universal PCI, RocketPort Plus/
422 Universal PCI, and RocketPort Universal PCI SMPTE

The paths in this Guide to locate DeviceMaster software and documentation point
to the DeviceMaster RTS paths on the ftp site. All supported DeviceMasters
(

Products Supported) models use the same software and documentation.

6 - Products Supported DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Downloading the Latest Software and User Guides

You can use the CD or the following table to locate the latest version of the
software and documentation.

Software Description Document

Overview

PortVision DX

Application

Configuration

Bootloader

Firmware

SocketServer

Windows 7/8/8.1
Windows Server
2012/2008/2003
Windows Vista
Windows XP

Device Driver

Install on a Windows host to program the IP
address and manage your DeviceMaster.
Refer to
for more information.

Bootloader is the operating system that runs
on the DeviceMaster hardware during the
power on phase, which then loads
SocketServer.

Update the Bootloader on your DeviceMaster,
if advised by Technical Support.

SocketServer is the name of the TCP/IP
socket web page that is integrated in the
firmware that comes pre-installed on your
DeviceMaster.

Note: Make sure you upload the latest

Install if you want COM ports (native or
secure).

PortVision DX Overview on Page 7

DeviceMaster
Installation
and
Configuration
Guide

version of SocketServer before
configuring the device driver.

(This Guide)

PortVision DX Overview

PortVision DX automatically detects Comtrol Ethernet attached products
physically attached to the local network segment so that you can configure the
network address, upload firmware, and manage the following products:

• DeviceMaster family, including:

- DeviceMaster LT

- DeviceMaster PRO

- DeviceMaster RTS

- DeviceMaster Serial Hub

- DeviceMaster UP

- DeviceMaster 500

•IO-Link Master

• RocketLinx

PortVision DX replaces PortVision Plus. PortVision Plus does not support
operating systems above Windows 7 and SocketServer versions above v9.00 or NS­Link device driver v10.xx.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Downloading the Latest Software and User Guides - 7

Overview

PortVision DX may require that you have the latest Microsoft Service pack for
your operating system:

• Windows 8/8.1

• Windows Server 2012

•Windows 7

• Windows Server 2008

•Windows Vista

• Windows Server 2003

•Windows XP

In addition to identifying Comtrol Ethernet attached products, you can use
PortVision DX to display any third-party switch and hardware that may be
connected directly to those devices. All non-Comtrol products and unmanaged
RocketLinx devices are treated as non-intelligent devices and have limited feature
support. For example, you cannot configure or update firmware on a third-party
switch.

8 - PortVision DX Overview DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

This section provides an overview for the procedures that you may need to perform
before installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console for the device driver.

This section contains the following discussions:

• Initial Installation Overview on Page 9

• Install the Hardware on Page 9

• Install PortVision DX on Page 10

• Program the IP Address (Network Information) on Page 11

• Uploading SocketServer on Page 14

Initial Installation Overview

If you have already performed the following procedures, you can skip to the next
section,

You may also refer to the DeviceMaster Installation and Configuration Guide,
which provides detailed information about the following procedures:

1. Install the hardware (below).

2. Install PortVision DX (below).

3. Program the network information using PortVision DX (Page 11).

4. Check the SocketServer version and determine whether you need to download

5. If necessary, upload the latest version of SocketServer (Page 14).

NS-Link Device Driver Installation on Page 15.

an updated version (Page 13).

Install the Hardware

If you have not done so, install the DeviceMaster:

1. Connect an Ethernet cable between the DeviceMaster and a host PC NIC or to
the same Ethernet network segment using a standard Ethernet cable. Refer to

Connectivity Requirements on Page 66 for cabling information.

2. Connect the power supply or cable to the DeviceMaster and apply power.

3. Check the DeviceMaster LEDs to verify that it is ready. Refer to DeviceMaster

LEDs on Page 68 to determine the LED status.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console - 9

Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

You can save time if you only scan for
DeviceMasters.

Install PortVision DX

Use the following procedure to install PortVision DX.

1. Download PortVision DX from ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/dev_mstr/portvision_dx.

2. Execute the PortVision_DX_[version].msi file and follow the Installation
wizard.

3. Click Launch PortVision DX and Finish in the last installation screen.

4. Click Scan so that PortVision DX
locates the DeviceMaster.

PortVision DX displays the Comtrol
Ethernet attached products for
which you chose to scan. See the
PortVision DX help system detailed
information about how to use it to
tailor your view.

5. Go to the next discussion to program
the network information into the
DeviceMaster.

10 - Install PortVision DX DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

Program the IP Address (Network Information)

If you have not done so, program the IP address for your network. The following
procedure is to program a single DeviceMaster, if you want to program IP
addresses into multiple DeviceMasters, refer to the PortVision DX help system or
the

DeviceMaster Installation and Configuration Guide.

1. If necessary, start PortVision DX, Start > Programs > Comtrol > PortVision DX >
PortVision DX.

2. If the DeviceMaster that you want to program is not displayed, click Scan.

3. Right-click the DeviceMaster in the Device Tree or Device List pane for which
you want to program network information and click Properties.

Note: Optionally, you can double-click the DeviceMaster and PortVision DX

opens the Properties page.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Program the IP Address (Network Information) - 11

Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

4. Optionally, enter a friendly device name in the Device Name list box. The
default name is Device and the last three pairs of digits from the MAC address.

5. Optionally, enter the DeviceMaster serial number in the event you need to
contact Comtrol.

Note: The device status from the main screen displays in the Device Status list

box.

6. Select the appropriate Detection Type for this DeviceMaster.

• REMOTE means that IP communications are used instead of MAC

communications. This is generally an indication the DeviceMaster is not on
the local Ethernet segment

• LOCAL means that the MAC communications level is used and the

DeviceMaster must be on the local segment for MAC mode to be used. An
IP address is not required but Technical support recommends using an IP
address.

7. Select the appropriate IP Mode for your installation:

• If you want to disable IP communications on the DeviceMaster, click

Disable IP.

• To use the DeviceMaster with DHCP, click DHCP IP, and make sure that

you provide the MAC address of the device to the network administrator.
Make sure that the administrator reserves the IP address, subnet mask
and gateway address of the DeviceMaster in the DHCP server.

• To program a static IP address, click Static IP and enter the appropriate

values for your site.

8. Leave the Bootloader Timeout set to the default 15.

9. Click Apply Changes and Close.

10. Go to the next subsection to check the SocketServer version.

12 - Program the IP Address (Network Information) DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Check the SocketServer Version

Check the SocketServer version installed on the DeviceMaster against the latest
SocketServer version on the ftp site.

1. If necessary, start PortVision DX: Start > Programs > Comtrol > PortVision DX >
PortVision DX.

Note: The SocketServer version displays for the DeviceMaster under the

Software Version column.

Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

2. Check for the latest SocketServer version.

Note: Although these paths point to the DeviceMaster RTS subdirectory, the

software (applications, firmware, and drivers) and documentation
works on the DeviceMaster LT, DeviceMaster PRO and DeviceMaster
Serial Hub.

FTP subdirectory: ftp://ftp.comtrol.com/dev_mstr/rts/software/socketserver.

3. If necessary, download SocketServer, and then use the next subsection to
upload SocketServer. If you do not need to upload the latest version of
SocketServer, you are ready to install the device NS-Link device driver using

NS-Link Device Driver Installation on Page 15.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Check the SocketServer Version - 13

Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console

Uploading SocketServer

The NS-Link device driver loads the current firmware but not until the
DeviceMaster has shown that an old version of the SocketServer (older than 8.00)
or any firmware other than NS-Link Updater is running. The driver does not
upload anything unless it first connects to the default application (SocketServer)
on the DeviceMaster.

Note: If you are familiar with the NS-Link driver, you may want to review

information for

Optionally, you can upload the appropriate version of SocketServer after running
the NS-Link device driver Installation Setup Wizard.

Use the following procedure to upload the latest SocketServer version using
PortVision DX.

1. Start PortVision DX, click: Start > Programs > Comtrol > PortVision DX >
PortVision DX.

2. Right-click the DeviceMaster or DeviceMasters of which you want to upload
the latest version of SocketServer and then click Advanced > Upload Firmware.

existing customers.

3. Browse to the location where you downloaded SocketServer, highlight the file,
and click Open.

4. Click Ye s to the Upload Firmware
popup.

5. Click Ye s to the second Upload
Firmware popup.

You can click Refresh to verify that
the upload has been successfully
completed.

If the upload fails, use the PortVision
DX General tab on the Properties
screen to change the Bootloader
Timeout to 45 seconds and then repeat

Steps 2 through 5.

14 - Uploading SocketServer DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Overview

Caution

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

This section discusses the following topics:

• Overview of the driver installation procedures

• Installation Setup Wizard

• Checking the Device Driver Version

• Updating the Driver

• Adding a

If there is an NS-Link device driver already installed on your system for the
DeviceMaster, use the following discussions:

• Updating the Driver

• Adding a
DeviceMasters to the existing installation.

If you have performed the following procedures, you can skip to Installation Setup
Wizard to start NS-Link device driver installation.

You can use Before Installing the Comtrol Drivers Management Console
for procedures for these steps.

1. Install the DeviceMaster.

2. Install PortVision DX.

3. Program the network information (IP address) using PortVision DX.

4. Upload the appropriate version of SocketServer firmware.

DeviceMaster (Existing Installation) on Page 25

DeviceMaster (Existing Installation) on Page 25 to add more

on Page 15 for initial installation procedures

on Page 20

on Page 21

on Page 21 if you want to update the existing driver.

on Page 9

Installation Setup Wizard

You can use the following procedure to install the device driver and the Comtrol
Drivers Management Console, which is used to configure the driver.

1. Locate the latest driver assembly (.exe) for your product and copy it to a
location that is available to the host.

• Download the latest device driver

•The Software and Documentation CD contains all of the files for

installation, configuration, and troubleshooting. The CD also provides
download links to the Comtrol ftp site to locate the latest files.

Note: Administrative privileges are required to install device drivers on

Windows operating systems newer than Windows Server 2003.

Do not connect RS-422/485 devices until the appropriate port interface
type has been configured in the device driver. The DeviceMaster
default port setting is RS-232, except for the DeviceMaster Serial Hub.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A NS-Link Device Driver Installation - 15

for the DeviceMaster.

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

2. Execute the NS-Link device driver assembly (DeviceMaster_Windows_x.xx.exe)

3. Optionally, enter a different location to install the driver files.

and click Next to start the installation.

4. Click Install.

16 - Installation Setup Wizard DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

5. Leave the Launch DeviceMaster Driver Installation box checked and click Finish.

If you do not check this box, you can use the shortcut under the Start button at
Programs > Comtrol > DeviceMaster > DeviceMaster Driver Installation Wizard to
install the device driver.

6. Click Next to install the driver.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Installation Setup Wizard - 17

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

7. Click Install and Next.

8. Select the DeviceMaster model that you want to install.

9. Enter the number of this DeviceMaster model that you want to install and
click Ok.

10. Repeat Steps 8

and and 9 for each DeviceMaster that you want to install and

click Next

18 - Installation Setup Wizard DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

11. Click Proceed.

You may see the following popup for each port.

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

You may see this popup for each device.

12. Verify that all your selections installed and then click the Close button.

13. Click the Launch Comtrol Drivers Management Console button.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Installation Setup Wizard - 19

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

14. Return to the

15. Go to NS-Link

16. After associating the

17. Go to Configuring COM Port Properties

After driver installation and configuration, connect the serial devices to the ports.
For information about the DeviceMaster connectors, refer to the DeviceMaster

Installation and Configuration User Guide (Page 7).

Installation wizard and

click Close to exit the
wizard.

Device

Driver Configuration

on Page 27 to start NS­Link device driver
configuration.

The device driver
installation is not
complete until you have

associated the MAC
address to the
DeviceMaster.

MAC address, go to

Configuring Device
Properties on Page 38

to set up device properties (device name and starting COM port number).

on Page 41 to configure any necessary

COM port characteristics.

Checking the Device Driver Version

Use the appropriate procedure for your operating system to check the Comtrol
device driver version using the Device Manager.

1. In the Comtrol Drivers Management Console, right-click the DeviceMaster
and click Properties.

2. If necessary, click the Driver tab to view the NS-Link device driver version.

You can check this driver version against the latest driver

If necessary, you can update the device driver using the next subsection.

for your product.

20 - Checking the Device Driver Version DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Updating the Driver

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

Use the following procedure to update the DeviceMaster NS-Link device driver
after initial installation.

If you are unsure what driver version is running, see Checking the Device Driver

Version on Page 20.

1. Locate the latest NS-Link device driver assembly (Page 7) and copy it to a
location that is available to the host.

2. Close any applications that are using serial ports before the NS-Link device
driver installation.

3. Start the update by executing the .exe file.

4. Click Next to start the Installation Setup Wizard.

5. Optionally, enter a different location to install the latest NS-Link device driver
files.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Updating the Driver - 21

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

6. Click Install.

7. Leave the Launch DeviceMaster Driver Installation box checked and click Finish.

If you do not check this box, you can use the shortcut under the Start button at:
Programs > Comtrol > DeviceMaster > DeviceMaster Driver Installation Wizard.

22 - Updating the Driver DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

8. Click Next to update the driver.

9. Click Update and Next.

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

10. Click Next to update the driver.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Updating the Driver - 23

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

11. Click Proceed.

12. Click the Launch Comtrol Drivers Management Console button to configure the

13. Return to the Installation wizard and click Close.

ports or device properties.

14. If necessary, go to Configuring COM Port Properties

on Page 41 to configure

the NS-Link COM port properties

24 - Updating the Driver DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

Adding a DeviceMaster (Existing Installation)

Caution

Use the following procedure to add aDeviceMaster to an existing DeviceMaster
installation.

1. Close any applications that are using serial ports before the device driver
installation.

2. Connect the DeviceMaster to your network and use PortVision DX to program
the IP address.

If you need hardware installation procedures, see Downloading the Latest

Software and User Guides on Page 7).

Do not connect RS-422/485 devices until the appropriate port interface
type has been configured in the device driver. The default port setting
is RS-232.

3. From the Start button, click Program> Comtrol> DeviceMaster> DeviceMaster
Driver Installation Wizard.

4. Click Next to start the Comtrol Driver Installation Wizard.

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

5. Click Install and Next.

6. Click Next and follow the Installation Wizard. Refer to Step 8 on Page 18, for
the remainder of the installation steps if needed.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A Adding a DeviceMaster (Existing Installation) - 25

NS-Link Device Driver Installation

26 - Adding a DeviceMaster (Existing Installation) DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration

If you programmed an IP address into the DeviceMaster for your network using
PortVision DX before installing the NS-Link device driver; first associate the MAC
address to the DeviceMaster and then configure the driver with the IP address
that you programming into the DeviceMaster using PortVision DX.

This section discusses the following topics:

• NS-Link Device Driver Configuration Considerations

• Using the Comtrol Drivers Management Console on Page 29

• Associating the MAC Address

• Using IP Mode and Enabling SSL

• Configuring Device Properties

• Configuring COM Port Properties

• Network Configuration in Comtrol Drivers Management Console

- Disabling IP Mode

- Changing a Static IP Address

- Setting Up DHCP

• Configuring DeviceMaster Ports as Sockets

• Enabling Secure Data Mode

on Page 46

on Page 49

on Page 34

on Page 36

on Page 38

on Page 41

on Page 46

on Page 47

on Page 50

on Page 51

NS-Link Device Driver Configuration Considerations

The following subsections discuss the NS-Link device driver features and topics
that you may want to review before driver configuration.

IP or MAC Addressing Issues

This is an overview of IP and MAC addressing issues that may affect how you
configure the DeviceMaster with a brief discussion of advantages of each method.

Note: The default IP address for the DeviceMaster is 192.168.250.250.

The IP addressing scheme (IP mode) has the following advantages:

• Uses an IEEE industry standard protocol.

• Allows you to configure systems to use ports on the DeviceMaster that are
outside of the host system’s local Ethernet segment.

Note: This IP address must be a unique reserved IP address. Do not use an

address from a dynamic address pool. If necessary, see the system
administrator for an IP address.

The MAC addressing method (MAC mode) has the following advantages:

• Simplifies implementation and ongoing support by eliminating the address
administration issues inherent in network protocols. MAC addresses are
predefined by DeviceMaster and there is no potential for an address conflict at
setup.

• It is isolated from foreign LAN segments minimizing potential security issues.

• Maximizes throughput of serial data.

DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A NS-Link Device Driver Configuration - 27