Moxa Technologies DE-332, DE-302, DE-304, DE-334 User Manual
NPort
Server Lite User’s Manual
for DE-302/304/332/334
Third Edition, March 2001
Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd.
Tel: +866-2-8919-1230
Fax: +886-2-8919-1231
www.moxa.com
service@moxa.com.tw
NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
The software described in this manual is furnished under a license agreement and may be used only in
accordance with the terms of that agreement.
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Copyright 2000 Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd.
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Table of Contents
1.1 Overview..............................................................................................................1-1
Features....................................................................................................................1-2
Package Checklist .....................................................................................................1-2
Top/Front/Rear View .................................................................................................1-3
2.2 Getting Started ..................................................................................................2-1
Knowing Your Application ........................................................................................2-2
Host-Based Mode.................................................................................................................................2-2
Connecting the Hardware...........................................................................................2-3
Choosing a Location ............................................................................................................................2-3
Network Connection............................................................................................................................2-5
Power Connection ................................................................................................................................2-5
Serial Connection ................................................................................................................................. 2-5
3.3 Configuring the Network.................................................................................3-1
Preparing Windows NT/95/98 for a TCP/IP Network...................................................3-2
IP Address Configuration...........................................................................................3-2
LCD Panel ............................................................................................................................................. 3-2
Telnet Console......................................................................................................................................3-4
DHCP Configuration ...........................................................................................................................3-6
4.4 Installation and Configuration.......................................................................4-1
Host-Based Mode ......................................................................................................4-3
Single Host Mode ...............................................................................................................................4-3
Custom Mode......................................................................................................................................4-14
Upgrading NPort Server Lite Firmware.........................................................................................4-36
NPort Server Diagnostic .......................................................................................... 4-37
Configuration ...................................................................................................................................... 4-38
Viewer Status and Diagnose.............................................................................................................4-41
NPort Server Monitor ..............................................................................................4-44
Configuring NPort Server Monitor.................................................................................................4-44
Save and Load Configuration ...........................................................................................................4-47
Upgrading NPort Server Firmware........................................................................... 4-52
Uninstalling the Software.................................................................................................................4-57
5.5 Windows 2000 - Installation and Configuration .....................................5-1
Windows 2000 Driver Installation ..............................................................................5-2
Installing NPort Server Lite ............................................................................................................... 5-2
Installing NPort Server Lite’s Serial Port ......................................................................................... 5-9
NPort Server Lite Properties.....................................................................................5-11
Configuration......................................................................................................................................5-13
6.6 Troubleshooting................................................................................................6-1
Installation and Configuration Troubleshooting ...........................................................6-2
Programming Problems .............................................................................................6-5
A.A. Telnet Console..................................................................................................A-1
B.B.LCD Panel Configuration...............................................................................B-1
C.C.Cable Pinouts....................................................................................................C-1
D.D.Declaration of Conformity.............................................................................D-1
1 Overview
Welcome to Moxa NPort Server Lite, an Industrial Serial Device Server that greatly
enhances the ability of a Windows NT/95/98 host to control multiple serial port devices
over a TCP/IP based Ethernet network.
This chapter is an introduction to NPort Server Lite and includes the following:
q Features
q Package Checklist
q Top/Front/Rear View
1
1
NPort Server Lite provides a data communication solution for connecting Windows
NT/95/98 hosts to multiple asynchronous RS -232 (models DE-302/304) or RS-422/485
(models DE -332/334) serial ports through a TCP/IP network. Each model has two
(DE -302/332) or four (DE-304/334) asynchronous serial port connections on one side, and
one 10/100M Ethernet connection on the other, allowing any device that supports primarily
the asynchronous communications protocol to atta ch to a network. NPort Server works like
an add-on multiport serial board to the NT/95/98 server, but with one major advantage – the
TCP/IP network. Since the Windows NT95/98 host communicates with the COM ports on
Nport Server Lite over a TCP/IP network, you are able to control asynchronous serial
devices from virtually anywhere in the world.
Although it connects through the virtual link of the Ethernet, the ports on NPort Server Lite
are recognized as real COM ports by the Windows NT/95/98 operating syste m. NPort
Server Lite provides both the basic transmit/receive data functions, as well as RTS, CTS,
DTR, DSR, and DCD control signals.
NPort Server Lite can be used with your existing applications that support serial
communication. It also comes with a utility program providing a simple step-by-step
installation procedure, and a maintenance wizard that gives you easy access to your
asynchronous devices.
NPort Server Lite User’s Manual 1-1
Features
q Built-In LCD Human Interface
q Long range connection through the Internet/Intranet between host and serial port
q Easy serial port expansion; up to 256 ports for one Windows NT host
q Supports sharing of the server or ports to multiple hosts
q Remote control of NPort Server through the Internet/Intranet
q Driver for Windows NT/95/98 platform
q Easy configuration and management under Windows NT/95/98
q Free Moxa PComm Pro Serial Control Library for easy serial device control
q Serial connection speed of 230.4 Kbps
Package Checklist
q One NPort Server Lite
q NPort Server Lite User's Manual
q MOXA PComm Pro, a professional serial Comm developing tool (on CD)
q PComm Pro registration card
q Cross-wired 10/100 Mbps Ethernet cable
q Power Adapter (110V or 230V)
q Windows NT/95/98 device driver (on diskette)
q Two attachment plates with 6 screws
Optional Accessory
q DIN Rail mounting kit (35 mm) with 4 screws
1-2 NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
Top/Front/Rear View
Network status LEDs
Buttons for panel
Reset: Press for 3
DB9 Male connectors
There are three network status LEDs located on the top panel of NPort Server Lite, each
with its own specific function.
LED name LED function
Power Turns green when power is supplied to the server.
Link Turns green when the Ethernet link is detected.
. Note: ModelsDE-302/332 have only two RS-232 or RS-422/485 ports.
Traffic Blinks green while transferring data over the Ethernet.
Figure 1-1. NPort Server Lite —Top Panel (DE-302/304/332/334)
seconds to reset
password.
Figure 1-2. NPort Server Lite —Front Panel (DE-302/304/332/334)
RS -232 for DE-302/304
RS -422/485 for DE-332/334
Figure 1-3. NPort Server Lite —Back Panel (DE-302/304/332/334)
Overview
LCD display panel
configuration
DC IN 9Vdc to 30Vdc
10/100 Mbps Ethernet (RJ-45)
NPort Server Lite User’s Manual 1-3
2 Getting Started
Now that you have been introduced to NPort Server Lite's features and specifications, it’s
time to install the hardware and get your system up and running.
We begin this chapter with a brief explanation of the operation mode available when using
NPort Server Lite. The surest and quickest way to get your system configured properly is to
first read everything in this chapter, and then start the actual installation process.
This chapter includes:
2
2
q Knowing Your Application
• Host Based Mode
q Connecting the Hardware
• Choosing a Location
Ø Desktop
Ø Wall or Cabinet
Ø DIN Rail
• Network Connection
• Power Connection
• Serial Connection
NPort Server Lite User’s Manual 2-1
Knowing Your Application
NPort Server Lite is an advanced Industrial Serial Device Server designed to fit into today's
ever-expanding networking world. It extends the usage of traditional COM ports on a
PC—an isolated machine with restricted ports—to being able to access the ports over a
TCP/IP network. Through the nature of networking, you can control your serial devices
from a distance, either over a LAN, or even over the Internet.
Since NPort Server Lite is connected through a TCP/IP network, you will need to know
some basic facts about networking in order to get the server hooked up correctly. In this
section we discuss the Host-Based Mode application.
Host-Based Mode
Traditional serial port communication uses a COM port board that slides into one of the
slots on the back of your PC. In this case, only the computer containing the board can
access the serial port. With Moxa’s 2/4-port NPort Server Lite serial device server,
communicating with COM ports is much more versatile, since you are now able to access
the COM po rts from a distance. For example, the server could be located in Stockholm, and
the serial devices in Frankfurt.
Figure 2-1. NPort Server Lite —Host Based Mode
2-2 NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
Connecting the Hardware
In the previous section we illustrated the general operation mode of NPort Server Lite. We
begin this section by describing how to find a proper location for your server, and then
explain how to connect to the network, hook up the power cable, and connect to the
server’s serial port.
Choosing a Location
There are three placement options available. NPort Server Lite can be:
• placed on a desktop,
• fixed to a wall or inside a cabinet, or
• fixed to a 35-mm DIN Rail.
Desktop
One option is to place NPort Server Lite on a clean, flat, well-ventilated desktop. There are
four rubber pads attached to the bottom of the server, and we recommend leaving sufficient
room between NPort Server Lite and neighboring equipment to create enough clearance for
air to circulate.
Getting Started
You should also remember not to put anything on top of NPort Server Lite , since this could
damage the internal components and obscure the server’s LCD panel.
Wall or Cabinet
The two metal brackets included with NPort Server Lite can be used to attach the server to
a wall, or the inside of a cabinet. Using three screws per bracket, first attach the brackets to
the bottom of the server (Fig. 2-2a). Next use two screws per bracket to attach the server to
a wall or cabinet (Fig. 2-2b).
Figure 2-2a. NPort Server Lite —Wall Mounting Brackets (bottom view)
NPort Server Lite User’s Manual 2-3
Figure 2-2b. NPort Serve r Lite—Wall Mounting Brackets (top view)
DIN Rail
Figure 2-3. Din Rail Mounting Bracket
NPort Server Lite can also be mounted on a standard 35-mm DIN Rail. First use two
screws to attach the DIN Rail bracket to the metal plate (Fig. 2-3). Since the screw heads
are beveled, and the holes in the plate are countersunk, the tops of the screws will be flush
with the metal plate.
Figure 2-4. Din Rail Mounting Bracket—Orientation of Metal Plates
This allows the metal plate (now with the DIN Rail bracket atta ched) to be screwed to the
bottom of the server in such a way that it does not stick out over the edge of the server. Use
three screws to attach the metal plate to the bottom of NPort Server Lite, with the
orientation as shown in Fig. 2-4.
2-4 NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
Network Connection
There are two ways to use the 10/100BaseT Ethernet jack located on NPort Server Lite’s
front panel (see Fig. 1-2):
1. For many of the applications using NPort Server Lite, you will simply plug one end of
your Ethernet cable into the 10/100BaseT jack, and the other end into the hub
connected to your network.
2. In some cases, such as when configuring drivers and software, you will find it
convenient to hook NPort Server Lite directly to your computer’s Ethernet card. To do
this you will need to use a “crossed-cable”, such as the one supplied with your server.
Power Connection
You should take the following steps to connect NPort Server Lite’s power adaptor.
1. Connect the power adpator’s DC plug into NPort Server Lite’s “DC-IN” jack.
2. Connect the power adaptor to an electrical outlet.
Note that there is no on/off switch. The server automatically turns on when plugged into the
outlet.
Getting Started
If the server is working properly the LCD panel back light will glow for a few seconds
before shutting off, and the green PWR LED will also light up, indicating that the server is
receiving power. The LCD panel should look similar to what is shown in Figure 1-1.
Serial Connection
The model of NPort Server Lite that you purchased has either two (models DE -302/332) or
four (models DE -304/334) DB9 serial port jacks on the back panel (see Fig. 1-3).
Depending on your serial device and serial interfaces, there are two options:
1. For an RS-232 port you may use a DB9 to DB9 cable to connect your serial device to
NPort Server Lite. Simply plug one end of the cable into the jack on the back panel of
the server, and plug the other end into the serial port jack on your serial device.
2. Refer to Appendix C for details on NPort Server Lite’s DB9 pinouts, and then make
your own cable.
NPort Server Lite User’s Manual 2-5
3 Configuring the Network
In the previous chapter we described the steps required to physically connect NPort Server
Lite to the network. In this chapter we explain how to configure the server.
We discuss the following topics:
q Preparing Windows NT/95/98 for a TCP/IP network
q IP Address Configuration
3
3
• LCD Panel
• Telnet Console
• DHCP Configuration
NPort Server Lite User’s Manual 3-1
Preparing Windows NT/95/98 for a TCP/IP Network
In order use a PC via an Ethernet network to control serial devices connected to NPort
Server Lite, you must first have a host running W indows NT/95/98. This type of
application also requires the host to have an Ethernet card and TCP/IP protocol installed. If
your computer does not already have an Ethernet card installed, you will need to purchase
one, and then follow the instructions provided by the Ethernet card manufacturer to install
and set up the card.
. Note: We recommend installing a PCI Ethernet card on your NT/95/98 host. Because of
the BUS difference, a PCI bus Ethernet card will perform much better than an ISA
Ethernet card. The PCI card reduces system loading under high speed and multiple
port usage.
IP Address Configuration
You may choose from three different methods to configure NPort Server Lite’s IP address.
The first method, using the server’s LCD Panel, simply requires plugging the server into an
electrical outlet.
LCD Panel
The LCD buttons on NPort Server Lite’s top panel are manipulated in a manner similar to
the way a modern cellular phone is operated. (See Appendix B for a complete description
of how to use the LCD buttons.) As you move through the various functions and setting
options, note that the top line shows the current menu or submenu name, and the bottom
line shows the submenu name or menu item which is activated by pressing SEL.
We would like to set the IP address. To do this you should:
1. Plug in the power cord (if necessary, see the section Connecting the Hardware from
Chapter 2 for complete instructions), and then press MENU once, after which you
should see the MAIN MENU screen:
M A I N M E N U
S E R V E R S E T T I N G
2. Press s twice, at which point the LCD screen displays:
M A I N M E N U
N E T W O R K S E T T I N G
↓
↑
↓
3-2 NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
Configuring the Network
3. Press SEL to select NETWORK SETTING, and then press s twice. The LCD screen
should look like:
N E T W O R K S E T T I N G
I P A D D R R E S S
↑
↓
4. Press SEL again, after which the default IP address will be displayed. Note that the first
digit of the IP address will be highlighted by a blinking cursor, indicating that it can be
edited:
I P A D D R R E S S
1 9 2 . 1 6 8 . 1 2 7 . 2 5 4
↑
↓
The SEL button now acts as the right cursor, the r button decreases the selected digit,
and the s button increases the selected digit.
Keep in mind that there is no left cursor button. If you accidentally press SE L, moving
the blinking cursor to the right before inputting the correct digit, you will need to press
MENU, and then start over at step 3.
You will notice that the displayed numbers are automatically limited to the range
required for IP addresses. For example, the first digit of each of the four numbers can
only be 0, 1, or 2.
5. Use the functions described above to enter the server’s IP address. After changing the
last digit, the blinking cursor will be all the way to the right, highlighting the last digit
of the number.
6. Press SEL to return to the screen shown in step 3. (To change the number, press MENU
and then start over at step 3 above.) To accept the number, press MENU twice, after
which the LCD screen displays
S A V E C H A N G E ?
N O
↓
7. Press SEL to NOT save the setting, or press r to change to the following screen:
S A V E C H A N G E ?
Y E S
↓
8. Press SEL to save the setting. At this point the system will restart, and then return to the
default screen showing the server’s name, serial number, and IP address.
NPort Server Lite User’s Manual 3-3
Telnet Console
Depending on the way your computer and network are set up, you may find it convenient,
or even necessary, to set up NPort Server Lite over a network. This can be done using the
Telnet program.
In the following discussion, we assume you are using a Windows NT/95/98 host.
1. From the Windows NT/95/98 desktop click on Start and then select Run.
2. In the Open text input box, type
telnet [IP address]
where [IP address] is the IP address of the NPort S erver Lite which you intend to
configure, and then click OK .
3. When the Telnet window opens up, type 1 to select ansi/vt100 for Console terminal
type, and then press Enter on the computer keyboard.
4. A connection between your computer and NPort Server Lit e should now be established,
and the MOXA NPort Server Lite utility program will automatically start running.
3-4 NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
Configuring the Network
5. Use the keyboard arrow keys to highlight [serverConfig] as shown below, and then
press Enter to select this option.
6. A window showing the various parameters required to configure NPort Server Lite
opens up. Those parameters that are “configurable” are enclosed in square brackets,
and those parameters that are “display only” are not enclosed.
7. Since our goal in this section is to set the IP address of the server, use the keyboard
arrow keys to position the cursor over the first digit of the IP address.
8. Type in the correct IP address and then press Enter to accept this value.
9. Press ESC to return to the main menu, and then select Restart to activate the change.
NPort Server Lite User’s Manual 3-5
DHCP Configuration
This section is applicable if you are using your Windows NT host as a DHCP server, where
DHCP stands for Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. This type of server is set up to
provide IP addresses for new devices as they log onto a network (hence the Dynamic part of
the name). As the operation of NPort Server Lite requires a fixed IP address, we strongly
recommend that you establish an IP reservation list in DHCP in order to maintain fixed IP
assignments based on the server’s MAC address. NPort Server Lite’s unique MAC address
can be found on the server’s back panel, or by using the LCD panel to access the server’s
memory. (See Appendix B for details.)
1. Access DHCP Manager from the Windows NT desktop by clicking on
Start à Programs à Administrative Tools à DHCP Manager.
2. The left side of the DHCP Manager window will show a list of DHCP hosts currently
hooked up to the network.
Note that before you can make changes to the host’s parameters, there must be a minus
sign (-) located to the left of the server name (Local Machine in the example shown
below.) If, as shown below, there is a plus sign (+) to the left of the server name, use
the left mouse button to click on the name until you see the minus sign appear.
3-6 NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
Configuring the Network
3. You must now define the DHCP server “scope”.
A “scope” is simply a range of IP addresses that the server assigns to machines as they
log onto the network. Since the assignment is dynamic, the IP address assigned to a
particular device can change each time the device logs in. What we will do is use
DHCP Manager to set aside a specific IP address that will always be assigned to your
NPort Server Lite when it is hooked up to the network. When the device is not hooked
up, the reserved IP address is not used.
If you have already defined a scope, continue with step 6 below.
4. To get started, click on DHCP Options and then chose Scope from the pull down
menu.
5. Once the Create Scope (Local) window opens (see below), you will be required to
input a range of IP addresses in th e IP Address Pool.
There is also an Exclusion Range used to prevent the DHCP server from issuing
addresses to existing devices that have already been assigned IP addresses from this
range. By using the Add and Remove buttons, several different ranges can be excluded,
and later included.
6. Another item that must be attended to is the Subnet Mask. This is a number that is
combined with a device’s IP address to determine which subnet the device belongs to.
For a Class C address you should input 255.255.255.0, and for Class B addresses use
255.255.0.0.
7. Make sure the Unlimited option under Lease Duration is checked. This prevents the
system from automatically disconnecting devices that are using IP addresses in the
specified range.
NPort Server Lite User’s Manual 3-7
8. Assign a name to the scope, and if you like, include a comment. Click OK to accept
the values.
9. A window opens with the question: Activate the new scope now? Click on Yes to
activate.
At this point we explain how to input a unique IP address reserved exclusively for use
by your NPort Server Lite.
3-8 NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
Configuring the Network
10. From the DHCP Manager – (Local) menu bar, click on Scope, and then select Add
Reservations.
11. The Client Properties window that opens contains text input boxes for IP address,
Unique Identifier, Client Name, and Client Comment. First enter th e selected IP
address, and then locate and enter your NPort Server Lite’s MAC address in the
Unique Identifier field.
(The MAC address is located on NPort Server Lite’s back panel, or see Appendix B for
an explanation of using NPort Server Lite’s LCD butto ns to locate the MAC address.)
Be sure to enter the same Client Name that was entered in the Name field of the
Create Scope - (Local) window (see step 8 above). The Client Comment is optional.
At this point you should double-check the MAC address and IP address, and then click
OK to accept the values.
NPort Server Lite User’s Manual 3-9
12. To check that the numbers just entered are correct, return to the DHCP Manager main
window, click on Scope, and then choose Active Leases from the pull down menu.
The IP address reserved for your NPort Server Lite will be displayed in the window
that opens up. Check to make sure that it is accurate.
3-10 NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
4 Installation and Configuration
In the previous chapter we explained how to set up NPort Server Lite for use on a network.
In this chapter we explain how to configure the server for the particular application you
have chosen.
We discuss the following topics:
q Host Based Mode
• Single Host Mode
Ø Driver and Software Installation
Ø Adding an NPort Server Lite —Add Server Wizrd
Ø Using NPort Server Lite Manager
Ø NPort Server Lite Manager Toolbar Icons
4
4
• Custom Mode
Ø Driver and Software Installation
Ø Adding an NPort Server Lite —Add Server Wizrd
Ø Using NPort Server Lite Manager
Ø NPort Server Lite Manager Toolbar Icons
Ø Granting Access to Hosts
Ø Adding Routes to NPort Server Lite
Ø Examples of Internet/Intranet Routing Configuration
• Upgrading NPort Server Lite Firmware
NPort Server Lite User’s Manual 4-1
q NPort Server Diagnostic
• Configuration
• Viewer Status and Diagnose
q NPort Server Monitor
• Configuring NPort Server Monitor
• Save and Load Configuration
Ø Monitor
Ø Port Status
Ø Refresh Monitor
Ø Reset Port
Ø Reset Server
q Upgrading NPort Server firmware
• Uninstalling the Software
4-2 NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
Host-Based Mode
There are two options under Host-Based Mode. You should follow the installation
instructions under Single Host Mode if you will be accessing NPort Server Lite from just
one host. Follow the instructions under Custom Mode for all other Host-Based applications.
Single Host Mode
Driver and Software Installation
1. Insert the NPort Server Lite disk into either the floppy disk drive or CD ROM drive,
depending on the type of disk that was provided.
From the Start Menu, choose Run.
2. Type A:\setup in the dialog box if using drive A, and then click OK. (Replace A
with the correct drive letter if you are using a different drive.)
Installation and Configuration
3. The setup program prompts you with a welcome message and asks if you want to
install NPort Server Lite now. Click on Next.
NPort Server Lite User’s Manual 4-3
4. Select the type of application, Single-Host in this case, and then click on Next.
5. In the Select Destination Directory window that opens up, click on Next to install
NPort Server Lite files in the given default directory, or click on Browse, enter the
name of a different directory, and then click on Next.
6. A window opens asking if you would like to run Add Server Wizard now. Follow the
instructions, select Yes, and then click on Next.
4-4 NPort Server Lite User’s Manual
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