Moxa Technologies NPort User Manual

First Edition, Jan 1999

NPort

Server

User's Manual

Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd.

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
http://www.moxa.com
e-mail: [e-mail]

NPort Server 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 the agreements.

Copyright Notice

Copyright  1998, 1999 Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd.

All rights reserved.

Reproduction without permission prohibited.

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MOXA is a registered trademark of Moxa Technologies Co., Ltd.

All other trademarks or registered marks in this manual belong to their respective manufacturers.

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Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment
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Moxa provides this document “as is”, without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied,
including, but not limited to, the particular purpose. Moxa may make improvements and/or changes in
this manual or in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this manual at any time.

Information provided in this manual is intended to be accurate and reliable. However, Moxa
Technologies assumes no responsibility for its use, or for any infringements of rights of the fourth
parties which may result from its use.

This product could include technical or typographical errors. Changes are periodically made to the
information herein; these changes may be incorporated in new editions of the publication.

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The followings are the services we provide.

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address: [e-mail]

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or

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About This Guide

This section discusses the audience, objectives and organization of the NPort Server User's Manual.

Document Objective and Usage

This manual guides you through the preparation, installation, configuration and troubleshooting of
MOXA NPort Server on Windows NT.

Audience

This publication is designed for persons who need to install Moxa NPort Server, including users
maintaining NT system with serial applications, software programmers designing programs for data
communication, administrators maintaining NPort Server for multi-users. For programmers, this
publication is to be used along with the Moxa PComm manual.

Note: If you are multiport serial board user, and want to use same functions on NPort Serve, please
read Chapter 1, 2 and 3 for installation. If you are advanced users and like to enjoy more benefits from
NPort Server, please read Chapter 1, 2 and 4. If you like to customize NPort Server for special
functions such as WAN connection and backup routing, read Chapter 1, 2, and 5. If you need shared
server installed on your network, read Chapter 4.

Document Organization

The major sections of this publication are as follows:
Chapter 1, "Overview", describes the features and specifications of NPort Server.
Chapter 2, "Getting Started", describes necessary prepration before installation, emphasizing on the

knowledge about your applications, preparation for hardware equipment, and hardware connections.
Chapter 3, "Setting Up Single-Host", describes installation details, such as the configuration, adding the

COM ports to your system for Single-Host User (Traditional multiport user).
Chapter 4, "Setting Up Multi-Host", describes the installation, configuration, adding servers, adding the

COM ports and add access permissions for Multi-Host Users (server be shared to more than one NT
hosts).

Chapter 5, "Setting Up Custom", describes advanced functions about the installation and configuration
procedures for the users who require complex applications, like remote control.

Chapter 6, "Changing Installation Type", describes how to change your type from previous installation.
Chapter 7, "Printer Server Configuration", describes how to configure the parellel port on the NPort

Server to be used as a printer server.

Appendix A, "Troubleshooting", describes various troubleshooting procedures, and possible answers.

Appendix B, "About PComm", describes the information about programming tools of PComm and
information sources.

Appendix C, "Cable Pinout", describes the pin layout information about the cable and interfaces.
Appendix D, "Setting up Windows NT Network", describes how to connect your NT system to network

by installing and configuring an Ethernet card.
Appendix E, “About Async Server”, describes features of Moxa Async Server and where you can get

the software.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Overview..........................................................................................1-1

Features...........................................................................................................................1-2

Package Checklist............................................................................................................1-2

Front Panel View .............................................................................................................1-3

Rear Panel View ..............................................................................................................1-3

Chapter 2 Getting Started................................................................................2-1

Knowing Your Application ..............................................................................................2-2

Single-Host Type...................................................................................................2-2

Multi-Host Type ....................................................................................................2-4

Custom Type .........................................................................................................2-5

Connecting the Hardware.................................................................................................2-6

Preparing Windows NT with TCP/IP Network........................................................2-6

Locating NPort Server ..........................................................................................2-7

Connecting the Network........................................................................................2-8

Connecting the Power...........................................................................................2-9

Connecting Asynchronous Serial Devices ............................................................2-10

Chapter 3 Setting Up Single-Host....................................................................3-1

Driver and Software Installation.......................................................................................3-3

Adding a NPort Server.....................................................................................................3-5

Configuration Using NPort Manager................................................................................3-8

Saving Configuration..........................................................................................3-10

Adding More Servers...........................................................................................3-10

Deleting Server...................................................................................................3-10

Modifying Mapping COM Names........................................................................ 3-11

Unmapping Ports................................................................................................3-12

Configuring Server General Information.............................................................3-12

Configuring Server Password..............................................................................3-13

Replacing A Server .............................................................................................3-14

Upgrading NPort Server Firmware.................................................................................3-15

Uninstalling the Software...............................................................................................3-15

Chapter 4 Setting Up Multi-Host.....................................................................4-1

Driver and Software Installation.......................................................................................4-3

Adding NPort Server - Add Server Wizard.......................................................................4-5

Configuration Using NPort Manager................................................................................4-9

Saving Configuration..........................................................................................4-11

Adding More Servers........................................................................................... 4-11

Deleting Server................................................................................................... 4-11

Modifying Mapping COM Names........................................................................4-12

Unmapping Ports................................................................................................4-13

Configuring Server General Information.............................................................4-14

Configuring Server Password..............................................................................4-15

Granting Access to Hosts...............................................................................................4-16

Configuring Through View by IP .........................................................................4-17

Configuring Through View by Port......................................................................4-20

Upgrading NPort Server Firmware.................................................................................4-23

Uninstalling the Software...............................................................................................4-23

Chapter 5 Setting Up Custom..........................................................................5-1

Driver and Software Installation.......................................................................................5-2

Adding NPort Server - Add Server Wizard.......................................................................5-5

Configuration Using NPort Manager................................................................................5-9

Saving Configuration..........................................................................................5-11

Adding More Servers........................................................................................... 5-11

Deleting Server................................................................................................... 5-11

Modifying Mapping COM Names........................................................................5-12

Unmapping Ports................................................................................................5-12

Configuring Server General Information.............................................................5-14

Configuring Server Password..............................................................................5-15

Granting Access to Hosts...............................................................................................5-16

Configuring Through View by IP .........................................................................5-17

Configuring Through View by Port......................................................................5-20

Adding Routes to NPort Server......................................................................................5-23

Adding Routes Through Server Properties ...........................................................5-23

Modifying Routes................................................................................................5-25

Removing Routes.................................................................................................5-25

Examples for Internet/Intranet Routing Configuration .........................................5-26

Setting Up WAN Port.....................................................................................................5-29

Upgrading NPort Server Firmware.................................................................................5-35

Uninstalling the Software...............................................................................................5-35

Chapter 6 Changing Your Installation Type....................................................6-1

Why Should You Change to Other Type ...........................................................................6-1

Changing Between Types.................................................................................................6-2

Chapter 7 Printer Server Configuration .........................................................7-1

Connecting Printer to NPort Server..................................................................................7-1

Configuring Printer Server on Windows NT.....................................................................7-2

Adding the TCP/IP Printing Services.....................................................................7-2

Adding the Printer.................................................................................................7-2

Printing through NPort Server..........................................................................................7-3

Appendix A Troubleshooting ..........................................................................A-1

Installation and Configuration Troubleshooting...............................................................A-1

Programming Problems...................................................................................................A-4

LEDs Descriptions..........................................................................................................A-5

Appendix B About PComm Pro.........................................................................B-1

Appendix C Cable Pinouts..............................................................................C-1

10BaseT Port Pinouts...................................................................................................... C-1

Asynchronous Port Pinouts.............................................................................................C-2

CN20030 - RJ45 to Female DB25 RS-232 Cable Pinouts ................................................ C-3

CN20040 - RJ45 to Male DB25 RS-232 Cable Pinouts.................................................... C-4

Appendix D Setting Up Windows NT Network..............................................D-1

Preparing an Ethernet Card .............................................................................................D-1

Installing Ethernet Card and Driver.................................................................................D-1

Configuring Your Windows NT with Dedicated IP Address.............................................D-2

Appendix E About AsyncServer .....................................................................E-1

Overview

1-1

1

1

Overview

Welcome to Moxa NPort Server, a RS-232 Device server based on TCP/IP network
for Windows NT. This chapter is an overview of the NPort Server and includes the
following:

q Features
q Package Checklist
q Front Panel View
q Rear Panel View

NPort Server provides a data communication solution from Windows NT to multiple
asynchronous serial ports(RS-232) through TCP/IP network. It is a device that has
multiple asynchronous connection on one end and a network connection on the other
end. It allows any devices that support primarily the asynchronous communications
protocol to attach to a network. NPort Server works like an add-on multiport serial
board to the NT server but with extended options – the TCP/IP network. With TCP/IP
network, it provides you endless access and no limitation of port expansion. By the
nature of networking, hot-swap of the server, sharing of the asynchronous devices and
extending of connections can easily be reached. These benefits give programmers
time to focus on their data collection and process instead of solving complex
communication and connection problems.

The driver of NPort Server is fully compatible with the Windows NT standard COM
driver. Though it is through the virtual link of TCP/IP, all the ports on the NPort
Server can be recognized as real COM ports under Windows NT. Unlike some similar
server existing at the market, NPort Server not only provides the basic

NPort Server User’s Manual

1-2

transmit/receive data function, but also provides all the control signals like DSR, CTS,
RTS, DTR, DCD signals.

NPort Server can be used for applying to your existing application supporting serial
communication. Above all, NPort Server provides the easy installation procedures
and wizard that lets you access to the asynchronous devices easily.

Features

l Support standalone multiport serial solution through TCP/IP for connecting 8 or

16 ports per NPort Server

l Long range connection through Ethernet and distributed serial device control

through Ethernet

l Easy expansion to provide serial ports up to 256 ports for one Windows NT
l Support sharing of the server or ports to multiple hosts
l Remote control NPort Server through Internet/Intranet
l Driver for Windows NT platform
l Easy configuration and management under Windows NT
l Secured access control to network hosts
l Free Moxa PComm Pro Serial Control Library for easy serial device control
l Serial connection speed from 50 to 921.6Kbps
l One parallel port as printer server
l 19” rack-mountable
l Options for Surge Protection Kit and RS-422 available

Package Checklist

q This user's manual
q One NPort Server 3 1/2" floppy disk or CD
q One CD for PComm Pro
q PComm Pro registration card
q One Power Cable
q One RJ45 to male DB25 cable
q One RJ45 to female DB25 cable
q Rackmount kit, including 2 L-shape metal plate with 4 screws
q One 8 port or 16 port NPort Server.

Overview

1-3

Front Panel View

Figure 1-1. 16-Port NPort Server Front (DE309-16)

Figure 1-2. 8-Port NPort Server Front (DE309-8)

Rear Panel View

Figure 1-3. NPort Server Rear Panel

* Console Port reserved for other use

P1

P8

P16

S0S1Tx

Rx

NPortServer

LED

16 Serial Ports

LED

8 Serial Ports

10Base2 (BNC)

10BaseT (UTP)

10Base2 (BNC)

Connector

10BaseT (UTP)

Connector

Power Connector

Power Switch

Parallel Port

*RS-232 Console

Printer

Console

P1

P8

S0S1Tx

Rx

NPortServer

NPort Server User’s Manual

1-4

Getting Started

2-1

2

2

Getting Started

After knowing what the NPort Server's feature and specification, you may start
installing the hardware and running the system. However, because the complex
functions that NPort Server might provide, you have to plan your application before
you start installing your hardware and software.

This chapter tells you what to prepare before you start installing and configuring the
NPort Server. Be sure to read everything so you will not get confused while you setup
the system.

This chapter includes:

q Knowing Your Application

Ø Single-Host Type
Ø Multi-Host Type
Ø Custom Type

q Connecting the hardware

Ø Preparing Windows NT with TCP/IP network
Ø Locating NPort Server
Ø Connecting the power
Ø Connecting the network
Ø Connecting asynchronous serial devices

NPort Server User’s Manual

2-2

Knowing Your Application

NPort Server is an advanced solution for multiport serial application to fit into today's
networking world. It extends the usage of traditional multiport serial add-on boards ­an isolated machine with restricted ports, to TCP/IP network - easy to expand, and
easy to connect. Through the nature of networking, we can elongate our application to
more ports, distributed, wide area or even Internet.

Since NPort Server is connected through TCP/IP network, you need some network
knowledge in mind before you start up. In this section, we divide the main serial
applications to three types, and provide each application with easy instructions
guiding you through the whole installation and configuration procedures. Thus, read
carefully and define which application you are going to use.

Single-Host Type

Traditional Multiport communication uses the multiport serial boards adding onto
inside slots of the computer. The serial ports on the boards belong only to the host
computer who installs the boards. Communication is made under simple environment

- one host with one to four serial cards and multiple serial devices (shown as in Figure
2-1).

Figure 2-1. Traditional Multiport Serial Communication

Getting Started

2-3

If you are users of this type of application, NPort Server with Ethernet connection
remains the concept of adding device to your computer and benefits you the easy
range extension, ports extension and high throughput (see Figure 2-2). The
installation procedure is simplified to be the same as the traditional multiport serial
boards. You don't have to read or realize about the concept of networking to make
configuration. There is only one thing to do - you should have at least one Ethernet
card added to your computer.

Figure 2-2. Single-Host communication using NPort Servers

NPort Server User’s Manual

2-4

Multi-Host Type

For advanced application, you may share NPort Server to multiple hosts on server
base or port base at your Local Area Network. Unlike the serial devices bundled to
dedicated host, sharing of the server saves resource from adding multiport serial
boards to all computers and provides flexibility and easy maintenance. Figure 2-3
shows the basic concept of multi-host type. To share the server - if you have three
hosts on the network and each host required 5 ports to communicate with five serial
devices, you can install one 16 port NPort Server and share 5 ports to each host. To
share ports – for application like modem pool, or other RS-232 device pooling, you
can set the ports to allow multiple hosts to connect to the port at different time to
reach the needs for sharing devices connectivity to the port.

Figure 2-3. Three-Host sharing NPort Servers

If your application of NPort Server is under Multi-Host, you need to know about basic
concepts of Networking – IP address assigning. There are two roles playing inside
this application platform – the administrator and general users. Administrator has to
give the NPort Server a dedicated IP address, so the other Windows NT hosts (general
users) on the network can find the NPort Server that you are taking care of.
Administrator also takes care that who has the rights to access to which ports. For
general users, all they need to do is installing the driver and software, add the NPort
Server and run their application. These procedures protect the NPort Server from any
insecure person hacking into the server and maintain the NPort Server a clean, simple
device for serial communication.

. Note: Multi-Host is defined to be at local usage only.

NPort

Server

NPortServer

NTNT NT

TCP/IP

Getting Started

2-5

Custom Type

There are more functions available by NPort Server other than mentioned above.
These functions include –remote control through Internet host, setting the ports as
WAN port for remote control, and adding complicated routing protocols. These
settings require knowledge about Networking and possible Internet/Intranet. Figure 2­4 shows you a complex remote-controlling example.

Under most cases, if the NPort Server is involved with any remote access or control,
you have to customize the server to suite your needs. You may be the administrator
setting up the NPort Server for other Windows NT hosts or you are the general users
who access the NPort Server from remote site.

Figure 2-4. A remote control link diagram

NPort

Server

NT

TCP/IP

Modem

Modem

NT

NT

NT

NT

TCP/IP

TCP/IP

Internet

Router

Router

NPort Server User’s Manual

2-6

Connecting the Hardware

So far you have known about the types of application that NPort Server can offer. You
can outline your own application and prepare to connect the NPort Server to your
Windows NT. Now you have to define how you connect the NPort Server to your
Windows NT host.

Preparing Windows NT with TCP/IP Network

You need a Windows NT host where you can install the NPort Server on it. If you are
a custom user, you need to configure the server first before it can be put at remote site
alone. If the NT host does not come with an Ethernet card, you must purchase a card
and install the card to the NT. If you are not familiar with the procedure to install an
Ethernet card and TCP/IP, check with Appendix D for Setting Up Windows NT
Network.

. Note: PCI Ethernet card is recommended for adding to your NT. Because of the BUS

difference, PCI bus Ethernet Card performs a lot better than ISA Ethernet Card.
It reduces the system loading under high speed and multiple ports.

Getting Started

2-7

Locating NPort Server

Desktop

You can find a clean, flat and ventilated desktop to put the NPort Server. Be aware
that putting things on top of the NPort Server is not recommended.

Rack Mount

NPort Server comes with one pair of L-Shape metal plates and screws kits. It can be
mounted to the 19" rack through the holes on the side of the NPort Server.

Figure 2-5. Rack Mount

Printer

L-Shape Metal Plate

L-Shape Metal Plate

Screws

Console

NPort Server User’s Manual

2-8

Connecting the Network

This section describes how to connect the NPort Server to your network. There are
two ways to connect the NPort Server to an Ethernet Network. Be sure to connect to
network before power on so the network type can be detected correctly.

q Through 10Base2 (BNC) port
q Through 10BaseT (UTP) port

To decide which Ethernet connection to make, you need to know what type of your
network is being used at your site. Do not make both Ethernet connections. You may
choose from any of the above two connections. If you do not have an existing
network, you may select 10Base2 connection, which can save you from purchasing a
HUB.

10Base2 Connection

You must supply a coaxial cable with two T-connectors, one for your Ethernet card
and one for NPort Server.

Figure 2-6. 10Base2(BNC) connection from NPort Server to your computer

Getting Started

2-9

10BaseT Connection

You must supply an Ethernet hub and a RJ-45 to RJ-45 cable for this connection. Your
Windows NT system must on the same network too.

Figure 2-7. 10BaseT(UTP) connection from NPort Server to your computer
through a HUB.

Connecting the Power

After putting NPort Server to your network, you may take the following steps to
connect the power to your NPort Server.

The power supply inside the NPort Server is designed to support 90V-260V. Thus,
you may use the NPort Server no matter what your nation power supply is.

. Note: Network is strongly recommended to be connected before powering on the

server.

NPort Server User’s Manual

2-10

1. Connect the power chord to NPort Server.

2. Connect the power male end of power chord to the power outlet.

3. On the rear panel of the NPort Server, turn ON the power by switch the I/O to

the I position.

4. Check the S0 LED on the front panel if that is on.

Connecting Asynchronous Serial Devices

You may use the RJ-45 to female DB25 cable enclosed in the package to connect to
your Serial Devices with male DB25 connector. Or, check with Appendix for detail
pinouts to make your own cable. You may use the RJ-45 to male DB25 cable enclosed
in the package to connect to the modem. Check with Appendix C for detail pinouts to
make your own cable.

P1

P16

P8

S0S1Tx

Rx

NPortServer

Setting Up Single-Host

3-1

3

3

Setting Up Single-Host

This chapter describes the steps for setting up NPort Server for single-host type of
application. Single-Host users apply the NPort Server to the traditional multiport
serial application.

In this chapter, you will find the following topics specified for Single-Host
Multiport Users:

q Driver and Software Installation
q Adding a NPort Server
q Configuration Using NPort Manager

Ø Saving Your Configuration
Ø Adding Other Server
Ø Deleting Server
Ø Modifying Mapping COM Names
Ø Unmapping Ports
Ø Configuring Server General Information
Ø Configuring Server Password
Ø Replacing A Server

q Upgrading NPort Server firmware
q Uninstalling the Software

NPort Server User’s Manual

3-2

Figure 3-1 Application with single host and multiple NPort Servers

. Note: If you are user for Multi-Host or Custom type, please skip this chapter and

jump directly to Chapter 4 or Chapter 5 for whole description about other
types individually.

Setting Up Single-Host

3-3

Driver and Software Installation

1. Insert the NPort Server disk into drive. (If enclosed in the package is a CD,

insert it into the CD ROM drive). From the start menu, click Run.

2. Under the dialog box, type in the drive name followed with ":" then "\setup".

For example "a:\setup" then click OK to continue.

3. Setup program prompts you a welcome message and asks if you want to install

the NPort Server now. Click Next.

4. Select the type of application – Single-Host, then click Next.

NPort Server User’s Manual

3-4

5. Enter the name of directory to install the NPort Server files. You may click Next

to use default directory name.

6. NPort Manager pops up a dialog asking if you like to add a new NPort server now.

Select Yes.

7. Click Next to start Add Server Wizard. Following is the instruction that guides

you to add a selected NPort Server.

Setting Up Single-Host

3-5

Adding a NPort Server

1. Select the server you want to add from the list.

If you forgot to power on your system, turn it on now and
click on this button.

This function will blink up the S1 LED on the server. It helps
you locate which server is the one you selected.

NPort Server User’s Manual

3-6

2. Select the name of COM that you like the first port on the server to map to.

This will add all ports (8 or 16) on the NPort server to your NT system with
consecutive numbered COM names.

3. You will be asked to assign the server password if you install a new server.

Please remember to assign it because this will protect the server from other
users changing the configuration.

. Note: If you do not want the server password to be saved to your NT, please check

off the Auto-Saved box.

Setting Up Single-Host

3-7

4. At complete screen, click OK if everything is correct.

5. After Add Server Wizard, installation program evokes NPort Manager

program. NPort Manager displays the server you have added and the ports
information. You should see a screen as below if you have successfully added
a server.

. Note: From NPort Manager Window caption shows program name with the type

of installation for easy verification of the type you need.

NPort Server User’s Manual

3-8

6. You may click on Add Server Wizard again to add another server.

7. Be sure to select Save Configuration to save settings to both your Windows

NT and the server selected.

8. Exit NPort Manager when you finish. You will be asked to restart your NT

system. Press OK to restart.

Configuration Using NPort Manager

When you run the Setup program for software installation, it automatically asks
you to add one server. However, you might decide to add more servers, change
server name, remove servers or change COM names, after you have completed
installing NPort Server. For all these actions, you can run NPort Manager to
complete them.

Figure 3-2 NPort Manager and the menus

ToolBar

Current installation

type