Moxa Technologies NPort S8455I, NPort S8455I-MM-SC, NPort S8455I-MM-SC-T, NPort S8455I-T, NPort S8455I-SS-SC User Manual

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NPort S8000 Series User’s Manual

Edition 7.0, November 2017

www.moxa.com/product

NPort S8000 Series User’s Manual

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 1-2

Industrial Communications and Automation .................................................................................... 1-2

Industrial vs. Commercial ............................................................................................................. 1-2

Informative vs. Passive ................................................................................................................ 1-2

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

Product Features ................................................................................................................................ 1-3

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

Panel Layout ...................................................................................................................................... 2-2

Dimensions ........................................................................................................................................ 2-3

NPort S8455 Series ..................................................................................................................... 2-3

NPort S8458 Series ..................................................................................................................... 2-4

Connecting the Hardware..................................................................................................................... 2-4

Wiring Requirements ................................................................................................................... 2-5

Connecting the Power .................................................................................................................. 2-5

Connecting to the Network ........................................................................................................... 2-6

Connecting to a Serial Device ....................................................................................................... 2-6

LED Indicators ............................................................................................................................ 2-6

Adjustable Pull High/low Resistors and Terminators for the RS-485 Port (NPort S8455I Series only) ...... 2-6

Wiring the Relay Contact .............................................................................................................. 2-7

Wiring the Digital Inputs .............................................................................................................. 2-8

3. Initial IP Address Configuration ........................................................................................................ 3-1

Static and Dynamic IP Addresses .......................................................................................................... 3-2

Factory Default IP Address ................................................................................................................... 3-2

Configuration Options .......................................................................................................................... 3-2

Device Search Utility .................................................................................................................... 3-2

Web Console ............................................................................................................................... 3-2

ARP ........................................................................................................................................... 3-2

SSH Console ............................................................................................................................... 3-3

Serial Console ............................................................................................................................. 3-7

4. Choosing the Serial Operation Mode ................................................................................................. 4-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 4-2

Real COM Mode .................................................................................................................................. 4-2

RFC2217 Mode ................................................................................................................................... 4-3

TCP Server Mode ................................................................................................................................ 4-3

TCP Client Mode ................................................................................................................................. 4-3

UDP Mode .......................................................................................................................................... 4-4

Disabled Mode .................................................................................................................................... 4-4

5. Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices .................................................................. 5-1

Overview ........................................................................................................................................... 5-2

Device Search Utility ........................................................................................................................... 5-2

Installing the Device Search Utility ................................................................................................ 5-2

Find a Specific NPort on the Ethernet Network via the DSU ............................................................... 5-5

Opening Your Browser ................................................................................................................. 5-6

Configure Operation Mode to Real COM Mode.................................................................................. 5-8

NPort Windows Driver Manager ............................................................................................................ 5-9

Installing the NPort Windows Driver Manager .................................................................................. 5-9

Using NPort Windows Driver Manager .......................................................................................... 5-12

Linux Real TTY Drivers ...................................................................................................................... 5-19

Basic Procedures ....................................................................................................................... 5-19

Hardware Setup ........................................................................................................................ 5-20

Installing Linux Real TTY Driver Files ........................................................................................... 5-20

Mapping TTY Ports ..................................................................................................................... 5-20

Removing Mapped TTY Ports ....................................................................................................... 5-21

Removing Linux Driver Files ........................................................................................................ 5-21

The UNIX Fixed TTY Driver ................................................................................................................. 5-21

Installing the UNIX Driver........................................................................................................... 5-21

Configuring the UNIX Driver ....................................................................................................... 5-22

6. Basic Settings and Device Server Configuration ................................................................................ 6-1

Basic Settings .................................................................................................................................... 6-2

General Settings ......................................................................................................................... 6-2

Time Settings ............................................................................................................................. 6-3

Network Settings ......................................................................................................................... 6-4

Serial Settings .................................................................................................................................... 6-7

Operation Modes ......................................................................................................................... 6-7

Serial Parameters ...................................................................................................................... 6-22

Serial ToS Settings .................................................................................................................... 6-24

7. Switch Featured Functions ................................................................................................................ 7-1

Ethernet Settings ................................................................................................................................ 7-2

Port Settings ............................................................................................................................... 7-2

Port Trunking .............................................................................................................................. 7-3

Communication Redundancy ......................................................................................................... 7-5

STP/RSTP ........................................................................................................................................ 7-15

The STP/RSTP Concept .............................................................................................................. 7-15

Configuring STP/RSTP ................................................................................................................ 7-19

Configuration Limits of STP/RSTP ................................................................................................ 7-20

Bandwidth Management .................................................................................................................... 7-21

Using Bandwidth Management .................................................................................................... 7-21

Configuring Bandwidth Management ............................................................................................ 7-21

Line Swap Fast Recovery ................................................................................................................... 7-21

Using Line-Swap-Fast-Recovery .................................................................................................. 7-21

Configuring Line-Swap Fast Recovery .......................................................................................... 7-22

Ethernet Advanced Settings ............................................................................................................... 7-22

Ethernet Traffic Prioritization ...................................................................................................... 7-22

The Traffic Prioritization Concept ................................................................................................. 7-23

Configuring Ethernet Traffic Prioritization ..................................................................................... 7-24

Virtual LAN ...................................................................................................................................... 7-27

Using Virtual LAN ...................................................................................................................... 7-27

The Virtual LAN (VLAN) Concept .................................................................................................. 7-27

Configuring Virtual LAN .............................................................................................................. 7-31

Multicast Filtering ............................................................................................................................. 7-33

Using Multicast Filtering ............................................................................................................. 7-33

The Concept of Multicast Filtering ................................................................................................ 7-33

Configuring IGMP Snooping ........................................................................................................ 7-35

IGMP Snooping Settings ............................................................................................................. 7-36

Configuring GMRP...................................................................................................................... 7-38

Set Device IP ................................................................................................................................... 7-38

Using Set Device IP ................................................................................................................... 7-38

Configuring Set Device IP ........................................................................................................... 7-39

System Management ......................................................................................................................... 7-40

Misc. Network Settings ............................................................................................................... 7-40

SysLog Server .................................................................................................................................. 7-41

Using Syslog ............................................................................................................................. 7-41

Local User Database .................................................................................................................. 7-43

Port Access Control ........................................................................................................................... 7-43

Configuring Static Port Lock ........................................................................................................ 7-45

Configuring IEEE 802.1X ............................................................................................................ 7-46

Auto Warning Settings ............................................................................................................... 7-47

Configuring E-Mail Alert ..................................................................................................................... 7-47

Configuring SNMP ............................................................................................................................. 7-49

SNMP Read/Write Settings .......................................................................................................... 7-50

E-mail Event Settings ................................................................................................................ 7-51

SNMP Trap ............................................................................................................................... 7-53

Relay Alarm Settings ................................................................................................................. 7-54

System Log Settings .................................................................................................................. 7-55

Maintenance .................................................................................................................................... 7-57

Console Settings ....................................................................................................................... 7-57

Ping ......................................................................................................................................... 7-57

Update System Files from Local PC .............................................................................................. 7-58

Load Factory Default .................................................................................................................. 7-60

Change Password ...................................................................................................................... 7-61

Mirror Port Settings ................................................................................................................... 7-61

TFTP Settings............................................................................................................................ 7-62

DIP Switch Settings ................................................................................................................... 7-63

System Monitoring ............................................................................................................................ 7-65

Serial Status ............................................................................................................................. 7-65

System Status .......................................................................................................................... 7-67

Ethernet Status ......................................................................................................................... 7-68

Restart ............................................................................................................................................ 7-73

Restart System ......................................................................................................................... 7-73

Restart Serial Port ..................................................................................................................... 7-74

A. Pinouts and Cable Wiring .................................................................................................................. A-1

Port Pinout Diagrams .......................................................................................................................... A-2

Ethernet Port Pinouts ................................................................................................................... A-2

Serial Port Pinouts ....................................................................................................................... A-2

Cable Wiring Diagrams ........................................................................................................................ A-3

Ethernet Cables........................................................................................................................... A-3

B. Well-Known Port Numbers ................................................................................................................ B-1

C. SNMP Agents with MIB II & RS-232 Like Groups .............................................................................. C-1

D. Switch MIB Groups ............................................................................................................................ D-1

E. Compliance Note ............................................................................................................................... E-1



1. Introduction

The Moxa NPort S8000 is an advanced industrial serial device server integrated with a fully managed redundant

Ethernet switch, which enables easy network operation for your serial devices and connects Ethernet-enabled

devices in industrial field applications.

The NPort S8000 Series includes seven models:

• NPort S8455I

Combination switch / device server with 4 RS-232/422/485 ports, 5 10/100M Ethernet ports, RJ45

connector, 12–48 VDC, 0 to 60°C operating temperature

• NPort S8455I-T

Combination switch / device server with 4 RS-232/422/485 ports, 5 10/100M Ethernet ports, RJ45

connector, 12–48 VDC, -40 to 75°C operating temperature

• NPort S8455I-MM-SC

Combination switch / device server with 4 RS-232/422/485 ports, 3 10/100M Ethernet ports, 2 100M

multimode fiber ports, SC connector, 12–48 VDC, 0 to 60°C operating temperature

• NPort S8455I-MM-SC-T

Combination switch / device server with 4 RS-232/422/485 ports, 3 10/100M Ethernet ports, 2 100M

multimode fiber ports, SC connector, 12–48 VDC, -40 to 75°C operating temperature

• NPort S8455I-SS-SC

Combination switch / device server with 4 RS-232/422/485 ports, 3 10/100M Ethernet ports, 2 100M

single-mode fiber ports, SC connector, 12–48 VDC, 0 to 60°C operating temperature

• NPort S8455I-SS-SC-T

Combination switch / device server with 4 RS-232/422/485 ports, 3 10/100M Ethernet ports, 2 100M

single-mode fiber ports, SC connector, 12–48 VDC, -40 to 75°C operating temperature

• NPort S8458-4S-SC-T

4 RS-232/422/485 ports, 4 10/100M Ethernet ports, 4 100M single-mode fiber ports with SC connector,

combo switch serial device server, 12-48 VDC, -40 to 85°C operating temperature

The following topics are covered in this chapter:

Overview

 Industrial Communications and Automation

 Industrial vs. Commercial

 Informative vs. Passive

Package Checklist

Product Features

NPort S8000 Series Introduction

1-2

Overview

The NPort S8000 is an industrial device server that integrates a managed Ethernet switch with a fully functional

serial device server. The NPort S8000 device servers are designed to make your industrial serial devices

instantly Internet-ready.

The NPort S8458 offers four fiber Ethernet ports, four Ethernet ports, and four RS-232/422/485 serial ports in

a single device. Its design not only saves cabinet space and reduces power consumption, but also saves money

since you don’t need to purchase separate switches and serial device servers.

The compact size of the NPort S8000 device servers makes them the ideal choice for connecting

RS-232/422/485 serial devices, such as PLCs, meters, and sensors, to an IP-based Ethernet LAN, making it

possible for your software to access serial devices anywhere over a LAN or the Internet.

The NPort S8000 is a fully equipped managed Ethernet Switch with a suite of useful maintenance and

monitoring functions, and it is designed to provide smooth and reliable operation in harsh industrial

environments. It is ideal for keeping automation systems running continuously, sending status reports to help

prevent system damage and losses, and managing your industrial Ethernet networks and serial devices.

Industrial Communications and Automation

As the world’s networking and information technology becomes more complex, Ethernet has become the major

communications interface in many industrial communications and automation applications. In fact, a whole

new industry has sprung up to provide Ethernet products that comply with the requirements of demanding

industrial applications.

Industrial vs. Commercial

Users have found that when transplanting Ethernet from comfortable office environments to harsh and less

predictable industrial environments, commercial Ethernet equipment available in today’s market simply cannot

meet the high-reliability requirements demanded by industrial applications. This means that more robust

networking equipment, commonly referred to as industrial Ethernet equipment, is required for these

applications.

Informative vs. Passive

Since industrial Ethernet devices are often located at the endpoints of a system, such devices cannot always

know what’s happening elsewhere on the network. This means that industrial Ethernet communication

equipment that connects these devices must provide system administrators with real-time alarm messages.

Package Checklist

The Moxa NPort S8000 Series products are shipped with the following items:

Standard Accessories

• 1 NPort S8000 serial device server

• NPort Document & Software CD

• NPort S8000 Series Quick Installation Guide

• Product warranty statement

• RJ45-to-DB9 console port cable

Optional Accessories

• Wall-mounting kit

NOTE: Notify your sales representative if any of the above items is missing or damaged.

NPort S8000 Series Introduction

1-3

Product Features

The NPort S8000 Series products enjoy the following features:

• Make your serial devices Internet ready

• Versatile socket operation modes, including TCP Server, TCP Client, and UDP

• Easy-to-use Windows Utility for mass installation

• Supports 10/100 Mbps Ethernet—auto detectable

• Supports SNMP MIB-II for network management

• Configuration auto-restore by LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol)

• Configurable serial data transmission priority

• Multiport managed Ethernet switch

• Ethernet redundancy by Turbo Ring (recovery time < 20 ms), RSTP/STP (IEEE 802.1w/D)

• QoS, IGMP snooping/GMRP, VLAN, LACP, SNMPv1/v2c/v3, RMON supported

• 4 serial ports device server, support RS-232/422/RS-485

• 2k VDC isolation protection for serial port (the NPort S8455I Series only)

• Surge protection for serial/power/Ethernet

• Adjustable pull high/low resistor and terminators for the RS-485 port (the NPort S8455I Series only)

• 2- or 4-wire RS-485 with patented ADDC™ (Automatic Data Direction Control)



2. Getting Started

This chapter details the installation of the NPort S8000 series device servers. Note that the manual uses the

NPort S8455 Series as an example to illustrate the functionality of the NPort S8000 Series in chapters 2, 3, 4,

6 and 7.

The following topics are covered in this chapter:

Panel Layout

Dimensions

 NPort S8455 Series

 NPort S8458 Series

Connecting the Hardware

 Wiring Requirements

 Connecting the Power

 Connecting to the Network

 Connecting to a Serial Device

 LED Indicators

 Adjustable Pull High/low Resistors and Terminators for the RS-485 Port (NPort S8455I Series only)

 Wiring the Relay Contact

 Wiring the Digital Inputs

NPort S8000 Series Getting Started

2-2

Panel Layout

NPort S8000 Series Getting Started

2-3

Dimensions

NPort S8455 Series

NPort S8000 Series Getting Started

2-4

NPort S8458 Series

Connecting the Hardware

This section describes how to connect the NPort S8000 to serial devices for initial testing purposes. We cover

Wiring Requirements, Connecting the Power, Grounding the NPort S8000, Connecting to the

Network, Connecting to a Serial Device, and LED Indicators.

NPort S8000 Series Getting Started

2-5

ATTENTION

Safety First!

Be sure to disconnect the power cord before installing and/or wiring your NPort S8000.

Wiring Caution!

Calculate the maximum possible current in each power wire and com

dictating the maximum current allowable for each wire size.

If the current goes above the

, the wiring could overheat, causing serious damage to your

equipment.

Temperature Caution!

Please take care whe

generate heat; consequently, the casing may be too hot to touch.

Wiring Requirements

You should heed the following:

• Use separate paths to route wiring for power and devices. If power wiring and device wiring paths must

cross, make sure the wires are perpendicular at the intersection point.

NOTE: Do not run signal or communication wiring and power wiring in the same wire conduit. To avoid

interference, wires with different signal characteristics should be routed separately.

• You can use the type of signal transmitted through a wire to determine which wires should be kept separate.

The rule of thumb is that wiring that shares similar electrical characteristics can be bundled together.

• Keep input wiring and output wiring separate.

• Where necessary, it is strongly advised that you label wiring to all devices in the system.

mon wire. Observe all electrical codes

allowed maximum

n handling the NPort S8000. When plugged in, the NPort S8000’s internal components

Connecting the Power

Connect the 12-48 VDC power line with the NPort S8000’s terminal block. If the power is properly supplied, the

“Ready” LED will show a solid red color until the system is ready, at which time the “Ready” LED will change to

a green color.

Take the following steps to wire the redundant power inputs:

1. Insert the negative/positive DC wires into the V-/V+ terminals.

2. To keep the DC wires from pulling loose, use a small flat-blade screwdriver to tighten the wire-clamp screws

on the front of the terminal block connector.

3. Insert the plastic terminal block connector prongs into the terminal block receptor, which is located on the

EDS’s top panel.

NPort S8000 Series Getting Started

2-6

When the NPort is the Ring Master of this Turbo Ring and the Turbo Ring

Serial Port RX

Yellow

The serial port is receiving data.

IP conflict, or the DHCP or BOOTP server did

Connecting to the Network

Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the NPort S8000’s 10/100M Ethernet port and the other end of the

cable to the Ethernet network. If the cable is properly connected, the NPort S8000 will indicate a valid

connection to the Ethernet in the following ways:

• The Ethernet LED maintains a solid green color when connected to a 100 Mbps Ethernet network.

• The Ethernet LED will flash when Ethernet packets are being transmitted or received.

Connecting to a Serial Device

Connect the serial data cable between the NPort S8000 and the serial device.

LED Indicators

The LED indicators of the NPort S8000 Series are described in the following table.

Type Color Meaning

PWR 1 Green Power 1 input

PWR 2 Green Power 2 input

LINK (FX)

LINK

Master

Coupler Green When the NPort enables the coupling function to form a backup path

Serial Port TX Green The serial port is transmitting data.

Green FX port 100 Mbps is active

Blinking Data is being transmitted/received at 100 Mbps

Green 100 Mbps Ethernet connection

Blinking 10 Mbps Ethernet connection

Green When the NPort is the Master of this Turbo Ring

Yellow

is broken

Steady On: Power is on, and NPort is booting up.

Red

Ready

Green

Off Power is off, or power error condition exists.

Blinking: Indicates an LAN-

not respond properly.

Steady On: Power is on, and NPort is functioning normally.

Blinking: The device server has been located by Administrator’s Location

function.

Adjustable Pull High/low Resistors and Terminators for the

RS-485 Port (NPort S8455I Series only)

In some critical environments, you may need to add termination resistors to prevent the reflection of serial

signals. When using termination resistors, it is important to set the pull high/low resistors correctly so that the

electrical signal is not corrupted. Since there is no resistor value that works for every environment, DIP

switches are used to set the pull high/low resistor values for each RS-485 port.

To set the pull high/low resistors to 150 KΩ, make sure both of the assigned DIP switches are in the OFF

position. This is the default setting.

To set the pull high/low resistors to 1 KΩ, make sure both of the assigned DIP switches are in the ON

position.

NPort S8000 Series Getting Started

2-7

ATTENTION

the

effective communication distance.

The fault circuit will open if

and the

If none of these three conditions

met, the fault circuit will

remain

Pull High Pull Low Terminator Terminator Terminator

ON 1 KΩ 1 KΩ 120 Ω 100 Ω 55 Ω

Default

not set the resistors to 1 KΩ. When using RS-232. Doing so will degrade the RS-232 signals and reduce

OFF 150 KΩ 150 KΩ – – –

Wiring the Relay Contact

The NPort 8455I Series has two sets of relay output: relay 1 and relay 2. Each relay contact consists of two

contacts of the terminal block on the NPort 8455I’s top panel. Refer to the next section for detailed instructions

on how to connect the wires to the terminal block connector and how to attach the terminal block connector to

the terminal block receptor. The two contacts used to connect the relay contacts work as follow (illustrated

below):

1 2 3 4 3 & 4

A relay warning event is triggered,

The NPort S8000 is the Master of this Turbo Ring,

Turbo Ring is broken,

Start-up failure.

are

closed.

NPort S8000 Series Getting Started

2-8

Take the following steps to wire the digital inputs:

blade

clamp screws on the front of the

Wiring the Digital Inputs

The NPort 8455I unit has two sets of digital inputs, DI 1 and DI 2. Each DI consists of two contacts of the 6-pin

terminal block connector on the NPort 8455I’s top panel. The remaining contacts are used for the NPort 8455I’s

two DC inputs. The top and front views of one of the terminal block connectors are shown below.

Insert the negative (ground)/positive DI wires into the ┴/I1

terminals.

To keep the DI wires from pulling loose, use a small flat-

screwdriver to tighten the wire-

terminal block connector.

Insert the plastic terminal block connector prongs into the

terminal block receptor, which is located on the NPort 8455I’s

top panel.



3. Initial IP Address Configuration

When setting up the NPort S8000 for the first time, the first thing you should do is configure its IP address. This

chapter introduces the different methods that can be used.

The following topics are covered in this chapter:

Static and Dynamic IP Addresses

Factory Default IP Address

Configuration Options

 Device Search Utility

 Web Console

 ARP

 SSH Console

 Serial Console

NPort S8000 Series Initial IP Address Configuration

3-2

ATTENTION

Consult your network administrator on how to reserve a

mapping table when using a DHCP server or BOOTP server. For most applications, you should assign a fixed IP

address to your NPort S8000.

Static and Dynamic IP Addresses

Determine whether your NPort S8000 needs to use a static IP or dynamic IP address (either DHCP or BOOTP

application).

• If your NPort S8000 is used in a static IP environment, you will assign a specific IP address using one

of the tools described in this chapter.

• If your NPort S8000 is used in a dynamic IP environment, the IP address will be assigned

automatically over the network. In this case, set the IP configuration mode to DHCP, BOOTP.

fixed IP address for your NPort S8000 in the MAC-

Factory Default IP Address

The NPort S8000 is configured with the following default private IP address:

192.168.127.254

Note that IP addresses that begin with “192.168” are referred to as private IP addresses. Devices configured

with a private IP address are not directly accessible from a public network. For example, you would not be able

to ping a device with a private IP address from an outside Internet connection. If your application requires

sending data over a public network, such as the Internet, your NPort S8000 will need a valid public IP address,

which can be leased from a local ISP.

Configuration Options

Device Search Utility

Web Console

ARP

You may configure your NPort S8000 with the bundled Device Search Utility (DSU) for Windows platform. Note

that you will be asked to enter the username and password to access the NPort S8000 device. The default

username is admin and the default password is moxa. Please refer to Chapter 5, “Use Real COM Mode to

Communicate with Serial Devices”, for details on how to install and use the DSU.

You may configure your NPort S8000 using a standard web browser. Note that you will be asked to enter the

username and password to access the NPort S8000 device. The default username is admin and the default

password is moxa. Please refer to Chapter 6, “Basic Settings and Device Server Configuration”, for details on

how to access and use the NPort S8000 web console.

You may use the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) command to set up an IP address for your NPort S8000.

The ARP command tells your computer to associate the NPort S8000’s MAC address with an IP address.

Afterwards, use Telnet to access the NPort S8000 and its IP address will be reconfigured.

NPort S8000 Series Initial IP Address Configuration

3-3

ATTENTION

In order to use the ARP setup method, both your computer and

same LAN. Alternatively, you may use a crossover Ethernet cable to connect the NPort S8000 directly to your

computer’s Ethernet card. Before executing the ARP command, your NPort S8000 must be configured with the

factory default IP address (192.168.127.254), and your computer and the NPort S8000 must be on the same

subnet.

To use ARP to configure the IP address, complete the following:

1. Obtain a valid IP address for your NPort S8000 from your network administrator.

2. Obtain your NPort S8000’s MAC address from the label on the bottom panel.

3. Execute the arp -s command from your computer’s MS-DOS prompt (for Windows 7 or newer OS, please

ensure you have the administrator authority to execute the MS-DOS prompt) as follows:

arp -s <IP address> <MAC address>

For example,

C:\> arp -s 192.168.200.100 00-90-E8-04-00-11

4. Next, execute a special Telnet command by entering the following exactly:

telnet 192.168.200.100 6000

When you enter this command, a Connect failed message will appear, as shown below.

the NPort S8000 must be connected to the

5. After the NPort S8000 reboots, its IP address will be assigned to the new address, and you can reconnect

using Telnet to verify that the update was successful.

SSH Console

Depending on how your computer and network are configured, you may find it convenient to use network

access to set up your NPort S8000’s IP address. This can be done using Telnet/SSH. The instructions below will

be introduced by using SSH, which offers security mechanisms that protect users against any malicious

behavior.

1. It's easy to find SSH client software on the Internet. Please download, install, and execute it and input the

destination NPort's IP and the TCP port to accept the SSH session.

NPort S8000 Series Initial IP Address Configuration

3-4

2. The console terminal type selection is displayed as shown. Enter the username and password to log in to the

SSH console. The default username and password are admin and moxa, respectively.

3. Enter 1 for ansi/vt100 and press ENTER to continue.

NPort S8000 Series Initial IP Address Configuration

3-5

4. Press B, or use the arrow keys to select Basic and then press ENTER to configure Basic settings.

5. Press N, or use the arrow keys to select Network and then press ENTER to configure Network

parameters.

NPort S8000 Series Initial IP Address Configuration

3-6

6. Use the arrow keys to move the cursor to System IP address. Use the Delete, Backspace, or Space key

to erase the current IP address, and then type in the new IP address and press Enter. If you are using a

dynamic IP configuration (BOOTP or DHCP), you will need to go to the Auto IP configuration field and press

Enter to select the appropriate configuration.

7. Press Esc to return to the previous page. Select Activate and press Y to confirm the modification and

activate the new settings.

NPort S8000 Series Initial IP Address Configuration

3-7

ATTENTION

The

Serial Console

The NPort S8000 supports configuration through the serial console, which is the same as the Telnet console but

accessed through the RS-232 console port rather than through the network. Once you have entered the serial

console, the configuration options and instructions are the same as if you were using the Telnet console.

The following instructions and screenshots show how to enter the serial console using PComm Terminal

Emulator, which is available free of charge as part of the PComm Lite suite. You may use a different terminal

emulator utility, although your actual screens and procedures may vary slightly from the following instructions.

1. Use a serial cable to connect the NPort S8000’s serial console port to your computer’s male RS-232 serial

port.

NPort S8000 has a dedicated serial console port.

2. From the Windows desktop select Start  All Programs  PComm Lite  Terminal Emulator.

3. The PComm Terminal Emulator window should appear. From the Port Manager menu, select Open, or

simply click the Open icon as shown below:

4. The Property window opens automatically. Select the Communication Parameter tab, then select the

appropriate COM port for the connection (COM1 in this example). Configure the parameters for 19200, 8,

N, 1 (19200 for Baud Rate, 8 for Data Bits, None for Parity, and 1 for Stop Bits).

5. From the Property window’s Terminal page, select ANSI or VT100 for Terminal Type and click OK.

The NPort S8000 will then automatically switch from data mode to console mode.

NPort S8000 Series Initial IP Address Configuration

3-8

6. After you enter the password, or if password protection was not enabled, you will be prompted to select the

terminal mode. Press 1 for ansi/vt100 and then press ENTER.

7. Enter the username and password to login to the console. The default username and password are admin

and moxa, respectively. The main menu should come up. Once you are in the console, you may configure

the IP address through the Network menu item, just as with the Telnet console. Please refer to steps 4 to

8 in the Telnet Console section to complete the initial IP configuration.



4. Choosing the Serial Operation Mode

In this chapter, we describe the various serial operation modes of the NPort S8000. The options include an

operation mode that uses a driver installed on the host computer and operation modes that rely on TCP/IP

socket programming concepts. After choosing the proper operation mode in this chapter, refer to Chapter 6 for

detailed configuration parameter definitions.

The following topics are covered in this chapter:

Overview

Real COM Mode

RFC2217 Mode

TCP Server Mode

TCP Client Mode

UDP Mode

Disabled Mode

NPort S8000 Series Choosing the Serial Operation Mode

4-2

The

work with Windows 9x/NT/2000/XP/2003/Vista/2008

8.1/10

systems, and also TTY drivers for Linux

and Unix

connection between

the IP port of the NPort’s serial port to a local COM/TTY port

on the host computer. This operation mode also supports up

to 8 simultaneous connections, so that multiple hosts can

collect data from the same serial device at the same time.

ATTENTION

Real COM

with

your NPort controls

Modify the

Overview

The device server function of the NPort S8000 enables network operation of traditional RS-232/422/485

devices, in which a device server is a tiny computer equipped with a CPU, real-time OS, and TCP/IP protocols

that can bi-directionally translate data between the serial and Ethernet formats. Your computer can access,

manage, and configure remote facilities and equipment over the Internet from anywhere in the world.

Traditional SCADA and data collection systems rely on serial ports (RS-232/422/485) to collect data from

various kinds of instruments. Since the NPort S8000 networks instruments equipped with an RS-232/422/485

communication port, your SCADA and data collection system will be able to access all instruments connected

to a standard TCP/IP network, regardless of whether the devices are used locally or at a remote site.

The NPort S8000 is an external IP-based network device that allows you to expand the number of serial ports

for a host computer on demand. As long as your host computer supports the TCP/IP protocol, you won’t be

limited by the host computer’s bus limitation (such as ISA or PCI), or lack of drivers for various operating

systems.

In addition to providing socket access, the NPort also comes with a Real COM/TTY driver that transmits all serial

signals intact. This means that your existing COM/TTY-based software can be preserved, without needing to

invest in additional software.

Three different socket modes are available: TCP Server, TCP Client, and UDP Server/Client. The main

difference between the TCP and UDP protocols is that TCP guarantees delivery of data by requiring the recipient

to send an acknowledgement to the sender. UDP does not require this type of verification, making it possible

to offer a speedier delivery. UDP also allows multicasting of data to groups of IP addresses.

Real COM Mode

NPort S8000 comes equipped with COM drivers that

(all x86/x64)

systems. The driver establishes a transparent

the host and serial device by mapping

The important point is that Real COM Mode allows users to continue using RS-232/422/485 serial

communications software that was written for pure serial communications applications. The driver intercepts

data sent to the host’s COM port, packs it into a TCP/IP packet, and then redirects it through the host’s Ethernet

card. At the other end of the connection, the NPort accepts the Ethernet frame, unpacks the TCP/IP packet, and

then transparently sends it to the appropriate serial device attached to one of the NPort’s serial ports.

Mode allows several hosts to have access control over the same NPort. The driver that comes

the host’s access to attached serial devices by checking the host’s IP address.

Accessible IP Setting table when the legal IP address is required in your application

/7/8/

NPort S8000 Series Choosing the Serial Operation Mode

4-3

In TCP Server mode,

NPort S8000 provides a unique IP

port address on a TCP/IP network.

passively to be contacted by the host computer, allowing the

host computer to establish a connection with and get data

from the serial device. This operation mode also supports up

collect data from the same serial device

As illustrated in the figure, data transmission proceeds as

follows:

In TCP Client mode,

can actively establish a

TCP connection t

data arrives.

After the data has been transferred,

automatically disconnect from the host computer

the

Refer to chapter

As illustrated in the figure, data transmission proceeds as

follows:

RFC2217 Mode

RFC-2217 mode is similar to Real COM mode. That is, a driver is used to establish a transparent connection

between a host computer and a serial device by mapping the serial port on the NPort S8000 to a local COM port

on the host computer. RFC2217 defines general COM port control options based on the Telnet protocol.

Third-party drivers supporting RFC-2217 are widely available on the Internet and can be used to implement

Virtual COM mapping to your NPort S8000 serial port(s).

TCP Server Mode

the

The NPort S8000 waits

8 simultaneous connections, so that multiple hosts can

—at the same time.

1. The host requests a connection from the NPort

configured for TCP Server Mode.

2. Once the connection is established, data can be

transmitted in both directions—from the host to the

NPort, and from the NPort to the host.

TCP Client Mode

the NPort S8000

o a predefined host computer when serial

TCP alive check time or Inactivity time settings.

6 for more details.

1. The NPort configured for TCP Client Mode requests a

connection from the host.

2. Once the connection is established, data can be

transmitted in both directions—from the host to the

NPort, and from the NPort to the host.

the NPort S8000 can

by using

NPort S8000 Series Choosing the Serial Operation Mode

4-4

Compared to TCP communication, UDP is faster and more

efficient. In UDP mode, you can multicast data from the

serial device to multiple host computers, and the serial

device can also receive data from multiple host computers,

making this mode ideal for message display applications.

UDP Mode

Disabled Mode

When the Operation Mode for a particular port is set to Disabled, that port will be disabled.



5. Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with

Serial Devices

The following topics are covered in this chapter:

Overview

Device Search Utility

 Installing the Device Search Utility

 Find a Specific NPort on the Ethernet Network via the DSU

 Opening Your Browser

 Configure Operation Mode to Real COM Mode

NPort Windows Driver Manager

 Installing the NPort Windows Driver Manager

 Using NPort Windows Driver Manager

Linux Real TTY Drivers

 Basic Procedures

 Hardware Setup

 Installing Linux Real TTY Driver Files

 Mapping TTY Ports

 Removing Mapped TTY Ports

 Removing Linux Driver Files

The UNIX Fixed TTY Driver

 Installing the UNIX Driver

 Configuring the UNIX Driver

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-2

Overview

The Documentation & software CD included with your NPort S8000 is designed to make the installation and

configuration procedure easy and straightforward. This auto-run CD includes the Device Search Utility (DSU)

(to broadcast search for all NPort S8000 accessible over the network and firmware upgrade), NPort driver for

Windows and Linux platforms (for COM mapping), and the NPort S8000 User’s Manual.

This chapter will instruct you on how to install the necessary software and provide the steps to mapping virtual

COM port to help user's software keep working as usual.

1. Install the Device Search Utility to find the specific NPort on the Ethernet network.

2. Log in to the Web console to configure the device to work on Real COM mode.

3. Install the NPort driver and mapping COM port.

4. The original utility can open the COM port to transmit/receive data to/from the serial device.

Device Search Utility

Installing the Device Search Utility

1. Click the INSTALL UTILITY button in the NPort Installation CD auto-run window to install the NPort Search

Utility. Once the program starts running, click Yes to proceed.

2. Click Settings when the Welcome screen opens, to proceed with the installation.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-3

3. Click Next to install program files to the default directory, or click Browse to select an alternate location.

4. Check the checkbox if you want the DSU to create a desktop icon, or just click Next to install the program's

shortcuts in the appropriate Start Menu folder.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-4

5. Click Next to proceed with the installation. The installer then displays a summary of the installation options.

6. Click Install to begin the installation. The setup window will report the progress of the installation. To

change the installation settings, click Back and navigate to the previous screen.

7. Click Finish to complete the installation of the NPort Search Utility.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-5

Find a Specific NPort on the Ethernet Network via the DSU

The Broadcast Search function is used to locate all the NPort S8000 servers that are connected to the same LAN

as your computer. After locating an NPort S8000, you will be able to change its IP address.

Since the Broadcast Search function searches by MAC address and not by IP address, all NPort S8000 servers

connected to the LAN will be located, regardless of whether or not they are part of the same subnet as the host.

1. Open the DSU and then click the Search icon.

The Searching window indicates the progress of the search.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-6

2. When the search is complete, all the NPort S8000 servers that were located will be displayed in the DSU

window.

3. To modify the configuration of the highlighted NPort S8000, click on the Console icon to open the web

console. This will take you to the web console, where you can make all configuration changes. Please refer

to Chapter 6, “Configuration with the Web Console”, for information on how to use the web console.

Opening Your Browser

1. Open your browser with the cookie function enabled. (To enable your browser for cookies, right-click on

your desktop Internet Explorer icon, select Properties, click on the Security tab, and then select the three

Enable options as shown in the figure below.)

2. After using the DSU to find a specific NPort, type the IP address to log in to the web console. If this is the

first time you configure the NPort, you may directly type the default IP address, 192.168.127.254 in the

Address input box. Use the correct IP address if it is different from the default and then press Enter.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-7

ATTENTION

If you use other web browsers, remember to Enable the functions to allow cookies that are stored on your

computer

ATTENTION

Refer to Chapter 3, “Initial IP Address Configuration,” to see how to configure the IP address. Examples shown

in this chapter

ATTENTION

If you

by using

the

3. On the first page of the web console, type admin for the default account name and moxa for the default

password.

The NPort S8000 homepage will open. On this page, you can see a brief description of the Web Console

or allow per-session cookies. Device servers use cookies only for “password” transmission.

use the Factory Default IP address (192.168.127.254).

forgot the password, the ONLY way to start configuring the NPort is to load the factory defaults

reset button.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-8

ATTENTION

Remember to e

button to load the factory defaults, your configuration can be easily reloaded into

NPort by using the Import

function. Refer to

for more details about using

the Export and Import functions.

ATTENTION

If your NPort application requires using password protection, you must enable the cookie function in your

browser. If

xport the configuration file when you have finished the configuration. After using the reset

Chapter 7, "Maintenance / Update System Files from Local PC",

the cookie function is disabled, you will not be allowed to enter the Web Console Screen.

Configure Operation Mode to Real COM Mode

Click on Operation Modes, located under Serial Settings, to display the serial port settings for four serial ports.

To modify the serial operation mode settings for a particular port, click on Operation Modes of the serial port

in the window on the right-hand side.

the

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-9

NPort Windows Driver Manager

Installing the NPort Windows Driver Manager

The NPort Windows Driver Manager is intended for use with NPort S8000 serial ports that are set to Real COM

mode. The software manages the installation of drivers that allow you to map unused COM ports on your PC to

serial ports on the NPort S8000. When the drivers are installed and configured, devices that are attached to

serial ports on the NPort S8000 will be treated as if they were attached to your PC’s own COM ports.

1. Click the INSTALL COM Driver button in the NPort Installation CD auto-run window to install the NPort

Windows Driver. Once the installation program starts running, click Yes to proceed.

2. Click Next when the Welcome screen opens, to proceed with the installation.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-10

Click Next to install program files to the default directory, or click Browse to select an alternate location.

3. Click Next to install the program’s shortcuts in the appropriate Start Menu folder.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-11

4. Click Next to proceed with the installation. The installer then displays a summary of the installation options.

5. Click Install to begin the installation. The setup window will report the progress of the installation. To

change the installation settings, click Back and navigate to the previous screen. The installer will display a

message that the software has not passed Windows Logo testing. This is shown as follows:

Click Continue Anyway to finish the installation.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-12

6. Click Finish to complete the installation of the NPort Windows Driver Manager.

Using NPort Windows Driver Manager

After you have installed the NPort Windows Driver Manager, you can set up the NPort S8000’s serial ports as

remote COM ports for your PC host. Make sure that the serial port(s) on your NPort S8000 are set to Real COM

mode before mapping COM ports with the NPort Windows Driver Manager.

1. Go to Start  NPort Windows Driver Manager  NPort Windows Driver Manager to start the COM

mapping utility.

2. Click the Add icon.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-13

3. Click Search to search for the NPort device servers. From the list that is generated, select the server to

which you will map COM ports, and then click OK.

4. Alternatively, you can select Input Manually and then manually enter the NPort IP Address, 1st Data Port,

1st Command Port, and Total Ports to which COM ports will be mapped. Click OK to proceed to the next step.

Note that the Add NPort page supports FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name), in which case the IP address

will be filled in automatically.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-14

5. COM ports and their mappings will appear in blue until they are activated. Activating the COM ports saves

the information in the host system registry and makes the COM port available for use. The host computer

will not have the ability to use the COM port until the COM ports are activated. Click Yes to activate the COM

ports at this time, or click No to activate the COM ports later.

6. A message will display during activation of each port, indicating that the software has not passed Windows

Logo certification. Click Continue Anyway to proceed.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-15

7. Ports that have been activated will appear in black.

8. Use terminal software to open the mapped COM port to communicate with the serial device. You may

download PComm Lite, a useful tool to check the serial communication, from Moxa’s website:

http://www.moxa.com/support/download.aspx?type=support&id=167

Configure the mapped COM ports with Advanced Functions

For Real COM Mode, to reconfigure the settings for a particular serial port on the NPort S8000, select the row

corresponding to the desired port and then click the Setting icon.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-16

1. On the Basic Setting window, use the COM Number drop-down list to select a COM number to be

assigned to the NPort S8000’s serial port that is being configured. Select the Auto Enumerating COM

Number for Selected Ports option to automatically assign available COM numbers in sequence to

selected serial ports. Note that ports that are “in use” will be labeled accordingly.

2. Click the Advanced Settings tab to modify Tx Mode, FIFO, and Flash Flush.

Tx Mode

Hi-Performance is the default for Tx mode. After the driver sends data to the NPort S8000, the driver

immediately issues a “Tx Empty” response to the program. Under Classical mode, the driver will not send

the “Tx Empty” response until after confirmation is received from the NPort S8000’s serial port. This causes

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-17

lower throughput. Classical mode is recommended if you want to ensure that all data is sent out before

further processing.

FIFO

If FIFO is Disabled, the NPort S8000 will transmit one byte each time the Tx FIFO becomes empty, and an

Rx interrupt will be generated for each incoming byte. This will result in a faster response and lower

throughput.

Network Timeout

You can use this option to prevent blocking if the target NPort is unavailable.

Auto Network Re-Connection

With this option enabled, the driver will repeatedly attempt to reestablish the TCP connection if the NPort

S8000 does not respond to background “check alive” packets.

Always Accept Open Requests

When the driver cannot establish a connection with the NPort, the user’s software can still open the mapped

COM port, just like an onboard COM port.

For example, if the NPort is down or the network is broken as described in figure below. At that moment, the

terminal software tries to open the mapped COM port, and the driver will respond with the

message:”Success” for the terminal software to open the COM port. At the same time, the driver will try to

establish the connection to the specific NPort. If the connection is established, then the mapped COM port

will work properly.

Return error if network is unavailable

If this option is disabled, the driver will not return any error even when a connection cannot be established

with the NPort S8000. With this option enabled, calling the Win32 Comm function will result in the error

return code “STATUS_NETWORK_UNREACHABLE” when a connection cannot be established to the NPort

S8000. This usually means that your host’s network connection is down, perhaps due to a cable being

disconnected. However, if you can reach other network devices, it may be that the NPort S8000 is not

powered on or is disconnected. Note that Auto Network Re-Connection must be enabled in order to use

this function.

Fast Flush (only flushes the local buffer)

For some applications, the user’s program will use the Win32 “PurgeComm()” function before it reads or

writes data. After a program uses this PurgeComm() function, the NPort driver continues to query the

NPort’s firmware several times to make sure no data is queued in the NPort’s firmware buffer, rather than

just flushing the local buffer. This design is used to satisfy some special considerations. However, it may

take more time (about several hundred milliseconds) than a native COM1 due to the additional time spent

communicating across the Ethernet. This is why PurgeComm() works significantly faster with native COM

ports on a PC than with mapped COM ports on the NPort S8000. In order to accommodate other applications

that require a faster response time, the new NPort driver implements a new Fast Flush option. By default,

this function is enabled.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-18

NOTE

Starting Windows Driver Manager v1.19 supports MOXA OnCell series; the

function in

the Advance setting only supports OnCell products.

If you have disabled Fast Flush and find that COM ports mapped to the NPort S8000 perform markedly

slower than when using a native COM port, try to verify if “PurgeComm()” functions are used in your

application. If so, try enabling the Fast Flush function and see if there is a significant improvement in

performance.

Ignore TX Purge

Applications can use the Win32 API PurgeComm to clear the output buffer. Outstanding overlapping write

operations will be terminated. Select the Ignore TX Purge checkbox to ignore the effect on output data.

3. The Serial Parameters window in the following figure shows the default settings when the NPort S8000 is

powered on. However, the program can redefine the serial parameters to different values after the program

opens the port via Win 32 API.

Enable Auto IP Report

4. The Security function is available only for the NPort 6000 Series. The NPort S8000 doesn’t support this

function.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

5-19

5. The IPv6 Settings function is available only for the NPort 6000 series. The NPort S8000 doesn’t support this

function.

6. To save the configuration to a text file, select Export from the COM Mapping menu. You will then be able

to import this configuration file to another host and use the same COM Mapping settings in the other host.

Linux Real TTY Drivers

Basic Procedures

To map an NPort S8000 serial port to a Linux host’s tty port, follow these instructions:

1. Set up the NPort S8000. After verifying that the IP configuration works, and you can access the NPort

S8000 (by using ping, telnet, etc.), configure the desired serial port on the NPort S8000 to Real COM mode.

2. Install the Linux Real tty driver files on the host

3. Map the NPort serial port to the host’s tty port

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

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NOTE

After installing the hardware, you must configure the operating mode of the serial port on your NPort S8000 to

Real COM mode.

Hardware Setup

Before proceeding with the software installation, make sure you have completed the hardware installation.

Note that the default IP address for the NPort S8000 is 192.168.127.254, and the default username and

password are admin and moxa, respectively.

Installing Linux Real TTY Driver Files

1. Obtain the driver file from the included CD-ROM or the Moxa website, at http://www.moxa.com.

2. Log in to the console as a superuser (root).

3. Execute cd / to go to the root directory.

4. Copy the driver file npreal2xx.tgz to the / directory.

5. Execute tar xvfz npreal2xx.tgz to extract all files into the system.

6. Execute /tmp/moxa/mxinst.

For RedHat AS/ES/WS and Fedora Core1, append an extra argument as follows:

# /tmp/moxa/mxinst SP1

The shell script will install the driver files automatically.

7. After installing the driver, you will be able to see several files in the /usr/lib/npreal2/driver folder:

> mxaddsvr (Add Server, mapping tty port)

> mxdelsvr (Delete Server, unmapping tty port)

> mxloadsvr (Reload Server)

> mxmknod (Create device node/tty port)

> mxrmnod (Remove device node/tty port)

> mxuninst (Remove tty port and driver files)

At this point, you will be ready to map the NPort serial port to the system tty port.

Mapping TTY Ports

Make sure that you set the operation mode of the desired NPort S8000 serial port to Real COM mode. After

logging in as a superuser, enter the directory /usr/lib/npreal2/driver and then execute mxaddsvr to map

the target NPort serial port to the host tty ports. The syntax of mxaddsvr is as follows:

mxaddsvr [NPort IP Address] [Total Ports] ([Data port] [Cmd port])

The mxaddsvr command performs the following actions:

1. Modifies npreal2d.cf.

2. Creates tty ports in directory /dev with major & minor number configured in npreal2d.cf.

3. Restarts the driver.

Mapping tty ports automatically

To map tty ports automatically, you may execute mxaddsvr with just the IP address and number of ports, as

in the following example:

# cd /usr/lib/npreal2/driver

# ./mxaddsvr 192.168.3.4 16

In this example, 16 tty ports will be added, all with IP 192.168.3.4, with data ports from 950 to 965 and

command ports from 966 to 981.

NPort S8000 Series Use Real COM Mode to Communicate with Serial Devices

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Mapping tty ports manually

To map tty ports manually, you may execute mxaddsvr and manually specify the data and command ports, as

in the following example:

# cd /usr/lib/npreal2/driver

# ./mxaddsvr 192.168.3.4 16 4001 966

In this example, 16 tty ports will be added, all with IP 192.168.3.4, with data ports from 4001 to 4016 and

command ports from 966 to 981.

Removing Mapped TTY Ports

After logging in as root, enter the directory /usr/lib/npreal2/driver and then execute mxdelsvr to delete

a server. The syntax of mxdelsvr is:

mxdelsvr [IP Address]

Example:

# cd /usr/lib/npreal2/driver

# ./mxdelsvr 192.168.3.4

The following actions are performed when executing mxdelsvr:

1. Modify npreal2d.cf.

2. Remove the relevant tty ports in directory /dev.

3. Restart the driver.

If the IP address is not provided in the command line, the program will list the installed servers and number of

ports on the screen. You will need to choose a server from the list for deletion.

Removing Linux Driver Files

A utility is included that will remove all driver files, map tty ports, and unload the driver. To do this, you only

need to enter the directory /usr/lib/npreal2/driver, and then execute mxuninst to uninstall the driver.

This program will perform the following actions:

1. Unload the driver.

2. Delete all files and directories in /usr/lib/npreal2

3. Delete directory /usr/lib/npreal2

4. Modify the system initializing script file.

The UNIX Fixed TTY Driver

Installing the UNIX Driver

1. Log in to UNIX and create a directory for the Moxa TTY. To create a directory named /usr/etc, execute the

command:

# mkdir –p /usr/etc

2. Copy moxattyd.tar to the directory you created. If you created the /usr/etc directory above, you would

execute the following commands:

# cp moxattyd.tar /usr/etc

# cd /usr/etc

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NOTE

The “Device Name” depends on the OS. See the Device Naming Rule section in README.TXT for more

information.

3. Extract the source files from the tar file by executing the command:

# tar xvf moxattyd.tar

The following files will be extracted:

README.TXT

moxattyd.c --- source code

moxattyd.cf --- an empty configuration file

Makefile --- makefile

VERSION.TXT --- fixed tty driver version

FAQ.TXT

4. Compile and Link

For SCO UNIX:

# make sco

For UnixWare 7:

# make svr5

For UnixWare 2.1.x, SVR4.2:

# make svr42

Configuring the UNIX Driver

Modify the configuration

The configuration used by the moxattyd program is defined in the text file moxattyd.cf, which is in the same

directory that contains the program moxattyd. You may use vi, or any text editor to modify the file, as follows:

ttyp1 192.168.1.1 950

For more configuration information, view the file moxattyd.cf, which contains detailed descriptions of the

various configuration parameters.

To start the moxattyd daemon after system bootup, add an entry into /etc/inittab, with the tty name you

configured in moxattyd.cf, as in the following example:

ts:2:respawn:/usr/etc/moxattyd/moxattyd –t 1

Device naming rule

For UnixWare 7, UnixWare 2.1.x, and SVR4.2, use:

pts/[n]

For all other UNIX operating systems, use:

ttyp[n]

Starting moxattyd

Execute the command init q or reboot your UNIX operating system.

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Adding an additional server

1. Modify the text file moxattyd.cf to add an additional server. Users may use vi or any text editor to modify

the file. For more configuration information, look at the file moxattyd.cf, which contains detailed

descriptions of the various configuration parameters.

2. Find the process ID (PID) of the program moxattyd.

# ps -ef | grep moxattyd

3. Update configuration of moxattyd program.

# kill -USR1 [PID]

(e.g., if moxattyd PID = 404, kill -USR1 404)

This completes the process of adding an additional server.



6. Basic Settings and Device Server

Configuration

In the following chapters, we will explain how to access the NPort S8000's various configuration, monitoring,

and administration functions. There are multiple ways to access these functions: RS-232 console, Telnet/SSH

console, and web browser. The serial console connection method, which requires using a serial cable to connect

the NPort S8000 to a PC's COM port, can be used if you do not know the NPort S8000's IP address. The

Telnet/SSH console and web browser connection methods can be used to access the NPort S8000 over an

Ethernet LAN or over the Internet.

The Web Console is the most user-friendly way to configure the NPort S8000. In this chapter, we use the Web

Console interface to introduce the functions that focus on the Basic Settings and Device Server Configuration.

This chapter covers the following topics:

Basic Settings

 General Settings

 Time Settings

 Network Settings

Serial Settings

 Operation Modes

 Serial Parameters

 Serial ToS Settings

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-2

Configuration

Basic Settings

General Settings

Server name

Setting Factory Default Necessity

1 to 40 characters [model name]_[Serial No.] Optional

This column is useful for specifying the application of this NPort device server.

Server Location

Setting Factory Default Necessity

1 to 80 characters Empty Optional

This column is useful for specifying the location of this NPort device server.

Server Description

Setting Factory Default Necessity

1 to 40 characters Empty Optional

This column is useful for specifying more detailed description of this NPort S8000, such as the serial devices

connected to the NPort S8000.

Maintainer contact info

Setting Factory Default Necessity

1 to 40 characters Empty Optional

This column is useful for specifying the contact information of the administrator responsible for maintaining this

NPort S8000.

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-3

ATTENTION

There is a risk of

The NPort S8000’s real

battery. We strongly recommend that you do

not attempt replacement of the rechargeable battery without help from a qualified Moxa support engineer. If

you need to change the battery, please contact the Moxa RMA service team.

Configuration

Time Settings

Time

The NPort S8000 Series uses SNTP (RFC-1769) for automatic time-calibration, based on information from a

time server or user-specified Time and Date information. Functions such as Auto warning “Email” can add

real-time information to the message.

Current Time

Setting Description Factory Default

User adjustable time. The time parameter allows configuration of the local time in

Current Date

Setting Description Factory Default

User adjustable date. The date parameter allows configuration of the local date in

an explosion if the real-time clock battery is replaced with the wrong type!

-time clock is powered by a rechargeable

None (hh:mm:ss)

local 24-hour format.

None

yyyy/mm/dd format.

(yyyy/mm/dd)

Daylight Saving Time

Daylight saving time (also known as DST or summer time) involves advancing clocks (usually 1 hour) during

the summer time to provide an extra hour of daylight in the afternoon.

Start Date

Setting Description Factory Default

User adjustable date. The Start Date parameter allows users to enter the date that

daylight saving time begins.

None

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-4

Greenwich

NOTE

Changing the time zone will automatically correct the current time. You should configure the time zone before

setti

Setting

Description

Factory Default

This parameter determines how frequently the time is updated

Configuration

End Date

Setting Description Factory Default

User adjustable date. The End Date parameter allows users to enter the date that

daylight saving time ends.

Offset

Setting Description Factory Default

User adjustable hour. The offset parameter indicates how many hours forward the

clock should be advanced.

None

Time Settings

Time Zone

Setting Description Factory Default

User selectable time

zone.

ng the time.

The time zone setting allows conversion from GMT (

Mean Time) to local time.

GMT (Greenwich

Mean Time)

Time Server IP/Name

Setting Description Factory Default

1st Time Server

IP/Name

2nd Time Server

IP/Name

Time Server Query Period

Query Period

Network Settings

IP or Domain address (e.g., 192.168.1.1 or

time.stdtime.gov.tw or time.nist.gov).

The NPort S8450I-MM-SC will try to locate the 2nd time server

if the 1st time server fails to connect.

from the time server.

None

600 seconds

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-5

assigned automatically by

ATTENTION

In Dynamic IP environments,

times every 30 seconds until network settings are

assigned by the DHCP or BOOTP server. The timeout for each try increases from 1 second, to 3 seconds, to 5

seconds.

If the DHCP/BOOTP Serv

of the NPort

of the

Configuration

You must assign a valid IP address to the NPort S8000 before it will work in your network environment. Your

network system administrator should provide you with an IP address and related settings for your network. The

IP address must be unique within the network (otherwise, the NPort S8000 will not have a valid connection to

the network). First time users can refer to Chapter 3,” Initial IP Address Configuration”, for more information.

You can choose from four possible IP Configuration modes—Disable (Static) , DHCP, and BOOTP—located

under the web console screen’s IP configuration drop-down box.

Auto IP Configuration

Setting Description Factory Default

Disable Set up the NPort S8000’s IP address manually. Disable

By DHCP The NPort S8000’s IP address will be

the network’s DHCP server.

By BOOTP The NPort S8000’s IP address will be

the network’s BOOTP server.

etmask, and Gateway for IP settings.

IP Address

Setting Description Factory Default

IP Address

S8000

An IP address is a number assigned to a network device (such as a computer) as a permanent address on the

network. Computers use the IP addresses to identify and talk to each other over the network. Choose a proper

IP address which is unique and valid in your network environment.

Subnet Mask

Setting Description Factory Default

Subnet mask of the

NPort S8000

A subnet mask represents all the network hosts at one geographic location, in one building, or on the same

local area network. When a packet is sent out over the network, the NPort will use the subnet mask to check

whether the desired TCP/IP host specified in the packet is on the local network segment. If the address is on the

same network segment as the NPort, a connection established directly from the NPort. Otherwise, the

connection is established through the given default gateway.

the firmware will retry three

er is unavailable, the firmware will use the default IP address (192.168.127.254),

Identifies the NPort S8000 on a TCP/IP network. 192.168.127.254

Identifies the type of network to which the NPort S8000 is

connected (e.g., 255.255.0.0 for a Class B network, or

255.255.255.0 for a Class C network).

255.255.255.0

Default Gateway

Setting Description Factory Default

Default Gateway

NPort S8000

A gateway is a network gateway that acts as an entrance to another network. Usually, the computers that

control traffic within the network or at the local Internet service provider are gateway nodes. The NPort needs

to know the IP address of the default gateway computer in order to communicate with the hosts outside the

local network environment. For the correct gateway IP address information, consult the network administrator.

The IP address of the router that connects the LAN to an

outside network.

None

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-6

After

NPort

will try to locate the 2nd DNS Server if the 1st DNS

sending periodic “keep alive” packets. If the remote host does

packet within the time specified in this field,

the NPort S8000 will force the existing TCP connection to close.

, the NPort S8000 will listen for

connection will remain open and will not send any “keep alive”

Configuration

DNS IP Address

Setting Description Factory Default

1st DNS Server’s

IP Address

2nd DNS Server’s

IP Address

When the user wants to visit a particular website, the computer asks a Domain Name System (DNS) server for

the website’s correct IP address and the computer user the response to connect to the web server. DNS is the

way Internet domain names are identified and translated into IP addresses. A domain name is an alphanumeric

name, such as moxa.com, that is usually easier to remember. A DNS server is a host that translates this kind

of text-based domain name into the numeric IP address used to establish a TCP/IP connection.

In order to use the NPort’s DNS feature, you need to set the IP address of the DNS server to be able to access

the host with the domain name. The NPort provides DNS server 1 and DNS server 2 configuration items to

configure the IP address of the DNS server. DNS Server 2 is included for use when DNS sever 1 is unavailable.

The NPort plays the role of DNS client. Functions that support domain name in the NPort are Time Server IP

Address, TCP Client-Destination IP Address, Mail Server, SNMP Trap IP Address, and IP Location

Server.

The IP address of the DNS Server used by your network.

entering the DNS Server’s IP address, you can input the

S8000’s URL (e.g., www.NPortS8000.company.com) in your

browser’s address field, instead of entering the IP address.

The IP address of the DNS Server used by your network. The

NPort S8000

Server fails to connect.

None

TCP alive check time

Setting Description Factory Default

0 to 99 min This field specifies how long the NPort S8000 will wait for a

All serial ports use the same TCP live check time in the NPort S8000 Series.

7 min

response to “keep alive” packets before closing the TCP

connection. The NPort S8000 checks connection status by

not respond to the

For socket and Real COM Mode

another TCP connection from another host after closing the

connection. If the TCP alive check time is set to 0, the TCP

packets.

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-7

Configuration

Serial Settings

Operation Modes

Click on Operation Modes, located under Serial Settings, to display serial port settings for four serial ports.

To modify serial operation mode settings for a particular port, click on Operation Modes of the serial port in

the window on the right-hand side.

Real COM Mode

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-8

ATTENTION

When Max connection is

NPort

will use the serial communication parameters set in

All of the hosts connected to that port must

use the same serial settings. If

the

NPort’s console setting, data communication may not work properly.

Configuration

Port Settings

Max connection

Setting Factory Default Necessity

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 1 Required

This field is used if you need to receive data from different hosts simultaneously. When set to 1, only one

specific host can access this port on the NPort S8000, and the Real COM driver on that host will have full control

over the port. When set to 2 or greater, the Real COM drivers for up to the specified number of hosts may open

this port at the same time. When multiple hosts’ Real COM drivers open the port at the same time, the COM

driver only provides a pure data tunnel—no control capability provided. The serial port parameters will use

firmware settings instead of your application program (AP) settings.

Application software that is based on the COM driver will receive a driver response of “success” when the

software uses any of the Win32 API functions. The firmware will only send data back to the driver on the host.

Data will be sent first-in-first-out when data enters the NPort S8000 from the Ethernet interface.

hosts are allowed access to the port at the same time). When using a multiconnection application, the

Ignore jammed IP

Setting Factory Default Necessity

Enable or Disable Disable Optional

Previously, if “max connection” was greater than 1, the serial device was transmitting data, and a connected

host was not responding, then the NPort would wait until the data was transmitted successfully before

transmitting the second group of data to all hosts. Currently, if you select Enable for “Ignore jammed IP,” the

host that is not responding will be ignored, but the data will still be transmitted to the other hosts.

Allow driver control

Setting Factory Default Necessity

Enable or Disable Disable Optional

If “max connection” is greater than 1, the NPort will ignore driver control commands from all connected hosts.

However, if you set “Allow driver control” to YES, control commands will be accepted. Note that since the NPort

S8000 may get configuration changes from multiple hosts, the most recent command received will take

precedence.

set to 2 to 8, this means that the NPort use a “multiconnection application” (i.e., 2

the console.

one of the hosts opens the COM port with parameters that are different from

Connection goes down

Setting Factory Default Necessity

Always High or Always

Low

You can configure what happens to the RTS and DTR signals when the Ethernet connection goes down. For

some applications, serial devices need to know the Ethernet link status through RTS or DTR signals sent

through the serial port. Use always low if you want the RTS and DTR signals to change their status to low

when the Ethernet connection goes down. Use always high if you do not want the Ethernet connection status

to affect the RTS or DTR signals.

Always High Optional

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-9

ATTENTION

Delimiter 2 is optional. If left blank, then Delimiter 1 alone trips clearing of the buffer. If the size of the serial

data received

However, to use the delimiter function, you must at least enable Delimiter 1. If Delimiter 1 is left blank and

Delimiter 2 is enabled, the delimiter function wil

Configuration

Data Packing

Packet length

Setting Factory Default Necessity

0 to 1024 0 Optional

Default = 0, The Delimiter Process will be followed, regardless of the length of the data packet. If the data

length (in bytes) matches the configured value, the data will be forced out. The data length can be configured

for 0 to 1024 bytes. Set to 0 if you do not need to limit the length.

Delimiter 1

Setting Factory Default Necessity

00 to FF None Optional

Delimiter 2

Setting Factory Default Necessity

00 to FF None Optional

When Delimiter 1 is enabled, the serial port will clear the buffer and send the data to the Ethernet port when

a specific character, entered in a hex format, is received. A second delimiter character may be enabled and

specified in the Delimiter 2 field, so that both characters act as the delimiter to indicate when data should be

sent.

Delimiter process

Setting Factory Default Necessity

Do nothing

Delimiter + 1

Delimiter + 2

Strip Delimiter

[Delimiter + 1] or [Delimiter + 2]: The data will be transmitted when an additional byte (for Delimiter +1), or

an additional 2 bytes (for Delimiter +2) of data is received after receiving the Delimiter.

[Strip Delimiter]: When the Delimiter is received, the Delimiter is deleted (i.e., stripped), and the remaining

data is transmitted.

[Do nothing]: The data will be transmitted when the Delimiter is received.

Force transmit

Setting Factory Default Necessity

0 to 65535 ms 0 ms Optional

0: Disable the Force Transmit timeout.

is greater than 1 KB, the NPort will automatically pack the data and send it to the Ethernet.

l not work properly.

Do Nothing Optional

1 to 65535: Forces the NPort’s TCP/IP protocol software to try to pack serial data received during the specified

time into the same data frame.

This parameter defines the time interval during which the NPort fetches the serial data from its internal buffer.

If data is incoming through the serial port, the NPort stores the data in the internal buffer. The NPort transmits

data stored in the buffer via TCP/IP, but only if the internal buffer is full, or if the Force Transmit time interval

reaches the time specified under Force Transmit timeout.

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-10

Configuration

Optimal Force Transmit timeout differs according to your application, but it must be at least larger than one

character interval within the specified baudrate. For example, assume that the serial port is set to 1200 bps, 8

data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. In this case, the total number of bits needed to send a character is 10 bits,

and the time required to transfer one character is

10 (bits) / 1200 (bits/s) * 1000 (ms/s) = 8.3 ms.

Therefore, you should set Force Transmit timeout to be larger than 8.3 ms. Force Transmit timeout is specified

in milliseconds and must be larger than 10 ms.

If the user wants to send the series of characters in a packet, the serial device attached to the NPort should

send characters without time delay larger than Force Transmit timeout between characters and the total length

of data must be smaller than or equal to the NPort’s internal buffer size. The serial communication buffer size

of the NPort is 1 Kbytes per port.

Parameter Copy

Apply the above setting to other serial ports, you may use the checkboxes at the bottom of the window to apply

the settings to one or more ports.

RFC2217 Mode

Port Settings

TCP port (default=4001)

This is the TCP port number assignment for the serial port on the NPort S8000. It is the port number that the

serial port uses to listen to connections and that other devices must use to contact the serial port. To avoid

conflicts with well-known TCP ports, the default is set to 4001.

Data Packing

Packet length

Setting Factory Default Necessity

0 to 1024 0 Optional

Default = 0, The Delimiter Process will be followed, regardless of the length of the data packet. If the data

length (in bytes) matches the configured value, the data will be forced out. The data length can be configured

for 0 to 1024 bytes. Set to 0 if you do not need to limit the length.

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-11

ATTENTION

Delimiter 2 is optional. If left blank, then Delimiter 1 alone trips clearing of the buffer.

serial

data received is greater than 1 KB, the NPort will automatically pack the data and send it to the Ethernet.

However, to use the delimiter function, you must at least enable Delimiter 1. If Delimiter 1 is left blank and

Delimiter 2 is enabled, the de

Configuration

Delimiter 1

Setting Factory Default Necessity

00 to FF None Optional

Delimiter 2

Setting Factory Default Necessity

00 to FF None Optional

When Delimiter 1 is enabled, the serial port will clear the buffer and send the data to the Ethernet port when

a specific character, entered in a hex format, is received. A second delimiter character may be enabled and

specified in the Delimiter 2 field, so that both characters act as the delimiter to indicate when data should be

sent.

limiter function will not work properly.

Delimiter process

Setting Factory Default Necessity

Do nothing

Delimiter + 1

Delimiter + 2

Strip Delimiter

[Delimiter + 1] or [Delimiter + 2]: The data will be transmitted when an additional byte (for Delimiter +1), or

an additional 2 bytes (for Delimiter +2) of data is received after receiving the Delimiter.

[Strip Delimiter]: When the Delimiter is received, the Delimiter is deleted (i.e., stripped), and the remaining

data is transmitted.

[Do nothing]: The data will be transmitted when the Delimiter is received.

Force transmit

Setting Factory Default Necessity

0 to 65535 ms 0 ms Optional

0: Disable the Force Transmit timeout.

Do Nothing Optional

If the size of the

1 to 65535: Forces the NPort’s TCP/IP protocol software to try to pack serial data received during the specified

time into the same data frame.

This parameter defines the time interval during which the NPort fetches the serial data from its internal buffer.

If data is incoming through the serial port, the NPort stores the data in the internal buffer. The NPort transmits

data stored in the buffer via TCP/IP, but only if the internal buffer is full or if the Force Transmit time interval

reaches the time specified under Force Transmit timeout.

Optimal Force Transmit timeout differs according to your application, but it must be at least larger than one

character interval within the specified baudrate. For example, assume that the serial port is set to 1200 bps, 8

data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. In this case, the total number of bits needed to send a character is 10 bits,

and the time required to transfer one character is

10 (bits) / 1200 (bits/s) * 1000 (ms/s) = 8.3 ms.

Therefore, you should set Force Transmit timeout to be larger than 8.3 ms. Force Transmit timeout is specified

in milliseconds and must be larger than 10 ms.

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-12

Configuration

If the user wants to send the series of characters in a packet, the serial device attached to the NPort should

send characters without time delay larger than Force Transmit timeout between characters and the total length

of data must be smaller than or equal to the NPort’s internal buffer size. The serial communication buffer size

of the NPort is 1 Kbytes per port.

Parameter Copy

Apply the above setting to other serial ports; you may use the checkboxes at the bottom of the window to apply

the settings to one or more ports.

TCP Server Mode

Port Settings

Inactivity time

Setting Factory Default Necessity

0 to 65535 ms 0 ms Optional

0 ms: TCP connection is not closed due to an idle serial line.

0-65535 ms: The NPort automatically closes the TCP connection if there is no serial data activity for the given

time. After the connection is closed, the NPort starts listening for another host’s TCP connection.

This parameter defines the maintenances status as Closed or Listen on the TCP connection. The connection is

closed if there is no incoming or outgoing data through the serial port during the specific Inactivity time.

If the value of inactivity time is set to 0, the current TCP connection is maintained until there is connection close

request. Although inactivity time is disabled, the NPort will check the connection status between the NPort and

remote host by sending “keep alive” packets periodically. If the remote host does not respond to the packet, it

assumes that the connection was closed down unintentionally. The NPort will then force the existing TCP

connection to close.

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-13

ATTENTION

ransmit timeout. To prevent the unintended

loss of data due to the session

disconnected, it is highly recommended that this value is set large enough

so that the i

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Required

ATTENTION

When Max connection is

NPort will be using a “multiconnection application”

(i.e., 2

ulticonnection application,

the

All of the hosts connected to that

port must use the same serial settings. If

different

Setting

Factory Default

Necessity

Configuration

he Inactivity time should at least be set larger than that of Force T

ntended data transfer is completed.

Max connection

Setting Factory Default Necessity

This field is used if you need to receive data from different hosts simultaneously. When set to 1, only one

specific host can access this port of the NPort S8000, and the Real COM driver on that host will have full control

over the port. When set to 2 or greater, up to the specified number of hosts’ Real COM drivers may open this

port at the same time. When multiple hosts’ Real COM drivers open the port at the same time, the COM driver

only provides a pure data tunnel—no control ability. The serial port parameters will use firmware settings

instead of depending on your application program (AP).

Application software that is based on the COM driver will receive a driver response of “success” when the

software uses any of the Win32 API functions. The firmware will only send data back to the driver on the host.

Data will be sent first-in-first-out when data enters the NPort S8000 from the Ethernet interface.

being

to 8 hosts are allowed access to the port at the same time). When using a m

NPort will use the serial communication parameters set in the console.

from the NPort’s console setting, data communication may not work properly.

Ignore jammed IP

Setting Factory Default Necessity

Enable or Disable Disable Optional

Previously, if “max connection” was greater than 1, the serial device was transmitting data, and a connected

host was not responding, the NPort would wait until the data was transmitted successfully before transmitting

the second group of data to all hosts. Currently, if you select Enable for “Ignore jammed IP,” the host that is not

responding will be ignored, but the data will still be transmitted to the other hosts.

Allow driver control

Setting Factory Default Necessity

Enable or Disable Disable Optional

If “max connection” is greater than 1, the NPort will ignore driver control commands from all connected hosts.

However, if you set “Allow driver control” to YES, control commands will be accepted. Note that since the NPort

S8000 may get configuration changes from multiple hosts, the most recent command received will take

precedence.

set to 2 to 8, this means that the

one of the hosts opens the COM port with parameters that are

Connection goes down

Always High or Always

Low

You can configure what happens to the RTS and DTR signals when the Ethernet connection goes down. For

some applications, serial devices need to know the Ethernet link status through RTS or DTR signals sent

through the serial port. Use Always Low if you want the RTS and DTR signal to change their state to low when

the Ethernet connection goes down. Use Always High if you do not want the Ethernet connection status to

affect the RTS or DTR signals.

Always High Optional

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-14

ATTENTION

Delimiter 2 is optional. I

If the size of the serial

data received is greater than 1 KB, the NPort will automatically pack the data and send it to the Ethernet.

However, to use the delimiter function, you must at lea

Delimiter 2 is enabled, the delimiter function will not work properly.

Configuration

Data Packing

Packet length

Setting Factory Default Necessity

0 to 1024 0 Optional

Default = 0, The Delimiter Process will be followed, regardless of the length of the data packet. If the data

length (in bytes) matches the configured value, the data will be forced out. The data length can be configured

for 0 to 1024 bytes. Set to 0 if you do not need to limit the length.

Delimiter 1

Setting Factory Default Necessity

00 to FF None Optional

Delimiter 2

Setting Factory Default Necessity

00 to FF None Optional

When Delimiter 1 is enabled, the serial port will clear the buffer and send the data to the Ethernet port when

a specific character, entered in a hex format, is received. A second delimiter character may be enabled and

specified in the Delimiter 2 field, so that both characters act as the delimiter to indicate when data should be

sent.

Delimiter process

Setting Factory Default Necessity

Do nothing

Delimiter + 1

Delimiter + 2

Strip Delimiter

[Delimiter + 1] or [Delimiter + 2]: The data will be transmitted when an additional byte (for Delimiter +1), or

an additional 2 bytes (for Delimiter +2) of data is received after receiving the Delimiter.

[Strip Delimiter]: When the Delimiter is received, the Delimiter is deleted (i.e., stripped), and the remaining

data is transmitted.

[Do nothing]: The data will be transmitted when the Delimiter is received.

Force transmit

Setting Factory Default Necessity

0 to 65535 ms 0 ms Optional

0: Disable the Force Transmit timeout.

f left blank, then Delimiter 1 alone trips clearing of the buffer.

st enable Delimiter 1. If Delimiter 1 is left blank and

Do Nothing Optional

1 to 65535: Forces the NPort’s TCP/IP protocol software to try to pack serial data received during the specified

time into the same data frame.

This parameter defines the time interval during which the NPort fetches the serial data from its internal buffer.

If data is incoming through the serial port, the NPort stores the data in the internal buffer. The NPort transmits

data stored in the buffer via TCP/IP, but only if the internal buffer is full or if the Force Transmit time interval

reaches the time specified under Force Transmit timeout.

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-15

Configuration

Optimal Force Transmit timeout differs according to your application, but it must be at least larger than one

character interval within the specified baudrate. For example, assume that the serial port is set to 1200 bps, 8

data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. In this case, the total number of bits needed to send a character is 10 bits,

and the time required to transfer one character is

10 (bits) / 1200 (bits/s) * 1000 (ms/s) = 8.3 ms.

Therefore, you should set Force Transmit timeout to be larger than 8.3 ms. Force Transmit timeout is specified

in milliseconds and must be larger than 10 ms.

If the user wants to send the series of characters in a packet, the serial device attached to the NPort should

send characters without time delay larger than Force Transmit timeout between characters and the total length

of data must be smaller than or equal to the NPort’s internal buffer size. The serial communication buffer size

of the NPort is 1 Kbytes per port.

TCP Server Mode

Local TCP port

Setting Factory Default Necessity

1 to 65535 4001 Required

The TCP port that the NPort uses to listen to connections and that other devices must use to contact the NPort.

To avoid conflicts with well-known TCP ports, the default is set to 4001.

Command port

Setting Factory Default Necessity

1 to 65535 966 Optional

The Command port is the TCP port for listening to SSDK commands from the host. In order to prevent a TCP

port conflict with other applications, the user can adjust the command port to another port if needed. And SSDK

Commands will automatically check out the Command Port on the NPort so that the user does not need to

configure the program.

Parameter Copy

Apply the above setting to other serial ports, you may use the checkboxes at the bottom of the window to apply

the settings to one or more ports.

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-16

ATTENTION

ent the unintended

loss of data due to the session

disconnected, it is highly recommended that this value is set large enough

so that the intended data transfer is completed.

Configuration

TCP Client Mode

Port Settings

Inactivity time

Setting Factory Default Necessity

0 to 65535 ms 0 ms Optional

0 ms: TCP connection is not closed due to an idle serial line.

0-65535 ms: The NPort automatically closes TCP connection, if there is no serial data activity for the given

time.

This parameter defines the maintenance status as Closed or Listen on the TCP connection. The connection is

closed if there is no incoming or outgoing data through the serial port during the specific Inactivity time.

If the value of inactivity time is set to 0, the current TCP connection is maintained until there’s connection close

request. Although the inactivity time is disabled, the NPort will check the connection status between the NPort

and remote host by sending “keep alive” packets periodically. If the remote host does not respond to the

packets, it treats the connection as being down unintentionally. The NPort will then force the existing TCP

connection to close.

he Inactivity time should at least be set larger than that of Force transmit timeout. To prev

being

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-17

ATTENTION

Inactivity time is ONLY activ

ATTENTION

Delimiter 2 is

If the size of the serial

data received is greater than 1 KB, the NPort will automatically pack the data and send it to the Ethernet.

However, to use the delimiter function, you

Delimiter 2 is enabled, the delimiter function will not work properly.

Configuration

Ignore jammed IP

Setting Factory Default Necessity

Enable or Disable Disable Optional

Previously, if “max connection” was greater than 1, the serial device was transmitting data, and a connected

host was not responding, the NPort would wait until the data was transmitted successfully before transmitting

the second group of data to all hosts. Currently, if you select Enable for “Ignore jammed IP,” the host that is not

responding will be ignored, but the data will still be transmitted to the other hosts.

e when “TCP connect on” is set to “Any character.”

Data Packing

Packet length

Setting Factory Default Necessity

0 to 1024 0 Optional

Default = 0, The Delimiter Process will be followed, regardless of the length of the data packet. If the data

length (in bytes) matches the configured value, the data will be forced out. The data length can be configured

for 0 to 1024 bytes. Set to 0 if you do not need to limit the length.

Delimiter 1

Setting Factory Default Necessity

00 to FF None Optional

Delimiter 2

Setting Factory Default Necessity

00 to FF None Optional

When Delimiter 1 is enabled, the serial port will clear the buffer and send the data to the Ethernet port when

a specific character, entered in a hex format, is received. A second delimiter character may be enabled and

specified in the Delimiter 2 field, so that both characters act as the delimiter to indicate when data should be

sent.

Delimiter process

Setting Factory Default Necessity

Do nothing

Delimiter + 1

Delimiter + 2

Strip Delimiter

optional. If left blank, then Delimiter 1 alone trips clearing of the buffer.

must at least enable Delimiter 1. If Delimiter 1 is left blank and

Do Nothing Optional

[Delimiter + 1] or [Delimiter + 2]: The data will be transmitted when an additional byte (for Delimiter +1), or

an additional 2 bytes (for Delimiter +2) of data is received after receiving the Delimiter.

[Strip Delimiter]: When the Delimiter is received, the Delimiter is deleted (i.e., stripped), and the remaining

data is transmitted.

[Do nothing]: The data will be transmitted when the Delimiter is received.

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-18

ATTENTION

Up to

connections can be established between the NPort and hosts. The connection speed or throughput

may

connections.

Configuration

Force transmit

Setting Factory Default Necessity

0 to 65535 ms 0 ms Optional

0: Disable the Force Transmit timeout.

1 to 65535: Forces the NPort’s TCP/IP protocol software to try to pack serial data received during the specified

time into the same data frame.

This parameter defines the time interval during which the NPort fetches the serial data from its internal buffer.

If data is incoming through the serial port, the NPort stores the data in the internal buffer. The NPort transmits

data stored in the buffer via TCP/IP, but only if the internal buffer is full or if the Force Transmit time interval

reaches the time specified under Force Transmit timeout.

Optimal Force Transmit timeout differs according to your application, but it must be at least larger than one

character interval within the specified baudrate. For example, assume that the serial port is set to 1200 bps, 8

data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. In this case, the total number of bits needed to send a character is 10 bits,

and the time required to transfer one character is

10 (bits) / 1200 (bits/s) * 1000 (ms/s) = 8.3 ms.

Therefore, you should set Force Transmit timeout to be larger than 8.3 ms. Force Transmit timeout is specified

in milliseconds and must be larger than 10 ms.

If the user wants to send the series of characters in a packet, the serial device attached to the NPort should

send characters without time delay larger than Force Transmit timeout between characters and the total length

of data must be smaller than or equal to the NPort’s internal buffer size. The serial communication buffer size

of the NPort is 1 Kbytes per port.

TCP Client Mode

Destination IP address 1

Setting Factory Default Necessity

IP address or Domain

Address

(E.g., 192.168.1.1)

Allows the NPort to connect actively to the remote host whose address is set by this parameter.

Destination IP address 2/3/4

Setting Factory Default Necessity

IP address or Domain

Address

(E.g., 192.168.1.1)

Allows the NPort to connect actively to the remote host whose address is set by this parameter.

TCP port (default=4001): This is the TCP port number assignment for the serial port on the NPort S8000. It is

the port number that the serial port uses to listen to connections and that other devices must use to contact the

serial port. To avoid conflicts with well-known TCP ports, the default is set to 4001.

None Required

four

be low if one of the four connections is slow, since the slow connection will slow down the other three

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-19

ATTENTION

The “

the

user may need to send the data actively to the remote destination domain

A TCP connection will be established on startup, and will remain active indefinitely.

Configuration

Destination IP address” parameter can use both IP address and Domain Name. For some applications,

Designated Local Port 1/2/3/4

Setting Factory Default Necessity

TCP Port No. 5001 (Port 1)

5002 (Port 2)

5003 (Port 3)

5004 (Port 4)

Connection control

Setting Factory Default Necessity

Startup/None,

Any Character/None,

Any

Character/Inactivity

Time,

DSR ON/DSR OFF,

DSR ON/None,

DCD ON/DCD OFF,

DCD ON/None

Startup/None Required

name.

Required

The meaning of each of the above settings is given in the table below. In general, both the Connect condition

and Disconnect condition are given.

TCP Connection on

Connect/Disconnect Description

Startup/None (default)

Any Character/None A TCP connection will be established when any character is received from the serial

interface, and will remain active indefinitely.

Any Character/

Inactivity Time

DSR On/DSR Off A TCP connection will be established when a DSR “On” signal is received, and will be

DSR On/None A TCP connection will be established when a DSR “On” signal is received, and will

DCD On/DCD Off A TCP connection will be established when a DCD “On” signal is received, and will be

DCD On/None A TCP connection will be established when a DCD “On” signal is received, and will

Parameter Copy

Apply the above setting to other serial ports, you may use the checkboxes at the bottom of the window to apply

the settings to one or more ports.

A TCP connection will be established when any character is received from the serial

interface, and will be disconnected when the Inactivity time out is reached.

disconnected when a DSR “Off” signal is received.

remain active indefinitely.

disconnected when a DCD “Off” signal is received.

remain active indefinitely.

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-20

ATTENTION

Delimiter 2 is optional. If left blank, then Delimiter 1 alone trips clearing of the buffer. If the size of the serial

data received

However, to use the delimiter function, you must at least enable Delimiter 1. If Delimiter 1 is left blank and

Delimiter 2 is enabled, the delimiter function will not work properly.

Configuration

UDP Mode

Data Packing

Packing length

Setting Factory Default Necessity

0 to 1024 0 Optional

Default = 0, The Delimiter Process will be followed, regardless of the length of the data packet. If the data

length (in bytes) matches the configured value, the data will be forced out. The data length can be configured

for 0 to 1024 bytes. Set to 0 if you do not need to limit the length.

Delimiter 1

Setting Factory Default Necessity

00 to FF None Optional

Delimiter 2

Setting Factory Default Necessity

00 to FF None Optional

When Delimiter 1 is enabled, the serial port will clear the buffer and send the data to the Ethernet port when

a specific character, entered in a hex format, is received. A second delimiter character may be enabled and

specified in the Delimiter 2 field, so that both characters act as the delimiter to indicate when data should be

sent.

is greater than 1 KB, the NPort will automatically pack the data and send it to the Ethernet.

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-21

Begin:

Empty

Configuration

Delimiter process

Setting Factory Default Necessity

Do nothing

Delimiter + 1

Delimiter + 2

Strip Delimiter

[Delimiter + 1] or [Delimiter + 2]: The data will be transmitted when an additional byte (for Delimiter +1), or

an additional 2 bytes (for Delimiter +2) of data is received after receiving the Delimiter.

[Strip Delimiter]: When the Delimiter is received, the Delimiter is deleted (i.e., stripped), and the remaining

data is transmitted.

[Do nothing]: The data will be transmitted when the Delimiter is received.

Force transmit

Setting Factory Default Necessity

0 to 65535 ms 0 ms Optional

0: Disable the Force Transmit timeout.

1 to 65535: Forces the NPort’s TCP/IP protocol software to try to pack serial data received during the specified

time into the same data frame.

Do Nothing Optional

This parameter defines the time interval during which the NPort fetches the serial data from its internal buffer.

If data is incoming through the serial port, the NPort stores the data in the internal buffer. The NPort transmits

data stored in the buffer via TCP/IP, but only if the internal buffer is full or if the Force Transmit time interval

reaches the time specified under Force Transmit timeout.

Optimal Force Transmit timeout differs according to your application, but it must be at least larger than one

character interval within the specified baudrate. For example, assume that the serial port is set to 1200 bps, 8

data bits, 1 stop bit, and no parity. In this case, the total number of bits needed to send a character is 10 bits,

and the time required to transfer one character is

10 (bits) / 1200 (bits/s) * 1000 (ms/s) = 8.3 ms.

Therefore, you should set Force Transmit timeout to be larger than 8.3 ms. Force Transmit timeout is specified

in milliseconds and must be larger than 10 ms.

If the user wants to send the series of characters in a packet, the serial device attached to the NPort should

send characters without time delay larger than Force Transmit timeout between characters and the total length

of data must be smaller than or equal to the NPort’s internal buffer size. The serial communication buffer size

of the NPort is 1 Kbytes per port.

UDP Mode

Destination IP address 1

Setting Factory Default Necessity

IP address range

E.g., Begin: 192.168.1.1

End: 192.168.1.10

End: Empty

Port: 4001

Required

Destination IP address 2/3/4

Setting Factory Default Necessity

IP address range

E.g., Begin: 192.168.1.11

End: 192.168.1.20

Begin: Empty Optional

End: Empty

Port: 4001

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-22

Configuration

Local listen port

Setting Factory Default Necessity

1 to 65535 4001 Required

The UDP port that the NPort listens to, and that other devices must use to contact the NPort. To avoid conflicts

with well-known UDP ports, the default is set to 4001.

Parameter Copy

Apply the above setting to other serial ports, you may use the checkboxes at the bottom of the window to apply

the settings to one or more ports.

Disabled Mode

When Operation mode is set to Disabled, that particular port will be disabled. Check the “Apply the above

settings to all serial ports” to apply this setting to the other port.

Apply the above setting to other serial ports, you may use the checkboxes at the bottom of the window to apply

the settings to one or more ports.

Serial Parameters

Port alias

Setting Factory Default Necessity

1 to 16 characters

(E.g., PLC-No.1)

None Optional

Port Alias is specially designed to allow easy identification of the serial devices which are connected to the

NPort’s serial port.

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-23

ATTENTION

option

and enter

supported

Setting

Factory Default

Necessity

485

ATTENTION

Check the serial communication parameters in your

NPort’s

serial parameters with

Configuration

Baud rate

Setting Factory Default Necessity

50 bps to 921600 bps 115200 bps Required

Select one of the standard baudrates from 50 bps to 921.6 Kbps inthe dropdown box, or select Other and then

type the desired baudrate in the input box.

the port requires a special baudrate that is not listed, such as 500000 bps, you can select the Other

Parity

Setting Factory Default Necessity

None, Even, Odd,

Space, Mark

Data bits

Setting Factory Default Necessity

5, 6, 7, 8 8 Required

the desired baudrate into the text box. The NPort S8000 will automatically calculate the closest

baudrate. The margin for error will be less than 1.7% for all baudrates under 921600 bps.

None Required

When the user sets Data bits to 5 bits, the stop bits setting will automatically change to 1.5 bits.

Stop bits

Setting Factory Default Necessity

1, 2 1 Required

Stop bits will be set to 1.5 when Data bits is set to 5 bits.

Flow control

Setting Factory Default Necessity

None, RTS/CTS,

Xon/Xoff

FIFO

Enable, Disable Enable Required

The NPort’s serial ports provide a 16-byte FIFO both in the Tx and Rx directions. Disable the FIFO setting when

your serial device does not have a FIFO to prevent data loss during communication.

Interface

Setting Factory Default Necessity

RS-232, RS-422,

RS-485 2-wire, RS-

4-wire

RTS/CTS Required

RS-232 Required

the same communication parameters used by your serial devices.

serial device’s user’s manual. You should set up the

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-24

Configuration

Serial ToS Settings

Using Serial Traffic Prioritization

The NPort S8000’s traffic prioritization capability provides Quality of Service (QoS) to your network by making

data delivery more reliable. You can prioritize traffic from both serial interface and Ethernet interface on your

network to ensure that high priority data is transmitted with minimum delay.

Traffic can be controlled by a set of rules to obtain the required Quality of Service for your network. The rules

define different types of traffic and specify how each type should be treated as it passes through the NPort

S8000. The NPort S8000 can inspect layer 3 TOS information to each serial port to provide consistent

classification of the entire network. The NPort S8000’s QoS capability improves the performance and

determinism of industrial networks for mission critical applications.

The Serial Traffic Prioritization Concept

What is Traffic Prioritization?

Traffic prioritization allows you to prioritize data so that time-sensitive and system-critical data can be

transferred smoothly and with minimal delay over a network. The benefits of using traffic prioritization are:

• Improve network performance by controlling a wide variety of traffic and managing congestion.

• Assign priorities to different categories of traffic. For example, set higher priorities for time-critical or

business-critical applications.

• Provide predictable throughput for multimedia applications, such as video conferencing or voice over IP,

and minimize traffic delay and jitter.

• Improve network performance as the amount of traffic grows. This will save cost by reducing the need to

keep adding bandwidth to the network.

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-25

Setting

Description

Factory Default

Necessity

Enable the ToS transmitting the video stream

Configuration

DiffServ Code Point (DSCP)

Differentiated Services (DiffServ) Traffic Marking

DiffServ is a Layer 3 marking scheme that uses the DiffServ Code Point (DSCP) field in the IP header to store

the packet priority information. DSCP is an advanced intelligent method of traffic marking as you can choose

how your network prioritizes different types of traffic. DSCP uses 64 values that map to user-defined service

levels, allowing you to establish more control over network traffic. Please reference to “ToS/DiffServ Mapping”

setting menu.

DSCP Value

00 04 08 0C

10 14 18 1C

20 24 28 2C

30 34 38 3C

40 44 48 4C

60 64 68 6C

70 74 78 7C

80 84 88 8C

90 94 98 9C

A0 A4 A8 AC

B0 B4 B8 BC

C0 C4 C8 CC

D0 D4 D8 DC

0E E4 E8 EC

F0 F4 F8 FC

Enter the “ToS/DiffServ Mapping” setting menu to reference or modified the ToS level.

Enable ToS

with the given priority

DSCP Value Set the mapping table of different TOS values

to 4 different egress queues.

Disable Optional

0,0 Optional

NPort S8000 Series Basic Settings and Device Server

6-26

ATTENTION

To configure the ToS values, map to the network environment settings for QoS priority service. Please refer to

Chapter

Configuration

7, Ethernet Advanced Settings / Configuring Ethernet Traffic Prioritization / CoS Mapping



7. Switch Featured Functions

This chapter explains how to access the NPort S8000’s various configuration, monitoring, and administration

functions. There are three ways to access these functions: RS-232 console, Telnet/SSH console, and web

browser. The serial console connection method, which requires using a short serial cable to connect the NPort

S8000 to a PC’s COM port, can be used if you do not know the NPort S8000’s IP address. The Telnet console and

web browser connection methods can be used to access the NPort S8000 over an Ethernet LAN, or over the

Internet.

The Web Console is the most user-friendly way to configure the NPort S8000. In this chapter, we use the Web

Console interface to introduce the functions. There are only a few differences between the Web Console, Serial

Console, and Telnet Console.

The following topics are covered in this chapter:

Ethernet Settings

STP/RSTP

Bandwidth Management

Line Swap Fast Recovery

Ethernet Advanced Settings

Virtual LAN

Multicast Filtering

Set Device IP

System Management

SysLog Server

Port Access Control

Configuring E-Mail Alert

Configuring SNMP

Maintenance

System Monitoring

Restart

NPort S8000 Series Switch Featured Functions

7-2

ATTENTION

If a connected device or sub

option under

Advanced Settings/Port

immediately.

Disable

Disables flow control for this port when in auto-negotiate mode.

Ethernet Settings

Port Settings

Enable

Setting Description Factory Default

Checked Allows data transmission through the port. Enabled

Unchecked Immediately shuts off port access.

Description

Setting Description Factory Default

Media type Displays the media type for each module’s port N/A

Name

Setting Description Factory Default

Max. 63 Characters Specify an alias for each port and assist the administrator in

Speed (Copper Port Only )

Setting Description Factory Default

Auto Allows the port to use the IEEE 802.3u protocol to negotiate

100M-Full Choose one of these fixed speed options if the opposing

100M-Half

10M-Full

10M-Half

-network is wreaking havoc on the rest of the network, the Disable

gives the administrator a quick way to shut off access through this port

None

remembering important information about the port.

E.g., PLC 1

Auto

with connected devices. The port and connected devices will

determine the best speed for that connection.

Ethernet device has trouble auto-negotiating line speed.

FDX Flow Ctrl.

This setting enables or disables the flow control capability of this port when the port transmission speed

setting is in auto mode. The final result will be determined by the “auto” process between the NPort S8000 and

connected devices.

Setting Description Factory Default

Enable Enables flow control for this port when in auto-negotiate mode. Disable

NPort S8000 Series Switch Featured Functions

7-3

Choose the MDI or MDIX option if the opposing Ethernet device

MDIX

MDI/MDIX

Setting Description Factory Default

Auto Allows the port to auto detect the port type of the opposing

Ethernet device and change the port type accordingly.

MDI

has trouble auto-negotiating port type.

Auto

Port Trunking

Using Port Trunking

Link Aggregation allows one or more links to be aggregated together to form a Link Aggregation Group. A MAC

client can treat Link Aggregation Groups as if they were a single link.

NPort S8000’s Port Trunking feature allows devices to communicate by aggregating up to two trunk groups on

the NPort S8000. If one of the ports fails, the other ports in the same trunk group will provide back up and share

the traffic automatically.

The Port Trunking Concept

Moxa has developed a proprietary Port Trunking protocol that provides the following benefits:

• Gives you more flexibility in setting up your network connections, since the bandwidth of a link can be

doubled, tripled, or quadrupled.

• Provides redundancy—if one link is broken, the remaining trunked ports share the traffic within this trunk

group.

• Load sharing—MAC Client traffic may be distributed across multiple links.

• To avoid broadcast storms or loops in your network while configuring a trunk, first disable or disconnect all

ports that you want to add to the trunk or remove from the trunk. After you finish configuring the trunk,

enable or re-connect the ports.

If all ports on both switches are configured as 100BASE-TX and they are operating in full duplex, the potential

bandwidth of the connection will be up to 1 Gbps on an NPort S8000- switching device server. This means that

users can connect one NPort S8000 to another NPort S8000 by port trunking to double, triple, or quadruple the

bandwidth of the connection.

When configuring Port Trunking, note that:

Each NPort S8000 can set a maximum of two Port Trunking groups (designated Trk1, Trk2).

When you activate Port Trunking settings, some advanced functions that you setup with the original ports will

either be set to factory default values, or disabled:

• Communication Redundancy will be set to the factory default

• Traffic Prioritization will be set to the factory default

• Port-based VLAN or 802.1Q VLAN will be set to the factory default

• Multicast Filtering will be set to the factory default

• Rate Limiting will be set to the factory default

• Port Access Control will be set to the factory default

• Email and Relay Warning will be set to the factory default

• Set Device IP will be set to the factory default

• Mirror Port will be set to the factory default

• You can setup these features again on your Trunking Port.

NPort S8000 Series Switch Featured Functions

7-4

Setting

Description

Factory Default

The Port Trunking Settings page is used to assign ports to a Trunk Group.

1. Select Trk1, Trk2 from the Trunk Group drop-down box.

2. Select Static, or LACP from the Trunk Type drop-down box.

3. Under Member Ports and Available Ports, select the specific ports.

4. Use the Up / Down buttons to add/remove designated ports to/from a trunk group.

Trunk Group (Maximum of 2 trunk groups on NPort S8000

Setting Description Factory Default

Trk1, Trk2 on NPort

S8000

Trunk Type

Setting Description Factory Default

Static Designated Moxa proprietary trunking protocol Static

LACP Designated LACP (IEEE 802.3ad, Link Aggregation Control

Available Ports/Member Port

Member/Available

Ports

Check box Check to designate which ports to add or remove. Unchecked

Port Port number N/A

Port description Displays the media type for each module’s port N/A

Name Max. 63 Characters N/A

Speed Indicates the transmission speed (100M-Full, 100M-Half,

FDX Flow Control Indicates if the FDX flow control of this port is “Enabled” or

Up Add designated ports into trunk group from available ports. N/A

Down Remove designated ports from trunk group to available port. N/A

Display or designate the Trunk Type and Member Ports for

Trunk Groups 1, 2

Protocol)

Use Up/Down buttons to add/remove specific ports from

available ports to/from trunk group.

10M-Full, or 10M-Half)

“Disabled.”

Trk1

Static

N/A

NPort S8000 Series Switch Featured Functions

7-5

NOTE

Most of Moxa’s managed switches now

“Turbo Ring” refers to the original version of Moxa’s proprietary redundant ring protocol, which has a recovery

time of under 300 ms.

“Turbo Ring V2” refers to the new generation Turbo Ring, which has a recover

In this manual, we use the terminology “Turbo Ring” ring and “Turbo Ring V2” ring to differentiate between

rings configured for one or the other of these protocols.

For each NPort S8000 in the ring, select any two ports as

Communication Redundancy

Using Communication Redundancy

Setting up Communication Redundancy on your network helps protect critical links against failure, protects

against network loops, and keeps network downtime at a minimum.

The Communication Redundancy function allows the user to set up redundant loops in the network to provide

a backup data transmission route in the event that a cable is inadvertently disconnected or damaged. This

feature is particularly important for industrial applications, since it could take several minutes to locate the

disconnected or severed cable. For example, if the NPort S8000 is used as a key communications component

of a production line, several minutes of downtime could result in a big loss in production and revenue. The NPort

S8000 supports three different protocols to support this communication redundancy function— Rapid

Spanning Tree/ Spanning Tree Protocol (IEEE 802.1W/1D), Turbo Ring, and Turbo Ring V2.

When configuring a redundant ring, all NPort S8000s on the same ring must be configured to use the same

redundancy protocol. You cannot mix the “Turbo Ring,” “Turbo Ring V2,” and RSTP protocols on the same ring.

The following table lists the key differences between each feature. Use this information to evaluate the benefits

of each, and then determine which features are most suitable for your network.

Turbo Ring V2 Turbo Ring RSTP

Topology Ring Ring Ring, Mesh

Recovery Time < 20 ms < 300 ms Up to 5 sec

The Turbo Ring Concept

Moxa developed the proprietary Turbo Ring protocol to optimize communication redundancy and achieve a

faster recovery time on the network.

The Turbo Ring and Turbo Ring V2 protocols identify one NPort S8000 as the master of the network, and then

automatically block packets from traveling through any of the network’s redundant loops. In the event that one

branch of the ring gets disconnected from the rest of the network, the protocol automatically readjusts the ring

so that the part of the network that was disconnected can reestablish contact with the rest of the network.

Initial setup of a “Turbo Ring” or “Turbo Ring V2” ring

support two proprietary Turbo Ring protocols:

y time of under 20 ms.

the redundant ports.

2. Connect redundant ports on neighboring NPort S8000 or

switches to form the redundant ring.

NPort S8000 Series Switch Featured Functions

7-6

If there are 2N

Ring”

, then the backup segment is one of the two segments

connected to the (N+1)

unit directly opposite the

If there are 2N+1

(an odd number) in the “Turbo

Ring”

counterclockwise, then segment N+1 will serve

path.

For the example shown here, N=1, so that N+1=2.

The user does not need to configure any of the NPort S8000 or switches as the master to use Turbo Ring or

Turbo Ring V2. If none of the NPort S8000 switches in the ring is configured as the master, then the protocol

will automatically assign master status to one of the switches. In fact, the master is only used to identify which

segment in the redundant ring acts as the backup path. In the following subsections, we explain how the

redundant path is selected for rings configured for Turbo Ring and Turbo Ring V2.

Determining the Redundant Path of a “Turbo Ring” Ring

In this case, the redundant segment (i.e., the segment that will be blocked during normal operation) is

determined by the number of NPort S8000 that make up the ring, and where the ring master is located.

“Turbo Ring” rings with an even number of NPort S8000

NPort S8000 (an even number) in the “Turbo

ring

st NPort S8000 (i.e., the NPort S8000

master).

“Turbo Ring” rings with an odd number of NPort S8000

NPort S8000

ring, with NPort S8000 and segments labeled

as the backup

NPort S8000 Series Switch Featured Functions

7-7

For a

connected to the

See

Configuring “Turbo Ring”

and “Turbo Ring V2”

ATTENTION

join all VLANs,

ts of different VLANs to different

NPort S8000.

Determining the Redundant Path of a “Turbo Ring V2” Ring

“Turbo Ring V2” ring, the backup segment is the segme

second redundant port on the master.

Configuring “Turbo Ring V2” in the

section below.

Ring Coupling Configuration

For some systems, it may not be convenient to connect all devices in the system to create one BIG redundant

ring, since some devices could be located in a remote area. For these systems, “Ring Coupling” can be used to

separate the devices into different smaller redundant rings, but in such a way that they can still communicate

with each other.

a VLAN environment, the user must set “Redundant Port,” “Coupling Port,” and “Coupling Control Port”

since these ports act as the “backbone” to transmit all packe

Ring Coupling for a “Turbo Ring” Ring

To configure the Ring Coupling function for a “Turbo Ring” ring, select two NPort S8000 (e.g., Switch A and B

in the above figure) in the ring, and another two NPort S8000 in the adjacent ring (e.g., Switch C and D).

Decide which two ports in each switch are appropriate to be used as coupling ports, and then link them together.

Next, assign one switch (e.g., Switch A) to be the “coupler,” and connect the coupler’s coupling control port

with Switch B (for this example).

The coupler switch (i.e., Switch A) will monitor switch B through the coupling control port to determine whether

or not the coupling port’s backup path should be recovered.

NPort S8000 Series Switch Featured Functions

7-8

ATTENTION

Ring Coupling only needs to be enabled on one of the switches serving as the Ring Coupler. The Coupler must

designate different ports as the two Turbo Ring ports and the

NOTE

You do not need to use the same NPort S8000 unit for both Ring Coupling and Ring Master.

Ring Coupling for a “Turbo Ring V2” Ring

Note that the ring coupling settings for a “Turbo Ring V2” ring are different from a “Turbo Ring” ring. For Turbo

Ring V2, Ring Coupling is enabled by configuring the “Coupling Port (Primary)” on Switch B, and the “Coupling

Port (Backup)” on Switch A only. You do not need to set up a coupling control port, so that a “Turbo Ring V2”

ring does not use a coupling control line.

The “Coupling Port (Backup)” on Switch A is used for the backup path, and connects directly to an extra

network port on Switch C. The “Coupling Port (Primary)” on Switch B monitors the status of the main path, and

connects directly to an extra network port on Switch D. With ring coupling established, Switch A can activate

the backup path as soon as it detects a problem with the main path.

coupling port.

Dual-Ring Configuration (applies only to “Turbo Ring V2”)

The “dual-ring” option provides another ring coupling configuration, in which two adjacent rings share one

switch. This type of configuration is ideal for applications that have inherent cabling difficulties.

Dual-Ring for a “Turbo Ring V2” Ring

NPort S8000 Series Switch Featured Functions

7-9

NOTE

The user does not need to set the master to use Turbo Ring. If no master is set, the Turbo Ring protocol will

assign master status to one of the NPort S8000 in the ring. The master is only used to determine which

segment serves as the backup path.

Dual-Homing Configuration (applies only to “Turbo Ring V2”)

The “dual-homing” option uses a single Ethernet switch to connect two networks. The primary path is the

operating connection, and the backup path is a backup connection that is activated in the event that the

primary path connection fails.

Dual-Homing for a “Turbo Ring V2” Ring

Configuring “Turbo Ring” and “Turbo Ring V2”

Use the Communication Redundancy page to configure select “Turbo Ring” or “Turbo Ring V2.” Note that

configuration pages for these two protocols are different.

Configuring “Turbo Ring”

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Disabled

Do not select this NPort S8000 as Master

Select any port of the NPort S8000 to be one of the redundant

Disable

Do not select this NPort S8000 as Coupler

Redundancy Protocol

Setting Description Factory Default

Turbo Ring Select this item to change to the Turbo Ring configuration page. Turbo Ring V2

Turbo Ring V2 Select this item to change to the Turbo Ring V2 configuration

page.

RSTP (IEEE

802.1W/1D)

Set as Master

Setting Description Factory Default

Enabled Select this NPort S8000 as Master Not checked

Redundant Ports

Setting Description Factory Default

1st Port

2nd Port

Enable Ring Coupling

Setting Description Factory Default

Enable Select this NPort S8000 as Coupler Not checked

Select this item to change to the RSTP configuration page.

Port 4

ports.

Port 5

ports.

Coupling Port

Setting Description Factory Default

Coupling Port Select any port of the NPort S8000 to be the coupling port port 2

Coupling Control Port

Setting Description Factory Default

Coupling Control Port Select any port of the NPort S8000 to be the coupling control

port

port 3

Configuring “Turbo Ring V2”

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NOTE

When using the Dual

and Ring 2. In this case,

the status of both rings will appear under “Current Status.”

NOTE

The user does not need to set the master to use Turbo Ring. If no master is set, the Turbo Ring protocol will

assign master status to one of the NPort S8000 in

segment serves as the backup path.

Setting

Description

Factory Default

the redundant

Select any port of the NPort S8000 to be one of the redundant

Setting

Description

Factory Default

(backup)

configuration page

Redundancy Protocol

Setting Description Factory Default

Turbo Ring Select this item to change to the Turbo Ring configuration page. RSTP

Turbo Ring V2 Select this item to change to the Turbo Ring V2 configuration

RSTP (IEEE

802.1W/1D)

Enable Ring 1

Setting Description Factory Default

Enabled Enable the Ring 1 settings Not checked

Disabled Disable the Ring 1 settings

Enable Ring 2*

-Ring architecture, users must configure settings for both Ring 1

the ring. The master is only used to determine which

page.

Select this item to change to the RSTP configuration page.

Enabled Enable the Ring 2 settings Not checked

Disabled Disable the Ring 2 settings

*You should enable both Ring 1 and Ring 2 when using the Dual-Ring architecture.

Set as Master

Setting Description Factory Default

Enabled Select this NPort S8000 as Master Not checked

Disabled Do not select this NPort S8000 as Master

Redundant Ports

Setting Description Factory Default

1st Port Select any port of the NPort S8000 to be one of

ports.

2nd Port

ports.

Enable Ring Coupling

Enable Select this NPort S8000 as Coupler Not checked

Disable Do not select this NPort S8000 as Coupler

Coupling Mode

Setting Description Factory Default

Dual Homing Select this item to change to the Dual Homing configuration

page

Ring Coupling

Select this item to change to the Ring Coupling (backup)

Ring 1: port 4

Ring 2: port 5

Ring 1: port 2

Ring 2: port 3

Primary Port: port

Backup Port: port

Coupling Port : Port

Ring Coupling

(primary)

Select this item to change to the Ring Coupling (primary)

configuration page

Coupling Port : Port

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Primary/Backup Port

Setting Description Factory Default

Primary Port Select any port of the NPort S8000 to be the primary port. port 2

Backup Port Select any port of the NPort S8000 to be the backup port. port 3

The Turbo Chain Concept

Moxa’s Turbo Chain is an advanced software technology that gives network administrators the flexibility of

constructing any type of redundant network topology. When using the chain concept, you first connect the

Ethernet switches in a chain and then simply link the two ends of the chain to an Ethernet network, as

illustrated in the following figure.

Turbo Chain can be used on industrial networks that have a complex topology. If the industrial network uses a

multi-ring architecture, Turbo Chain can be used to create flexible and scalable topologies with a fast

media-recovery time.

Setting up Turbo Chain

1. Select the Head, Tail, and Member switches.

2. Configure one port as the Head port and one port as the Member port in the Head switch, configure one port

as the Tail port and one port as the Member port in the Tail switch, and configure two ports as Member ports

in each of the Member switches.

3. Connect the Head, Tail, and Member switches as shown in the diagram.

The path connecting to the Head port is the main path, and the path connecting to the Tail port is the backup

path of the Turbo Chain. Under normal conditions, packets are transmitted through the Head Port to the LAN

Network. If any Turbo Chain path is disconnected, the Tail Port will be activated to continue packet

transmission.

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Configuring “Turbo Chain”

Head Switch Configuration

Member Switch Configuration

Tail Switch Configuration

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EDS-508A: port 7

Current Status

Now Active

Shows which communication protocol is in use: Turbo Ring, Turbo Ring V2, RSTP, Turbo Chain or None.

The “Ports Status” indicators show Forwarding for normal transmission, Blocked if this port is connected to

the Tail port as a backup path and the path is blocked, and Link down if there is no connection.

Settings

Redundancy Protocol

Setting Description Factory Default

Turbo Ring Select this item to change to the Turbo Ring configuration page. None

Turbo Ring V2 Select this item to change to the Turbo Ring V2 configuration

page.

Turbo Chain Select this item to change to the Turbo Chain configuration

page

RSTP (IEEE

802.1W/1D)

None Ring redundancy is not active

Role

Setting Description Factory Default

Head Select this EDS as Head Switch Member

Member Select this EDS as Member Switch

Tail Select this EDS as Tail Switch

Select this item to change to the RSTP configuration page.

Head Role

Setting Description Factory Default

Head Port Select any port of the EDS to be the head port. EDS-505A: port 4

Member Port Select any port of the EDS to be the member port. EDS-505A: port 5

Member Role

Setting Description Factory Default

1st Member port Select any port of the EDS to be the 1st member port EDS-505A: port 4

2nd Member port Select any port of the EDS to be the 2nd member port EDS-505A: port 5

Tail Role

Setting Description Factory Default

Tail Port Select any port of the EDS to be the tail port. EDS-505A: port 4

Member Port Select any port of the EDS to be the member port. EDS-505A: port 5

EDS-508A: port 7

EDS-508A: port 8

EDS-508A: port 7

EDS-508A: port 8

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NOTE

The STP protocol is part of the IEEE Std 802.1D, 1998 Edition bridge specification. The following explanation

uses bridge instead of switch.

Bridge B

Bridge C

LAN 1

LAN 2

LAN 3

Bridge A

STP/RSTP

The STP/RSTP Concept

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) was designed to help reduce link failures in a network and provide protection

from loops. Networks that have a complicated architecture are prone to broadcast storms caused by

unintended loops in the network. The NPort S8000’s STP feature is disabled by default. To be completely

effective, you must enable RSTP/STP on every NPort S8000 connected to your network.

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) implements the Spanning Tree Algorithm and Protocol defined by IEEE

Std 802.1w-2001. RSTP provides the following benefits:

• The topology of a bridged network will be determined much more quickly compared to STP.

• RSTP is backward compatible with STP, making it relatively easy to deploy. For example:

 Defaults to sending 802.1D style BPDUs if packets with this format are received.

 STP (802.1D) and RSTP (802.1w) can operate on different ports of the same NPort S8000. This feature

is particularly helpful when the NPort S8000’s ports connect to older equipment, such as legacy

switches.

You get essentially the same functionality with RSTP and STP. To see how the two systems differ, see the

Differences between RSTP and STP section in this chapter.

What is STP?

STP (802.1D) is a bridge-based system that is used to implement parallel paths for network traffic. STP uses a

loop-detection process to:

• Locate and then disable less efficient paths (i.e., paths that have a lower bandwidth).

• Enable one of the less efficient paths if the most efficient path fails.

The figure below shows a network made up of three LANs separated by three bridges. Each segment uses at

most two paths to communicate with the other segments. Since this configuration can give rise to loops, the

network will overload if STP is NOT enabled.

If STP is enabled, it will detect duplicate paths and prevent, or block, one of them from forwarding traffic. In the

following example, STP determined that traffic from LAN segment 2 to LAN segment 1 should flow through

Bridges C and A because this path has a greater bandwidth and is therefore more efficient.

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Bridge B

Bridge C

LAN 1

LAN 2

LAN 3

Bridge A

Bridge B

Bridge C

LAN 1

LAN 2

LAN 3

Bridge A

What happens if a link failure is detected? As shown in next figure, the STP process reconfigures the network

so that traffic from LAN segment 2 flows through Bridge B.

STP will determine which path between each bridged segment is most efficient, and then assigns a specific

reference point on the network. When the most efficient path has been identified, the other paths are blocked.

In the previous three figures, STP first determined that the path through Bridge C was the most efficient, and

as a result, blocked the path through Bridge B. After the failure of Bridge C, STP re-evaluated the situation and

opened the path through Bridge B.

How STP Works

When enabled, STP determines the most appropriate path for traffic through a network. The way it does this is

outlined in the sections below.

STP Requirements

Before STP can configure the network, the system must satisfy the following requirements:

 Communication between all the bridges. This communication is carried out using Bridge Protocol Data Units

(BPDUs), which are transmitted in packets with a known multicast address.

 Each bridge must have a Bridge Identifier that specifies which bridge acts as the central reference point, or

Root Bridge, for the STP system—bridges with a lower Bridge Identifier are more likely to be designated as

the Root Bridge. The Bridge Identifier is calculated using the MAC address of the bridge and a priority

defined for the bridge. The default priority of the NPort S8000 is 32768.

 Each port has a cost that specifies the efficiency of each link. The efficiency cost is usually determined by

the bandwidth of the link, with less efficient links assigned a higher cost. The following table shows the

default port costs for a switch:

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Port Speed Path Cost 802.1D, 1998 Edition Path Cost 802.1w, 2001

10 Mbps 100 2,000,000

100 Mbps 19 200,000

1000 Mbps 4 20,000

STP Calculation

The first step of the STP process is to perform calculations. During this stage, each bridge on the network

transmits BPDUs. The following items will be calculated:

• Which bridge should be the Root Bridge. The Root Bridge is the central reference point from which the

network is configured.

• The Root Path Costs for each bridge. This is the cost of the paths from each bridge to the Root Bridge.

• The identity of each bridge’s Root Port. The Root Port is the port on the bridge that connects to the Root

Bridge via the most efficient path. In other words, the port connected to the Root Bridge via the path with

the lowest Root Path Cost. The Root Bridge, however, does not have a Root Port.

• The identity of the Designated Bridge for each LAN segment. The Designated Bridge is the bridge with the

lowest Root Path Cost from that segment. If several bridges have the same Root Path Cost, the one with the

lowest Bridge Identifier becomes the Designated Bridge. Traffic transmitted in the direction of the Root

Bridge will flow through the Designated Bridge. The port on this bridge that connects to the segment is

called the Designated Bridge Port.

STP Configuration

After all the bridges on the network agree on the identity of the Root Bridge, and all other relevant parameters

have been established, each bridge is configured to forward traffic only between its Root Port and the

Designated Bridge Ports for the respective network segments. All other ports are blocked, which means that

they will not be allowed to receive or forward traffic.

STP Reconfiguration

Once the network topology has stabilized, each bridge listens for Hello BPDUs transmitted from the Root Bridge

at regular intervals. If a bridge does not receive a Hello BPDU after a certain interval (the Max Age time), the

bridge assumes that the Root Bridge, or a link between itself and the Root Bridge, has gone down. This will

trigger the bridge to reconfigure the network to account for the change. If you have configured an SNMP trap

destination, when the topology of your network changes, the first bridge to detect the change sends out an

SNMP trap.

Differences between RSTP and STP

RSTP is similar to STP, but includes additional information in the BPDUs that allow each bridge to confirm that

it has taken action to prevent loops from forming when it decides to enable a link to a neighboring bridge.

Adjacent bridges connected via point-to-point links will be able to enable a link without waiting to ensure that

all other bridges in the network have had time to react to the change. The main benefit of RSTP is that the

configuration decision is made locally rather than network-wide, allowing RSTP to carry out automatic

configuration and restore a link faster than STP.

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STP Example

The LAN shown in the following figure has three segments, with adjacent segments connected using two

possible links. The various STP factors, such as Cost, Root Port, Designated Bridge Port, and Blocked Port are

shown in the figure.

• Bridge A has been selected as the Root Bridge since it was determined to have the lowest Bridge Identifier

on the network.

• Since Bridge A is the Root Bridge, it is also the Designated Bridge for LAN segment 1. Port 1 on Bridge A is

selected as the Designated Bridge Port for LAN Segment 1.

• Ports 1 of Bridges B, C, X, and Y are all Root Ports since they are nearest to the Root Bridge, and therefore

have the most efficient path.

• Bridges B and X offer the same Root Path Cost for LAN segment 2. However, Bridge B was selected as the

Designated Bridge for that segment since it has a lower Bridge Identifier. Port 2 on Bridge B is selected as

the Designated Bridge Port for LAN Segment 2.

• Bridge C is the Designated Bridge for LAN segment 3, because it has the lowest Root Path Cost for LAN

Segment 3:

 The route through Bridges C and B costs 200 (C to B=100, B to A=100)

 he route through Bridges Y and B costs 300 (Y to B=200, B to A=100)Item 3.3

• The Designated Bridge Port for LAN Segment 3 is Port 2 on Bridge C.

Using STP on a Network with Multiple VLANs

IEEE Std 802.1D, 1998 Edition, does not take into account VLANs when calculating STP information—the

calculations only depend on the physical connections. Consequently, some network configurations will result in

VLANs being subdivided into a number of isolated sections by the STP system. You must ensure that every

VLAN configuration on your network takes into account the expected STP topology and alternative topologies

that may result from link failures.

The following figure shows an example of a network that contains VLANs 1 and 2. The VLANs are connected

using the 802.1Q-tagged link between Switch B and Switch C. By default, this link has a port cost of 100 and

is automatically blocked because the other Switch-to-Switch connections have a port cost of 36 (18+18). This

means that both VLANs are now subdivided—VLAN 1 on Switch units A and B cannot communicate with VLAN

1 on Switch C, and VLAN 2 on Switch units A and C cannot communicate with VLAN 2 on Switch B.

To avoid subdividing VLANs, all inter-switch connections should be made members of all available 802.1Q

VLANs. This will ensure connectivity at all times. For example, the connections between Switches A and B, and

between Switches A and C should be 802.1Q tagged and carrying VLANs 1 and 2 to ensure connectivity.

See the “Configuring Virtual LANs” section for more information about VLAN Tagging.

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The root of the Spanning Tree topology periodically sends out a

“hello” message to other devices on the network to check if the

topology is healthy. The “hello time” is the amount of time the

The amount of time this device waits before checking to see if it

Configuring STP/RSTP

The following figures indicate which Spanning Tree Protocol parameters can be configured. A more detailed

explanation of each parameter follows.

Redundancy Protocol

Setting Description Factory Default

Turbo Ring Select this item to change to the Turbo Ring configuration page.

Turbo Ring 2 Select this item to change to the Turbo Ring 2 configuration

page.

RSTP (IEEE

802.1W/1D)

Bridge priority

Setting Description Factory Default

Numerical value

selected by user

Hello time (sec.)

Setting Description Factory Default

Numerical value input

by user

Select this item to change to the RSTP configuration page. default

Increase this device’s bridge priority by selecting a lower

number. A device with a higher bridge priority has a greater

chance of being established as the root of the Spanning Tree

topology.

root waits between sending hello messages.

32768

Forwarding Delay

Setting Description Factory Default

Numerical value input

by user

should change to a different state.

15 (sec.)

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NOTE

We suggest not enabling the Spanning Tree Protocol once the port is connected to a device (PLC, RTU, etc.) as

opposed to network equipment. The reason is that it will cause unnecessary negotiation.

cost to indicate that this port is less suitable as a

Max. Age (sec.)

Setting Description Factory Default

Numerical value input

by user

Enable RSTP per Port

Setting Description Factory Default

Enable/Disable Select to enable the port as a node on the Spanning Tree

Port Priority

Setting Description Factory Default

Numerical value

selected by user

If this device is not the root, and it has not received a hello

message from the root in an amount of time equal to “Max.

Age,” then this device will reconfigure itself as a root. Once two

or more devices on the network are recognized as a root, the

devices will renegotiate to set up a new Spanning Tree

topology.

Increase this port’s priority as a node on the Spanning Tree

topology by entering a lower number.

Disabled

128

Port Cost

Setting Description Factory Default

Numerical value input

by user

Input a higher

node for the Spanning Tree topology.

Configuration Limits of STP/RSTP

The Spanning Tree Algorithm places limits on three of the configuration items described previously:

[Eq. 1]: 1 sec ≦ Hello Time ≦ 10 sec

[Eq. 2]: 6 sec ≦ Max. Age ≦ 40 sec

[Eq. 3]: 4 sec ≦ Forwarding Delay ≦ 30 sec

These three variables are further restricted by the following two inequalities:

[Eq. 4]: 2 * (Hello Time + 1 sec) ≦ Max. Age ≦ 2 * (Forwarding Delay – 1 sec)

The NPort S8000’s firmware will alert you immediately if any of these restrictions are violated. For example,

setting

Hello Time = 5 sec, Max. Age = 20 sec, and Forwarding Delay = 4 sec does not violate Eqs. 1 through 3, but

does violate Eq. 4, since in this case,

2 * (Hello Time + 1 sec) = 12 sec, and 2 * (Forwarding Delay – 1 sec) = 6 sec.

200000

You can remedy the situation in many ways. One solution is simply to increase the Forwarding Delay value to

at least 11 sec.

HINT: Perform the following steps to avoid guessing:

Step 1: Assign a value to “Hello Time” and then calculate the left most part of Eq. 4 to get the lower limit of

“Max. Age”.

Step 2: Assign a value to “Forwarding Delay” and then calculate the right most part of Eq. 4 to get the upper

limit for “Max. Age”.

Step 3: Assign a value to “Forwarding Delay” that satisfies the conditions in Eq. 3 and Eq. 4.

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Bandwidth Management

Using Bandwidth Management

In general, one host should not be allowed to occupy unlimited bandwidth, particularly when the device

malfunctions. For example, so-called “broadcast storms” could be caused by an incorrectly configured topology,

or a malfunctioning device. The NPort S8000 not only prevents broadcast storms, but can also be configured to

a different ingress rate for all packets, giving administrators full control of their limited bandwidth to prevent

undesirable effects caused by unpredictable faults.

Configuring Bandwidth Management

Traffic Rate Limiting Settings

Ingress

Setting Description Factory Default

Ingress rate Select the ingress rate for all packets from the following

options: not limited, 128K, 256K, 512K, 1M, 2M, 4M, 8M

Line Swap Fast Recovery

Using Line-Swap-Fast-Recovery

The Line-Swap Fast Recovery function, which is enabled by default, allows the NPort S8000 to return to normal

operation extremely quickly after devices are unplugged and then re-plugged into different ports. The recovery

time is on the order of a few milliseconds (compare this with standard commercial switches for which the

recovery time could be on the order of several minutes).

N/A

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Configuring Line-Swap Fast Recovery

To disable the Line-Swap Fast Recovery function, or to re-enable the function after it has already been disabled,

access either the Console utility’s Line-Swap recovery page, or the Web Browser interface’s Line-Swap fast

recovery page, as the following figure shows:

Enable Line-Swap-Fast-Recovery

Setting Description Factory Default

Enable/Disable Select this option to enable the Line-Swap-Fast-Recovery

function

Ethernet Advanced Settings

Ethernet Traffic Prioritization

Using Traffic Prioritization

The NPort S8000’s traffic prioritization capability provides Quality of Service (QoS) to your network by making

data delivery more reliable. You can prioritize traffic on your network to ensure that high priority data is

transmitted with minimum delay. Traffic can be controlled by a set of rules to obtain the required Quality of

Service for your network. The rules define different types of traffic and specify how each type should be treated

as it passes through the switch. The NPort S8000 can inspect both IEEE 802.1p/1Q layer 2 CoS tags, and even

layer 3 TOS information to provide consistent classification of the entire network. The NPort S8000’s QoS

capability improves the performance and determinism of industrial networks for mission-critical applications.

Enable

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Best Effort (default)

The Traffic Prioritization Concept

What is Traffic Prioritization?

Traffic prioritization allows you to prioritize data so that time-sensitive and system-critical data can be

transferred smoothly and with minimal delay over a network. The benefits of using traffic prioritization are:

• Improve network performance by controlling a wide variety of traffic and managing congestion.

• Assign priorities to different categories of traffic. For example, set higher priorities for time-critical or

business-critical applications.

• Provide predictable throughput for multimedia applications, such as video conferencing or voice over IP,

and minimize traffic delay and jitter.

• Improve network performance as the amount of traffic grows. This will save cost by reducing the need to

keep adding bandwidth to the network.

How Traffic Prioritization Works

Traffic prioritization uses the four traffic queues that are present in your NPort S8000 to ensure that

high-priority traffic is forwarded on a different queue from lower priority traffic. This is what provides Quality of

Service (QoS) to your network.

NPort S8000 traffic prioritization depends on two industry-standard methods:

• IEEE 802.1D—a layer 2 marking scheme.

• Differentiated Services (DiffServ)—a layer 3 marking scheme.

IEEE 802.1D Traffic Marking

The IEEE Std 802.1D, 1998 Edition marking scheme, which is an enhancement to IEEE Std 802.1D, enables

Quality of Service on the LAN. Traffic service levels are defined in the IEEE 802.1Q 4-byte tag, which is used to

carry VLAN identification as well as IEEE 802.1p priority information. The 4-byte tag immediately follows the

destination MAC address and Source MAC address.

The IEEE Std 802.1D, 1998 Edition priority marking scheme assigns an IEEE 802.1p priority level between 0

and 7 to each frame. This determines the level of service that that type of traffic should receive. Refer to the

table below for an example of how different traffic types can be mapped to the eight IEEE 802.1p priority levels.

IEEE 802.1p Priority Level IEEE 802.1D Traffic Type

1 Background

2 Standard (spare)

3 Excellent Effort (business critical)

4 Controlled Load (streaming multimedia)

5 Video (interactive media); less than 100 milliseconds of latency and jitter

6 Voice (interactive voice); less than 10 milliseconds of latency and jitter

7 Network Control Reserved traffic

Even though the IEEE 802.1D standard is the most widely used prioritization scheme in the LAN environment,

it still has some restrictions:

• It requires an additional 4-byte tag in the frame, which is normally optional in Ethernet networks. Without

this tag, the scheme cannot work.

• The tag is part of the IEEE 802.1Q header, so to implement QoS at layer 2, the entire network must

implement IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging.

It is only supported on a LAN and not routed across WAN links, since the IEEE 802.1Q tags are removed when

the packets pass through a router.

Moxa Technologies NPort S8455I, NPort S8455I-MM-SC, NPort S8455I-MM-SC-T, NPort S8455I-T, NPort S8455I-SS-SC User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

1. Introduction

Overview

Industrial Communications and Automation

Industrial vs. Commercial

Informative vs. Passive

Package Checklist

Standard Accessories

Optional Accessories

Product Features

2. Getting Started

Panel Layout

Dimensions

NPort S8455 Series

NPort S8458 Series

Connecting the Hardware

Wiring Requirements

Connecting the Power

Connecting to the Network

Connecting to a Serial Device

LED Indicators

Wiring the Relay Contact

Wiring the Digital Inputs

3. Initial IP Address Configuration

Static and Dynamic IP Addresses

Factory Default IP Address

Configuration Options

Device Search Utility

Web Console

SSH Console

Serial Console

4. Choosing the Serial Operation Mode

Overview

Real COM Mode

RFC2217 Mode

TCP Server Mode

TCP Client Mode

UDP Mode

Disabled Mode

Overview

Device Search Utility

Installing the Device Search Utility

Find a Specific NPort on the Ethernet Network via the DSU

Opening Your Browser

Configure Operation Mode to Real COM Mode

NPort Windows Driver Manager

Installing the NPort Windows Driver Manager

Using NPort Windows Driver Manager

Configure the mapped COM ports with Advanced Functions

Linux Real TTY Drivers

Basic Procedures

Hardware Setup

Installing Linux Real TTY Driver Files

Mapping TTY Ports

Mapping tty ports automatically

Mapping tty ports manually

Removing Mapped TTY Ports

Removing Linux Driver Files

The UNIX Fixed TTY Driver

Installing the UNIX Driver

Configuring the UNIX Driver

Modify the configuration

Device naming rule

Starting moxattyd

Adding an additional server

Basic Settings

General Settings

Server name

Server Location

Server Description

Maintainer contact info

Time Settings

Time

Current Time

Current Date

Daylight Saving Time

Start Date