Serial-Ethernet Device Server User’s Guide

Index

 

 

1.      Introduction …………………………………………………………………………………      3

1.1    Protocol Support …………………………………………………………………………….      4

1.2    Serial Interface ………………………………………………………………………………       4

1.3    Ethernet Interface…………………………………………………………………………….      5

1.4    LED’s ……………………………………………………………………………………........     5

2.     Unpacking ……………………………………………………………………………………     6

3.     Getting Started …………………………………………………………………………….…     7

3.1    Addresses and Port Number ………………………………………………………………       7

3.2    Methods of Assigning the IP Address …………………………………………………       8

3.2.1 ARP and Telnet ………………………………………………………………………………     10

3.2.2 Serial Port Login ……………………………………………………………   ………………..   11

3.3    Configuring via Web Browser ………………………………………….………………..     12

3.3.1 Unit Configuration …………………………………………………………..………………..     13

3.3.2 Server Properties …………………………………………………………..………………..      14

3.3.3 Port Properties ……………………………………………………………………………….     14

3.3.4 Factory Settings1 …………………………………………………………..………………..     17

3.3.5 Update Settings …………………………………………………………………………….       17

4.     Using a Telnet Connection …………………………………………………………………      17

4.1    Server Configuration (Network Configuration) ……………………………………………       17

4.2    IP Address ……………………………………………………………………………………      18

4.3    Set Gateway IP Address ……………………………………………………………………     18

4.4    Netmask: Number of Bits for Host Part …………………………………………………...     18

4.5    Change Telnet configuration password …………………………………………………...      18

4.6    DHCP Naming ………………………………………………….........................................  18

5.     Channel 1 Configuration (Serial Port Parameters) …………........................................  19

5.1    Baudrate ………………………………………………………………………………………     19

5.2    I/F (Interface) Mode …………………………………………………………………………       19

5.3    Flow ……………………………………………………………………………………………     20

5.4    Port Number …………………………………………………………………………………       20

5.5    Connect Mode ……………………………………………………………………………….      21

5.6    Remote IP Address ………………………………………………………………………….     26

5.7    Remote Port ………………………………………………………………………………….      26

5.8    DisConnMode  ……………………………………………………………………………….     27

5.9    Flush Mode (Buffer Flushing) ……………………………………………………………….     27

5.10  Pack Control   ……………………………………………………………………………….     27

5.11  DisConnTime (Inactivity Timeout) ………………………………………………………….      28

5.12  Send Characters …………………………………………………………………………….      28

5.13  Telnet Terminal Type ……………………………………………………………………….       28

5.14  Channel (Port) Password ……………………………………………………………………     28

6.     Expert Settings ………………………………………………………………………….   ……. 28

6.1    TCP Keepalive time in seconds ……………………………………………………….   ……. 29

6.2    ARP Cache timeout in seconds ……………………………………………………….   ……. 29

7.     Security Settings ……………………………………………………………………………..    29

7.1    Disable SNMP ………………………………………………………………………………..     29

7.2    SNMP Community Name …………………………………………………………………….    29

7.3    Disable Telnet Setup …………………………………………………………………………     30

7.4    Disable TFTP Firmware Upgrade……………………………………………………………     30

7.5    Disable Port 77FE (Hex) ……………………………………………………………………..    30

7.6    Disable Web Server ………………………………………………………………………….     30

7.7    Disable ECHO Ports ………………………………………………………………………….    30

7.8    Enable Encryption …………………………………………………………………………….    30

7.9    Enable Enhanced Password………………………………………………………………….    31

8.     Factory Defaults……………………………………………………………………………….    31

9.     Exit Configuration Mode………………………………………………………………………    31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Introduction

The eCOV-115 device server connects serial devices such as those listed below to

Ethernet networks using the IP protocol family.

l            ATM Machines

l            CNC Controllers

l            Data Collection Devices

l            Universal Power Supply (UPS) Management Units

l            Telecommunications Equipment

l            Data Display Devices

l            Security Alarms and Access Control Devices

l            Handheld Instruments

l            Modems

l            Time/Attendance Clocks and Terminals

 

The eCOV-115 connects devices through a TCP data channel or through a Telnet connection to computers or another Device Server. Datagrams can be sent by UDP.

The eCOV-115 contains a web [http] server that allows presentation of custom content and can be easily configured through the server.  The eCOV-115 has 3 programmable IO pins that can be used to monitor or control attached devices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.1 Protocol Support

The eCOV-115 uses the Internet Protocol (IP) for network communications and the

Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) to assure that no data is lost or duplicated, and

that everything sent to the connection arrives correctly at the target.

Other supported protocols are listed below:

ARP, UDP, TCP, ICMP, Telnet, TFTP, AutoIP, DHCP, HTTP, and SNMP for network communications and management. TCP, UDP, and Telnet for connections to the serial port. 

 

TFTP for firmware and web page updates.

IP for addressing, routing, and data block handling over the network. User Datagram Protocol (UDP) for typical datagram applications in which devices interact with other devices without maintaining a point-to-point connection. SMTP for e-mail transmission.

 

 

1.2 Serial Interface

The unit has a serial port that supports RS-232 serial standards (software selectable) up to 230Kbps. The serial interface also provides the +3.3V power, ground, and external reset signals.

 

Table 1 - Serial Interface Signals

 

Signal Name

eCOV-115 Pin#

Primary Function

GND

5

Circuit Ground

VCC

9

+3.3V DC Power On

RX

2

Serial Data IN

TX

3

Serial Data OUT

CTS

8

Can be configured as: Flow Control – Connects to DCD of attached DTE device Programmable Digital input or output.

RTS

7

Can be configured as: Modem Control – Connects to DCD of attached DTE device Programmable Digital input or output.

Not Used

1, 4, 6

(Pin#1 can be used for custom pinout)

 

 

 

1.3 Ethernet Interface

The Ethernet interface mechanics, RJ-45 connector, and Ethernet status LEDs are all integrated into the device server shell.

Table 2 - Ethernet Interface Signals

 

1.4           LEDs

The device contains the following LEDs:

l            10 Mbps Link/Activity (Bi-color, Left LED)

l            100 Mbps Link/Activity (Bi-color, Right LED)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LED Functions

 

2. Unpacking

1.      eCOV-115

2.      3.3V DC Power Adapter

3.      RS-232C DB9 Male-to-Female Adapter for testing and configuration purposes.

4.      IBM CAT5 Ethernet Cable (Non-Crossover) for testing and configuration purposes.

 

 

3. Getting Started

 

This chapter covers the required steps to get the ECOV-115 device server on-line and working. There are two basic methods used to log into the Device Server and setup the IP address:

l            Network Port Login: Make a Telnet connection to the device’s default IP address 192.168.100.253 on network port 9999. (192.168.100.253 9999)

 

l            Serial Port Login: Connect a terminal or a PC running a terminal emulation program to the Device Server’s first serial port (CH 1).

 

It is important to consider the following points before logging into and configuring the eCOV-115:

 

l            The eCOV-115 IP address must be configured before a network connection is available.

l            Only one person at a time may be logged into the network port. This eliminates the possibility of several people simultaneously attempting to configure the Device Server.

l            Network port logins can be disabled. The system manager will not be able to access the unit. This port can also be password protected.

 

3.1 Addresses and Port Number

The Ethernet address is also referred to as the hardware address or the MAC address. The first three bytes of the Ethernet Address are fixed and read 00-20-4A, The fourth, fifth, and sixth bytes are unique numbers assigned to each unit.

00-20-4A-14-01-18 or 00:20:4A:14:01:18

Every device connected to an IP network must have a unique IP address. This address is used to reference the specific unit.

Every TCP connection and every UDP datagram is defined by a destination IP address and a port number. For example, a Telnet application commonly uses port number 23. A port number is similar to an extension on a PBX system.

The unit 's serial channel (port) can be associated with a specific TCP/UDP port number. Port number 9999 is reserved for access to the unit's Setup (configuration) Mode window.

 

3.2 Methods of Assigning the IP Address

The factory default IP address is 192.168.100.253 you can simply attach the eCOV-115 directly to your PC’s LAN port via a piece of IBM CAT5 crossover cable and type the above mentioned IP address into your web browser’s URL box to configure basic settings via browser setup page.  (Note: the host’s IP address and Subnet Mask must be assigned to 192.168.100.X/255.255.255.0 range)

 

Otherwise, the unit's IP address must be configured before a network connection is available.  You have several options for assigning an IP to your unit.

 

DHCP : A DHCP server automatically assigns the IP address and network

 

ARP and Telnet: You manually assign the IP address and other network settings at a command prompt using a UNIX or Windows-based system.  Only one person at a time can be logged into the configuration port (port 9999) this eliminates the possibility of several people simultaneously attempting to configure the unit.

 

Serial Port: You initially configure the unit through a serial connection

 

 

 

These methods are described in the remaining sections of this chapter.

Note: In most installations, a fixed IP address is desirable. The systems administrator generally provides the IP address. Obtain the following information before starting to set up your unit:

IP Address: _______ _______ _______ _______

Subnet Mask: _______ _______ _______ _______

Gateway: _______ _______ _______ _______

 

DHCP

The unit ships with a default IP address of 0.0.0.0, which automatically enables DHCP.  Provided a DHCP server exists on the network, it will provide the unit with an IP address, gateway address, and subnet mask when the unit boots up.

 

 

 

 

AutoIP

The unit ships with a default IP address of 192.168.100.253 though, however, if you manually assign the eCOV-115’s IP address to 0.0.0.0 will automatically enables Auto IP within the unit. AutoIP is an alternative to DHCP that allows hosts to automatically obtain an IP address in smaller networks that may not have a DHCP server. A range of IP addresses (from 169.254.0.1 to 169.254.255.1) has been explicitly reserved for AutoIP-enabled devices. The range of Auto IP addresses is not to be used over the Internet.

 

If your unit cannot find a DHCP server, and you have not manually assigned an IP address to it, the unit automatically selects an address from the AutoIP reserved range. Then, your unit sends out a (ARP) request to other nodes on the same network to see whether the selected address is being used.

If the selected address is not in use, then the unit uses it for local subnet communication.

If another device is using the selected IP address, the unit selects another address from the AutoIP range and reboots itself. After reboot, the unit sends out another ARP request to see if the selected address is in use, and so on.

AutoIP is not intended to replace DHCP. The unit will continue to look for a DHCP server on the network. If a DHCP server is found, the unit will switch to the DHCP server-provided address and reboot.

 

Note:

1.      If a DHCP server is found, but it denies the request for an IP address, the unit does not attach to the network, but waits and retries.  AutoIP can be disabled by setting the unit’s IP address to 0.0.1.0. This setting enables DHCP but disables AutoIP.

2.      Since the AutoIP will give the eCOV-115’s IP a random IP address that is similar to your network range (i.e. 192.168.100.x), so you may probably unable to login to the firmware setup screen once the new AutoIP has been given.  You can use any IP scanner utilities (i.e. IP Check) to detect the newly assigned internal IP address of eCOV-115 or simply look at your DHCP list on your router/switching hub.

 

 

 

 

3.2.1    ARP and Telnet

The unit’s IP address must be configured before a network connection is available. If the unit has no IP address, you can use Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) method from UNIX and Windows-based systems to assign a temporary IP address. If you want to initially configure the unit through the network, follow these steps:

 

1. On a UNIX or Windows-based host, create an entry in the host's ARP table using the intended IP address and the hardware address of the unit.

arp -s 192.168.100.253 00:20:4a:xx:xx:xx

 

Note: For the ARP command to work on Windows 95, the ARP table on the PC must have at least one IP address defined other than its own.

 

2. If you are using Windows 95, type ARP -A at the DOS command prompt to verify that there is at least one entry in the ARP table. If the local machine is the only entry, ping another IP address on your network to build a new entry in the ARP table; the IP address must be a host other than the machine on which you are working. Once there is at least one additional entry in the ARP table, use the following command to ARP an IP address to the unit:

arp -s 192.168.100.253 00-20-4a-xx-xx-xx

 

3. Open a Telnet connection to port 1. The connection will fail quickly, but the unit will temporarily change its IP address to the one designated in this step.

telnet 192.168.100.253 1

 

4. Finally, open a Telnet connection to port 9999, and press Enter within three seconds to go into Setup Mode. If you wait longer than three seconds, the unit will reboot.  telnet 192.168.100.253 9999

 

5. Set all required parameters

Note: The IP address you just set is temporary and will revert to the default value when the unit’s power is reset unless you log into the unit and store the changes permanently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2.2    Serial Port Login

 

If you want to initially configure the unit through a serial connection, follow these steps:

 

1. Power on and attach the eCOV-115 directly to your PC’s LAN card via a piece of IBM CAT5 crossover Ethernet cable and Enter the web browser setup page by type in the device’s IP address (default is 192.168.100.253) click the following links  and set your default password:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Connect a console terminal or PC running a terminal emulation program to your unit's serial port. The default serial port settings are 9600 baud, 8 bits, no parity,

1 stop bit, no flow control.

 

3. To enter Setup Mode, cycle the unit's power (power off and back on). After power-up, the self-test begins. You have one second to enter your saved passwords

 

 

 

 

3. At this point, the screen display is the same as when you use a Telnet connection as shown below:

Change Setup:

0 Server configurations

1 Channel 1 configuration

3 E-mail settings

5 Expert settings

6 Securities

7 Factory defaults

8 Exit without save

9 Save and exit your choice?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.3 Configuring via Web Browser

Open your JAVA enabled web browser and enter the IP address (default 192.168.100.253; please first configure your PC’s IP address to the same network range of 192.168.100.x/255.255.255.0 before you doing so). The Web Manager page will display as shown below:

 

You can start a web browser for configuration by opening your JAVA enabled web browser and entering the IP address.

 

Web Manager has the following buttons:

l            Unit Configuration

l            Server Properties

l            Port Properties

l            Factory Settings1

l            Update Settings

l            Channel1

 

1. Use the menu (pushbuttons) to navigate to sub pages where you can configure server settings. See explanations of the configuration parameters later in this chapter.

 

2. When you are finished, click the Update Settings button to save your settings.