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This document describes the NPort's Pair Connection Mode, a feature that enables two NPort device servers to communicate over an Ethernet network for serial-to-serial communication. This mode effectively creates a virtual serial cable between two devices, overcoming the distance limitations of traditional serial communication and expanding possibilities for serial-based device control.
The Pair Connection Mode operates by establishing a Master-Slave relationship between two NPort device servers. One NPort is configured as the "Master" and the other as the "Slave." These two NPorts can connect via a direct Ethernet cable, be part of the same Local Area Network (LAN), or even communicate across a Wide Area Network (WAN) through routers. Once connected, a serial device attached to the Master NPort can transparently communicate with a serial device attached to the Slave NPort, as if they were directly linked by a physical serial cable. This transparent communication includes the transmission of both data and modem control signals, although DCD (Data Carrier Detect) signals are not transmitted in this mode. This functionality is particularly useful for extending the reach of serial devices in industrial environments where long-distance serial connections are impractical or impossible. The NPort's Pair Connection Mode facilitates robust and reliable serial communication over an IP network, making it a versatile solution for various industrial applications.
The NPort's Pair Connection Mode is designed for straightforward configuration and flexible deployment. To initiate the setup, users are advised to reset their NPort devices to default settings by pressing the "RESET" button for 10 seconds, ensuring a clean slate for configuration.
For DE-211/DE-311/DE-311M models, the process involves powering on the NPort, verifying the Ready LED, and setting DIP switches or serial settings for RS-232 transmission. The NPort is then connected to the network, and its IP address and netmask are reconfigured if necessary to be on the same subnet as the host PC. Users log into the NPort's Telnet console, select "Pair Connection (Master)" as the operating mode, and specify the "Remote IP Address" of the other NPort (which will be configured as the Slave). Serial parameters are then configured to match the connected serial device, and settings are activated by selecting "Restart."
NPort 5000 Series devices follow a similar procedure. After powering on and connecting to the network, users adjust IP addresses and netmasks as needed. Logging into the Telnet console, they navigate to "Operating settings > Port" and select "Pair Connection Master mode," configuring the IP address and port to match the other NPort. Serial parameters are set under "Serial settings > Port," followed by "Save/Restart" to apply changes.
For NPort Wireless Series and NPort 6000 Series, the steps are largely consistent. After power-on and network connection, IP address and netmask adjustments are made. Via the Telnet console, users access "Port > Modes" to set the application to "Pair Connection." Within "Description/more settings," "Pair_Master," "IP address," and "port" are configured to match the other NPort. Serial parameters are set under "Port > Line," and "Restart" is selected to activate all settings. It's important to note that for wireless NPort products, either the Ethernet port or WLAN can be active, but not both simultaneously. If WLAN is desired, the Ethernet cable must be unplugged, and the NPort restarted. The default TCP port is 4001. For DE-211/311/311M, the "Destination IP addr" setting determines which NPort can connect; leaving it empty allows any NPort to connect. The default WLAN IP address is 192.168.126.254.
Testing the Pair Connection Mode involves configuring NPort#1 as Master and NPort#2 as Slave, assigning appropriate IP addresses. Two different PCs are connected to the serial ports of the NPorts, and terminal software (like HyperTerminal or Moxa's PComm Terminal Emulator) is used to test communication. Successful data transmission from PC#1 to PC#2 and reception from PC#2 to PC#1 confirms that the Pair Connection mode has been established.
The document also provides detailed cable wiring diagrams for RS-232, 4-wire RS-422/485, and 2-wire RS-485 connections, ensuring proper physical setup for various serial devices. These diagrams illustrate the pin-to-pin connections between the NPort and the serial device, covering essential signals like TxD, RxD, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, DCD, and GND for RS-232, and Tx(+/-), Rx(+/-), and GND for RS-422/485.
While the document primarily focuses on configuration and usage, several aspects contribute to the maintainability and reliability of the NPort's Pair Connection Mode. The initial recommendation to reset the NPort to default settings before configuration acts as a crucial maintenance step, ensuring that any previous misconfigurations or lingering settings do not interfere with the new setup. This practice helps in troubleshooting and establishing a stable connection from a known good state.
The ability to log into the NPort's Telnet console for configuration provides a robust interface for managing the device. This command-line access allows for precise control over network and serial parameters, which is essential for diagnosing and resolving connectivity issues. The clear steps for reconfiguring IP addresses and netmasks, along with the instruction to test the connection by pinging the NPort, are fundamental for network maintenance and ensuring proper IP connectivity.
The "Restart" option, available after making configuration changes, is a vital maintenance feature. It ensures that all new settings are properly applied and activated, preventing partial or inconsistent configurations that could lead to operational problems. This explicit step confirms the system's readiness to operate under the new parameters.
Furthermore, the detailed cable wiring diagrams are not just for initial setup but also serve as an invaluable resource for ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting. If serial communication issues arise, these diagrams allow technicians to quickly verify the physical connections, ensuring that the correct pins are connected between the NPort and the serial device. This reduces the time and effort required to identify and fix wiring-related problems.
The notes regarding wireless NPort products, such as the mutual exclusivity of Ethernet and WLAN ports and the need to unplug the Ethernet cable and restart for WLAN activation, highlight specific operational considerations that are important for maintaining the desired network connectivity. Understanding these nuances helps in preventing connectivity issues in wireless deployments.
Finally, the comprehensive nature of the documentation itself, detailing various NPort models and their specific configuration steps, acts as a long-term maintenance aid. It provides a clear reference for future adjustments, upgrades, or troubleshooting scenarios, ensuring that the NPort's Pair Connection Mode can be effectively managed throughout its operational lifespan.
General| Baud rate | 921.6 Kbit/s |
|---|---|
| Isolation | 1.5 kV |
| Certification | CE, FCC, EN 55022 Class A, FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A, \\r EN 60601-1-2 Class B, EN 55011 |
| RS-232 signals | CTS, DCD, DSR, DTR, GND, RTS |
| RS-422 signals | GND, RxD+, RxD-, TxD+, TxD- |
| RS-485 signals | Data+, Data-, GND |
| Flow control support | Yes |
| Serial interface type | RS-232/422/485 |
| Serial ports quantity | 16 |
| Ethernet LAN data rates | 10, 100 Mbit/s |
| Ethernet LAN (RJ-45) ports | 1 |
| Supported network protocols | ICMP, IP, TCP, UDP, DHCP, BOOTP, Telnet, DNS, HTTP, SMTP, SNTP, ARP, PPP, RTelnet, RFC2217 |
| Storage temperature (T-T) | -40 - 85 °C |
| Operating temperature (T-T) | 0 - 55 °C |
| Operating relative humidity (H-H) | 5 - 95 % |
| Input voltage | 100 - 240 V |
| Safety | UL 60950-1, EN 60950-1 |
| Compatible operating systems | Windows 98/ME/NT/2000, Windows XP/2003/Vista/2008/7/8 x86/x64, Windows 2012 X64\\r \\r SCO Unix, SCO OpenServer, UnixWare 7, UnixWare 2.1, SVR 4.2, QNX 4.25, QNX 6, Solaris 10, FreeBSD, AIX 5.x, HP-UX 11i\\r \\r Linux kernel 2.4.x, 2.6.x, 3.x |
Weight and Dimensions| Weight | 3460 g |
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