1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. DCB Manuals
  4. Server
  5. EtherPoll
  6. User manual

DCB EtherPoll User Manual

Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
EtherPoll
User's Guide
Revised October 7, 2002
Firmware Version 4.1

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the EtherPoll and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Related Manuals for DCB EtherPoll

Summary of Contents for DCB EtherPoll

  • Page 1 EtherPoll User’s Guide Revised October 7, 2002 Firmware Version 4.1...
  • Page 3 FCC Statement This device complies with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference. (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    ABLE OF ONTENTS Chapter 1 Introduction ..........1 EtherPoll Functions............3 Other Features..............5 Physical Details............6 Configuration Switch..........7 LED Indicators ............8 Package Contents ..........10 Software Requirements ........10 Chapter 2 Installation ..........11 Overview..............11 LAN Installation ............11 Chapter 3 Terminal/Telnet Configuration... 13 Overview..............13 Terminal Configuration..........14...
  • Page 6 Broadcast Mode ............54 Point-to-Point Mode ..........54 Chapter 7 Troubleshooting ........55 Hardware Problems ........... 55 Can't Connect via the LAN........56 Other Problems............58 Checking Device Operation........60 Appendix A Specifications ........61 EtherPoll Specifications ..........61 RS-232 PIN Assignments .......... 62...
  • Page 7 Control Signal Operation ...........63 CABLES ..............65 Appendix B Advanced Operation Information ... 67 Introduction..............67 Description and Behavior...........68 Ports used by the EtherPoll .........68 Normal Operation Modes........68 Point - to - Point Mode........69 Broadcast Mode ..........69 Transmit Conditions..........69 Application Notes ............70 Protocols .............70...

  • Page 9: Chapter 1 Introduction

    Poll Select, Modbus, DNP, etc. These protocols are often error corrected, and the EtherPoll allows these protocols to work through routed LANs and over IP protocol networks. The EtherPoll uses the UDP/IP protocol, allowing the necessary data connection over a local LAN and across routed networks.
  • Page 10 Multiplexers. For easy connection to your LAN, the EtherPoll supports 10BaseT or 100BaseT with autosensing. NOTE: A similar product, the EtherPath, uses TCP/IP protocol and may be more appropriate for some installations.

  • Page 11: Etherpoll Functions

    • The "host" EtherPoll will be configured with IP addresses of each “remote” EtherPoll. It is connected to a polling host computer. • Each “remote” EtherPoll is configured with the IP address of the “host”...
  • Page 12 Etherpoll User’s Guide • Whenever the host computer polls the remotes, a copy of the poll block is sent to each remote in the host Etherpoll’s address list. • The proper remote RTU will respond to the poll through its EtherPoll with a poll response or appropriate data blocks, while other RTUs ignore the poll.

  • Page 13: Other Features

    Introduction would also have the backup host Etherpoll address in its IP address list. Each remote EtherPoll sends its data to both the master and backup polling host. If the master host fails, the backup host should be programmed to take over the polling function. It would sense a failure by noting that master host polls are absent.

  • Page 14: Physical Details

    Etherpoll User’s Guide Physical Details The EtherPoll front and rear panels are shown below. Figure 1: EtherPoll Connect the power adapter here. Power port 10/100Base-T Connect LAN cabling here. port Client/Server/Setup Indicator Red LED Red LED LAN Activity Indicator. Green LED Connection Indicator.

  • Page 15: Configuration Switch

    Pressing this switch places the unit in configuration mode and is used only when configuring the EtherPoll via the serial port, as explained in Chapter 3 - Configuration. Return from configuration mode by exiting the configuration menu or by power cycling the unit.

  • Page 16: Led Indicators

    Etherpoll User’s Guide LED Indicators There are two red LED indicators on the rear panel adjacent to the LAN connector and one green LED indicator on the front panel near the 9-pin serial connector. Rear Panel LED Indicators • The lower red LED is the Ethernet Status indicator. It is lit when there is a valid 10/100BaseT Ethernet connection.
  • Page 17 Introduction Front Panel LED Indicators • There is one front panel green LED indicator. This corresponds to Port 1 status. • This LED is a multi-function indicator. The different states indicated are described below. Green LED Status Description Indication Pin 6 input is low and not forced high by the configuration Not Used...

  • Page 18: Package Contents

    It may be configured using any terminal or terminal emulation software on a PC. Any standard telnet program may be used to telnet to the EtherPoll for configuration, or any standard web browser may be used for configuration once the EtherPoll has a valid IP address configured.

  • Page 19: Chapter 2 Installation

    LAN Installation 1. Connect the Network Cable • The EtherPoll network interface is auto-sensing. Simply connect your network cable to the appropriate connector on the EtherPoll panel. 2. Connect the Power Adapter Cable Plug in the power adapter cable. After about a 4 second boot...
  • Page 20 Etherpoll User’s Guide 3. Connect the Serial Port Device Connect the serial port device to the serial port on the EtherPoll. If connecting to a PC 9-pin port, a cross-over (null modem) cable is required. See the Appendix for wiring details.

  • Page 21: Chapter 3 Terminal/Telnet Configuration

    EtherPoll using Terminal, or Telnet mode. Web Browser mode configuration is detailed in Chapter 4. Overview The EtherPoll can be configured using any of the following methods: • Web Browser - After installing the EtherPoll in your LAN, use your Web Browser for configuration. See Chapter 4 - Browser Configuration for details.

  • Page 22: Terminal Configuration

    • PC with terminal emulation program, or a dumb terminal. • Serial cable to connect the PC to the EtherPoll. See the Appendix for cable requirements. A Crossover (null modem) cable is required when using a 9 pin PC port.

  • Page 23: Telnet Configuration

    NOTE: For telnet to work, there MUST be compatible IP addresses in both the PC and the EtherPoll! Install the EtherPoll into your LAN as described in Chapter 2. Ensure that the EtherPoll is powered on. Connect to the EtherPoll with the command:...
  • Page 24 Properties for the TCP/IP protocol. If your PC is NOT using an IP Address within the range 192.168.1.2 to 192.168.1.254, with a Network Mask of 255.255.255.0, then it will not connect to the default EtherPoll IP address. Refer to the following section for details on using the...

  • Page 25: Terminal/Telnet Interface

    Physical Location: Head Office Configuration setup. [Press any key to continue] Pressing any key will then take you to the Main Menu. EtherPoll Main Menu ------------------------------------------ Set Local & Remote IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway Address Set Manager/Telnet IP Address...

  • Page 26: Entering Data

    Etherpoll User’s Guide Entering Data Enter the number of the field you wish to change, followed (on the same line) by a space and the data for that field. Example On screen one, to set the IP address (field 1) to 192.168.1.10 =>1 192.168.1.10...
  • Page 27 D. Delete Remote IP Address Delete a remote IP address from the address list. 3. Gateway IP Address If the remote EtherPoll is not on the same LAN, then the gateway to the other LAN must be entered here. 4. Subnet Mask The network mask indicates what class of TCP/IP network you have.
  • Page 28 This is a text field. It can be used to store the location of the device. 8. Port Number This is the UDP/IP port number the EtherPoll uses to send and receive data. The default is port 3000. 9. IP Fragmentation...
  • Page 29 These entries provide a security feature. Only a user at one of the IP addresses shown can configure the EtherPoll. (All users on the LAN can still access the EtherPoll, but not configure it.) If the entries are blank, then any user on the LAN can configure the EtherPoll.
  • Page 30 Enter Command => 0 This screen allows you to change the settings for the RS232 link. The settings used should match the device connected to the serial port of the EtherPoll. Flow Control The choices are “None”, “XON/XOFF”, and “RTS/CTS”.
  • Page 31 Configuration Parity The choices are “None”, “Odd”, or “Even”. Data Bits The choices are 7 or 8. Stop Bits The choices are 1 or 2. Pin 6 Control The choices are [0=From Interface, 1=Forced ON]. If 1, Pin 6 is forced on within the firmware. If 0, the Pin 6 signal is read from the interface.
  • Page 32 EXAMPLE: To set the Flow OFF level to 75% => 3 75 Enter Command => 0 The EtherPoll has a built-in buffer to store data, and most of these settings affect the operation of the buffer. The default values should normally be satisfactory.
  • Page 33 If set to “Idle Timeout mode”, this is an idle timer. Any data in the buffer is sent out the ethernet port after the EtherPoll detects this length of time with no incoming data on the RS-232 port.
  • Page 34 Etherpoll User’s Guide 4. Flow Control ON Buffer Level Once the Flow Control OFF buffer level has been reached, the “no-input accepted” mode will continue until the EtherPoll has transmitted enough data to reduce the buffer contents to this point.
  • Page 35 Configuration 8. Client Local Character Echo If ECHO is ON, the EtherPoll will locally echo all incoming characters. If ECHO is OFF, the EtherPoll will not echo characters or transmit any status messages to the serial port. This mode should be used if any messages from the EtherPoll would create interference.
  • Page 36 Etherpoll User’s Guide Main Menu Option 5. Display Settings Selecting (5) from the Main Menu displays a screen similar to the following example. LOCAL UNIT CONFIGURATION: Local Address: 205.166.54.212 Serial NO: 00:09:AA:A9:46:00 Gateway Address: 205.166.54.33 Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 Name of Contact Person: Supervisor...
  • Page 37 Configuration CURRENT ETHERPOLL STATISTICS: Network RX packet count: 0 Network TX packet count: 0 Network error count: 0 Serial Port RX count: 20 Serial Port TX count: 5517 REMOTE IP ACTIVITY COUNTS 205.166.54.213: 0 205.166.54.214: 0 CURRENT ETHERPOLL CONFIGURATION: Config Mode [Press any key to continue] Note that no data can be changed.
  • Page 38 Remote IP Activity counts Displays IP address and packet count for each remote that has exchanged data with this EtherPoll. If data has been received from a remote that is not is the IP address list, that information is also displayed along with the IP address of the first un-listed IP address.
  • Page 39 If using Telnet or web browser configuration, the connection will be lost when the EtherPoll reboots. To reconnect, you must use the default IP Address of 192.168.1.1 or change the EtherPoll IP address before rebooting with main menu option 7.

  • Page 40: Chapter 4 Browser Configuration

    This configuration method uses your Web Browser to configure the EtherPoll. This provides a more user-friendly interface than the Telnet/Terminal method. • The EtherPoll must be installed in your LAN and have a compatible IP address before this configuration method can be used. •...
  • Page 41 For example, if the default IP address has not been changed, then you would enter the command: Http://192.168.1.1 If you can't connect If the EtherPoll does not respond, check the following: • The EtherPoll is properly installed, LAN connections are OK, and it is powered ON.

  • Page 42: Web-Based Interface

    Etherpoll User’s Guide Web-based Interface The first screen is similar to Figure 2. Figure 2: Sign on Screen • Use the menu bar on the left to navigate to the desired screen. • On-line help is available on each screen.

  • Page 43: Port Configuration Screen

    Port Configuration Screen Figure 3: Port Configuration Screen This screen allows you to configure the Serial Port on the EtherPoll. The settings used should match the device connected to the serial port of the EtherPoll. • Consult the documentation of your serial port device to determine what settings to use.

  • Page 44: Port Activity Screen

    LAN or Serial port. The display is updated every 10 seconds. Data - Network Packets Number of packets received by the EtherPoll received: through the LAN connection. Packets Number of packets transmitted by the EtherPoll Transmitted through the LAN connection.
  • Page 45 Configuration Data - Serial Port Bytes Number of bytes received, through the serial Received (RS232) connection, from the Serial port device Bytes Number of bytes transmitted through the serial Transmitted (RS232) connection to the Serial port device (or PC, if in Client mode). Data –...

  • Page 46: Advanced Configuration Screen

    Etherpoll User’s Guide Advanced Configuration Screen Figure 5: Advanced ConfigurationScreen These settings affect the Etherpoll's internal buffer, which is used for temporary storage of data, and how some characters are processed. These values strongly affect efficiency and throughput. They may be “tuned” for your application.
  • Page 47 Configuration Timer Mode When set for Transmit Timer, a free-running clock triggers the EtherPoll to send a packet of data at every tic if there is any data its buffer. When set for Idle Timeout a packet of data is...
  • Page 48 If ECHO is OFF, the EtherPoll will not echo input characters. This mode should be used if any messages from the EtherPoll would create interference with other software.

  • Page 49: Lan Configuration Screen

    Default Gateway Required if operating through a router. • Administrator Access Rights data is required if you wish to restrict access to the EtherPoll's configuration data. If any values are entered, then only those PCs will be able to access the EtherPoll and change the configuration.
  • Page 50 IP Fragmentation may be disallowed based upon this configuration. Data - EtherPoll IP Address: The IP address of this EtherPoll device on your LAN in dotted decimal format. The default IP Address is 192.168.1.1 Note: If you change the IP Address, the connection will be lost when you "Save".
  • Page 51 Configuration Remote IP This is the port with which the EtherPoll will Port send and receive data. The default is 3000. Data – IP Fragmentation Remote IP If set to “NOT ALLOWED”, the EtherPoll will Port not fragment data blocks, and will set the “don’t fragment”...

  • Page 52: Snmp Configuration Screen

    These are text fields, commonly used in SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) Programs to identify this device when browsing the network. These values have no effect on the operation of the EtherPoll. Other standard MIB values are returned to the SNMP manager along with this information.
  • Page 53 Configuration Data Contact Person This text field can be used to store the name of the person responsible for the Serial Port Device. Device Name This can be used to store a descriptive name for the device. Physical Location This can be used to store the location of the device.

  • Page 54: Configuration Summary Screen

    Figure 8: Configuration Summary Screen Operation • This screen displays all current settings for this EtherPoll • Clicking the "Set to Defaults" button will restore ALL values to their factory default values. When this is done, the EtherPoll will reboot, and the...
  • Page 55 Configuration existing connection will be lost. You must reconnect using the default IP Address of 192.168.1.1. Data All values on this screen are described in earlier sections.

  • Page 57: Chapter 5 Configuration Security

    The EtherPoll may be configured with several levels of security configuration and authentication. These restrict the ability of an unwanted user from changing the configuration of the EtherPoll. They do not restrict the ability of a remote device to deliver packets to the EtherPoll's data port.

  • Page 58: Level 0

    EtherPoll via either telnet or web browser configuration. Level 1 restricts configuration to workstations claiming to be from one of four IP addresses previously stored in the EtherPoll. Either web-based or telnet configuration is allowed. Level 2 disables remote configuration using web browser, telnet, or SNMP in any combination.

  • Page 59: Level 1

    Using any configuration method, configure Administrator Access IP addresses. Enter the IP addresses that should have the ability to change the EtherPoll configuration. If configuring this remotely, insure that the workstation you are using is one of the valid addresses.
  • Page 60 Etherpoll User’s Guide ability to change the other user names and passwords. The other two user ID's are limited to only changing their own user name and password. All users may modify any other system parameters. The serial interface is not subjected to user login since it requires physical access to the unit.

  • Page 61: Chapter 6 Operation

    Chapter 6 Operation This Chapter explains how to use the EtherPoll, once it is installed and configured. Normal Mode • All EtherPolls must be connected as described in Chapter 3. Configuration is complete, and serial port configurations match the associated serial port device (Polling host or RTU).

  • Page 62: Broadcast Mode

    • Send some characters from a PC or terminal device connected to the host EtherPoll to its RS-232 port. • The characters should appear on the RS-232 port of all EtherPolls whose addresses are configured in the host EtherPoll IP address list.

  • Page 63: Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

    P: When using 10/100Base-T cabling, the EtherPoll unit does not work. S: Check the Hub’s link LED for the port to which EtherPoll is connected. If it is off, make sure the network cable between the EtherPoll and hub is in good condition.

  • Page 64: Can't Connect Via The Lan

    Etherpoll User’s Guide Can't Connect via the LAN P: Can't connect to the EtherPoll using Telnet or Web Browser. S: Check the following: • Start troubleshooting from a known state. Power the EtherPoll OFF and ON to reboot. • “Ping” the EtherPoll to see if it responds. From the Windows command prompt or “Run”...
  • Page 65 MOST EtherPoll connection problems are due to incorrect RS-232 wiring. The second most common errors are incorrect IP addressing on either the EtherPoll or on the PC used for testing. • In some cases, “smart” hubs and switches must be power-cycled to clear their internal arp cache.

  • Page 66: Other Problems

    Power is available... a LED is on. • The terminal program is operating properly. Try a loopback connector at the EtherPoll end of the cable to verify program operation and the proper COM: port. • The most common problems causing this symptom are incorrect RS-232 wiring or the Windows Hyperterm program not operating correctly.
  • Page 67 • The communication parameters between the serial port RTU device and the remote (“RTU”) EtherPoll match. P: The EtherPoll's IP Address is unknown. Is there any way of finding it, other than using Terminal Configuration mode? S: Follow this procedure: •...

  • Page 68: Checking Device Operation

    Etherpoll User’s Guide Checking Device Operation Once the EtherPoll is installed on your Network, you can connect to it using Telnet, to verify its operation. The procedure is as follows. Use telnet to connect to the EtherPoll with the command:...

  • Page 69: Appendix A Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications EtherPoll Specifications • Flash Memory: 512 Kbytes • SRAM: 256 Kbytes • EEPROM: 512 Bytes • LAN Buffer: 2 Kbytes • RS-232 Buffer: 4 Kbytes • RS-232: one male DE-9 connector • Network: Ethernet 10Base-T/ 100Base-T •...

  • Page 70: Rs-232 Pin Assignments

    Etherpoll User’s Guide RS-232 PIN Assignments The EtherPoll RS-232 port wiring is identical to a standard PC 9 pin DE-9P COM: port. It operates as a DTE device. The chart below details signal directions and names. Serial Port Pin Assignments...

  • Page 71: Control Signal Operation

    XON/XOFF or RTS/CTS flow control. Output. Signal is enabled when the EtherPoll has a valid signal on input pin 6 OR pin 6 (DSR) if forced on by configuration.
  • Page 72 When pin 6 input is LOW, the serial interface turns OFF the pin 4 (DTR) and 7 (RTS) output signals. Input. When Flow Control is set for CTS/RTS, lowering this signal will halt data flow from the EtherPoll RS-232 port. Ring Indicator Not used...

  • Page 73: Cables

    Specifications CABLES Commonly used cable connections: To PC 9-pin COM: port S S -1 1 ,6 1 ,6 This null-modem crossover cable is easily made by combining “PC-Direct” and “Remote PC” adapter hoods with a straight- through line cord. SR Mux Composite or Access Switch Input Port RJ-45 DE-9S 4,1,6...
  • Page 74 Use any commercially available PC-to-modem cable. Ethernet Cross-Over Cable Used to connect two EtherPoll ethernet connections “back-to- back” without using an ethernet hub for test purposes. Also used to connect a EtherPoll directly to a PC’s LAN connection for testing. RJ-45 RJ-45...

  • Page 75: Appendix B Advanced Operation Information

    It has been used successfully with common SCADA protocols such as Modbus ASCII, Modbus RTU, DNP3, and other 8-bit asynchronous protocols. This section explains how the EtherPoll operates for the technician who needs to understand the internals in more detail.

  • Page 76: Description And Behavior

    Provides a telnet configuration service for all modes. Normal Operation Modes In Normal Mode, the EtherPoll runs under the UDP/IP network protocol. It will listen on a configured port number. The server will wait for incoming data after initialization. The EtherPoll constantly checks for data on both Ethernet and Serial Ports.

  • Page 77: Point - To - Point Mode

    Specifications The data being sent via ethernet is packaged into UDP packets and a separate copy is sent to each IP address in the EtherPoll’s IP address list. Point - to - Point Mode EtherPolls configured for Point-to-Point mode function the same.

  • Page 78: Application Notes

    Etherpoll User’s Guide Application Notes Protocols The EtherPoll is protocol-transparent. It has been successfully used with many 8-bit asynchronous protocols. However, some protocols work best with specific settings. If in doubt, call Tech Support for additional information on your application.

  • Page 79: Appendix C Rs-422/ Rs-485 Interface

    This interface option may be jumper configured in the field or pre- configured at the factory. Introduction The 9-pin serial connector on the EtherPoll may be used for either RS-232 or RS-422 (4-wire RS-485 point-to-point) operation by changing internal jumpers. Changing the Setting Remove the main board from the case by removing two screws from the rear panel.

  • Page 80: Rs-422 / 4-Wire Rs-485 Interface Pinout

    Etherpoll User’s Guide ALL jumpers should placed in the positions furthermost from the board edge. RS-422 / 4-Wire RS-485 Interface Pinout Serial Port Pin Assignments Signal Name Type No Connection No Connection Receive Data (Rx-) Transmit Data (Tx-) Signal Ground (GND)

Table of Contents