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EtherPath
User's Guide
Revised June 3, 2004
Firmware Version 5.3

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Summary of Contents for DCB EtherPath

  • Page 1 EtherPath User’s Guide Revised June 3, 2004 Firmware Version 5.3...
  • Page 2: Fcc Statement

    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 3: Table Of Contents

    ABLE OF ONTENTS Chapter 1 Introduction ..........1 EtherPath Functions............. 2 Other Features ............. 4 Physical Details ............6 Chapter 2 Installation ..........11 Overview ..............11 LAN Installation............11 Chapter 3 Terminal/Telnet Configuration... 13 Overview ..............13 Terminal Configuration ..........14 Telnet Configuration ..........
  • Page 4 Hardware Problems ........... 64 Can't Connect via the LAN........66 Other Problems............68 Checking Device Operation........70 Appendix A Specifications ........71 EtherPath Specifications..........71 RS-232 PIN Assignments .......... 72 Control Signal Operation........... 73 CABLES..............75 Appendix B Programming........77 Introduction ...............
  • Page 5 Introduction AT Command Operation ........... 83 Appendix D RS-422/ RS-485 Interface ....84 Introduction ............... 84 RS-422 / 4-Wire RS-485 Interface Pinout....85 2-Wire RS-485 Interface Pinout ........ 86...
  • Page 7: Chapter 1 Introduction

    LAN/WAN. The EtherPath can receive data from any Serial device, convert the data to a valid IP packet, and transmit that data over the LAN/WAN.
  • Page 8: Etherpath Functions

    EtherPath User’s Guide EtherPath Functions The EtherPath can be used in several modes – simple Client/Server or Server, as illustrated below, point-to-multiple-point (EtherModem) Client/Server, and reverse telnet Client. These modes are described below. Figure 1: Modes of Operation Client/Server Mode In this mode, two EtherPaths are used.
  • Page 9 A special-purpose utility program or port redirector program may be used instead of Telnet, or the user may create custom software using Visual Basic, C++, or other network programming tools. By using port redirection, the EtherPath may function as a remote serial port on a PC. Point-to-Multiple-Point (EtherModem) Mode...
  • Page 10: Other Features

    EtherPath will connect to any port number under user control with either hardware (pin6) dialing or AT dialing. By using the "AT Dial" commands, the connected device can direct the EtherPath to connect to multiple remote devices, one at a time. Other Features Automatic Connection When used in Client/Server mode, the “Client”...
  • Page 11 Specific IP addresses may be configured into the unit to disallow configuration from any other than the desired management workstations. Upgradeable Firmware Firmware upgrades are downloadable to the EtherPath. The utility program required for this, and the actual firmware upgrades, are available from your dealer.
  • Page 12: Physical Details

    EtherPath User’s Guide Physical Details The EtherPath front and rear panels are shown below. Figure 1: EtherPath Power port Connect the power adapter here. 10/100Base-T Connect lan cabling here. port Red LED Client/Server/Setup Indicator Red LED LAN Activity Indicator. Green LED Connection Indicator.
  • Page 13 Pressing this switch places the unit in configuration mode and is used only when configuring the EtherPath 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 14: Led Indicators

    EtherPath 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 between the 9-pin serial connectors. 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 15: Front Panel Led Indicators

    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 there is no telnet connection Pin six is high and...
  • Page 16: Package Contents

    EtherPath User’s Guide Package Contents You should find the following items packaged with your EtherPath: • The EtherPath Unit • Power Adapter (typical) • This User’s Guide If any of the above are missing, contact your dealer immediately. Software Requirements The EtherPath supports the following protocols.
  • Page 17: Chapter 2 Installation

    If you use Terminal Mode configuration, then the configuration should be performed prior to LAN installation. See Chapter 3 for details. LAN Installation 1. Connect the Network Cable • The EtherPath network interface is auto-sensing. Simply connect your network cable to the appropriate connector on the EtherPath panel.
  • Page 18 3. Connect the Serial Port Device Connect the serial port device to the serial port on the EtherPath. If connecting to a PC 9-pin port, a cross-over (null modem) cable is required. See the Appendix for wiring details.
  • Page 19: Chapter 3 Terminal/Telnet Configuration

    EtherPath's using Terminal configuration mode or Telnet configuration mode. Web Browser mode is covered in the next chapter. Overview The EtherPath can be configured using any of the following methods: • Web Browser - After installing the EtherPath in your LAN, use your Web Browser for configuration.
  • Page 20: Terminal Configuration

    Press the configuration setup switch momentarily. It is located on the side of the EtherPath and accessed through a small hole. Use a small pen or paper clip to access the switch. Start the terminal program and configure the terminal program with the following settings.
  • Page 21: Telnet Configuration

    Refer to Terminal/Telnet Interface on page 17 for details on using the configuration program. Telnet Configuration Install the EtherPath into your LAN as described in Chapter 2. Ensure that the EtherPath is powered on. The EtherPath must have an IP address appropriate for YOUR network.
  • Page 22 PC to an address in the above range and reboot. Once the PC will communicate with the EtherPath, the EtherPath address may be changed, and the PC reconfigured to its proper address. Refer to the following section for details on using the...
  • Page 23: Terminal/Telnet Interface

    Operational Mode: SERVER Configuration setup. [Press any key to continue] Pressing any key will then take you to the Main Menu. EtherPath Main Menu ------------------------------------------ Set Local & Remote IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway Address Set Manager/Telnet IP Address...
  • Page 24: Menu Options

    EtherPath User’s Guide Menu Options Main Menu Option 1. Setting IP Addresses Selecting 1 ( 1. Set Local & Remote IP Address, Subnet ) from the Main Menu will result in a Mask, Gateway Address screen which looks like the following.
  • Page 25 Operation 1. Local IP Address The IP address of this EtherPath device on your LAN. The default IP Address is 192.168.1.1 2. Remote IP Address In “Client” mode, this is the IP address of the remote “Server” device which this client will automatically connect to when powered up (if RS-232 PIN 6 is high or forced) and configured for hardware dialing.
  • Page 26 If set to ZERO, IP blocks sent from this EtherPath may be fragmented in transit, and blocks may be fragmented by the EtherPath. If set to ONE, the 'DONTFRAG' bit is set in IP packets, and all blocks are transmitted intact. This is normally set to 0 , but is set to 1 for some SCADA applications.
  • Page 27 This screen shows a table containing four (4) entries. By default, all entries are blank. These entries provide a security feature. Only a user at one of the IP addresses shown can configure the EtherPath. (All users on the LAN can still access the EtherPath, but not configure it.)
  • Page 28 The settings used should match the device connected to the serial port of the EtherPath. Note that the EtherPath's serial settings must match the device that is plugged into THAT EtherPath. The device at the other end of the Ethernet link may be set differently.
  • Page 29 The choices are 1 or 2. Commonly use 1. Pin 6 Control If Forced On, the EtherPath responds as if interface pin 6 is always high. If From Interface, its condition is a read from the RS-232 cabling must be correct for proper operation.
  • Page 30 EtherPath User’s Guide it receives an asserted hardware (pin 6) signal or when it receives an “ATD” command. For a full-time Nailed-up connection, use Hardware. See Chapter 5, Point-to-Multiple-Point-Mode for use of the "AT" setting. RS-485 Mode Select between 4-wire full duplex and 2-wire half duplex RS-485 mode.
  • Page 31 EXAMPLE: To set the Flow OFF level to 75% => 3 75 Enter Command => The EtherPath has a built-in buffer to store data. Most of these settings affect the operation of the buffer and how data is buffered and transmitted over the Ethernet. The default values should normally be satisfactory, but they may be "tuned"...
  • Page 32 3. Flow Control OFF Buffer Level If the amount of data stored in the buffer reaches this point, and the EtherPath is unable to transmit the data, then no further input will be accepted.
  • Page 33 4. Flow Control ON Buffer Level Once the High_Water mark has been reached, the “no-input accepted” mode will continue until the EtherPath has transmitted enough data to reduce the buffer contents to this point. This is normally left at the default value.
  • Page 34 In "Client Mode", this setting has no effect. 8. Client Local Character Echo If ECHO is ON, the client EtherPath will locally echo all incoming characters in client mode. If ECHO is OFF, the client EtherPath will not echo characters or transmit any status messages to the serial port.
  • Page 35 Operation Main Menu Option 5. Display Settings Selecting (5) from the Main Menu displays a screen like the following example. LOCAL UNIT CONFIGURATION: Local Address: 205.166.54.216 Serial NO: 00:09:AA:00:00:B0 Remote Address: (NOT SET) Gateway Address: (NOT SET) Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0 Server Mode - Listen on Port: 3000 IP Fragmentation: ALLOWED Ethernet Mode: Auto...
  • Page 36 All data items except the following have been explained on the preceding pages. Current Statistics Network Packets Received Number of packets received by the EtherPath through the LAN connection. Network Packets Transmitted Number of packets transmitted by the EtherPath through the LAN connection.
  • Page 37 Current setting of the DIP Switches. Current Connection IP Address The IP address of thedevice (PC, terminal, or remote EtherPath) to which the EtherPath is currently connected through the LAN link. If it is not connected, this field will display “No active connection”.
  • Page 38 If using Telnet, the connection will be lost when the EtherPath reboots. To reconnect, you must connect to the default IP Address of 192.168.1.1 or change the EtherPath IP address to one that is appropriate for your network before rebooting with main menu option 7.
  • Page 39 Used to establish user names and passwords. Clear User ID and Password Clears existing user names and passwords The EtherPath uses the industry standard IP protocol. Since this is a well known standard, its security vulnerabilities are also well known...
  • Page 40 EtherPath User’s Guide and may be exploited. Several EtherPath options are available to enhance the inherent security of your EtherPath network. However, since network security is a moving target and absolute security is never achievable, every network installation should be designed and implemented with care to minimize security risks in a way that is appropriate for the application and perceived risks.
  • Page 41 Operation 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 he location of the device. SNMP Community The SNMP community name.
  • Page 42: Chapter 4 Browser Configuration

    HTML tables and forms. Connection Procedure To establish a connection to the EtherPath, follow this procedure: Install the EtherPath in your LAN as described in Chapter 2. Ensure that the EtherPath is powered on. Start your Web browser. In the Address box, enter the following:...
  • Page 43 Operation (IP_Address is the IP address of the EtherPath) For example, http://192.168.1.1 If you can't connect If the EtherPath does not respond, check the following: • The EtherPath is properly installed, LAN connections are OK, and it is powered ON.
  • Page 44: Web-Based Interface

    EtherPath 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 45 The settings used should match the device connected to the serial port of the EtherPath. Note that the EtherPath's serial settings must match the device that is plugged into THAT EtherPath. The device at the other end of the Ethernet link may be set differently. Flow Control The choices are “None”, “XON/XOFF”, and “RTS/CTS”.
  • Page 46 Dial Mode The choices are “ATD” or “Hardware”. This configures the EtherPath, when in client mode, to connect to a remote device when it receives an asserted hardware (pin 6) signal or when it receives an “ATD” command. For a full-time Nailed-up connection, use Hardware.
  • Page 47 10 seconds. Data - Network Current The IP Address of the remote to device to which Connection this EtherPath is currently connected IP Address: Packets Number of packets received by the EtherPath received: through the LAN connection including management screen packets.
  • Page 48 Number of packets transmitted by the EtherPath Transmitted through the LAN connection, including management screen updates. Packet Errors Number of packets containing errors transmitted or received by the EtherPath through the LAN connection. Under normal conditions, this should be 0. Data - Serial Port Bytes...
  • Page 49 Operation The EtherPath has a built-in buffer to store data. Most of these settings affect the operation of the buffer and how data is buffered and transmitted over the Ethernet. The default values should normally be satisfactory for most installations, but they may be "tuned"...
  • Page 50 Flow Control OFF Buffer Level If the amount of data stored in the buffer reaches this point, and the EtherPath is unable to transmit the data, then no further input will be accepted. Under normal operation, this will not happen. This is normally left at the default value.
  • Page 51 In "Client Mode", this setting has no effect. Client Local Character Echo If ECHO is ON, the client EtherPath will locally echo all incoming characters in client mode. If ECHO is OFF, the client EtherPath will not echo characters or transmit any status messages to the serial port.
  • Page 52 Figure 6: LAN Configuration Screen This screen allows you to set all data relating to your LAN. Local IP Address The IP address of this EtherPath device on your LAN. The default IP Address is 192.168.1.1 Subnet Mask The network mask indicates what class of TCP/IP network you...
  • Page 53 This value should work in small networks. If in doubt, consult your network administrator. Gateway IP Address If the remote EtherPath (in “Client/Server” mode) is not on the same LAN, then the gateway to the other LAN must be entered here. Mode Server and Client modes provide a raw data path and should be selected when two EtherPaths are used in a nailed up configuration.
  • Page 54 If set to ZERO, IP blocks sent from this EtherPath may be fragmented in transit, and blocks may be fragmented by the EtherPath. If set to ONE, the 'DONTFRAG' bit is set in IP packets, and all blocks are transmitted intact. This is normally set to 0 , but...
  • Page 55 If set to ZERO, IP blocks sent from this EtherPath may be fragmented in transit, and blocks may be fragmented by the EtherPath. If set to ONE, the 'DONTFRAG' bit is set in IP packets, and all blocks are transmitted intact. This is normally set to 0 , but is set to 1 for some SCADA applications.
  • Page 56 EtherPath User’s Guide SNMP Configuration Screen Figure 7: SNMP Configuration Screen Overview This screen may be ignored if SNMP is not used. These are text fields, commonly used in SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) Programs to identify this device when browsing the network.
  • Page 57 Operation Device Name This can be used to store a descriptive name for the device. Physical Location This can be used to store he location of the device. SNMP Community Name The SNMP community name. The default is “public”.
  • Page 58 Clicking the "Set to Defaults" button will restore ALL values to their factory default values. When this is done, the EtherPath will reboot, and the existing connection will be lost. You must reconnect using the default IP Address of 192.168.1.1.
  • Page 59: Chapter 5 Operation

    "Server", the other has the operational mode set as a "Client". • The communication settings for the serial devices must be the same as the values entered into the EtherPath device they each attach to. • Power up the "server" EtherPath.
  • Page 60 • If Pin 6 control is set to From Interface, then the serial device must provide a high level signal on pin 6 before the EtherPath will accept or place an Ethernet connection.
  • Page 61: Server Mode

    PC or workstation. • If there is a firewall in the link between the EtherPath and your workstation, you may need to configure it to pass packets using the port number configured into the EtherPath.
  • Page 62 “Client” EtherPath device earlier. • Power up the local EtherPath. It will be in command mode, awaiting a connection command. Type the command “AT <enter>” to test the RS-232 connection. It should answer with an “OK”...
  • Page 63 Operation • Disconnect from that remote EtherPath with either the “+++” command followed by “ATH” or by lowering the hardware lead on pin six. • See the Appendix for a complete list of AT commands and responses.
  • Page 64: Client (Reverse Telnet) Mode

    See the Appendix for a complete list of "AT" commands and responses. • If the EtherPath is in “Client - Echo” mode, you should see the message “Connect OK !” from the client mode EtherPath when the connection is established •...
  • Page 65 • If the EtherPath is in “Client - Echo” mode, you should see the message “Connect OK !” from the client mode EtherPath when the connection is established •...
  • Page 66: Chapter 6

    This section discusses configuration options that restrict configuration. Overview The EtherPath uses the industry standard IP protocol. Since this is a well known standard, its security vulnerabilities are also well known and may be exploited. Several EtherPath options are available to enhance the inherent security of your EtherPath network.
  • Page 67: Level 0

    The most secure method would be to disable all remote configuration. The EtherPath may always be configured using the direct connected terminal method. This requires physical access to the hardware, and pressing the configuration button while a terminal (or PC) is connected to the serial port.
  • Page 68: Level 2

    EtherPath User’s Guide Level 2: Using telnet or direct connection configuration, selectively enable or disable remote configuration via Telnet, via web browser, and SNMP. This setting may not be performed from the web configuration screen. Level 3: Configure Level 1 and Level 2 security as needed. Using the telnet or direct connection configuration, enter up to three user name and password pairs.
  • Page 69 Operation The serial interface is not subjected to user login since it requires physical access to the unit. SECURITY CONFIGURATION: Web Configuration: ENABLED Telnet Configuration: ENABLED SNMP Agent: ENABLED Index UserName Password ----- -------- -------- SET SECURITY CONFIGURATION: 1 Disable Web Configuration [0=ENABLED, 1=DISABLED] 2 Disable Telnet Configuration [0=ENABLED, 1=DISABLED] 3 Disable SNMP Agent [0=ENABLED, 1=DISABLED] 4 Set User ID and Password [index userid password]...
  • Page 70: Chapter 7 Troubleshooting

    S2: Check the Hub’s link LED for the port to which theEtherPath is connected. If it is off, make sure the network cable between the EtherPath and hub is in good condition. You may only use one of the LAN connections at a time. Make sure the Hub supports...
  • Page 71 Troubleshooting 10BaseT or 100BaseT. Sometimes it helps to move the network cable to a different hub port or power cycle the hub (especially when using smart hubs or Ethernet switches).
  • Page 72: Can't Connect Via The Lan

    EtherPath User’s Guide Can't Connect via the LAN P1: Can't connect to the EtherPath using Telnet or Web Browser. S1: Check the following: • Start troubleshooting from a known state. Power the EtherPath and other equipment OFF and ON to reboot.
  • Page 73 EtherPath. Many trouble calls are the result of firewall changes that block the EtherPath ports. • Are you trying to connect to the EtherPath data port with a web browser? That only works for configuration on port 8000. •...
  • Page 74: Other Problems

    • The most common problems causing this symptom are incorrect RS-232 wiring or the Windows Hyperterm program not operating correctly. P2: The “Client” EtherPath doesn’t automatically connect to the “Server” EtherPath. S2: Check that: • One unit is configured as a client, the other as a server. For troubleshooting, note that the DTR signal is asserted as soon as a connection is active.
  • Page 75 (“Client”) EtherPath match. • The communication parameters between the serial port device and the remote (“Server”) EtherPath match. P5: The EtherPath's IP Address is unknown. Is there any way of finding it? S5: Follow this procedure: •...
  • Page 76: Checking Device Operation

    EtherPath User’s Guide Checking Device Operation Once the EtherPath is installed on your Network, you can connect to it using Telnet, to verify its operation. The procedure is as follows. Leave the EtherPath in its normal operating mode. Use telnet to connect to the EtherPath with the command:...
  • Page 77: Appendix A Specifications

    Appendix A Specifications EtherPath Specifications • Flash Memory: 512 Kbytes • SRAM: 256 Kbytes • EEPROM: 512 Bytes • LAN Buffer: 2 Kbytes • RS-232/RS-485 Buffer: 4 Kbytes • RS-232/RS-485: one male DE-9 connector • Network: Ethernet 10Base-T/ 100Base-T •...
  • Page 78: Rs-232 Pin Assignments

    EtherPath User’s Guide RS-232 PIN Assignments The EtherPath 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 79: Control Signal Operation

    XON/XOFF or RTS/CTS flow control. Output. Signal is enabled when the EtherPath has a valid LAN connection to another device. This signal is low when powered on. It goes high when a valid LAN connection is established, and returns to low when that connection is disconnected.
  • Page 80 “Flow Off” buffer level, this signal is lowered. When the buffer level decreases to the “Flow ON” buffer level, this signal is raised. Input. When Flow Control is set for CTS/RTS, lowering this signal will halt data flow from the EtherPath RS-232 port. Ring Indicator Not used...
  • Page 81: Cables

    Specifications CABLES Commonly used cable connections: To PC 9-pin COM: port S S -1 1 ,6 1 ,6 This is a relatively common null-modem PC crossover cable SR Mux Composite or Access Switch Input Port RJ-45 DE-9S 4,1,6...
  • Page 82 Ethernet Cross-Over Cable Used to connect two EtherPath Ethernet connections “back-to-back” without using an Ethernet hub for test purposes. Also used to connect a EtherPath directly to a PC’s LAN connection for testing. RJ-45 RJ-45 WHT / ORG...
  • Page 83: Appendix B Programming

    In addition to user-written software applications, there are “port redirector” software packages that work quite well with the EtherPath. If you are not a "network programmer", then port redirector may be the quickest way to get an application on-line. For UNIX systems (AIX, Linux, SCO5, FreeBSD, OSF), Termnet works quite well.
  • Page 84: Description And Behavior

    "Server" will respond to any configured port number other than that. Server Mode In Server mode, the EtherPath runs under the TCP/IP network protocol. It will listen on a configured port number. The server will wait for connection after initialization.
  • Page 85 Ethernet to the application when the buffer is full or on the next tick of the transmit timer. Transmit Conditions The EtherPath will transmit an Ethernet packet when any of these conditions are met: • Transmit Timer is up and running in Transmit Timer Mode •...
  • Page 86 EtherPath could be locked if its connecting ‘Client Mode’ EtherPath disconnects abnormally. If this situation happens, no connection to the ‘Server Mode’ EtherPath is possible, and it should be reset. To solve this problem, the following system is used. When in Telnet Server mode: a telnet NOP command is used as a heatbeat keep-alive signal.
  • Page 87: Application Notes

    Specifications Application Notes There are a number of application notes available from the DCB web site at http://www.dcbnet.com . These cover port redirection, selecting the proper product (EtherPath vs. EtherPoll), SNMP, middleware for the EtherPath, a demonstration client-server software system, and other issues.
  • Page 88: Appendix C At Command Summary

    Appendix C AT Command Summary This Appendix explains the EtherPath's AT command set operation and responses. AT Commands The EtherPath recognizes the following AT commands (when AT Dialing is enabled): ATD <IP> connect to <IP_address> ATDT <IP> connect to <IP_address>...
  • Page 89: At Command Responses

    "Invalid IP address" and "Invalid Entry" The ATE and ATV settings are saved in non-volatile memory when the AT&W command is entered, and those settings are restored when the EtherPath is reset. The Factory Default setting (main menu, option 6) for both is ON.
  • Page 90: Appendix D Rs-422/ Rs-485 Interface

    RS-422/485 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 EtherPath may be for either RS- 232 or RS-422 (4-wire RS-485 point-to-point) operation using internal jumpers. Changing the Setting Remove the main board from the case by removing two screws from the rear panel.
  • Page 91: Rs-422 / 4-Wire Rs-485 Interface Pinout

    Specifications 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 Transmit Data Return(Tx-) Receive Data Return(Rx-) Signal Ground (GND) No Connection No Connection Transmit Data (Tx+) Receive Data Return(Rx+)
  • Page 92: 2-Wire Rs-485 Interface Pinout

    EtherPath User’s Guide 2-Wire RS-485 Interface Pinout Serial Port Pin Assignments Signal Name Type No Connection No Connection Receive /Transmit (Rx-) In/Out No Connection Signal Ground (GND) No Connection No Connection Receive/Transmit (RX+) In/Out No Connection...

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