Communication Processor — Embedded Metasys Ethernet Router User Manual #TD990200-0ME Version 1.
Trademarks Contemporary Controls, ARC Control, ARC DETECT and EXTEND-A-BUS are trademarks or registered trademarks of Contemporary Control Systems, Inc. ARCNET is a registered trademark of Datapoint Corporation. Other product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Datalight is a registered trademark of Datalight, Inc. Sockets is a trademark of Datalight, Inc.
Contents Chapter 1 Introduction ......................................................... 1 Description ................................................................... 1 Features ........................................................................ 2 Specifications ............................................................... 2 Environmental ....................................................... 2 Mechanical ............................................................ 2 Regulatory Compliance .....
Adding a New Metasys Subnet ........................... 19 Changing the Ethernet Network ......................... 21 Changing the Layout of the Metasys Network ................................................. 21 Chapter 4 Troubleshooting ................................................ 23 Booting Up the Router ............................................... 23 Debugging Ethernet Failures ..................................... 23 XPING Command ...............................................
DOS Files .............................................................. Ethernet Files ......................................................... TCP/IP Files ........................................................... Metasys Ethernet Router Files ............................... Metasys Ethernet Router Main Program (ROUTER.EXE) .................................................... Ethernet Communications Tests (TESTNET.EXE) ..................................................
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1 Introduction Description The Communication Processor Module provides either router or gateway connectivity between ARCNET and Ethernet networks. Usually in router/gateway applications, a desktop PC compatible computer is dedicated to the task of executing the application program from either a hard disk or floppy disk. On the PC motherboard, two network interface modules are used to connect to the two networks of interest.
routing has been pre-installed onto the Communication Processor at the factory and immediately begins execution upon power-up. To configure the program, a laptop computer running a terminal emulation program, like HyperTerminal, is attached to one of the COM ports using a null-modem cable. Once configured, the program runs continually.
Regulatory Compliance Refer to the MOD HUB series data sheet Port Specifications ARCNET Compliance: Data Rate: Signaling: Port Connector: LED Indicators: Ethernet Compliance: Data Rate: Signaling: Port Connector: Segment Length: LED Indicators: Figure 2−10BASE-T Connection ANSI/ATA 878.1-1999 2.5 Mbps MOD HUB backplane none − requires EXP expansion module ACTIVITY−yellow TX−green ANSI/IEEE 802.
COM1, COM2 Compliance: EIA-232 (DTE) Data Rate: 19.
2 Operation Description The Embedded Metasys Ethernet Router integrates Metasys N1 LAN segments with an Ethernet network that uses the TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) suite. The router provides the physical connection between a Metasys ARCNET segment and the Ethernet network. It takes advantage of a customer’s existing Ethernet network, while maintaining the dedicated Facility Management System (FMS) communications necessary for complex, time-critical, local control strategies.
Communication Processor has no monitor or keyboard. Instead, the monitor/keyboard functionality is accomplished by an external laptop or desktop computer running a terminal emulation program (such as HyperTerminal), while connected to COM ports on the Communication Processor. The Metasys Ethernet Router program is accessed via COM1. The embedded operating system is accessed via COM2. If a terminal emulation program is attached to COM1, real-time routing statistics can be observed.
Even though the Metasys Ethernet Router looks like a data router to the Metasys Network, most communications experts would call it a network gateway. To the Ethernet network, the router looks like a normal IBM PC workstation.
Design Considerations NCM Compatibility The Metasys Ethernet Router is compatible with all versions of the NCM200 and NCM300. If NCM101s/401s are used, they must be Revision K or later. It is possible to upgrade the EPROM chips in older NCM101s/401s for compatibility with the Metasys Ethernet Router. For information about upgrading, contact Field Support Services. (NCM102s cannot be used.
Note: If the Ethernet network consists of multiple Ethernet segments, the segments must be connected using LAN Routers that support the TCP/IP protocol suite. Intermediate networks that use other communications technology (FDDI, Token Ring) are acceptable if the intermediate networks are high speed. Low speed networks (e.g., 9600-baud serial lines) will cause unacceptable delays to the Metasys N1 communications. The resulting network layout will be similar to the sample network shown in Figure 3.
4. Have the customer’s network communications staff assign IP addresses and provide IP routing information for each Metasys Ethernet Router. Record this information on the Metasys Ethernet Router Planning Form B. (See Appendix A: Metasys Ethernet Router Planning Forms.) Append the ARCNET Subnet addresses from form A to form B. 5. Using the Metasys Ethernet Router Planning Form B, configure each router by accessing its configuration screen. (See Chapter 3.) 6.
3. Use of a customer’s Wide Area Network (WAN) is not recommended. The delays associated with Wide Area Networks may be unacceptable for operation of the Metasys Network. 4. If the system contains a JC/85 Gateway, the Gateway points should not be mapped to objects that reside in NCMs located on different subnets. The JC/85 Gateway obtains the status for all objects that are defined in the Gateway at frequent intervals (every 1-5 seconds). This creates a large amount of message traffic on the N1 network.
• Excessive traffic or Ethernet failures may cause Metasys offline reports. An offline report is generated if a Metasys message response is not received within 12 seconds. • Customer equipment attached to the Ethernet network could cause Ethernet network down time. In order to minimize the impact of these problems, consider the following: • Avoid using Ethernet networks running at more than 20% of capacity. • Avoid networks using slower speed links for routing (< 56 kbps).
3 Installation and Commissioning Hardware Installation The Communication Processor must be installed into two spare slots of a MOD HUB series ARCNET modular active hub. Refer to the MOD HUB series User Manual for detailed information on installing the MOD HUB. With the power off on the MOD HUB, remove any filler plates and install the Communication Processor into the hub and hand tighten the knurled screws.
This is normal. The two PWR lights should be on, but the Communication Processor should have no lights on. The Communication Processor will test its memory and then execute its AUTOEXEC.BAT file. This will take less than a minute. You will observe a message that will allow you to halt the booting process in order to access the Ethernet Router Configuration screen. Hit any key during this pause and the screen will be displayed.
Using the Metasys Ethernet Router Planning Form B in Appendix A, add to this file the ARCNET Subnet Address (Column 1) and IP Address (Column 2) of each Metasys Ethernet Router that will be connected. Specify these two addresses on the same line and above the “000” terminating flag at the end of the file. The # symbol means that the text following the # is a remark. The following is an example for three Metasys Ethernet Routers: 1 2 3 192.168.20.91 192.168.20.23 192.168.20.56 The SOCKET.
cable, the green Link LED should go on. This light must be on before moving to the next step. 3. Type “Q” to terminate the application and exit to DOS. At this point, the null-modem cable must be moved from COM1 to COM2 to enable DOS functionality. Once the cable has been attached to COM2, the DOS prompt should be visible. You can clear the screen by typing in CLS and then return. 4. Verify that the router is communicating with Metasys by using TESTNET. TESTNET reads the configuration file (ROUTER.
Reconfiguring the System Over time, a Metasys Network that uses Metasys Ethernet Routers may have to be reconfigured to account for additions and changes to the system. The reconfigurations that a system may undergo can be classified as: • • • • • adding a new NCM or PC moving an NCM or PC adding a new Metasys subnet changing the Ethernet network changing the layout of the N1 network This section describes the steps necessary to perform each of these different types of reconfigurations.
• For an NCM, use NCSETUP to set the subnet and node addresses. When using NCSETUP, don’t forget to specify the correct subnet and node address for the archive device. 4. Add the device to the system database, either by updating the DDL global file or by using a device definition window. 5. Physically attach the new NCM or PC to the ARCNET segment that you have selected. 6. You do not need to make any changes to the Metasys Ethernet Router or the ROUTER.CFG file.
• For an NCM, use NCSETUP to set the subnet and node addresses. Once the subnet address for an NCM is changed, you will not be able to communicate with the NCM over the N1 network until it is physically attached to its new subnet. When using NCSETUP, don’t forget to specify the correct subnet and node address for the archive device. 4. Change the subnet and node addresses for the device in the Metasys database. This is done by updating the DDL global file. 5.
Verify that the Metasys Ethernet Router is communicating by “pinging” it from another Ethernet equipped device. This can be done from another Metasys Ethernet Router that has a terminal emulator attached or from any Ethernet device that has TCP/IP communications software. For example, to ping a new router with IP address 192.168.22.236, enter: xping 192.168.22.236 The response to the XPING command should indicate that the new router is communicating. 6. Modify the ROUTER.
Changing the Ethernet Network Occasionally, the customer’s communications/computer staff may decide to rearrange their Ethernet network. Normally this will not impact the operation of the Metasys Ethernet Router, except that it may result in a temporary loss of communications with one or more of the routers. Should this happen, all NCMs and PCs on those subnets will go offline.
when the routers were first installed. The Metasys Ethernet Router Planning Form B will be used to configure each of the Metasys Ethernet Routers. If you will be installing new routers, follow the procedures beginning on page 13. 4. Use the Metasys Ethernet Router Planning Form B to generate a new ROUTER.CFG file. The file should be a list of subnet address and IP address pairs of the form: nnn xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx where “nnn” is the subnet address and “xxx.xxx.xxx.
4 Troubleshooting Because the Metasys Ethernet Router hardware consists of an embedded DOS computer, knowledge of DOS will help in troubleshooting the system. Booting Up the Router When first activated, the Metasys Ethernet Router computer runs through a self test. If an error is detected, the router will stop operating then repeatedly display an error message advising the operator to press “Q” to end the router program and exit to DOS.
The statistics screen normally shows the ARCNET and network message Idle counters rapidly incrementing. The counters for Invalid, Retry, and Failure messages should be zero. The ARCNET and network Normal counters and the ARCNET and Ethernet Broadcast counters increment as messages are received.
Error Number Meaning 1 In Use 2 DOS Error 3 Memory Error 4 Network Connection Error 6 Bad Packet 7 No Host 8 Cannot Open Connection 9 Ethernet Network Unreachable (typically a customer LAN Router failure) 10 Host Unreachable (a remote Metasys Ethernet device such as a NCM, OWS or Metasys Ethernet Router is off-line) 12 Time Out 15 No Servers 16 Server Error Table 3−Common Ethernet Errors If a defined router is offline when another router boots up, error 10 displays on the statistic
Where “xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx” is the IP address of a computer on the Ethernet network. Other Metasys Ethernet Routers and TCP/IPcompatible computer systems send back a response. The “interval” value is the number of clock cycles between pings and can range from 1 to 32767. The default interval is 10 cycles. The pinging will continue until stopped by any keystroke. Failures are caused by cable problems, device driver configuration problems, or computers being offline.
unique subnet address. The Metasys DDL files must use the correct subnet addresses. 3. All of the Metasys devices on one ARCNET segment need to have the same subnet address. Although ARCNET hubs and links result in multiple ARCNET segments, for the purposes of the Metasys Ethernet Router, it is all considered one subnet. 4. Time-critical control strategies should not cross Ethernet segments. Debugging ARCNET Failures Use standard Metasys debugging tools to diagnose and correct suspected ARCNET failures.
ROUTER.CFG file. Update the ROUTER.CFG file to include the undefined subnet. 2. The Metasys Network generated a message that contained an invalid address. Write down the message information that appears on the screen and call Field Support Services. Metasys Devices Do Not Respond If any other node on the same ARCNET segment responds normally, the router is not at fault. The problem could be caused by a Metasys device failure or an ARCNET cable problem.
N1 Communications Are Occasionally Unreliable 1. Ethernet communications may be unreliable. Use IPSTAT or XPING to check for Ethernet errors. If transmit or receive errors are indicated, check with the network administrator for the Ethernet network to determine if they have been experiencing Ethernet downtime or excessively heavy network traffic. 2. ARCNET communications may be unreliable. Check the ARCNET cables for any subnets that are experiencing problems. 3.
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5 Service Warranty Contemporary Controls (CC) warrants its product to the original purchaser for one year from the product’s shipping date. If a CC product fails to operate in compliance with its specification during this period, CC will, at its option, repair or replace the product at no charge. The customer is, however, responsible for shipping the product; CC assumes no responsibility for the product until it is received.
Technical Support Contemporary Controls (U.S.A.) will provide technical support on its products by calling +1-630-963-7070 each weekday (except holidays) between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Central time. Contemporary Controls Ltd (U.K.) will provide technical support on its products by calling +44 (0)24 7641 3786 each weekday (except holidays) between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. United Kingdom time.
Returning Products for Repair To schedule service for a product, please call CC Customer Service support directly at +1-630-963-7070 (U.S.) or +44 (0)24 7641 3786 (U.K.). Have the product model and serial number available, along with a description of the problem. A Customer Service representative will record the appropriate information and issue, via fax, an RMA number—a code number by which we track the product while it is being processed.
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Appendices Appendix A: Metasys Ethernet Router Planning Forms Metasys Ethernet Router Planning Form A ARCNET Node Address ARCNET Subnet Address NCM/ OWS TD990200-0ME 35 Description (Optional)
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Appendix B: Common Metasys Ethernet Router Files A partial listing of Embedded Metasys Ethernet Router files, organized by function, appears below and on the following page. Those files which are not self-explanatory are discussed on the following pages. DOS Files AUTOEXEC.BAT MS-DOS auto-execute batch file for the Metasys Ethernet Router CONFIG.SYS MS-DOS configuration file for the Metasys Ethernet Router Ethernet Files NE2000.COM TCP/IP packet driver for NE2000 compatible Ethernet cards.
Metasys Ethernet Router Files DELAY.EXE Allows OSSTART time to initialize before Router communicates to the COM port. Required for faster PC platforms. DOWNLOAD.EXE Downloads the ROUTER.CFG file to other Metasys Ethernet Routers attached to the Ethernet network. CONFIG.EXE Setup screen configuration program for ROUTER.CFG and PCTCP.INI. OSSTART.EXE Metasys Ethernet Router startup program ROUTER.CFG Metasys Ethernet Router configuration file ROUTER.EXE Metasys Ethernet Router main program RTOSCTSK.
Status of the Metasys Ethernet Routers: Router 192.168.130.8 is responding Router 192.168.110.237 is responding Router 192.168.205.125 is not responding Router 192.168.205.234 is responding Router 192.168.205.235 is not responding Router 192.168.205.236 is responding If a router is not responding, either the Ethernet or the router has failed. Test the Ethernet link, then check connections to the router. Finally, inspect each configuration item in the configuration files.
The first three lines in the sample file show the specification of router configuration options called switches. There are seven switch options that can be specified. All seven options are specified by an entry in the ROUTER.CFG file consisting of a slash (/) followed by the option letter. The option letters must be capitalized. /A or /B The /A switch and the /B switch control the way that ARCNET broadcast messages are handled by the Metasys Ethernet Router.
/S Statistics screen. This displays the router statistics screen via the COM1 port. If the /M switch is set to monitor statistics, the statistics are reported onscreen. If the /M switch is not set, the statistics screen is still displayed, but no statistics are reported. Once per day the statistics counters are zeroed. When statistics are updated to the monitor, router operation does slow down. For optimum performance, turn the statistics display off.
This can be done using the DOWNLOAD program or by copying the updated ROUTER.CFG file onto each router by hand. A sample statistics output is shown below: NETWORK MESSAGES: ARCNET MESSAGES: 4580890 Idle: Idle: 33589 Normal: Broadcast: Normal: 2202 Broadcast: 4580885 33589 2202 Retry: 0 Retry: 0 Invalid: 0 Invalid: 0 Failure: 0 Error: Last Invalid Message: STATSC RN Figure 5−Example of Statistics Screen The first column shows the number of ARCNET messages received by the router.
The Invalid counters indicate the number of Invalid messages received. An Invalid message is a message that contains an invalid address. The Invalid counters should always be zero during normal operation. If the Invalid message counter is ever non-zero, the latest Invalid message will display on the monitor screen, below the statistics information. The ARCNET Failure counter indicates the number of times an ARCNET message could not be delivered to its destination due to Ethernet errors.
Appendix C: COM Port Communication Null Modem Cable Since the COM1 and COM2 ports on the Metasys Ethernet Router are wired as a DTE and the COM port on a laptop or desktop computer is wired the same way, a null-modem cable is required between devices Figure 6−Null-Modem Cable Detail Setting Up HyperTerminal HyperTerminal is a terminal emulation program included with Windows 95, 98 and NT. If it is not installed on your machine, go to your Control Panel. Double click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
• • • • • • • • • • • • Press the Configure button. Select the Port settings tab. Set the Bits per second to 19200. Set the Data bits to 8. Set the Parity to None. Set the Stop bits to 1. Set the Flow control to None. Press the OK button. Select the Settings tab. Choose the “Terminal Keys” option. In the Emulation box select ANSI. Press the OK button. If you connect to a running Embedded Metasys Ethernet Router you may need to refresh the screen.
Appendix D: Jumper and Switch Settings The jumper and switch settings available to the user are illustrated in Figure 7 and described below. Figure 7 — Jumper Settings Settings E1 — Memory and Input/Output Jumper Settings The default settings shown in Figure 7 should not be changed. E2 — ARCNET Interrupt Jumper Selection The default IRQ 7 is the normal Metasys interrupt used. E3 — MOD HUBplus Jumper Option The default selection is set to P1.
