Advantech EDG-4508 User manual

Preface and Table of Contents
Copyright Notice
This document is copyrighted, 2001, by Advantech Co., Ltd. All rights
are reserved. Advantech Co., Ltd., reserves the right to make improve-
ments to the products described in this manual at any time without
notice.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, copied, translated or
transmitted in any form or by any means without the prior written
permission of Advantech Co., Ltd. Information provided in this manual
is intended to be accurate and reliable. However, Advantech Co., Ltd.
assumes no responsibility for its use, nor for any infringements upon
the rights of third parties which may result from its use.
CE Notification
The EDG-4508/4516 has passed the CE test for environmental
specifications. Test conditions for passing included the equipment
being operated within an industrial enclosure. In order to protect the
EDG-4508/4516systemfrombeingdamagedbyESD(Electrostatic
Discharge) and EMI leakage, we strongly recommend the use of
CE-compliant industrial enclosure products.
Printed in Taiwan Feb.2001

EDG-4508/4516 User's Manual
A Message to the Customer...
Advantech Customer Services
Each and every Advantech product is built to the most exacting
specifications to ensure reliable performance in the unusual and
demanding conditions typical of industrial environments. Whether
your new Advantech equipment is destined for the laboratory or the
factory floor, you can be assured that your product will provide the
reliability and ease of operation for which the name Advantech has
come to be known.
Your satisfaction is our number one concern. Here is a guide to
Advantech’s customer services. To ensure you get the full benefit of
our services, please follow the instructions below carefully.
Technical Support
We want you to get the maximum performance from your products. So
if you run into technical difficulties, we are here to help. For most
frequently asked questions you can easily find answers in your
product documentation. These answers are normally a lot more
detailed than the ones we can give over the phone.
Please consult this manual first. If you still cannot find the answer,
gather all the information or questions that apply to your problem and,
with the product close at hand, call your dealer. Our dealers are well
trained and ready to give you the support you need to get the most
from your Advantech products. In fact, most problems reported are
minor and are able to be easily solved over the phone.
In addition, free technical support is available from Advantech
engineers every business day. We are always ready to give advice on
application requirements or specific information on the installation and
operation of any of our products.

Preface and Table of Contents
Product Warranty
Advantech warrants to you, the original purchaser, that each of its
products will be free from defects in materials and workmanship for
two years from the date of purchase.
This warranty does not apply to any products which have been
repaired or altered by other than repair personnel authorized by
Advantech, or which have been subject to misuse, abuse, accident or
improper installation. Advantech assumes no liability as a conse-
quence of such events under the terms of this Warranty.
Because of Advantech’s high quality-control standards and rigorous
testing, most of our customers never need to use our repair service. If
an Advantech product ever does prove defective, it will be repaired or
replaced at no charge during the warranty period. For out-of-warranty
repairs, you will be billed according to the cost of replacement materi-
als, service time and freight. Please consult your dealer for more
details.
If you think you have a defective product, follow these steps:
1. Collect all the information about the problem encountered (e.g. type
of PC, CPU speed, Advantech products used, other hardware and
software used etc.). Note anything abnormal and list any on-screen
messages you get when the problem occurs.
2. Call your dealer and describe the problem. Please have your manual,
product, and any helpful information readily available.
3. If your product is diagnosed as defective, you have to request an
RMA number. When requesting an RMA (Return Material Authori-
zation) number, please access ADVANTECH’s RMA website: http://
www.advantech.com.tw/rma. If the web sever is shut down, please
contact our office directly. You should fill in the “Problem Repair
Form”,describing in detail the application environment, configura-
tion, and problems encountered. Note that error descriptions such as
“does not work” and “failure” are so general that we are then
required to apply our internal standard repair process.
4. Carefully pack the defective product, a completely filled-out Repair
and Replacement Order Card and a photocopy of dated proof of
purchase (such as your sales receipt) in a shippable container. A

EDG-4508/4516 User's Manual
product returned without dated proof of purchase is not eligible for
warranty service.
5. Write the RMA number visibly on the outside of the package and
ship it prepaid to your dealer.

Preface and Table of Contents
Contents
1. Overview ............................................................................. 1
Features .....................................................................................................3
Package Checklist ....................................................................................3
FrontPanelView .......................................................................................4
2. Getting Started ................................................................... 7
KnowingYourApplication .........................................................................9
Single-Host Mode...........................................................................................9
Multi-Host Mode.........................................................................................10
Custom Mode...............................................................................................12
ConnectingtheHardware........................................................................13
Locating EDG-4508/4516.............................................................................13
Connecting to the Network ..........................................................................14
Connecting the Power...................................................................................14
Connecting Asynchronous Serial Devices ....................................................15
3. IP Address Configuration................................................. 17
TelnetConsole .........................................................................................18
DHCPServer ...........................................................................................21
4. Setting Up Single-Host .................................................... 25
DriverandSoftwareInstallation .............................................................27
UsingEDG-4508/4516Manager.............................................................30
SavingYour Configuration ............................................................................31
Adding an EDG-4508/4516 -Add Server Wizard .........................................31
Deletinga Server ...........................................................................................35
Modifying COM Name Mappings ..............................................................36
Un-Mapping a Port ......................................................................................37
Configuring Server Properties.......................................................................38
Upgrading EDG-4508/4516 Firmware ........................................................40
Replacinga Server.........................................................................................41

EDG-4508/4516 User's Manual
5. Setting Up Multi-Host....................................................... 43
DriverandSoftwareInstallation .............................................................45
UsingEDG-4508/4516Manager.............................................................48
SavingYour Configuration ............................................................................49
Adding an EDG-4508/4516 -Add Server Wizard .........................................49
Deletinga Server ...........................................................................................53
Modifying COM Name Mappings ..............................................................53
Un-Mapping a Port ......................................................................................54
Upgrading NPort Server Pro Firmware ........................................................55
Configuring Server Properties.......................................................................56
AccessControl ........................................................................................59
Configuring Through View by IP ..................................................................60
Configuring Through View by Port ..............................................................63
6. Setting Up Custom............................................................ 67
DriverandSoftwareInstallation .............................................................70
UsingEDG-4508/4516Manager.............................................................73
SavingYour Configuration ............................................................................74
Adding an EDG-4508/4516 -Add Server Wizard .........................................74
Deletinga Server ...........................................................................................78
Modifying COM Name Mappings ..............................................................78
Un-Mapping a Port ......................................................................................80
Upgrading EDG-4508/4516 Firmware ........................................................80
Configuring Server Properties.......................................................................81
Server Properties-Password .........................................................................82
Server Properties-Transmission ...................................................................83
AccessControl ........................................................................................84
Configuring Through View by IP ..................................................................85
Configuring Through View by Port ..............................................................89
AddingRoutestoEDG-4508/4516 ..........................................................92
Adding Routes Through Server Properties...................................................92
Modifying Routes ........................................................................................93
Removing Routes..........................................................................................94
Examples of Internet/Intranet Routing Configurations.................................94

Preface and Table of Contents
7. Utility Programs................................................................. 97
FirmwareUtility ......................................................................................99
Toolbar Functions.......................................................................................100
EDG-4508/4516Monitor.......................................................................103
Toolbar Functions.......................................................................................103
EDG-4508/4516Diagnostic .................................................................. 111
Toolbar Functions.......................................................................................111
UninstallingtheSoftware...................................................................... 117
8. Changing Your Installation Type ....................................119
A. Troubleshooting ..............................................................121
Installationand ConfigurationTroubleshooting...................................122
LEDDescription ....................................................................................126
B. Cable Pinouts ..................................................................127
10/100BaseT Port Pinouts....................................................................128
AsynchronousPortPinouts ..................................................................128
Opt1B- RJ45 to MaleDB25RS-232 Cable Pinouts ...........................129
C. Setting Up a Windows NT/95/98 Network .....................131

EDG-4508/4516 User's Manual
Figures
Figure 1-1 8-Port EDG-4508 Front Panel .................................................... 4
Figure 1-2 16-Port EDG-4516 Front Panel .................................................4
Figure 1-3 16-Port EDG-4508/4516 Rear Panel ........................................5
Figure 1-4 8-Port EDG-4508/4516 Rear Panel...........................................5
Figure 2-1 Traditional Multi-Port Serial Communication........................... 9
Figure 2-2 Single-Host Mode using two EDG-4508/4516 ........................10
Figure 2-3 Three-Hosts sharing two EDG-4508/4516 s .......................... 11
Figure 2-4 A remote control link diagram................................................12
Figure 2-5 Rack Mount ..............................................................................14
Figure 4-1 Application with one host and two EDG-4508/4516 ..............27
Figure 4-2 EDG-4508/4516 Manager menus and toolbar functions. ......31
Figure 5-1 Application with three hosts and two EDG-4508/4516 s.......45
Figure 5-2 EDG-4508/4516 Manager and the menus. .............................49
Figure 6-1 A remote control link diagram................................................69
Figure 6-2 EDG-4508/4516 Manager and the menus ..............................74
Figure 6-3 Scheme for LAN with EDG-4508/4516 connecting to the
Internet .....................................................................................95
Figure 6-4 Scheme for EDG-4508/4516 connecting to the Intranet and
Internet......................................................................................96

1
Overview
CHAPTER

2EDG-4508/4516 User's Manual
WelcometoAdvantechEDG-4508/4516, anIndustrialSerialDeviceServer
that greatly enhances the ability of a Windows NT/95/98 host to control
multiple serial port devices over a TCP/IP based Ethernet network.
This chapter is an overview of EDG-4508/4516 and includes the follow-
ing:
❒Features
❒Package Checklist
❒FrontPanelView
❒RearPanel View
EDG-4508/4516 providesa data communication solution for connecting
Windows NT/95/98 hosts to multiple asynchronous RS-232 serial ports
througha TCP/IP network. Each model has 8 or 16asynchronous RS-232
serial port connections, and one 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connection, al-
lowing any device that supports primarily the asynchronous communi-
cations protocol to attach to a network. EDG-4508/4516 works like an
add-on multi-port serial board to the NT/95/98 server, but with one major
advantage-the TCP/IP network. Since the Windows NT/95/98 host com-
municates with the COM ports on EDG-4508/4516 over a TCP/IP net-
work, you are able to control asynchronous serial devices from virtually
anywhere in the world.
Although it connects through the virtual link of the Ethernet, the ports
on EDG-4508/4516 are recognized as real COM ports by the Windows
NT/95/98operatingsystem.EDG-4508/4516 providesthebasictransmit/
receivedatafunctions,aswellasRTS, CTS, DTR, DSR, and DCD control
signals.Moreover, the EDG-4508/4516 driver is fully compatiblewiththe
Windows NT/95/98 standard COM driver.
EDG-4508/4516 canbe used with your existing applications thatsupport
serial communication. It also comes with a utility program providing a
simple step-by-step installation procedure, and a maintenance wizard
that gives you easy access to your asynchronous devices.

Chapter 1 Overview 3
Features
❒Provides a stand-alone multi-port serial solution, over a TCP/IP net-
work,forconnecting 8 or 16 COM ports for each EDG-4508/4516
❒Long range connection and distributed serial device control over an
Ethernet network
❒Easy expansion to provide up to 256 serial ports for one Windows NT
server
❒Supports sharing of the server and its ports to multiple hosts
❒Remote control of EDG-4508/4516 over the Internet and Intranet
❒DriverforWindowsNT/95/98platform
❒FixedTTYdriver for SCOUnixandLinux
❒Easy configuration and management under Windows NT/95/98
❒Secured access control to network hosts
❒Free Advantech PComm Pro Serial Control Library for easy serial de-
vice control
❒Serial connection speed from 50 to 230.4 Kbps
❒19-inchrack-mountable
Package Checklist
❒One8 or16portEDG-4508/4516
❒EDG-4508/4516 User’sManual
❒Driver and utility programs on 3 1/2-inch floppy diskette or CD
❒Power cable
❒RJ45tomale DB25 cable
❒Cross-wired Ethernet cable
❒Rackmount kit, including 2 L-shape metal plates and 12 screws

4EDG-4508/4516 User's Manual
Front Panel View
Figure 1-1. 8-Port EDG-4508 Front Panel
Figure 1-2. 16-Port EDG-4516 Front Panel

Chapter 1 Overview 5
Rear Panel View
Figure 1-3. 16-Port EDG-4516 Rear Panel
Figure 1-4. 8-Port EDG-4508 Rear Panel
ACPower
Switch 10/100M
Ethernet
Power
Connector
SerialPorts
ACPower
Switch 10/100M
Ethernet
Power
Connector
SerialPorts

6EDG-4508/4516 User's Manual

2
CHAPTER
Getting Started

8EDG-4508/4516 User's Manual
Nowthat you are familiar with EDG-4508/4516 ’sfeatures and specifica-
tions, it’s time to install the hardware and get your system up and run-
ning.
We begin this chapter with a brief explanation of the operation modes
available when using EDG-4508/4516 , and then discuss the basics of
setting it up.
This chapter includes:
❒Knowing Your Application
ŽSingle-Host Mode
•Multi-Host Mode
•Custom Mode
❒Connecting the hardware
•LocatingEDG-4508/4516
- Desktop
- Rack-Mount
•Connecting to the Network
•Connecting the Power
•Connecting Asynchronous Serial Devices

Chapter 2 Getting Started 9
Knowing Your Application
EDG-4508/4516 isan advanced Industrial Serial Device Server designed
to fit into today’s ever-expanding networking world. It extends the usage
of traditional COM ports on a PC-an isolated machine with restricted
ports-to being able to access the ports over a TCP/IP network. Through
the nature of networking, you are able to control your serial devices from
a distance, either over a LAN, or even over the Internet.
Since EDG-4508/4516 is connected through a TCP/IP network, you will
need to know some basic facts about networking in order to get the
server hooked up correctly. In the next section we discuss the Single-
Host Mode.
Single-Host Mode
Traditional serial port communication uses a COM port board that slides
into one of the slots on the back of your PC. In this case, only the
computer containing the board can access the serial port. With Advan-
tech’s8/16-portEDG-4508/4516 serial deviceserver, communicating with
COM ports is much more versatile, since you are now able to access the
COM ports from a distance. For example, the server could be located in
Stockholm, and the serial devices in Frankfurt.
Figure 2-1. Traditional Multi-Port Serial Communication

10 EDG-4508/4516 User's Manual
If you use the type of application described in the previous paragraph,
EDG-4508/4516 with its Ethernet connection is the best solution avail-
able for adding RS-232 serial devices to your computer. It allows you to
extend the range of your operation, increase the number of ports used,
and provides high throughput. The installation procedure is as simple as
installing a traditional multi-port serial board. You don’t have to spend a
lot of time learning advanced networking concepts to configure EDG-
4508/4516 . The least you will need to do is install an Ethernet card in
your computer.
Figure 2-2. Single-Host Mode using two EDG-4508/4516
Multi-Host Mode
Foradvancedapplicationsyoumay share one EDG-4508/4516 with mul-
tiple hosts on a Local Area Network (LAN). Unlike serial devices bun-
dled to a dedicated host, sharing one EDG-4508/4516 with several com-
puters saves resources, since you no longer need to add multi-port serial
boards to each computer. Figure 2-3 shows the basic concept of the
Multi-Host application.
For example, let’s assume that you have three hosts on the same net-
work, and each host requires 5 serial ports to communicate with five
serial devices. All you need to do is install one 16 port EDG-4508/4516 ,
and connect 5 ports to each of the three hosts. In some types of applica-
tions, such as a modem pool, or other RS-232 device pooling situations,

Chapter 2 Getting Started 11
you can allow different hosts to access the same serial devices. The
TCP/IP protocol automatically handles the time-sharing problem intro-
duced by this type of application.
Figure 2-3. Three-Hosts sharing two EDG-4508/4516 s
If you decide to configure your EDG-4508/4516 as Multi-Host, you will
need to know something about the networking concept of assigning IP
addresses. There are two basic roles at play with this application mode-
the administrator, and general users. The administrator assigns a dedi-
cated IP address to EDG-4508/4516 , so that other Windows NT/95/98
hosts on the network, i.e., the general users, are able to locate the server
that is being administered. The administrator also decides who has the
right to access which ports. General users only need to install the driver
and software, add EDG-4508/4516 to their system, and then run their
application. These procedures protect EDG-4508/4516 ’s security, and
help keep the server running as a clean, simple device for serial commu-
nication.
Note: Multi-Host Mode is designed to be used only at the local
level, such as over a LAN.

12 EDG-4508/4516 User's Manual
Figure 2-4. A remote control link diagram
Custom Mode
The Custom Mode of operating EDG-4508/4516 allows for situations
more complex than those mentioned in the two previous subsections.
These functions include remote control from an Internet host, setting
the ports on EDG-4508/4516 as WAN ports for remote control, and
adding complicated routing protocols. Setting up these types of applica-
tion requires more network knowledge, and possibly knowledge about
the Internet and Intranet. Figure 2-4 shows a complex remote-control
example.
In most cases, if EDG-4508/4516 is used for remote access or control,
you will need to customize the server to suit your needs. You could be
the administrator setting up EDG-4508/4516 for other Windows NT/95/
98 hosts, or you could be a general user with access to EDG-4508/4516
from a remote site.