Axis 2490 User manual

User’s Manual

AXIS COMMUNICATIONS
<Product Name> Quick User’s Guide
AXIS 2490 User’s Manual
2
About This Document
This document is intended for administrators and users of
the AXIS 2490 Serial Server, and is applicable for software
release 2.0. Although many of the operational aspects of
the product are described in the on-line help, this manual
does contain information for configuring, managing and
using the unit in your networking environment, as well as a
general overview of the product functionality.
Readers are recommended to use this manual as a
supplement to the Wizards and other online information
available via the Web-based interface. Later versions of this
manual will be posted to the Axis Website, as required.
Safety Notices
Please observe all safety markings when using this product.
Caution! - Potential hazard that can damage the product.
Important! - Potential hazard that can seriously impair
operation.
Do not proceed beyond any of the above notices until you
have fully understood the implications.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
USA - This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
interference to radio communications. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
computing device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC
rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference when operated in a commercial
environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential
area may cause interference, in which case the user will be
required, at his/her own expense, to take whatever
measures may be necessary to correct the interference.
Shielded cables should be used with this unit to ensure
compliance with the Class A limits.
Europe - This digital equipment fulfills the
requirements for radiated emission according to limit B of
EN55022/1994, and the requirements for immunity
according to EN55024/1998 residential, commercial, and
light industry.
Liability
Every care has been taken in preparing this manual. If you
find any inaccuracies or omissions, please inform your
local Axis office. Addresses and telephone numbers can be
found on the AXIS website at www.axis.com.
Axis Communications AB cannot be held responsible for any
technical or typographical errors and reserves the right to make
changes to the product and manuals without prior notice. Axis
Communications AB makes no warranty of any kind with
regard to the material contained within this document,
including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Axis
Communications AB shall not be liable nor responsible for
incidental or consequential damages in connection with the
furnishing, performance or use of this material.
Trademark Acknowledgments
Acrobat, Adobe, Boa, Ethernet, IBM, Internet Explorer, LAN
Manager, Linux, Macintosh, Microsoft, Netscape Navigator,
OS/2, UNIX, Windows, WWW are registered trademarks of the
respective holders. Java and all Java-based trademarks and
logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun
Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
Axis Communications AB is independent of Sun Microsystems
Inc.
Warranty
This product is supplied with a 1-year warranty. Please register
your product at http://warranty.axis.com
Support Services
Should you require any technical assistance, please contact
your local dealer. If your questions cannot be answered
immediately, your dealer will forward your queries through the
appropriate channels to ensure you a rapid response. If you are
connected to the Internet, you can obtain on-line manuals,
technical support, software updates, application software and
general corporate information from www.axis.com
AXIS 2490 User’s Manual
Revision 1.1
Part No:
Dated: May 2001
Copyright © Axis Communications AB,
1996 - 2001

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual Table of Contents 3
Table of Contents
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Product Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Assembling Your Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Checking the Hardware Inventory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
The AXIS 2490 in Your Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Networking Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Connecting to a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Quick Installation Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Verifying the Connection From Your Browser... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Alternative Methods of Assigning the IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Configuring Your Serial Server . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Complete the Basic Installation Using the Installation Wizard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Using the Administration Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Reinstating the Factory Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Appendix A - Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
PINGing Your IP Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
How to test your setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Test a COM Port Redirector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Symptoms, Possible Causes and Remedial Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Appendix B - Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Appendix C - Updating the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Appendix D - The Unit Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
The Serial Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Appendix E - Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Serial port control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Open serial port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Simple TCP Client Program Example for a Generic TCP/IP port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Overview AXIS 2490 User’s Manual
4
Overview
The old way of installing serial devices was by connecting them to PCs, either directly with
serial cables or by using modems. This often required a lot of PCs, long cables, etc.
The AXIS 2490 Serial Server makes it possible to connect serial devices directly to a
network without using a PC, thus providing applications with convenient remote access to
these resources via HTTP and TCP/IP. The illustration below shows the following physical
setups:
❶to❸ThePCapplication usesa network socket or a COM-Port redirector to
communicate.
❷to❹PCto Serial Server tonetwork. Thiscan beused ifyou havean old applicationthat
uses the serial port and when you can’t use a COM-port redirector.
❸to❹Twoserialdevicesconnectedtoeachothervia a "virtual extension cable".
For more information, please refer to The AXIS 2490 in Your Application, on page 9.
❷
❶
❸❹

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual Overview 5
With its own built-in Web server, the AXIS 2490 allows direct access from any browser on
the network and provides full Web-based control of the management and configuration
functions.
The AXIS 2490 Serial Server supports high data rates and high throughput. It enables 10
Mbit and 100 Mbit Ethernet network access to serial devices using TCP/IP or HTTP as the
transport protocol.
One or two serial servers replace long cables and one PC, allowing dramatic reductions in
installation costs. The network solution also makes it possible to contact the
application/device remotely. As there are no physical confinements, the device can be
managed from anywhere within the network and controlled centrally, which is useful if
many people need access. Service engineers especially, will find it much more convenient
to troubleshoot devices remotely. System uptime will also be increased, as many moving
parts, i.e. the hard drives in the PC’s, are eliminated.

Overview AXIS 2490 User’s Manual
6
Features and Benefits
Easy to Use - The AXIS 2490 is completely independent of any other server and requires no
special hardware or software. All you need is Netscape Navigator 4.x or above, or
Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.x or above. The AXIS 2490 has complete plug-and-use
functionality - all you need do is assign a valid IP address.
Simple Installation - The AXIS 2490 connects directly to Ethernet or Fast Ethernet networks,
Its Web-based interface greatly simplifes the installation process, and allows a seamless
integration into your networking and application environments.
Open Standards Environment - Supporting TCP/IP, HTTP and other protocols, the AXIS 2490
can be used in mixed environments, such as Windows, UNIX, Macintosh and OS/2.
Integrates easily into other WWW/Intranet applications and CGI scripts.
Simple Administration - Configuration and management via the product’s own Web-based
Administration Tools. Adjust the settings for; serial ports, security, the network etc,
directly from your browser.
Security - Data protection is normally implemented by your Network Administrator using
the unit’s security settings in combination with an organization’s Internet firewall. The
Administrator can decide whether individuals, groups, the whole company or the whole
world may access your Serial Server. The AXIS 2490 supports multi-user password
protection. Furthermore, when using the serial ports in TCP/IP mode, it is also possible to
specify Allowed Users and Allowed IP-addresses.
AXIS Technolgy - Axis’ renowned chipset technology is built on an open architechture that is
streamlined to provide device connectivity independent of any file server.
The AXIS 2490 is driven by a powerful AXIS ETRAX 32-bit RISC processor.
Linux Operating System - Including a Boa Web server, the Linux operating system provides a
stable platform for open-source development in future releases of the product. In
accordance with the GNU General Public License, Axis have published the kernel for this
product at http://developer.axis.com/. Axis would like to thank Paul Phillips, who wrote
Boa; and Larry Doolittle, who is now enhancing and maintaining this free software -
published at www.boa.org.
Complimentary Software - AXIS IP Installer - for quick installation of multiple units.

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual Product Description 7
Product Description
Read the following information to familiarize yourself with the AXIS 2490, making
particular note of where the connectors and indicators are located.
Two RS-232 serial ports, 9-pin male
D-SUB. Both ports support: RX, TX, RTS,
CTS, DSR, DTR, RI and CD.
Serial Number
Located on the underside label of the AXIS
2490, the serial number is identical to the
Ethernet address of the unit.
Front Panel
Control Button
Used to reset the unit and to reinstate the
factory settings.
Screw Connector Block
One RS-485/RS-422 serial port on screw terminal block.
The block connector also provides an auxiliary connection
point for AC or DC power to the unit.
Network Connector
The AXIS 2490 is designed for 10 Mbps Ethernet and 100 Mbps
Fast Ethernet networks and connects to the network via a
twisted pair category 5 cable (10baseT and 100baseTX) termi-
nated using a standard RJ-45 connector. Supporting NWAY, the
AXIS 2490 detects the speed of the local network segment and
varies the speed of data communication accordingly, between
10 Mbps and 100 Mbps.
Power Supply Connector
A single Jack socket (PS-B) for
connection of AXIS 2490 power
supply.
Rear Panel
Status
Indicator
Power
Indicator

Assembling Your Unit AXIS 2490 User’s Manual
8
Assembling Your Unit
The information provided in this section will help you unpack and assemble your product;
you are then ready to proceed with the installation and configuration of the product into
your application environment, as described in the following sections of this document.
Checking the Hardware Inventory
Unpack and check all the items against the itemized list below. You should contact your
dealer immediately if you find anything is missing or damaged.
Item Model Variants Part Numbers
Serial Server AXIS 2490 0108-001-01
Power Supply (PS-B)
Europe 13267
UK 13268
Australia 13269
USA 13270
Japan 13936
4 x Rubber Feet 13933
4 x Screws ST4.2X25 RXS-Z FZB 17645
4 x Plugs 30X3.5-4MM 17644
Printed Materials Getting Started Guide AXIS 2490 R1.0 (or
later)
17298

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual The AXIS 2490 in Your Application 9
The AXIS 2490 in Your Application
The AXIS 2490 can be used in a wide variety of applications. Installing directly onto an
Ethernet network, the product is completely independent and requires no additional
software, unless you plan on using a COM-port Redirector (see below).
This section will help you prepare for the installation and configuration of the unit. Not to
be regarded as a comprehensive catalog of possible applications, the section describes
several typical general applications. For more examples of applications, see Examples, on
page 35.
Networking Applications
Traditionally, serial devices have always been connected to PCs, either directly by cables or
via modems. Now, however, you can use an existing Ethernet network (LAN/WAN) to
connect to your serial device. Using the AXIS 2490 Serial Server as the link between the
serial device and the network, simply connect the device to the AXIS 2490, which in turn
plugs into the LAN/WAN. Lastly, set the IP address for the Serial Server and you’re ready
to start using your serial devices over the network.
Port Modes
The Serial Server has two operational modes: Generic TCP/IP and Generic HTTP. The mode
can be set independently for each serial port: (two RS-232 ports and one RS-422/485 port).
Generic TCP/IP
This mode is as a data connection for transparent communication, where the AXIS 2490
can act both as a server and a client. The mode can be used for the following
configurations:
Remote access using an application with network support
The AXIS 2490 supports the Telnet option for COM port control according to RFC2217.
This is one example of how the setup shown below can be used. Please see Protocols, on
page 27 for a complete list of the protocols supported.

The AXIS 2490 in Your Application AXIS 2490 User’s Manual
10
Telnet RFC2217 Options
COM port control according to RFC2217 uses telnet options in the data stream to
encapsulate status and control information. It can be used to control the state of the
control outputs (RTS and DTR) and to monitor the state of inputs (CD, DSR, CTS and RI). It
can also be used to control the COM port settings, such as baudrate, parity settings etc. A
COM port redirector that supports RFC2217 will configure the baud rate etc., to the
configuration set by the application on the PC.
Remote access using a COM port redirector
Many applications require local serial ports for their function and will not work with a
networked serial port, which is what you’ll have when using the AXIS 2490. To make the
server’s ports appear to the application as if they were local ports, you must install and use
additional software - a COM Port Redirector. This software allows programs (especially
older ones) that use Windows serial port drivers to be used over a network. The application
itself runs as usual, with no modifications.
Note: For more information about COM-port Redirectors, please see the AXIS 2490 product pages on
the Axis website att www.axis.com.

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual The AXIS 2490 in Your Application 11
2 Serial Servers used together create a "tunnel" and use the network as a "virtual
extension cable"
This alternative can be used to connect two serial devices or a serial device with a PC using
an application that uses COM ports. See Tunnel Communication, on page 36 for the
necessary settings.
Generic HTTP
The Generic HTTP mode gives you the ability to receive status/data and send commands
via HTTP. Communication via HTTP can be restricted to defined users or it can be
available for annonymous access.

Connecting to a Network AXIS 2490 User’s Manual
12
Connecting to a Network
Quick Installation Procedure
Follow the instructions below to quickly connect the AXIS 2490 to an Ethernet network:
❶Note the Serial number
Note the Serial number on the underside of the unit. You need to know this to set the IP
address:
❷AssigninganIP Address
Important!
Using an appropriate method for your operating system, assign your AXIS 2490 with a
unique IP Address from a computer on your network, using the ARP command, as follows:
You will now see the message ‘Request timed out...’, repeatedly returned in the window.
•Donotuse the default IP address featured in the following examples when installing your AXIS 2490.
If in doubt, consult your Network Administrator before assigning an IP address.
• Server Privileges: Although no special privileges are required for Windows 95/98, you do need
Administrator privileges for Windows NT/2000, and Root privileges on UNIX.
Serial number same as
00408c100086 =
Ethernet number; e.g.
00-40-8c-10-00-86
W
indows 95/98 & NT/2000 only - Start a DOS window
and type these commands:
Syntax:
arp -s <AXISServer IP address> <Ethernet address>
<my PC IP address>
ping -t <AXISServer IP address>
Example:
arp -s 172.21.1.200 00-40-8c-10-00-86
172.21.1.193
ping -t 172.21.1.200
UNIX only - Type these commands in
your command line:
Syntax:
arp -s <IP address> <Ethernet
address> temp
ping <IP address>
Example:
arp -s 172.21.1.200
00:40:8c:10:00:86 temp
ping 172.21.1.200

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual Connecting to a Network 13
Status Indicator
Power Indicator
❸ConnectanEthernetcable
Connect an Ethernet cable to your AXIS 2490 and
attach it to the network.
❻Exit PING
The connection is now complete, and you are ready to access the AXIS
2490 from your Web browser, as described in the next section.
❹Attach the external Power Supply
Attach the external Power Supply to the
unit and connect it to your local mains
supply.
❺Wait for a replyfrom theunit and check the
Status indicator
Approximately 10-15 seconds after connecting the
power supply, the message ‘Reply from
172.21.1.200...’- or similar, is returned in the DOS
window. Ensure that the Power Indicator is permanently
lit and that the Status Indicator flashes intermittently.

Connecting to a Network AXIS 2490 User’s Manual
14
Verifying the Connection From Your Browser...
Having completed the procedure above, you should then verify the connection between the
AXIS 2490 and the network, as follows:
1. Start your browser (see note below) and enter the IP address of the AXIS 2490 in the
Location/Address field:
The Welcome Page for your AXIS 2490 is now displayed:
2. Continue the setup process and configure your own application using the Installation
Wizard or click the Admin Button and use the Administration Tools, as described in
Configuring Your Serial Server, on page 18.
Important!
http://172.21.1.200/
The Administration Tools can be used to change your username and password. Log on as an Administra-
tor using the username root and default password pass. It is recommended that you change the root
password, since all Axis products are shipped with the same password as default. For further informa-
tion, refer to System Security, on page 22.
Admin
Button
Installation
Wizard

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual Connecting to a Network 15
Alternative Methods of Assigning the IP Address
In addition to the ARP command (as described earlier in this section), you can set the IP
address using an appropriate method for your operating system from the table below:
Important!
•Donotuse the default or IP address featured in the following examples when installing your AXIS
2490. Acquire an unused IP address from your Network Administrator.
• Make sure the AXIS 2490 is powered up and attached to the network.
• Ethernet Address: The AXIS 2490 is pre-configured with a unique Ethernet Address based on the
serial number printed on the label on the underside of the unit; where the serial number typically
follows the format 00-40-8c-xx-yy-zz. You must know the Ethernet address to complete the instal-
lation.
Method Operating Systems Refer to...
AXIS IP Installer Windows 95/98 and
NT/2000
Using the AXIS IP Installer, on page 16.
BOOTP
Requiring a BOOTP daemon on your system, this
method operates over the entire network. A
request to an active daemon initiates a search of
the boot table to find an entry matching the unit’s
Ethernet address. The daemon downloads the IP
address to the device if a match is found.
UNIX Using BOOTP in UNIX, on page 17.

Connecting to a Network AXIS 2490 User’s Manual
16
Using the AXIS IP Installer
The AXIS IP Installer is a Windows 95/98 & NT/2000 program that is ideal for setting the
IP addresses for multiple Axis’ networking products on your network. Also allowing you to
access the home page of any Axis ThinServer device connected to your network, this freely
distributed software is available for download from the Axis’ Website at www.axis.com.
Installing the AXIS IP Installer:
1. Download the latest AXIS IP Installer software onto your desktop and run the
Setup_IPInstaller.exe program to start the installation.
2. The AXIS IP Installer - Setup dialog is displayed on the screen.
3. Follow the instructions as they appear on the screen.
4. Click Finish to complete the installation.
Setting the IP Address with the AXIS IP Installer:
1. Run the AXIS IP Installer from the Start menu. The AXIS IP Installer dialog is
displayed on the screen.
2. Restart your AXIS 2490.
3. Select the serial number of your AXIS 2490 from the list. The serial number is identical
to the unit’s Ethernet address.
4. Enter the desired IP address. Click Set IP address. The IP address will now be set.
5. To access the home page of the AXIS 2490, click Home page of selected Axis-server...
You can now configure the AXIS 2490 according to your requirements.
6. Click OK to exit the program.
For more help during the installation of the IP address, click Help or F1.

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual Connecting to a Network 17
Using BOOTP in UNIX
Follow these steps to use the BOOTP method:
1. Append the following entry to your boot table. This is typically done using the file
/etc/bootptab:
where:
Example!
2. If necessary, update your host table and alias name databases according to the
requirements of your system.
3. If it is not already running, start the BOOTP daemon. This is typically done using the
command bootpd.
4. Restart the AXIS 2490 to download the IP address, default router address, and subnet
mask.
Mapping a Host Name to the IP Address
If you are using host names, you can also map a unique host name to the acquired IP
address. Refer to your system manuals or Network Administrator for instructions on how
to perform the name mapping on your particular system.
<host name>:ht=<hardware type>:vm=<vendor magic>:\
:ha=<hardware address>:ip=<IP address>:\
:sm=<subnet mask>:gw=<gateway field>
ht = ether
vm = rfc1048
ha = The Ethernet address of the AXIS 2490
ip = The IP address of the AXIS 2490
sm = The subnet mask
gw = The default router address
myserver:ht=ether:vm=rfc1048:\
:ha=00408c100086:ip=172.21.1.200:\
:sm=255.255.255.0:gw=172.21.1.1

Configuring Your Serial Server AXIS 2490 User’s Manual
18
Configuring Your Serial Server
The AXIS 2490 is configured and integrated into your application environment using the
Web-based Installation Wizard or the Administration Tools. It is assumed that you have
connected your Serial Server prior to commencing with this section. If not, please refer to
Connecting to a Network, on page 12.
Important!
Complete the Basic Installation Using the Installation Wizard
Having connected your AXIS 2490 directly to a local area network, you should now use
the Installation Wizard to complete the most basic setup. This wizard will help you make
settings for the following:
• Administrators, Users and Passwords.
• The host name, IP address, subnet mask and other basic network settings.
Important!
On-line help is available from most pages within the AXIS 2490 Web interface. Containing compre-
hensive details on all product parameters; this information is your first point of reference when config-
uring and managing the unit, and is a particularly useful reference when resolving any administration
queries. The help system is stored internally in the AXIS 2490.
When accessing the Administrator Tools for the first time during a session, you are prompted for the
username and password. Log on as an Administrator using the username root and default password pass.
It is recommended that you change the root password, since all Axis products are shipped with the same
password as default. For further information on this, refer to System Security, on page 22.
Prior to accessing the Installation Wizard or Administration Tools over a network, you must first set the
Internet address, as described in Connecting to a Network, on page 12.

AXIS 2490 User’s Manual Configuring Your Serial Server 19
Start the Installation Wizard
Starting the Installation Wizard
1. Start your browser and go to the AXIS 2490’s Home Page by entering the IP address
you used to connect the Serial Server with in Quick Installation Procedure, on page 12.
The page contains buttons for the Installation Wizard and for the Admin tools.
2. Click the button Installation Wizard. If this is the first time you are accessing the Serial
Server you will see this message. Click OK to proceed.
Admin
Button Installation
Wizard

Configuring Your Serial Server AXIS 2490 User’s Manual
20
3. The window for the Installation Wizard opens, as shown below.
4. Click Start > to proceed.
5. Continue with the pages that follow to make the basic settings as listed on page 18,
and on the final page, click Finish to save your settings. No changes will be made until
you actually click Finish.
The individual settings in the configuration can now be changed at any time by using the
Administration Tools, as described below.