Black Box LPD401A User manual

Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m pn7007-r0
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
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Mi in ni i P Po oE E E Et th he er rn ne et t t to o
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Mo od de el ls s: : L LP PD D4 40 01 1A A, , L LP PD D4 40 02 2A A

Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m i
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
T
Ta ab bl le e o of f C Co on nt te en nt ts s
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION............................................................................. 1
FEATURES.................................................................................................................. 1
COMMUNICATION MODES ......................................................................................... 2
Direct IP ............................................................................................................... 2
Virtual COM Port................................................................................................. 2
Paired Mode ......................................................................................................... 3
Other Communications Modes.............................................................................. 3
CHAPTER 2: HARDWARE OVERVIEW............................................................. 5
PACKAGE CHECKLIST ................................................................................................ 5
INDICATORS,SWITCHES AND CONNECTORS............................................................... 6
Link Integrity LED (Yellow).................................................................................. 6
Network Activity LED ........................................................................................... 6
Reset Switch.......................................................................................................... 6
Voltage Output Selector Switch ( LPD402A only)................................................ 6
Ethernet Port Connector....................................................................................... 7
Serial Port Connector........................................................................................... 7
Power Connector.................................................................................................. 7
Output Power Connector ( LPD402A only).......................................................... 7
CONNECTING THE HARDWARE .................................................................................. 8
Power over Ethernet (PoE)................................................................................... 8
Configuration Connections................................................................................... 9
CHAPTER 3: GETTING STARTED .................................................................... 11
1. Check the contents of your LPD401A/ LPD402A package. It should
contain…............................................................................................................. 11
2. Set up the Hardware ................................................................................... 11
3. Power it Up................................................................................................. 11
4. Get the IP Address ...................................................................................... 11
5. Login........................................................................................................... 11
6. Configure the LPD401A/ LPD402A........................................................... 12
7. Set up VCOM (if using the RealPort profile).............................................. 12
8. Communicate .............................................................................................. 12
CHAPTER 4: CONFIGURING THE IP ADDRESS............................................ 13
USING THE DISCOVERY SOFTWARE ......................................................................... 13

ii Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
CHAPTER 5: USING THE WEB CONFIGURATION AND MANAGEMENT
INTERFACE............................................................................................................. 15
LOGGING IN............................................................................................................. 15
LOGGING OUT ......................................................................................................... 15
USING TUTORIAL AND HELP.................................................................................... 16
CONFIGURING NETWORK SETTINGS ........................................................................ 16
IP Settings........................................................................................................... 17
Network Services Settings................................................................................... 17
Advanced Network Settings................................................................................. 18
CONFIGURING THE SERIAL PORT ............................................................................. 18
Port Profile Settings............................................................................................ 18
Basic Serial Settings ........................................................................................... 23
Advanced Serial Settings..................................................................................... 24
CONFIGURING ALARMS AND NOTIFICATION............................................................ 24
Alarm Notification Settings................................................................................. 24
Alarm Conditions................................................................................................ 24
Alarm Destinations ............................................................................................. 25
CHAPTER 6: MANAGING THE LPD401A/ LPD402A..................................... 27
SYSTEM SETTINGS ................................................................................................... 27
Device Identity Settings....................................................................................... 27
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Settings................................... 27
USING REMOTE MANAGEMENT ............................................................................... 27
MANAGING USERS AND PERMISSIONS ..................................................................... 27
Changing the Root Username and Password ..................................................... 28
Adding New Users............................................................................................... 28
Configuring User Access and Permissions......................................................... 28
MANAGING SERIAL PORTS AND CONNECTIONS....................................................... 29
Serial Ports......................................................................................................... 29
Connections ........................................................................................................ 29
CHAPTER 7: USING ADMINISTRATIVE FEATURES................................... 31
FILE MANAGEMENT................................................................................................. 31
BACKUP/RESTORE ................................................................................................... 31
UPDATE FIRMWARE................................................................................................. 31
FACTORY DEFAULT SETTINGS................................................................................. 31
SYSTEM INFORMATION ............................................................................................ 32
General ............................................................................................................... 32
GPIO................................................................................................................... 32
Serial................................................................................................................... 32
Network............................................................................................................... 33

Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m iii
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
REBOOT................................................................................................................... 34
CHAPTER 8: USING REALPORT....................................................................... 35
Configuring the IP Address................................................................................. 35
Configuring the Serial Port for RealPort............................................................ 35
Adding a Virtual COM Port using RealPort....................................................... 36
Removing a Virtual COM Port using RealPort .................................................. 36
Updating RealPort.............................................................................................. 37
APPENDIX A: DEFAULT CONFIGURATION SETTINGS.............................. 39
APPENDIX B: PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS .................................................. 41
APPENDIX C: DIMENSIONAL DIAGRAMS..................................................... 43
APPENDIX D: RS-232 CONNECTIONS.............................................................. 45
APPENDIX E: NETWORK CONNECTIONS..................................................... 47
APPENDIX F: POWER OVER ETHERNET (POE)........................................... 49
APPENDIX G: DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY........................................51

Introduction
Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m 1
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
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Ch ha ap pt te er r 1 1: : I In nt tr ro od du uc ct ti io on n
LPD401A and LPD402A Mini PoE (Power over Ethernet) Ethernet to
RS-232 Converters provide simple and cost-effective solutions for
connecting RS-232 devices to Ethernet networks. LPD401A and LPD402A
converters make it easy to connect serial printers, copiers, building
automation, retail, point of sale, warehousing and banking equipment directly
into Ethernet networks. Both models feature Power over Ethernet (PoE)
operation and the LPD402A provides a switch selectable voltage output to
power external devices.
LPD401A and LPD402A converters support virtual COM port, console
management, TCP and UDP socket, serial bridge, terminal, modem
emulation and custom connections. Network addresses can be obtained
dynamically or manually. Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is
supported. Configuration is accomplished through a web-based user
interface.
Figure 1. LPD401A Mini POE Ethernet to RS-232 Converter
Features
•Converts Ethernet to RS-232 serial
•Small, economical and configurable
•LPD402A provides selectable output power supply
•Supports TD, RD, TRS, CTS, DTR, DCD, DSR and GND RS-232 lines
•LEDs indicate link integrity and data transfer activity

Introduction
2 Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
•10/100 Mbps auto-detecting operation
•IEEE 802.3af (Power over Ethernet) compatible
•Web Configuration and Management user interface
•Email event notification
Communication Modes
LPD401A/ LPD402A Ethernet to RS-232 converters allow you to connect
serial devices over a LAN or WAN. Serial devices no longer are limited to a
physical connection to the PC COM port. They can be installed anywhere on the
LAN using TCP/IP or UDP/IP communications. This allows traditional Windows
PC software access to serial devices anywhere on the LAN/WAN network.
Direct IP
Direct IP Mode allows applications using TCP/IP or UDP/IP socket
programs to communicate with the asynchronous serial ports on the serial
server. In this mode the LPD401A/ LPD402A is configured as a TCP or
UDP server. The socket program running on the PC establishes a
communication connection. The data is sent directly to and from the serial
port on the server.
TCP Server Mode allows network devices to initiate a TCP connection to
the serial device connected to the serial port on the LPD401A/ LPD402A.
This is also referred to as reverse telnet.
UDP Server Mode allows network devices to initiate a UDP connection to
the serial device attached to the serial port of the LPD401A/ LPD402A.
When using UDP protocol the LPD401A/ LPD402A can be configured to
broadcast data to and receive data from multiple IP addresses.
Virtual COM Port
Virtual COM Port mode (also called RealPort, or com port redirection)
allows you to map a COM port on your PC to the serial port on your
LPD401A/ LPD402A. Using the RealPort software (included with the
LPD401A/ LPD402A) you create virtual COM ports on your PC. When your
application sends data to this port, RealPort redirects the data across the
network to serial device connected to the LPD401A/ LPD402A serial port.
The network is transparent to the user application and the serial device
connected to the LPD401A/ LPD402A.

Introduction
Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m 3
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
Paired Mode
Paired Mode (also called Serial Tunneling or Serial Bridge mode) allows
serial devices connected to two LPD401A/ LPD402A converters to
communicate across a network. The two LPD401A/ LPD402A converters
automatically connect to each other.
In Paired Mode the heartbeat feature ensures reliable communications by
restoring the connection if communications are temporarily lost at either end
due to loss of power or Ethernet connection.
Other Communications Modes
LPD401A/ LPD402A Converters also feature the following communications
profiles:
Terminal Mode allows you to connect a PC running terminal software to the
LPD401A/ LPD402A serial port and communicate with the LPD401A/
LPD402A via a command line interface.
Modem Emulation Mode allows you to configure the serial port to operate
as if it is a modem. For legacy applications where a serial device is set up to
communicate through a modem, the serial device can now be connected to
the LPD401A/ LPD402A and communication occurs over the network. The
LPD401A/ LPD402A emulates modem responses to and from the serial
device.
In Console Management Mode the LPD401A/ LPD402A can be
configured for connection to the management port typically found on
network devices such as routers, switches and servers. This allows remote
management of the network device. Communication can be accomplished
using telnet to a specific port in the converter.
Custom Mode allows you to custom configure the LPD401A/ LPD402A
serial port and is used if your application does not fit into any other
predefined modes.

Introduction
4 Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]

Hardware Overview
Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m 5
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
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Ch ha ap pt te er r 2 2: : H Ha ar rd dw wa ar re e O Ov ve er rv vi ie ew w
Package Checklist
LPD401A/ LPD402A PoE Ethernet to RS-232 Converters are shipped
with the following items included:
9The LPD401A or LPD402A module
9A printed version of this user manual
9A printed version of the LPD401A/ LPD402A Quick Start Guide
9CD-ROM disc with
oB&B discovery software
oRealPort drivers for Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/NT 4.0
othis manual in pdf format
oa Quick Start guide in pdf format
Power Over Ethernet
to RS-232 Converter
Ethernet
RS-232
Model LPD401A
www.blackbox.com
Figure 2. Top View of the LPD401A Converter
Model LPD402A
www.blackbox.com
Figure 3. Top View of the LPD402A Converter

Hardware Overview
6 Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
Indicators, Switches and Connectors
Link Integrity LED (Yellow)
When the yellow LED located on the Ethernet jack is illuminated it indicates
that a connection (link integrity) has been established between the converter
and a node on the network.
Network Activity LED
When the green LED located on the Ethernet jack is flashing it indicates
data is being sent across the network.
Figure 4. LED Indicators on the LPD401A
Reset Switch
The Reset switch is a recessed switch located on the RJ-45 end of the
LPD401A and on the side of the LPD402A. The Reset switch provides two
functions:
Press and release within 10 seconds Resets the LPD401A/ LPD402A
Press and hold for more than 10 seconds
while powering up Reloads factory default values
Voltage Output Selector Switch ( LPD402A only)
A three-position slide switch located on the side of the LPD402A allows you
to select the voltage output (available on the two position terminal block).
The three voltages available are:
•5 VDC
•9 VDC
•12 VDC

Hardware Overview
Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m 7
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
Ethernet Port Connector
The Ethernet Port connector is a standard RJ-45 receptacle that allows the
serial server to be connected to an Ethernet network. It also carries Power
over Ethernet (PoE) based on the IEEE 802.3af standard.
On the LPD401A/ LPD402A two indicator LEDs are built into the RJ-45
connector.
Serial Port Connector
The Serial Port Connector is a DB-9 male connector (configured as a DTE)
supporting RS-232 serial communications including TD, RD, TRS, CTS,
DTR, DCD, DSR and GND signal lines. Use a standard serial cable if
connecting to a DCE; use a null modem (crossover) cable if connecting to a
DTE.
Refer to Appendices D, E and F for connection pin-outs.
Power Connector
Power is supplied to the LPD401A/ LPD402A by PoE (Power over
Ethernet) via the RJ-45 Ethernet receptacle. Power over Ethernet may be
delivered via un-used pairs in the CAT-5 cable, or via a simplexed power
technique. Both options are supported by the LPD401A and LPD402A. PoE
power consumption for the LPD401A and LPD402A are rated Class 3.
Refer to Appendix E for Ethernet connection pin-outs and additional information
on PoE.
Output Power Connector ( LPD402A only)
The output power connector (on the LPD402A only) is a two position
removable terminal block that provides a DC power supply voltage output
(derived from the PoE input power) in three selectable ranges: 5 VDC, 9
VDC and 12 VDC. Maximum output power is 4 watts.
Figure 5. Side View of the LPD402A

Hardware Overview
8 Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
Connecting the Hardware
Typically, the LPD401A/ LPD402A is connected to a network via a hub,
switch or router using standard CAT-5 cable. Power must be supplied to the
converter via the CAT-5 cable using Power over Ethernet. Configuration is
accomplished over the network, or via a direct connection (see below) using
the Web Configuration and Management Interface
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Power is supplied to your LPD401A/ LPD402A from PoE power source
equipment (PSE), which must be installed within 100 meters of the
converter. PSEs may be endspan or midspan devices. Endspan PSE devices
may be switches or hubs with integrated PoE capability. Midspan PSE
devices are dedicated, inline devices that are installed between your network
switch and the LPD401A/ LPD402A.
For more information on PoE see Appendix C.
Serial Device
Serial Cable
PC
PC
LPD401A
or
LPD402A
Endspan PoE
Switch or Hub*
Power Over Ethernet
to RS-2 32 C onverter
Ethernet
RS-232
Model LPD401A
www.blackbox.com
* Must be within 100 ft. of the LPD401A/LPD402A
Figure 6. Connection using Endspan Power Source

Hardware Overview
Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m 9
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
PC
PC
M idspan PoE
Power Source*
Switch or Hub
Serial Device
Serial Cable
LPD401A
or
LPD402A
Power O ver Ethernet
toRS-232 Converter
Ethernet
RS-232
Model LPD401A
www.blackbox.com
* Must be within 100 ft. of the LPD401A/LPD402A
Figure 7. Connection using Midspan Power Source
Configuration Connections
Your LPD401A/ LPD402A converter typically is configured over the
network connection using standard browser software. It also could be
connected directly to a PC network adapter. To do so an Ethernet crossover
cable is required. Also, a midspan power source is required to provide power
to the LPD401A/ LPD402A.
PC
PC
M idspan PoE
Power Source*
Serial Device
Serial Cable
LPD401A
or
LPD402A
Power Over Ethernet
to RS-2 32 C onverter
Ethernet
RS-232
Model LPD401A
www.blackbox.com
* Must be within 100 ft. of the LPD401A/LPD402A
Figure 8. Direct Configuration Connection

Hardware Overview
10 Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]

Getting Started
Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m 11
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
C
Ch ha ap pt te er r 3 3: : G Ge et tt ti in ng g S St ta ar rt te ed d
1. Check the contents of your LPD401A/ LPD402A package. It should
contain…
The LPD401A or LPD402A module
A printed version of this user manual
A printed version of the LPD401A/ LPD402A Quick Start Guide
CD-ROM disc with discovery software, RealPort software, this manual, Quick
Start guide
2. Set up the Hardware
Connect your PC to the network
Connect the LPD401A/ LPD402A serial port to your serial device (Use a
serial cable if it is DCE, null modem cable if it is DTE.)
Connect the LPD401A/ LPD402A Ethernet connector to a PoE-enabled
network switch or hub (CAT-5 cable)
3. Power it Up
Power is applied when the Ethernet (PoE) cable is connected
When a connection is established with the network the yellow LED will
illuminate
The LPD401A/ LPD402A will automatically try to obtain an IP address, or
generate one itself
4. Get the IP Address
Use the discovery software on your CD (finder.exe) to get the IP address for
your LPD401A/ LPD402A
5. Login
In a web browser on your PC, type in the IP address and access the Web
Configuration and Management Interface
Login using the username ‘root’ and password ‘dbps’

Getting Started
12 Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
6. Configure the LPD401A/ LPD402A
In the Configuration, Serial Ports page select the Port Profile you require for
use with your application (E.g. RealPort for virtual COM port, TCP Server,
UDP server, Serial Bridge, etc)
Configure the serial port settings for the selected Port Profile (E.g. In TCP
Sockets select client or server, TCP port numbers, etc.) Also configure baud
rate, data bits, etc in Basic Serial Settings.
Configure any required alarms and notification
If RealPort profile was selected (virtual COM port) do the next step (Set up
VCOM)
7. Set up VCOM (if using the RealPort profile)
Start the RealPort software wizard (located on the included CD)
Select Add a New Device
Select your LPD401A/ LPD402A from the list
Select an unused COM port number
Follow the wizard to set up a virtual COM port
8. Communicate
Configure and then start your application

Configuring the IP Address
Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m 13
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
C
Ch ha ap pt te er r 4 4: : C Co on nf fi ig gu ur ri in ng g t th he e I IP P A Ad dd dr re es ss s
Before you can begin the configuration of your LPD401A/ LPD402A you
must know its IP address to access it with a web browser. Once you have
access to the Configuration and Management Interface via a web browser
you can reset the IP address using static IP addressing, if necessary.
Your LPD401A/ LPD402A comes from the factory configured to obtain an
IP address dynamically, or failing that, to generate its own IP address using
the APIPA protocol. You can determine the current IP address using the
discovery software included on the CD with your LPD401A/ LPD402A
Using the Discovery Software
1. Connect the LPD401A/ LPD402A to your network (with PoE
supply installed and operating). When it starts it will obtain an IP
address.
2. To determine the initial IP address of your LPD401A/ LPD402A,
start the finder.exe utility included on the included CD.
Figure 9. Discovery Utility Dialog
3. The finder.exe utility scans the network for devices and then lists
each device’s IP Address, MAC Address, Name and Product ID.

Configuring the IP Address
14 Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
Identify your LPD401A/ LPD402A by its MAC address (printed on
a label on the LPD401A/ LPD402A).
If you need to change the IP address of the LPD401A/ LPD402A, you can
accomplish this using the discovery software, or you can open the Web
Configuration and Management Interface and do it there. (See Configuring
Network Settings later in the next chapter.)
1. To change the IP address of the LPD401A/ LPD402A from the
discovery software, click Configure IP Settings.
2. In the dialog that appears, select Manually configure network
settings.
3. Type the new IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway and
system password (initially dbps) in the appropriate boxes, then click
Apply.
4. Click Reboot Device. This may take a minute or more to complete.
5. Click Refresh List to confirm the new IP address has been
accepted.

Using the Web Configuration and Management Interface
Manual Documentation Number: LPD40xA-1105m 15
Black Box Corporation - 1000 Park Drive - Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
www.blackbox.com -- Tech Support and Ordering: 724-746-5500 - Fax: [phone]
C
Ch ha ap pt te er r 5 5: : U Us si in ng g t th he e W We eb b C Co on nf fi ig gu ur ra at ti io on n
a
an nd d M Ma an na ag ge em me en nt t I In nt te er rf fa ac ce e
The LPD401A/ LPD402A Ethernet to RS-232 Converter can be
configured using the Configuration and Management Interface via a
standard web browser such as Internet Explorer or Firefox.
Logging In
1. Before you can begin configuring your LPD401A/ LPD402A
Converter, you must login to the Configuration and Management
Interface. To login, open your browser, type the IP address of your
LPD401A/ LPD402A converter into the address bar and press
Enter. The Login page will appear.
2. Enter your Username and Password, then click Login.
The first time you login, type the default (root) username and
password.
oUsername: root
oPassword: dbps
The default username and password are preconfigured to give you full
administrator permissions, allowing you to add and configure permissions for
additional users. For security purposes, you may want to change the username
and password after you have access the interface for the first time. To change
usernames and passwords, and to add and configure new users, see
Managing Users and Permissions in Chapter 6.
When the username and password are accepted the Configuration and
Management Interface homepage will appear.
Logging Out
To log out of the Web Configuration and Management Interface, click
Logout on the menu bar. To finish logging out of the web server, and prevent
access by other users, you also must close the browser.