MLis MLB-S4101 User manual

MLiS-S4101 Manual
MLB-S4101
Ethernet Serial Server
USER MANNUAL

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Index
1INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................................1
1.1 FEATURES..................................................................................................................................................................1
1.2 PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................................................................................................2
DEFAULT SETTINGS ...............................................................................................................................................................3
2COMMUNICATION MODES ...........................................................................................................................................4
2.1 DIRECT IP MODE ........................................................................................................................................................4
2.2 VIRTUAL COM MODE..................................................................................................................................................4
2.3 PAIRED MODE.............................................................................................................................................................4
2.4 HEART BEAT...............................................................................................................................................................5
3MAKING THE HARDWARE CONNECTIONS................................................................................................................6
3.1 SERIAL CONNECTION ..................................................................................................................................................6
3.2 POWER CONNECTION..................................................................................................................................................6
3.3 ETHERNET CONNECTION.............................................................................................................................................6
3.4 RESET BUTTON...........................................................................................................................................................6
3.5 LED DEFINITION .........................................................................................................................................................6
3.6 DIP SWITCHES............................................................................................................................................................7
3.7 SERIAL PORTS............................................................................................................................................................7
3.8 SERIAL SERVER/PORT OPERATIONAL MODES ..............................................................................................................7
3.8.1 Console Mode ...................................................................................................................................................7
3.8.2 Upgrade Mode...................................................................................................................................................7
3.8.3 Default Mode.....................................................................................................................................................8
3.8.4 RS-232 Mode ....................................................................................................................................................8
3.8.5 RS-422 Mode ....................................................................................................................................................8
3.8.6 RS-485 Mode ....................................................................................................................................................8
3.9 DB9 PIN CONFIGURATION...........................................................................................................................................8
4MLB-S4101 SOFTWARE INSTALLATION ....................................................................................................................9
4.1 NEW INSTALLATION.....................................................................................................................................................9
4.2 UPDATING AN EXISTING INSTALLATION .......................................................................................................................11
5USING MANAGER SOFTWARE ..................................................................................................................................12
5.1 SEARCHING LAN FOR MLB-S4101............................................................................................................................12
5.2 CONFIGURING SERVER PROPERTIES..........................................................................................................................13
6SERVER PROPERTIES................................................................................................................................................14
6.1 SERVER NAME..........................................................................................................................................................14
6.2 SERIAL NUMBER .......................................................................................................................................................14
6.3 PASSWORD...............................................................................................................................................................14
6.4 DHCP......................................................................................................................................................................14
6.5 IP ADDRESS .............................................................................................................................................................15
6.6 NETMASK .................................................................................................................................................................15
6.7 GATEWAY.................................................................................................................................................................15
6.8 MAC ADDRESS.........................................................................................................................................................15
6.9 VERSION &DATE ......................................................................................................................................................15
6.10 LINK STATUS.........................................................................................................................................................15
6.11 SERVER SERIAL PORT...........................................................................................................................................15
6.12 BAUD RATE...........................................................................................................................................................15
6.13 DATA/PARITY/STOP...............................................................................................................................................15
6.14 FLOW CONTROL....................................................................................................................................................15
6.15 PROTOCOL............................................................................................................................................................16
6.16 SERIAL TIMEOUT ...................................................................................................................................................16
6.17 TCP ALIVE TIMEOUT .............................................................................................................................................16
6.18 CONNECTION MODE ..............................................................................................................................................17
6.19 DELIMITER HEX1 AND DELIMITER HEX 2...............................................................................................................17

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6.20 FORCE TRANSMIT..................................................................................................................................................17
6.21 PORT STATUS.......................................................................................................................................................17
6.22 TCP/UDP PORT...................................................................................................................................................17
6.23 SERIAL PORT MODE..............................................................................................................................................17
6.24 CONNECTION AT...................................................................................................................................................18
6.25 MAXIMUM CONNECTION.........................................................................................................................................18
6.26 REMOTE IP ADDRESS............................................................................................................................................18
6.27 UPDATE/SAVE.......................................................................................................................................................18
6.27.1 Updating the Server Properties in Manager Software.....................................................................................18
6.27.2 Saving Configuration Data in Console Mode or Telnet...................................................................................19
6.27.3 Web Server Interface.......................................................................................................................................20
7INSTALLING VIRTUAL COM PORT ............................................................................................................................21
8CONFIGURING VIRTUAL COM PORT ........................................................................................................................23
8.1 CONFIGURATION WITH MANAGER SOFTWARE .............................................................................................................23
8.2 CONFIGURATION WITH DEVICE MANAGER...................................................................................................................24
9UNINSTALLING THE VIRTUAL COM PORT...............................................................................................................25
9.1 REMOVING THE VIRTUAL COM PORT WITH MANAGER SOFTWARE ...............................................................................25
9.2 REMOVING THE VIRTUAL COM PORT USING DEVICE MANAGER...................................................................................26
10 USING CONSOLE .....................................................................................................................................................27
11 USING TELNET.........................................................................................................................................................31
12 USING WEB SERVER...............................................................................................................................................32
13 UPGRADING THE SERIAL SERVER FIRMWARE..................................................................................................35
14 TROUBLESHOOTING...............................................................................................................................................36

MLiS-S4101 Manual
1 Introduction
The MLB-S4101 Ethernet serial server connects RS-232, 422, 485 serial devices to an Ethernet LAN/WAN providing a
reliable communication connection. Existing Windows based serial software using standard Windows API does not have
to be modified to communicate over an Ethernet LAN to a serial device. The MLB-S4101 virtual COM port will make this
an easy transition.
The MLB-S4101 operates in “Direct IP Mode”, “Virtual COM Mode”, and “Paired Mode”. The MLB-S4101 has one
asynchronous DB-9 serial port, and have one 10/100 Mbps Ethernet RJ-45 connection. The Ethernet port wills auto-select
10BaseT or 100BaseTX.
The MLB-S4101 Windows driver installs virtual COM ports in the Device Manager of the operating system. The virtual
COM port is designed to establish a connection with the MLB-S4101. This in turn will allow communications with the
connected serial device in the same manner as a device connected to the COM port on a PC. The LAN becomes
transparent to the serial device and the software running on the PC.
The MLB-S4101 can be configured as a TCP or UDP Client/Server. In direct IP and virtual COM modes, MLB-S4101
should be configured as a server. MLB-S4101 also offers a Heart Beat feature to insure a reliable communications
connection.
1.1 Features
DIN rail or Panel mount
Supports 10/100 Mbps Ethernet
Supports RS-232, RS-422, and RS-485 serial interface
Supports LAN and WAN communications
In Server mode supports individual client sessions for security.
Management access password protected.
Virtual COM drivers for Windows NT/98/ME/2000/XP

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1.2 Product Specifications
LAN: 10/100 Mbps Auto-detecting –10 Base T,
100 Base TX
Serial Interfaces: RS-232 - TX, RX, RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR,
DCD, GND
RS-422 –TX+, TX-, RX+, RX-, RTS+, RTS-,
CTS+, CTS-, GND
RS-485 - Data +, Data –, GND
Serial Connection: DTE-DB9
Data Rate: 110 bps to 230.4 k bps
Parity: none, even, odd, mark, space
Data Bits: 5, 6, 7 or 8
Stop Bits: 1, 1.5 or 2
Protocol: TCP, IP, ARP, DHCP, Telnet, HTTP, UDP, ICMP
Management: Manager software, Serial Console, Telnet, Web server
Firmware upgradeable
Operating Temperature:0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F)
Storage Temperature: -20 to 60 °C (-4 to 140 °F)
Humidity: 0 –90% Non-Condensing
Approvals: CE, FCC
MLB-S4101
Serial Output buffer
64Kbytes
Serial Input Buffer
8K bytes
Power
Requirement
7.5 ~ 15VDC
500mA
RS232
Yes
RS422
Yes
RS485
Yes
Dimension
W: 3.35in
L: 4.5 in
H: 0.90 in

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Default Settings
Server name: MLB-S4101
Serial number: Fixed –see bottom label
Password: Blank
DHCP: Disable
IP address: 192.168.1.1
Netmask: 255.255.255.0
Gateway : 192.168.1.254
MAC address: Fixed –see bottom label
Version & Date: current firmware version number and date
Serial port: 1
Baud rate: 9600
Data/Stop bits: 8-1
Parity: None
Flow control: None
Protocol: TCP
Serial timeout: 0 seconds
TCP alive timeout: 0 minutes
Connection mode: Server
Delimiter HEX 1: 00
Delimiter HEX 2: 00
Force transmit: 0 ms
TCP/UDP port: MLB-S4101 port 1: 4000
Serial port mode: Console
Maximum connection: 1
Remote IP address: 255.255.255.255

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2 Communication Modes
The MLB-S4101 allows serial devices to communicate over a LAN or Intranet network. Serial devices are no longer
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 will also allow traditional PC COM ports access to a serial device anywhere on the LAN network.
2.1 Direct IP Mode
Direct IP connections allow applications using TCP/IP or UDP/IP network socket programs to communicate with the
asynchronous serial port on the MLB-S4101. In this type of application the MLB-S4101 is configured to TCP or UDP
server. The socket program running on the PC establishes a communication connection with the MLB-S4101. The raw
data is sent directly to and from the serial port.
2.2 Virtual COM Mode
The Virtual COM mode requires the installation of a driver. When installed a new COM port is added to the Device
Manager. Windows programs using standard Windows API calls will be able to interface with Virtual ports. The PC will act
as the host connecting to the MLB-S4101 when the program opens the virtual COM port.
Once the connection is made, the LAN is transparent to the serial device. Applications work just as if the serial device is
connected a host’s physical COM port. The virtual COM port converts the application’s data into IP packet destined for the
MLB-S4101, which in turn converts the IP packet back to serial data.
In this mode, the MLB-S4101 must be set to either TCP/server or UDP/server in the menu with a designated
communication port number. The virtual COM driver is a TCP or UDP client.
2.3 Paired Mode
Paired mode is also called serial tunneling. When this type of configuration is selected additional software will not have to
be loaded on a host PC. In fact a PC is not required to make the connection. Any two dumb serial devices that can
communicate with each other through a serial link will be able to communicate using two MLB-S4101s and the LAN.
Two MLB-S4101s are configured with one setup as a TCP or UDP client and the other to TCP/UDP server. When setting
up the Server, the Remote IP address section must contain the address of the Client. This will allow the Client’s IP
address to pass the IP address-filtering feature of the Server. Conversely, the Remote IP address of the Client must
contain the Server’s IP address.

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2.4 Heart Beat
The MLB-S4101 provides a convenient way to establish reliable communications between two devices. Communication
port 5300 is reserved for the Heartbeat Protocol. Without this feature a device that loses a connection and stops
communicating would not be able to reconnect without personally attending to the problem. A TCP data connection can
be lost when there is a power failure or temporary loss of an Ethernet connection on either the client or server.
If a loss occurs the Heart Beat feature will try to reconnect the TCP data connection every 5 seconds until
communications is established again. The Heart Beat feature is available to use with the Virtual COM Mode, Paired Mode
and Direct IP Mode. This is not available when using a UDP application.

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3 Making the Hardware Connections
The following information is provided to give the user an understanding of how to connect the MLB-S4101 to the LAN and
serial device. A review of the switch settings and the functionality of the LED’s are also provided.
3.1 Serial Connection
The MLB-S4101 has one, two or four DB-9 male connectors. The serial port is configured as a DTE (data terminal
equipment) device. All PC COM ports are DTE ports. A null modem cable is required to make a connection between the
COM port on a PC and the MLB-S4101 serial port. A straight through cable is required to connect the MLB-S4101 serial
port to a DCE device.
3.2 Power Connection
The MLB-S4101 has a two pins terminal block and power jack. Power can apply on either terminal block or the power jack.
It accepts 9VDC-15VDC 500mA power supply. When power is apply a green light label as run will flash every one second
to indicate the system is up and running.
3.3 Ethernet Connection
A straight-through Ethernet cable can be used to connect the serial server to an Ethernet hub, switch, or wall plate. A
crossover Ethernet cable can be used to make a connection directly to the NIC (Network Interface Card) on a PC or
laptop.
3.4 Reset Button
The reset button can be found between the switch and terminal block. To reset the unit manually apply power, insert a
small plastic tool, and press lightly depressing switch. Hold for 3 seconds and release. The Link and Run light will go out
and turn back on.
3.5 LED Definition
Led Name
Led Function
Link
Green –100 BaseTX Ethernet connection established
Yellow –10 BaseT Ethernet connection established
Run
Flashing Green –system is ready
Serial 1/2/3/4
Green –connection established
Flashing Green –data is transmitting

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3.6 Dip Switches
A double DIP switch allows theMLB-S4101 to be placed into Console/Loop back/Default/Data Mode.
SW1
SW2
Mode
ON
ON
Console
ON
OFF
Loop back
OFF
ON
Factory
OFF
OFF
Data
When all these switches are moved into the ON position, theMLB-S4101 enters Console Mode, allowing configuration of
theMLB-S4101 from a PC running a terminal program such as Hyperterminal. When theMLB-S4101 enters Console Mode,
the Console Mode screen will appear in the Hyperterminal program window. The serial port settings must be 8-N-1 at
9600 baud.
When the DIP switches are switched to the ON OFF position, the MLB-S4101 will work at Loop back Mode, all data is
sent back immediately.
When the DIP switches are switched to the OFF ON position, the MLB-S4101 will revert to its factory version firmware no
matter what newer firmware has been upgraded.
When all of the DIP switches are switched back to the OFF position, the MLB-S4101 will enter Data Mode (RS-232, RS-
422 or RS-485).
3.7 Serial Ports
The MLiS-S4101 has one serial port. The port can be configured as a Console Mode connection or as RS-232, RS-422 or
RS-485 interface to the MLiS-S4101 (if all of the DIP switches are in the OFF position) using the Manager software, via
Telnet, or using the Web Server.
The RS-232 interfaces are configured as DTEs (Data Terminal Equipment). The connectors for all ports are DB-9M.
3.8 Serial Server/Port Operational Modes
Using the Manager software, the MLB-S4101 serial server can be put into Console Mode, Default Mode or Upgrade Mode.
The serial ports can be configured for RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 operation. The MLB-S4101 serial server also can be
put into Console Mode by placing all the DIP switches into the ON position.
3.8.1 Console Mode
The console mode allows access to the MLB-S4101 setup menu. This is one way to reconfigure the default settings for
the application. A serial connection is made between a COM port on the PC and the MLB-S4101 serial port 1 with a null
modem cable. In console mode, the serial port defaults to an RS-232 interface.
The MLB-S4101 serial port default settings are, baud rate 9600, 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit. Hyper Terminal
should be used for this type of setup. Hyper Terminal’s serial settings are configured the same as the mentioned default
settings of the MLB-S4101 and must be set to VT100 emulation mode. The default settings are used only if they have not
been changed.
See Chapter 10 for details.
3.8.2 Upgrade Mode
The newest firmware can be installed on the MLB-S4101 using the PC’s serial port or the Virtual COM port.
See Chapter 13 for details.

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3.8.3 Default Mode
When Default Mode is selected and the Server Properties are updated (saved), all configuration settings return to their
default values.
3.8.4 RS-232 Mode
The RS-232 supports 8 channels plus Signal Ground and is configured as DTE like a computer. Signals are single ended
and referenced to Ground. To use handshaking, Flow Control must be set to RTS/CTS during Configuration. Refer to the
Pin out table for connections.
3.8.5 RS-422 Mode
The RS-422 mode supports 4 channels with full duplex operation for Receive, Transmit, RTS (Request To Send) and CTS
(Clear To Send). The data lines are in differential pairs. Ground provides a common mode reference. To use
handshaking Flow Control must be set to RTS/CTS during configuration. Refer to the Pin out table for connections.
3.8.6 RS-485 Mode
The RS-485 mode supports the Transmit and Receive Channels using 2-wire half-duplex operation. The data lines are
differential pair Ground provides a common mode reference. Refer to the Pin out table for connections.
RS-485 Receiver Biasing can be implemented from the MLB-S4101 serial server if the network does not supply it.
Remove the two side-cover screws of the serial server, slide the cover off and re-position the bias jumpers to enable
biasing (shorting).
3.9 DB9 Pin Configuration
Pin
RS-232
RS-422
RS-485
1
DCD
RXD (-)
2
RXD
RXD (+)
3
TXD
TXD (+)
D (+)
4
DTR
TXD (-)
D (-)
5
GND
GND
GND
6
DSR
CTS (-)
7
RTS
CTS (+)
8
CTS
RTS (+)
9
RI
RTS (-)

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4 MLB-S4101 Software Installation
It is recommended the user install the Manager software and do a search for all MLB-S4101s connected to the LAN.
When this is completed a window will list the devices making them available for configuration.
Configuring the serial server to meet your LAN and application requirement is an easy process with the available setup
menu in the Manager software.
4.1 New Installation
The following procedure installs the MLB-S4101 Manager software.
1. Inserting the MLB-S4101 CD in the CD-ROM will automatically launch the Install Shield Wizard.
To manually start the software installation, select the Start button on the desktop. At the Run command line type
D:start.exe Then select OK. The D: is the drive letter for the CD Rom.
2. The Install Shield Wizard window automatically displays to begin the setup procedure.
3. Select Next when the MLB-S4101 Setup window appears.

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4. In the Choose Destination Location window select Next to install the Manager software in the default location.
Select Browse to install into a user selected directory.
The installation progress will be shown until complete.
5. Select Finish when the Install Shield Wizard Complete screen appears. When the installation is complete the
Install window closes allowing the user to access the Manager software in the program files. If loaded in the default
location Go to Start/Programs/MLiS/MLB-S4101 Manager to open.
Connect the MLB-S4101 to the LAN and apply power. The Run LED will flash indicating power has been applied and
communications with the unit can begin; and the Link LED indicates an Ethernet connection has been made.

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4.2 Updating an Existing Installation
If an older version of the Manager software is already installed, the Modify, repair or remove the program window will
appear when the installation process is initiated:
The recommended procedure is to remove all installed components first. Once the software has been removed, install the
new software.

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5 Using Manager Software
The Manager software performs several functions:
Searching for MLB-S4101 connected to the network
Displaying and changing the configuration of MLB-S4101
Installing virtual COM ports on a computer
Displaying and configuring virtual COM ports
Uninstalling virtual COM ports on a computer
Upgrading the MLB-S4101 firmware
Monitoring Port Status
Saving and Loading Configuration Files
Once the MLB-S4101 is connected to the LAN the Manager software will be able to search the LAN for all connected
MLB-S4101 servers and will display them in a window by name and IP address.
5.1 Searching LAN for MLB-S4101
1. Select MLB-S4101 Manager in the program file menu. If the default location was selected during the installation
the program will be found under Start/Programs/MLiS. Select MLiS-S4101 Manager. As soon as the MLB-S4101
Manager opens it will initiate Searching Server and after a few seconds the Serial Server List will display all (MLB-
S4101) serial servers on the network.
2. To manually initiate a search for servers, on the menu side bar select Searching Server button. The Search Setup
box will appear. It provides two options for searching for servers on the network:
Specify the IP address of the Serial Server
Search all reachable servers
Enter the IP Address assigned to the desired Serial Server or click Search all reachable servers, then OK. The
Searching window is shown until all active Serial Servers on the LAN are listed in the Serial Server List window.

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5.2 Configuring Server Properties
Highlight the serial server in the Serial Server List window and double click to open the Server Properties window.
The Server Properties window is used to configure and store the Server configuration settings. Details for setting
Properties are described in the next chapter.
3. After configuring as needed, click Update to store the configuration in the server and click Yes to restart the
server to make sure all settings are changed to conform to the desired application.

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6 Server Properties
There are four ways to access the Server Properties and program the MLB-S4101: Manager software, Console mode,
Telnet or Web Server.
Instructions on how to move around in the user interface and change settings pertains to the Manager software are similar
in others.
6.1 Server Name
The server name is user configurable. It is recommended users with more than one MLB-S4101 connected to the LAN
assign a new name to each. When the Manager software searches for servers on the LAN it will display the server name
allowing the user to distinguish between MLB-S4101s.
6.2 Serial Number
Each MLB-S4101 has a unique serial number. This is fixed and cannot be changed.
6.3 Password
Entering a password activates a security feature on the serial server. Once a password is entered it will be required to
access the menu and make changes.
6.4 DHCP
DHCP servers are a part of numerous LAN management systems. The DHCP field has two selections, “Enable” or
“Disable”. Arrow to the desired selection and select enter.
When enabled, MLB-S4101 will send a DHCP request to the DHCP server, which will assign a dynamic IP address,
netmask, and gateway to the MLB-S4101. If a DHCP server is not available on the network the MLB-S4101 will time out
after 10 seconds and the default values will remain. When DHCP is enabled, the IP address, Netmask and Gateway fields
become inaccessible and cannot be changed by the user.

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6.5 IP Address
A static IP address can also be assigned in this section of the menu. A dynamic address assigned by the DHCP server
may change if the MLB-S4101 loses the Ethernet connection or power is removed. The host (client) communication
software requests a connection to the specific IP address of the serial server. If the DHCP reassigns a different IP
address the software will not be able to communicate with the hardware. It is recommended to use a static IP address.
A static IP address is permanent and will not change unless changed in the menu. In most cases the network
administrator establishes the static address to be used.
6.6 Netmask
The default LAN netmask is configured for a Class C address. This maybe reconfigured by the user.
6.7 Gateway
The gateway IP address allows users to access the serial server from outside the LAN.
6.8 MAC Address
The MAC address is not adjustable. This is assigned in the factory. Every Ethernet device manufactured has it own
unique MAC address.
6.9 Version & Date
The currently loaded version of the firmware, and when it was released, are shown here.
6.10 Link Status
Link status automatically displays the type of Ethernet connection. It will either display 10 BaseT or 100BaseTX in full
duplex or half duplex. This will depend on the LAN, switches, hubs used in the LAN topology.
6.11 Server Serial Port
This field indicates the number of the port for with serial server properties are currently being displayed. Changing the
number in this field will cause all the other fields to display the properties for the specified port. Note, however, that before
changing ports, any change to properties must be Updated (Saved) or the serial server will not retain them.
6.12 Baud Rate
The serial port baud rate on the MLB-S4101 must match the serial baud rate of the connected device unless using Virtual
COM mode. In Virtual COM mode the software program will establish serial settings.
6.13 Data/Parity/Stop
This setting will have to match the data format of the connected device unless using Virtual COM mode. In Virtual COM
mode the software program will establish serial settings.
6.14 Flow Control
The flow control setting must match the connected serial device unless using Virtual COM mode. In Virtual COM mode
the software program will establish serial settings.

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6.15 Protocol
Select TCP or UDP protocol. If the application does not require a UDP connection, select TCP. TCP guarantees reliable
communication with error checking whereas UDP provides faster transmission.
When UDP mode is chosen the Serial timeout, TCP alive timeout, Connection mode, Connection at, Maximum connection
and Remote IP address fields are replaced with the following three fields: Destination IP address range, Port number and
Source IP address range. In this mode the server can be configured to broadcast data to and receive data from multiple
IP addresses. Four IP address range fields are provided.
6.16 Serial Timeout
Default is 0, or no timeout. Setting timeout to any value between 1 and 65535 seconds activates it. If communications are
idle for specified timeout value the serial server will reset and make itself available for another connection.
6.17 TCP Alive Timeout
This monitors TCP activity. If TCP activity stops for the length of time specified in this field the connection will be closed.
This field can be set to any value between 0 and 255 minutes. If zero, or no value, is entered into this field the server will
not disconnect.