Opticon ECB-1000 User manual

Users Manual
ECB-1000
Opticon Ethernet Converter
RS232 ↔Ethernet ↔Internet / PC / RS232

2 - Opticon Ethernet Converter
CAUTION: This users manual may be revised or withdrawn at any time without prior notice.
Copyright 2009
Opticon Sensors Europe BV
All rights reserved.
This manual may not, in whole or in part, be copied, photocopied, reproduced, translated or converted to any
electronic or machine readable form without prior written consent of Opticon Sensors Europe BV
BY OPENING THE PACKAGE OF THIS PRODUCT YOU AGREE TO BECOME BOUND BY THE LIABILITY
AND WARRANTY CONDITIONS.
IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES THIS MANUAL SHOULD BE READ ATTENTIVELY, BEFORE INSTALLING
AND/OR USING THE PRODUCT.
Serial number
A serial number appears on all Opticon products. This official registration number is strictly related to the device
purchased. Make sure that the serial number appearing on your Opticon device has not been removed.
Removing the serial number might affect the warranty conditions and liability disadvantageously, so please be
strict at maintaining the label with serial number on the Opticon product.
Warranty / Warranty period / Liability
Unless otherwise agreed in a contract, all Opticon products are warranted for a period of two years after
purchase, covering defects in material and workmanship. Opticon will repair or, at its opinion, replace products
that prove to be defective in material or workmanship under proper use during the warranty period. Opticon will
not be liable in case the customer made modifications. In such case the standard repair charge will be
applicable. The standard charge for repair will also be applicable in cases where no defect is found at all. These
rules also apply for products that are still under warranty. Under no circumstance Opticon Sensors Europe BV
will be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential or incidental damages arising out of use or inability to use
both the hardware and software, even if Opticon has been informed about the possibility of such damages.
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Version 03-2009

Opticon Ethernet Converter - 3
Table of contents
1 INTRODUCTION 4
1.1 D ETAILED VIEW 4
1.2 S UPPORTED O PTICON H ANDHELD T ERMINALS 4
1.3 H ANDLING I NSTRUCTIONS 5
2 GETTING STARTED 6
2.1 C ONNECTING THE CABLES AND POWER SUPPLY 6
2.1.1 P OWER SUPPLY 6
2.1.2 RS232 C ABLE 6
2.1.3 E THERNET CABLE 6
3 CONFIGURATION OF THE ETHERNET CONVERTER BOX 6
3.1 M ETHOD 1: U SING THE S YSTEM MENU VIA RS232 7
3.2 M ETHOD 2: U SING AT- COMMANDS VIA RS232 9
3.3 M ETHOD 3: U SING THE CONFIGURATION PAGE OF THE EMBEDDED HTML- SERVER 11
4 ESTABLISHING A TCP/IP CONNECTION WITH OPTICON HANDHELD TERMINALS 14
5 ESTABLISHING A (VIRTUAL) RS232 CONNECTION OVER ETHERNET 15
5.1 S UPPORTED PROTOCOLS 15
5.2 F INDING REMOTE E THERNET C ONVERTERS 15
5.3 C ONNECTING TO A REMOTE PC OR E THERNET C ONVERTER 16
5.3.1 C ONFIGURING THE PORT NUMBERS 16
5.4 C ONNECTING SERIAL BARCODE READERS TO AN E THERNET C ONVERTER BOX 17
5.4.1 C ONFIGURING YOUR BARCODE READER 17
5.4.2 C LIENT OR S ERVER 17
5.4.2.1 Ethernet box as Client (for both LAN & Internet) 18
5.4.2.2 Ethernet box as Server (for LAN only) 18

4 - Opticon Ethernet Converter
1 Introduction
The Opticon Ethernet Converter box makes it possible to connect your Opticon Handheld terminals to the
Ethernet and the Internet.
Using the integrated TCP/IP stack it is possible to transmit and receive files from your Opticon Handheld
terminal to any local or remote FTP-server, send and receive emails or simply synchronize time by using an
NTP server.
Alternatively it is also possible to connect one of more Ethernet Converter boxes to the Ethernet and have all
your barcode readers and/or terminals transmit their data to a remote PC that can be located anywhere on your
LAN or even somewhere on the Internet
1.1 Detailed view
1.2 Supported Opticon Handheld Terminals
The Ethernet Converter box has been designed as replacement for applications of Opticon Handheld terminal
that make use of TCP/IP dialup connections by 56k modems and GPRS/GSM modems without having to
change the software of the application itself.
For this purpose the following Opticon Handheld terminals are currently supported:
OPL97xx
PHL1700
PHL1300
PHL2700
OPH100x
H13
To be able to use the TCP/IP capabilities of the Ethernet Converter box you'll need to the following TCP/IP
libraries for these terminals:
OPL97xx: LMAV020Y or higher (or LNAV020Y for IrDA)
PHL1700: CMWV020Y or higher
PHL1300: CMWV020Y or higher (or CQWV020Y for IrDA)
PHL2700: CMWV020Y or higher (or CQWV020Y for IrDA)
OPH1003: XMAV020Y or higher
OPH1004: XPAV0306 or higher
H13: XPAV0306 or higher
Notes
Older versions of the TCP/IP libraries will also work, so it is not necessary to rebuild existing applications,
however they will work with a slower communication speed.
It is recommended to use the latest TCP/IP library available at all times (= currently v.0307)
The TCP/IP libraries and further info can be found on the 'C-development kit for Opticon Handheld Terminal'

Opticon Ethernet Converter - 5
1.3 Handling Instructions
Temperature conditions
•Do not use in freezing areas.
•Do not use in area’s with temperatures higher than 40°C
•Avoid contact with water.
Shock
•Do not expose the scanner to strong impact, do not throw or drop the box from great heights.
•Do not present mechanical shocks to the product.
•Do not leave the bar code data collector in an area where static charge is accumulated or near devices where
electromagnetic emission is generated.
Maintenance
•There are no user-serviceable parts inside the scanner. So do not try to take it apart.
•In case of serious malfunction, please consult your local dealer or Opticon.
Recycling & Disposal instructions
•The icon on the product or package indicates that the product should not be thrown in the home waste bin.
The product must be recycled as an electronic product. For proper treatment of end-of-life products consult the
section for Environmental care on www.opticon.com.

6 - Opticon Ethernet Converter
2 Getting Started
2.1 Connecting the cables and power supply
2.1.1 Power supply
Insert the included 6.0V power supply in the power connector. If the converter box is powered the orange power
indicator will be on and the green 'run' LED will be blinking.
2.1.2 RS232 Cable
If you want to connect an Opticon Handheld terminal or a barcode reader to the Opticon Ethernet Converter you
can use the standard RS232 cable that was included with your Opticon terminal or barcode reader.
Note:
If you want to replace an existing Internet solution, with analog or GSM modems, by the Opticon Ethernet
converter, it is possible that you'll need to add/remove a Null-modem to/from the cable that's currently
connected to the modem or replace the current cable by a standard RS232 cable.
2.1.3 Ethernet cable
Connect an Ethernet cable between your local network and the Ethernet Converter box. If an Ethernet signal is
detected, the orange (link) LED on the connector will be turned on. If any data is received, the green (data) LED
on the connector will blink.
3 Configuration of the Ethernet Converter box
Two different kinds of settings can be configured in the Ethernet Converter
Serial settings Changing the baud rate (default is 115200bps)
Network settings Configuring the local IP, DNS servers, Gateway, Subnet mask and DHCP
If the Ethernet network has a DHCP server (DHCP is enabled by default) configuration is often not even
necessary since all required network settings and local IP-address are all received automatically.
If the Ethernet network does not have a DHCP server, you will have to disable DHCP and set the local IP, DNS
servers, Gateway and Subnet mask manually.
In total there are 3 different methods to configure the Ethernet Converter. All 3 will be described on the following
pages.

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3.1 Method 1: Using the System menu via RS232
Connect your Ethernet Converter box to the serial port of a PC or Laptop and open an RS232 monitor (i.e.
Hyperterminal or Appload) using the following serial settings:
115200 baud (8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit)
Enter the system menu by powering up the Ethernet box with the set-up button pressed. After that, the following
menu will be shown:
1: Show current settings
2: Set Board Host Name
3: Set default IP address
4: Set default gateway address
5: Set default subnet mask
6: Set default Primary DNS server addr.
7: Set default Secondary DNS server addr.
8: Enable DHCP
9: Disable DHCP
A: Set default serial-over-TCP port
B: Set default serial-over-UDP port
C: Enable Remote Configuration (by HTTP)
D: Disable Remote Configuration (by HTTP)
E: Set Barcode reader Mode
F: Set default remote IP addr.
0: Save & Quit
Enter a menu choice (1-0):
While being in the system menu, pressing the corresponding key will give the following results:
1: Show current settings
Settings of the RS232-to-Ethernet Converter Box
Version: HACV0200
Board name: OSE_ETHERNETBOX
MAC Address: 00-12-6A-00-00-02
Local IP Address: 169.254.254.254
Gateway Address: 169.254.254.1
Subnet mask: 255.255.0.0
Primary DNS server address: 169.254.254.2
Secondary DNS server address: 169.254.254.3
DHCP: Enabled
Baud rate: 115200
Default serial-over-TCP port: 31313
Default serial-over-UDP port: 31314
Remote configuration: Disabled
Barcode reader Mode: Disabled
Default remote IP address: 0.0.0.0
IP addresses shown in the overview above are the default IP-addresses. When using DHCP these addresses will be
overruled by the received addresses from the DHCP server, but be aware that the DHCP protocol is not yet
executed while still being in this system menu).
2: Change Board Host Name
Host Name (OSE_ETHERNETBOX): <enter new host name>
3: Set default IP address
Default IP Address (169.254.254.254): <enter IP address>
4: Set default gateway address
Default Gateway Address (169.254.254.1): <enter IP address>
5: Set default subnet mask
Default Subnet Mask (255.255.0.0): <enter IP mask>
6: Set default Primary DNS server address

8 - Opticon Ethernet Converter
Primary DNS Server Address (169.169.169.2): <enter IP address>
7: Set default Secondary DNS server address
Secondary DNS Server Address (169.169.169.3): <enter IP address>
8: Enable DHCP
DHCP Enabled
9: Disable DHCP
DHCP Disabled
A: Set default serial-over-TCP port
Default serial-over-TCP port: <enter port number>
B: Set default serial-over-UDP port
Default serial-over-UDP port: <enter port number>
C: Enable Remote configuration (by HTTP)
Remote configuration Enabled
D: Disable Remote configuration (by HTTP)
Remote configuration Disabled
E: Set Barcode reader Mode
Barcode reader mode (0=Off; 1=Client; 2=Server): <enter 0,1 or 2>
F: Set default remote IP addr.
Default remote IP Address (0.0.0.0): <enter remote IP address>
0: Save & Quit
Now running application...
Pressing of set-up button for 4 seconds
All settings have been restored to default. Press '0' to cancel, remove power to confirm.

Opticon Ethernet Converter - 9
3.2 Method 2: Using AT-commands via RS232
It is also possible to configure the Ethernet box by sending modem (AT-)commands via RS232. You can send
these commands manually via an RS232 monitor (i.e. Hyperterminal or Appload) or for a quicker setup you can
also connect an (RS232) barcode reader and scan configuration barcodes.
The following AT-commands can be send to configure the Ethernet box.
Option Command Example + barcode
Default host name AT+NAME<string 1-16>
Default IP-address AT+IP<address>
Default Gateway IP AT+GATE<address>
Default DNS servers IP
Note: configures both the
primary and secondary DNS
server
AT+DNS<address>
Default Primary DNS
servers IP AT+PDNS<address>
Default Secondary DNS
servers IP AT+SDNS<address>
Default subnet IP mask AT+MASK<address>
Disable/enable DHCP AT+DHCP<boolean>
Baud rate AT+BAUD<baud rate>
Remote configuration
(by HTTP)
(See Chapter 2.2.2)
AT+RCONF<boolean>
(0: disabled, 1: enabled)

10 - Opticon Ethernet Converter
Default serial-over-TCP
port number
(See Chapter 2.2.4)
AT+TCPP<port number>
(Range: 0 – 32768)
Default serial-over-UDP
port number
(See Chapter 2.2.4)
AT+UDPP<port number>
(Range: 0 – 32768)
Barcode reader mode
(See Chapter 2.2.5)
AT+BCRM<0, 1 or 2>
0: Disabled
1: Client mode
2: Server mode
Default remote IP addr.
(for a serial-over-Ethernet
connection)
(See Chapter 2.2.5)
AT+RMIP<IP address>
Important notes:
All commands must be terminated with a carriage return <CR>
Make sure you send the commands at the correct baud rate (default is 115200bps)
To review the current settings use the following command: AT?
If a command is accepted the Ethernet box will respond with <CR><LF>OK<CR><LF>
If a command is not accepted the Ethernet box will respond with <CR><LF>ERROR<CR><LF>
If a command is unknown the Ethernet box will respond with <CR><LF>OK<CR><LF> (for compatibility
reasons).
If the Ethernet box does not respond anymore due to an incorrectly configured baud rate, then it's still
possible to reset the Ethernet box or change the baud rate using Method 1.

Opticon Ethernet Converter - 11
3.3 Method 3: Using the configuration page of the embedded HTML-server
The Ethernet Converter box contains an embedded HTML-server that can be accessed using any Internet
Browser.
Important: By default the settings can NOT be changed using the embedded HTTP server to prevent
unauthorized changes to be made remotely. To allow configuring by using the HTTP server use
Method 1 or 2 to enable 'Remote configuration'.
To access this HTML-server you need to know the IP-address of the Ethernet box first. You can find the local IP
address of the Ethernet converter box:
1) By using the System menu (see Method 1, only works if DHCP is disabled)
2) By serially sending the 'AT?' modem command (see Method 2)
3) By using an application that listens to UDP port 30303
An example of such an application is the program 'ECB Viewer'. This program can be downloaded at
www.opticon.com at the 'Service & support > Software' section and selecting the product ECB-1000.
A power-up event of an Ethernet box will be shown in this application including its name, IP-address and
MAC-Address.
Also a manual discovery can be performed to find all Ethernet boxes that are currently connected to the
local network. The boxes will respond with their name, IP-address, MAC-address and their default serial-
over-UDP (U:) and serial-over-TCP (T:) port numbers.
Screenshot of 'ECB Viewer'

12 - Opticon Ethernet Converter
After retrieving the IP-address (i.e. 192.168.0.3), you can either type the address in your Internet browser to see
the following configuration screen or double click on a listed Ethernet converter box in 'ECB Viewer'.
Screenshot of the embedded web page in an Internet browser*
* Note: The area surrounded by the (virtual) orange line is only visible when 'remote configuration' is enabled.

Opticon Ethernet Converter - 13
To change a configuration value on the web page, type the desired value in the correct input field and press the
'Write' button next to it. After pressing the 'Write' button the current setting should immediately be updated on
the bottom half of the screen.
Important notes:
The MAC address can not be changed
Any changed IP-addresses or DHCP setting can require the Ethernet box to be restarted before becoming
active.
Entering incorrect IP-addresses can cause the embedded web page to become inaccessible and can cause
the Ethernet converter box not to function properly. If this has occurred, use method 1 or 2 to correct these
settings.
If the (local) IP-address of the Ethernet box is changed, be aware that the URL address in your Internet
browser needs to be changed as well to be able to view the embedded web page again.

14 - Opticon Ethernet Converter
4 Establishing a TCP/IP connection with Opticon handheld terminals
Writing an application for the Ethernet converter box is (almost) identical to writing an application with the
TCP/IP library that makes use of a dialup modem.
For more information about writing applications with the TCP/IP library and example applications, please refer to
the manuals of the 'TCP/IP library for Opticon Handheld terminals'.
The Ethernet converter box accepts almost all AT-modem commands. However there are few additional AT-
commands that are different or additional:
ATD… or ATDT… Establish a connection between an Opticon handheld terminal (with TCP/IP library) and an Ethernet Converter box.
Response:
<CR><LF>CONNECT<CR><LF>
<PPP frame><PPP frame>
Normally the ATD(T)-command should be made by the connect()-function of the
TCP/IP library after which the application continues the TCP/IP session.
ATIx Returns the current software version
AT? Shows all current settings
ATV0 Normal response codes: i.e. OK / ERROR
ATV2 Barcode reader response codes, in case an Opticon barcode reader is used to configure the Ethernet box with AT-commands. <ESC>B or <ESC>E that will result in
a good or bad read sound.
AT+CPIN? Returns: +CPIN: READY\r\n\r\nOK\r\n for GSM/GPRS modem simulation
AT+DISCOVERY Returns the name, IP and MAC addresses and their default serial-over-Ethernet port numbers (U=UDP, T=TCP) of all Ethernet boxes that are connected to the local
Ethernet
Example response:
Searching...
192.168.0.44 00-12-6A-00-00-03 OSE_ETHERNETBOX T:31313 U:31314
192.168.0.5 00-12-6A-00-00-02 OSE_ETHERNETBOX T:31313 U:31314
Done
AT+BAUDxxxxx Configure a baud rate between 4800 and 230400bps (the OK response might be
returned at the new baud rate!)
AT+RESET Resets the Ethernet-to-RS232 converter box
Note:
Disconnect a connection by sending '+++' with a 1-second pause before and after the command.

Opticon Ethernet Converter - 15
5 Establishing a (virtual) RS232 connection over Ethernet
Using an Ethernet Converter box it is possible to establish a virtual RS232 connection over Ethernet to transmit
and receive serial data to and from a remote location as if you're using a very long serial cable.
5.1 Supported protocols
To transmit serial data over the Ethernet two different protocols can be used: UDP and TCP. They both have
advantages and disadvantages depending on reliability and maximum throughput.
TCP: uses TCP/IP handshaking, so any lost or incorrectly received packets will be retransmitted. However,
because of the handshaking the maximum throughput over the Ethernet is variable, which makes it possible to
overflow the serial buffers if too much data is transmitted at once. Therefore when transmitting large blocks of
serial data over a TCP connection it is strongly recommended to listen to the CTS signal of the Ethernet box,
which indicates whether or the Ethernet box is ready to receive more data or not. Opticon barcode readers
support listening to the CTS signal by enabling the 'Modem handshaking' protocol (Menu option: 'P2') which
can be found in chapter 2.1.3 of the universal menu book, including a description on how RTS/CTS signals are
used for handshaking.
UDP: UDP uses no handshaking protocol, so data can be lost due to packet loss, since there are no
retransmissions using UDP. It is possible to add an extra protocol like Xmodem or NetO to fix this problem of
loosing packets. When no additional serial protocol is used it is recommended to use the TCP protocol for a
reliable transfer of serial data. The advantage of UDP is that maximum throughput will be higher than with TCP.
This means that if you use the virtual RS232 connection for:
Transmitting / receiving of small data packages (i.e. barcodes)
-> TCP is more reliable.
Transmitting / receiving large quantities of data
-> TCP in combination with modem handshaking is recommended (when no serial protocol is used)
-> UDP is recommended when using an additional serial protocol and a higher throughput is needed.
5.2 Finding remote Ethernet Converters
To find other Ethernet Converter boxes the following AT-command is available:
AT+DISCOVERY Returns IP and MAC addresses of all Ethernet boxes that are connected on the same local Ethernet.
Example of the search result:
Searching...
192.168.0.2 00-12-6A-00-12-34 OSE_ETHERNETBOX
192.168.0.14 00-12-6A-00-00-12 OSE_ETHERNETBOX2
Done
Also an application like 'ECB Viewer' can be used to listen for power-up event of Ethernet boxes. This program
can passively listen to, but also actively discover using UDP port 30303 to retrieve IP-addresses of Ethernet
boxes that are located on the same LAN. (See chapter 2.2.3)
More information on how to discover Ethernet boxes using your own application can be found
in chapter 2.4.4.2.2.

16 - Opticon Ethernet Converter
5.3 Connecting to a remote PC or Ethernet Converter
To establish a virtual RS232 connection the following AT-commands are available:
UDP ATDudp://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxxx
ATDudp://yy-yy-yy-yy-yy-yy
Where xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is the IP address of the remote PC or Ethernet box
Where yy-yy-yy-yy-yy-yy is the MAC address of the remote Ethernet box *
TCP ATDtcp://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxxx
ATDtcp://yy-yy-yy-yy-yy-yy
AT+CONNECT
Where xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx is the IP address of the remote PC or Ethernet box
Where yy-yy-yy-yy-yy-yy is the MAC address of the remote Ethernet box *
(Re)Connect to the currently configured 'default remote IP address', which
is also generally the last used IP address
* Connecting using a MAC address only works on a local network
If the command contained a valid IP-address or known MAC address the Ethernet box will respond with:
CONNECT xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (where xxx is the IP-address)
If the connection could not be established it will respond with 'ERROR' within 2 seconds after the connect
message.
Also when a connection was lost or closed remotely it will respond with 'ERROR' to indicate the connection was
lost.
To disconnect an active connection send '+++' with a 1-second pause before and after the command. If send
correctly the Ethernet box will respond with 'OK'. (If there was no active connection it will ignore this command.)
5.3.1 Configuring the port numbers
The serial-over-TCP protocol uses port 31313 and serial-over-UDP uses port 31314 by default. However these
port numbers can also be changed if desired. This can be done as follows.
1) Using the System menu options (See 2.2.1):
2 ) Using the following AT-Commands (See 2.2.2)
Default serial-over-TCP
port number AT+TCPP<port number> (Range: 0 – 32768)
Default serial-over-UDP
port number AT+UDPP<port number> (Range: 0 – 32768)
A: Set default serial-over-TCP port
Default serial-over-TCP port: <enter port number>
B: Set default serial-over-UDP port
Default serial-over-UDP port: <enter port number>

Opticon Ethernet Converter - 17
3) Using the embedded configuration web page (See 2.2.3)
4) By adding the port number behind the ATD-command separated by a semi-colon.
Examples:
5.4 Connecting serial barcode readers to an Ethernet Converter box
The Ethernet Converter box has a special feature to make it easy and reliable to transmit your barcodes to a
remote server using the serial-over-TCP protocol. On the following this feature will be described in more detail.
5.4.1 Configuring your barcode reader
The first step in the process of setting up a network of barcode readers with Ethernet Converter boxes is to
configure the barcode readers properly.
Below you'll find a set-up sheet to configure the barcode reader for this purpose.
5.4.2 Client or Server
The second step is determining who controls the Ethernet connection: the barcode reader + Ethernet converter
box or the remote PC. So with other worlds, who will be the host and who will be the client.
Below will be explained what this means and how to set-up your Ethernet converter box and the PC depending
on your choice for either client or server.

18 - Opticon Ethernet Converter
5.4.2.1 Ethernet box as Client (for both LAN & Internet)
If you choose for your Ethernet box + barcode reader to be the client, this means that your Ethernet boxes will
establish a connection with the remote PC and reconnect in case the connection is lost.
To configure your Ethernet box as Client change the 'barcode reader mode' to 1. (See chapter 2.2)
Reading the label above can configure your Ethernet box as Client
When configured as client the Ethernet box will automatically try to (re)connect when the barcode reader
indicates it has data to send (by using it's RTS line).
To be able to do so, the IP-address of the remote PC as well as a TCP/IP port (default: 31313) at which it will be
listening for data must be configured. How the IP address of the 'remote server' as well as the TCP port number
can be configured is described in chapter 2.2.
The remote PC would have to be configured as server, meaning it would have to open a TCP/IP socket that
listens to configured TCP port number (default: 31313). An example program that can capture data from a
specific TCP/IP port is the 'monitor' of the program ECB Viewer (See chapter 2.2.3).
On the Internet more information can be found how to open a TCP socket and capture its data on a large variety
of platforms and using different programming languages or programs. In addition it's also possible to create a
TCP-to-serial bridge that can convert the received data to a virtual serial port. Multiple applications can be found
on the Internet that can create such a bridge.
5.4.2.2 Ethernet box as Server (for LAN only)
If you choose your Ethernet box + barcode reader to be the server, this implicates that your Ethernet box will
wait and listen for incoming connections from the remote PC. This will take away any hassle from the Ethernet
box related to establishing, maintaining and disconnecting the connection with the remote PC. However, this will
also mean that the remote PC will have to establish the connection itself by opening a TCP/IP socket that
connects to the Ethernet box.
To configure you Ethernet box as Server, change the 'barcode reader
mode' to 2. (See chapter 2)
Reading the label above can configure
your Ethernet box as Server
An example program that can be used to open a TCP/IP socket that
connects to an Ethernet box is Hyperterminal, which is already
installed on most Windows PC's.

Opticon Ethernet Converter - 19
Even though establishing a TCP/IP connection from a remote to an Ethernet box is relatively easy, there are a
few things that can make it more difficult.
•One of these things is that the remote server must know all IP-addresses of all the Ethernet boxes on the
network and it must detect whether or not a specific Ethernet box is attached to the network or not.
•Also when using DHCP it's possible that the IP-addresses of the Ethernet boxes change over time and the
server would have to know about this as well.
To resolve these problems a few extra things need to be implemented on the remote PC.
•The first thing the server would need to do is to capture all power-events from Ethernet boxes that are
newly added to the network. This implicates that the server would have to listen to UDP port 30303 for
messages that look like:
192.168.0.3 00-12-6A-F0-00-01 OSE_ETHERNETBOX (Power Event)
•Besides listening, the server would have to poll the network for Ethernet boxes to know which boxes are
still present on the network, but currently disconnected.
To do this the server would have to broadcast packets to UDP port 30303 containing the following
message:
Discovery
All the Ethernet boxes on the network will respond to this message with messages that look like:
192.168.0.3 00-12-6A-F0-00-01 STORAGE_2 T:31313 U:31314
192.168.0.8 00-12-6A-F0-00-03 SALES T:31313 U:31314
192.168.0.4 00-12-6A-F0-00-18 LOGISTICS T:30000 U:31000
Since all Ethernet boxes will respond nearly simultaneously it is likely that collisions will occur when
multiple boxes will respond at the same time. Therefor it is needed to temporarily silence all Ethernet
boxes that has just responded successfully and then resent the discovery. To silence an Ethernet box
during the next discovery attempt an UDP packet should be send to specific Ethernet box containing the
message:
Ignore next Discovery
Repeat this process until no Ethernet boxes respond anymore to be sure you have listed all Ethernet boxes
in the network.