Ross NK Series User manual

NK Series
Internet Protocol Server
User Guide

NK-IPS Internet Protocol Server · User Guide
• Ross Part Number: 9807DR-1004-03
• Release Date: March 12, 2013. Printed in Canada.
The information contained in this Guide is subject to change without notice or obligation.
Copyright
© 2013 Ross Video Limited. All rights reserved.
This work is proprietary and confidential to Ross Video Limited, its subsidiaries and its other affiliated corporations
and may not be copied, distributed, sold or otherwise used or relied upon without the express written permission of
Ross Video Limited. Reproduction or reverse engineering of copyrighted software is prohibited.
Patents
This product is protected by the following US Patents: 4,205,346; 5,115,314; 5,280,346; 5,561,404; 7,034,886;
7,508,455; 7,602,446; 7,834,886; 7,914,332. This product is protected by the following Canadian Patents: 2039277;
1237518; 1127289. Other patents pending.
Notice
The material in this manual is furnished for informational use only. It is subject to change without notice and should
not be construed as commitment by Ross Video Limited. Ross Video Limited assumes no responsibility or liability
for errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this manual.
Trademarks
• is a registered trademark of Ross Video Limited.
• Ross, ROSS, and ROSS®, are registered trademarks of Ross Video Limited.
• Microsoft, Encarta, MSN, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries.
• All other product names and any registered and unregistered trademarks mentioned in this guide are used for
identification purposes only and remain the exclusive property of their respective owners.

Important Regulatory and Safety Notices
Before using this product and any associated equipment, refer to the “Important Safety Instructions” listed below so
as to avoid personnel injury and to prevent product damage.
Products may require specific equipment, and /or installation procedures be carried out to satisfy certain regulatory
compliance requirements. Notices have been included in this publication to call attention to these Specific
requirements.
Symbol Meanings
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the product. Failure to heed this information may present a risk of damage
or injury to persons or equipment.
Warning The symbol with the word “Warning” within the equipment manual indicates a
potentially hazardous situation, which if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
Caution The symbol with the word “Caution” within the equipment manual indicates a potentially
hazardous situation, which if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury. It may
also be used to alert against unsafe practices.
Notice The symbol with the word “Notice” within the equipment manual indicates a situation,
which if not avoided, may result in major or minor equipment damage or a situation,
which could place the equipment in a non-compliant operating state.
Warning
Hazardous
Voltages
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of shock to persons.
ESD
Susceptibility This symbol is used to alert the user that an electrical or electronic device or assembly is
susceptible to damage from an ESD event.

EMC Notices
US FCC Part 15
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A Digital device, pursuant to part 15
of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the
equipment is operated in a Commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
CANADA
This Class “A” digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numerique de la classe “A” est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
EUROPE
This equipment is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of CE Directive
93/68/EEC.
INTERNATIONAL
This equipment has been tested to CISPR 22:1997 along with amendments A1:2000 and A2:2002 and found to
comply with the limits for a Class A Digital device.
Warning
Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instructions.
2. Follow all instructions and heed all warnings.
3. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
4. The equipment’s external power supply AC appliance inlets are the means to
disconnect the product from the AC Mains and must remain readily operable for
this purpose.
5. To avoid the risk of electrical shock and to completely disconnect the apparatus
from the supply AC appliance inlets prior to servicing.
6. The safe operation of this product requires that a protective earth connection be
provided. A grounding conductor in the equipment's external power supply line
cord provides this protective earth. To reduce the risk of electrical shock to the
operator and service personnel, this ground conductor must be connected to an
earthed ground.
7. Indoor Use: WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose
this apparatus to rain or moisture.
8. Warning: This product includes an “Ethernet Port” for connection to a local area
network (LAN). This Ethernet port interface is designed for intra-building
networks only.
Do not connect this port to networks that go outside of the building.
Notice Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Ross Video Ltd. could
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.
Notice This is a Class A product. In domestic environments, this product may cause radio interference,
in which case the user may have to take adequate measures.

Warranty and Repair Policy
The product is backed by a comprehensive one-year warranty on all components.
If an item becomes defective within the warranty period Ross will repair or replace the defective item, as
determined solely by Ross.
Warranty repairs will be conducted at Ross, with all shipping FOB Ross dock. If repairs are conducted at the
customer site, reasonable out-of-pocket charges will apply. At the discretion of Ross, and on a temporary loan basis,
plug in circuit boards or other replacement parts may be supplied free of charge while defective items undergo
repair. Return packing, shipping, and special handling costs are the responsibility of the customer.
This warranty is void if products are subjected to misuse, neglect, accident, improper installation or application, or
unauthorized modification.
In no event shall Ross Video Limited be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages
(including loss of profit). Implied warranties, including that of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose,
are expressly limited to the duration of this warranty.
This warranty is TRANSFERABLE to subsequent owners, subject to Ross’ notification of change of ownership.
Extended Warranty
For customers that require a longer warranty period, Ross offers an extended warranty plan to extend the standard
warranty period by one year increments. For more information, contact your regional sales manager.
Environmental Information
The equipment that you purchased required the extraction and use of natural resources for its production. It may
contain hazardous substances that could impact health and the environment.
To avoid the potential release of those substances into the environment and to diminish the need for the extraction
of natural resources, Ross Video encourages you to use the appropriate take-back systems. These systems will reuse
or recycle most of the materials from your end-of-life equipment in an environmentally friendly and health
conscious manner.
The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol invites you to use these systems.
If you need more information on the collection, reuse, and recycling systems, please contact your local or regional
waste administration.
You can also contact Ross Video for more information on the environmental performances of our products.
Notice Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by Ross Video Limited
could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

Company Address
Ross Video Limited
8 John Street
Iroquois, Ontario
Canada, K0E 1K0
Ross Video Incorporated
P.O. Box 880
Ogdensburg, New York
USA 13669-0880
Ross Video Australia
Unit 24, 49 Corporate Boulevard
Bayswater VIC 3153
Australia
General Business Office:
Fax:
(+1) 613 •652 •4886
(+1) 613 •652 •4425
Technical Support: (+1) 613 •652 •4886
After Hours Emergency: (+1) 613 •349 •0006
E-mail for Technical Support: [email protected]
E-mail for General Information: [e-mail]
Website: http://www.rossvideo.com

NK-IPS User Guide (v03) Contents • i
Contents
Installation 1
NK-IPS Components .............................................................................................................................................1-1
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................1-1
NK Switchboard in DashBoard ..........................................................................................................................1-1
T-Bus Control System ........................................................................................................................................1-1
The Heartbeat .....................................................................................................................................................1-1
Power Supply .....................................................................................................................................................1-2
Connecting the NK-IPS .........................................................................................................................................1-2
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................1-2
Connecting the NK-IPS to a Network ................................................................................................................1-2
Connecting the NK-IPS Direct to a PC ..............................................................................................................1-2
Connecting the NK-IPS to NK Series Devices ..................................................................................................1-3
Installing DashBoard .............................................................................................................................................1-3
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................1-3
System Requirements .........................................................................................................................................1-3
Configuration and Operation 2
Overview................................................................................................................................................................2-1
Configuring and Using the NK-IPS ...................................................................................................................2-1
Default Configuration ........................................................................................................................................2-1
The NK-IPS Front Panel ....................................................................................................................................2-1
Reset Button .......................................................................................................................................................2-1
Status LEDs ........................................................................................................................................................2-1
Ethernet LEDs ....................................................................................................................................................2-1
Automatic Device Discovery.................................................................................................................................2-2
NK-IPS Connection Window ................................................................................................................................2-2
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................2-2
Opening the NK-IPS Connection Window and Querying Devices ...................................................................2-2
Manually Detecting an NK-IPS .........................................................................................................................2-3
NK-IPS Configuration ...........................................................................................................................................2-4
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................2-4
NK Series IPS Tab .............................................................................................................................................2-4
Update IPS Network Settings ............................................................................................................................2-7
NK Switchboard Configuration and Operation .....................................................................................................2-7
Switching ...........................................................................................................................................................2-8
Source, Destination, and Level Buttons .............................................................................................................2-8
Configure IPS .....................................................................................................................................................2-9
Appendix A: NK-VCP and NK-Hub A
NK Virtual Control Panel .....................................................................................................................................A-1
Overview ...........................................................................................................................................................A-1
Starting the NK-VCP ........................................................................................................................................A-1
Adding an NK-IPS ............................................................................................................................................A-1
Client Control Password ...................................................................................................................................A-3
Source, Destination, and Level Buttons ............................................................................................................A-3
Switching ..........................................................................................................................................................A-4
Protecting Outputs .............................................................................................................................................A-4
Machine Control Button ....................................................................................................................................A-4
NK-Hub.................................................................................................................................................................A-4
Installing NK-VCP................................................................................................................................................A-4

ii • Contents NK-IPS User Guide (v03)
Overview .......................................................................................................................................................... A-4
System Requirements ....................................................................................................................................... A-5
Installing the Java Runtime Environment (JRE) .............................................................................................. A-5
Appendix B: Troubleshooting B
The NK-IPS...........................................................................................................................................................B-1
Network/Connection Problems .........................................................................................................................B-1
The NK-VCP.........................................................................................................................................................B-1
Error Messages ..................................................................................................................................................B-1
Network/Connection Problems .........................................................................................................................B-2
General Problems ..............................................................................................................................................B-2

NK-IPS User Guide (v03) Installation • 1–1
Installation
NK-IPS Components
Overview
The NK-IPS (Internet Protocol Server) with the DashBoard control system software allows configuration and
control of the NK-IPS and other NK routing system devices, enhancing the capability of any installed Ross
products by providing access to the entire range of functions.
Figure 1.1 NK-IPS — Front View
Figure 1.2 NK-IPS — Rear View
NK Switchboard in DashBoard
The NK Switchboard, accessible through DashBoard, acts as a virtual panel for any router device. NK Switchboard
enables control of multiple NK Series routers through multiple NK-IPS devices, with alternating between each
NK-IPS as needed.
For More Information on...
• the NK Switchboard, please refer to “NK Switchboard Configuration and Operation” on page 2–7 or the
NK Series plugin Help File in DashBoard.
T-Bus Control System
The NK-IPS is connected to other devices via the T-Bus Control System, a multi-drop RJ-45 control system
supporting collision detection and half-duplex communication. The T-Bus Control System minimizes cable
connections between devices, acting as both a reliable means to provide phantom power to devices and as the
communications line.
Devices on the T-Bus Control System with collision detection support ensure that if two devices transmit messages
at the same time they will not send incorrect data to other devices on the line. T-Bus devices that support collision
detection are able to monitor communication on the line to ensure that no two devices are transmitting at the same
time.
The NK-IPS does not support collision detection.
The Heartbeat
The NK-IPS indicates its status using a pulsating front panel LED called the Heartbeat.
Figure 1.3 Heartbeat Display
LED

1–2 • Installation NK-IPS User Guide (v03)
Power Supply
The NK-IPS is powered by a +15V DC external power supply. This can be either an NK-P1 power supply which is
shipped as standard or an NK-RP1/NK-RPN1 redundant power supply purchased as an option.
Connecting the NK-IPS
Overview
The NK-IPS has eight T-Bus connections (RJ-45) to connect to devices. This provides options for connection of
T-Bus devices either as a daisy-chained or star configuration, or a combination of the two topologies. The single
Ethernet port (RJ-45) is for a connection to a network hub or network card. The RS-232 port is for factory use only
(service and maintenance) and it is not for customer use.
Figure 1.4 NK-IPS Connections
The NK-IPS does not require Internet access for operation. DashBoard software is required for operation and
configuration.
Connecting the NK-IPS to a Network
The NK-IPS can be connected directly to a network for configuration purposes. It is recommended that the NK-IPS
be connected directly to the network so that the NK-IPS can be interfaced from almost any computer on that
network (the configuration information, in “Configuration and Operation” on page 2–1, assumes that the NK-IPS
has been connected directly to a network).
After a physical connection has been established, a DHCP server or DashBoard can be used to configure the
network settings for the NK-IPS.
If difficulties or problems are experienced when connecting the NK-IPS to a network hub, or with assigning IP
addresses, please contact your network administrator.
Establishing a Physical Connection
When connecting the NK-IPS directly to the network, a straight through CAT5 cable must be used to connect the
NK-IPS to the network.
To connect the NK-IPS:
1. Connect one free end of the straight through CAT5 cable to a free port of the network hub.
2. Connect the other free end of the straight through CAT5 cable to the Ethernet port on the rear or the NK-IPS.
Connecting the NK-IPS Direct to a PC
The NK-IPS can be connected to a single PC (a computer that is on a network) or standalone PC (a computer that is
not on a network) for configuration purposes.
If a PC that is on a network is used to interface the NK-IPS, a spare network card is required to connect the two (the
other network card is used to communicate with the network).
If a PC that is not on a network is used to interface the NK-IPS, only one network card is required to connect the
two.
After a physical connection has been established, the IP address of the PC can be configured and can be used to
configure the IP address for the NK-IPS.
If difficulties or problems are experienced when connecting the NK-IPS to a network hub, or with assigning IP
addresses, please contact your network administrator.
T-Bus Connections
Power RS-232 Port
Ethernet Port

NK-IPS User Guide (v03) Installation • 1–3
Establishing a Physical Connection
When directly connecting the NK-IPS to either a single or a standalone PC the following points must be taken into
consideration:
• Use a crossover CAT5 cable to connect the NK-IPS and the PC (this is in contrast to connecting directly to a
network, where a straight through CAT5 cable is used for the connection).
• If a small standalone Ethernet hub is accessible, two standard CAT5 cables can be used. The first cable is used to
connect the PC to the Ethernet hub while the second connects the Ethernet hub to the NK-IPS.
If the PC does not support Auto MDIX, a crossover cable must be used.
To connect the NK-IPS to a single PC that is on a network or a standalone PC that is not on a network:
1. Connect one free end of the CAT5 crossover cable to the free network card of the PC.
2. Connect the other free end of the CAT5 crossover cable to the Ethernet port on the rear of the NK-IPS.
Alternatively, if a small standalone Ethernet hub is accessible, two standard CAT5 cables can be used. The first
cable connects the PC to the Ethernet hub and the second connects the Ethernet hub to the NK-IPS.
Configuring the PC IP Address
Once either a single PC or a standalone PC has been physically connected to the NK-IPS, the IP address for both the
PC and the NK-IPS needs to be configured. It is recommended that users familiar with networking configure the IP
addresses for both a single and a standalone PC, as well as the NK-IPS.
This topic only applies to single or standalone computers connecting to the NK-IPS; it does not apply when the
NK-IPS is connected directly to the network.
For More Information on...
• how to configure the NK-IPS when it is connected directly to a network, please refer to “NK-IPS Connection
Window” on page 2–2.
Connecting the NK-IPS to NK Series Devices
To connect the NK-IPS to other NK Series devices (routers, panels, and control devices), connect a CAT5 cable to
one of the T-Bus RJ-45 ports on the rear of the NK-IPS and connect the other end to either of the RJ-45 ports of the
device. Most NK Series devices are equipped with two RJ-45 ports for looping or daisy chaining devices.
Installing DashBoard
Overview
DashBoard can be downloaded at http://www.rossvideo.com/dashboard.
DashBoard is used to configure and operate NK systems and individual NK Series devices. The NK-IPS
Connection window in DashBoard is used to locate and to configure NK-IPS devices.
System Requirements
For More Information on...
• DashBoard system requirements, please refer to the DashBoard User Manual available at
http://www.rossvideo.com/dashboard.

1–4 • Installation NK-IPS User Guide (v03)

NK-IPS User Guide (v03) Configuration and Operation • 2–1
Configuration and Operation
Overview
Configuring and Using the NK-IPS
The NK-IPS is used for configuration of devices and components and can be interfaced using configuration utilities
on a PC.
The NK-IPS needs to be configured for use within a network. The NK-IPS Connection window in DashBoard can
be used to find the network settings of the NK-IPS once the NK-IPS has been connected to a network.
For More Information on...
• connecting the NK-IPS to a PC, please refer to “Connecting the NK-IPS Direct to a PC” on page 1–2.
Default Configuration
The factory default configuration for the NK-IPS ensures that it can be connected and used straight out of the box.
There are no passwords set for configuration of devices. The T-Bus address is set to 254.
The NK-IPS Front Panel
The front panel of the NK-IPS includes status LEDs for T-Bus and network activity, as well as a RESET button.
Figure 2.1 Status LEDs on Front Panel of the NK-IPS
Reset Button
The RESET button can be used in the event of device failure where the Heartbeat stops pulsing, the link LED
(LNK) turns off, or the activity LED (ACT) stops flashing. In some cases, looping or daisy-chaining too many
devices on one line may cause a communication failure or a power dropout (with devices that are supplied phantom
power via the T-Bus line).
The reset button can be used as a last resort if errors are encountered, but no physical problem can be sourced
(disconnected or severed CAT5, power cable, etc).
Status LEDs
The eight status LEDS on the left of the front panel represent the T-Bus connectors on the rear of the NK-IPS. These
LEDs will light when data is transmitted to, or sent from, the NK-IPS.
Ethernet LEDs
The Ethernet LEDs behave exactly like the LEDs on a network card. When a connection is established, the link
LED (LNK) will turn on. When any network activity is transmitted or received, the activity LED (ACT) will blink.

2–2 • Configuration and Operation NK-IPS User Guide (v03)
Automatic Device Discovery
When DashBoard is opened, devices appear automatically in the Basic Tree View.
Figure 2.2 Basic Tree View in DashBoard
If automatic device discovery is not enabled or is unable to locate devices, devices can be located and added
manually using the NK-IPS Connection window.
For More Information on...
• automatic device discovery and manually adding a device, please refer to the section “Configuring Devices” in
the DashBoard User Manual.
• manually locating or adding a device, please refer to the section “NK-IPS Connection Window” on page 2–2.
NK-IPS Connection Window
Overview
The NK-IPS Connection window enables users to use DashBoard to locate an NK-IPS, select an NK-IPS to add
from the device list, or to manually add an NK-IPS by entering the network settings.
Information such as the device name, IP address, netmask, gateway, port number, serial number, and software
version are available in the NK-IPS Connection window.
Opening the NK-IPS Connection Window and Querying Devices
When devices are connected to the NK-IPS, they can be queried to check status and also to modify their network
settings.
To open the NK-IPS Connection window and query devices:
1. Open DashBoard.
2. In the Basic Tree View section, click the Add New Connection menu ( ) and select NK IPS Connection
(or select File > NK IPS Connection from the menu).

NK-IPS User Guide (v03) Configuration and Operation • 2–3
The NK-IPS Connection window opens and displays the devices on the network.
Figure 2.3 NK-IPS Connection window
Manually Detecting an NK-IPS
If an NK-IPS is not detected, it can be manually added by entering its IP address using the Manually Detect Device
window before DashBoard can be used to interface the NK-IPS, as well as other devices.
To manually detect an NK-IPS:
1. Open DashBoard.
2. In the Basic Tree View section, click the Add New Connection menu ( ) and select Manual Connection
(or select File > Manual Connection from the menu).
The Manually Detect Device window opens.
Figure 2.4 Manually Detect Device window
3. In the IP Address box, enter the IP address of the NK-IPS to be detected.

2–4 • Configuration and Operation NK-IPS User Guide (v03)
4. Click Finish.
The device is added to the connection list.
NK-IPS Configuration
Overview
The NK-IPS uses the NK Series IPS device tab in DashBoard to allow users to configure the NK-IPS.
NK Series IPS Tab
The NK Series IPS tab allows users to configure interface and security options for the NK-IPS, as well as having
the ability to assign a name and brief details for the device itself.
Any changes to the parameters on the NK Series IPS tab will need to be sent to the NK-IPS using the Send
Configuration button before they take effect.
Figure 2.5 NK Series IPS tab
Device Details
Version (read-only) – the software version.
Network Settings – click this button to open the Update IPS Network Settings dialog box to configure the
network settings for the NK-IPS.

NK-IPS User Guide (v03) Configuration and Operation • 2–5
Serial Num (read-only) – the serial number is set in the factory before shipping and is unique to each device. This
parameter is not user configurable.
Firmware (read-only) – the firmware version used by the NK-IPS.
Details – assigned by the user to give a device specific details. For example, a physical location or a brief
description of its use.
This field has a maximum of 16 characters and is used for description and identification only.
Address – this address is used within the overall control system to identify devices. Each device must be given a
unique T-Bus address to avoid hardware and communication conflicts.
The valid value range for assigning an individual device T-Bus address is 1-255.
MAC Address (read-only) – the Media Access Control address (MAC address) is the unique hardware address for
a device on a network. This parameter is not user configurable.
Name – this field can be assigned by the user to uniquely name a device.
This field has a maximum of 16 characters and is used for description and identification only.
Group – a group number can be assigned by the user to organize devices into groups. For example, users can assign
separate group numbers for devices in different physical areas.
This field has a maximum of 10 characters, and by default is blank.
Network Settings
IP Address – the IP address of the device.
Netmask – the IP netmask of the device.
Gateway – the IP gateway of the device.
DHCP – the NK-IPS is configured to automatically obtain network settings from a Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol (DHCP) server. Since most networks have a DHCP server available, this method is applicable to most
users and is the recommended method. Select this check box to use DHCP.
When DHCP is enabled, the NK-IPS will attempt to acquire network settings from a DHCP server on power up.
If successful, the NK-IPS will use the acquired network settings. If it is unable to acquire the network settings
after one minute, the NK-IPS will use the following network settings:
• IP address: 192.168.20.100
• Netmask: 255.255.255.0
• Gateway: 0.0.0.0
SLP – select this check box to enable usage of Automatic Device Discovery in DashBoard. This is enabled by
default.
The network settings, other than the SLP check box, can also be configured using the Update IPS Network
Settings dialog box. Please refer to “Update IPS Network Settings” on page 2–7 for details.
For More Information on...
• Automatic Device Discovery, refer to “Automatic Device Discovery” on page 2–2.
Client Settings
Use Client Control Password – when this check box is selected, the password is activated and required when
applications external to the NK-IPS issue switch requests. When this check box is not selected, a password is not
required, regardless of what text has been entered into the Client Control Password field.
Client Control Password – the Client Control Password option assigns a password for the use of client devices
(such as Virtual Control Panels). Assigning a password will request users to log on to allow switching routers
connected to the NK-IPS.
The password field is case sensitive and has a maximum value of 20 characters. The Use Client Control Password
check box must be selected to enable the password.

2–6 • Configuration and Operation NK-IPS User Guide (v03)
Client TCP Port – defines which port is used for network communication. By default, the TCP Port is 5000, and
any client devices/apps should be setup with the same port number.
MC-1 Interface
Throttle Switch Requests – this check box must be selected on the primary NK-IPS to serialize and retransmit
switch requests on the T-Bus when using master control.
Remote IPS IP Address – on a primary NK-IPS, this field is set to 0.0.0.0. On a secondary NK-IPS, enter the IP
address of the primary NK-IPS.
This is only used when using a second NK-IPS to segregate traffic from other devices such as control panels and
the NK-3RD.
Remote IPS Port – on a primary NK-IPS, this field can be left as the default port value of 5000. On a secondary
NK-IPS, enter the TCP Client Port value of the primary NK-IPS.
This is only used when using a second NK-IPS to segregate traffic from other devices such as control panels and
the NK-3RD.
Connections
Max DashBoard Connections – enter a limit for the number of DashBoard connections that the NK-IPS will allow
at any given time. The default value is three and the maximum allowed is five.
This is only applicable to DashBoard connections. The maximium total number of Number of connected
Clients is 20.
Number of connected Clients – displays how many clients are connected to the NK-IPS. The number of
DashBoard connections to the NK-IPS allowed at any time is dependent on the setting in Max DashBoard
Connections (maximum of five) , but up to twenty clients total. If the max clients are already connected, an
NK-IPS can auto-detect but not auto-connect.
In the instance that three DashBoard clients are connected, right-click on the device in the Basic Tree View and
select Force Connection. This will disconnect the oldest connection and allow a new user to access the IPS. This
field is read-only.
Log off Client – select the check box of a client to forcibly disconnect the client.
Reset
Reset IPS – select this check box to reboot the NK-IPS. This function does not clear the NK-IPS settings. The
RESET button on the front panel will perform the same function.
Any changes to the parameters on the NK Series IPS tab will need to be sent to the NK-IPS using the Send
Configuration button before they take effect.
Other Functions
Refresh – click this button to revert to the configuration previously sent to the device.
Send Firmware – click this button to open a file browser to select a software/firmware file to send to the device.
Send Configuration – click this button to upload the settings to the device. All configuration items become active
only after uploading.
Reboot – N/A – feature currently not available in DashBoard.
Close – click this button to close the NK Series IPS tab in DashBoard.

NK-IPS User Guide (v03) Configuration and Operation • 2–7
Update IPS Network Settings
The network settings can also be configured using the Network Settings section, including enabling and
disabling SLP. Please refer to “Network Settings” on page 2–5 for details.
Figure 2.6 Update IPS Network Settings dialog box
Use DHCP – the NK-IPS is configured to automatically obtain network settings from a Dynamic Host
Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server. Since most networks have a DHCP server available, this method is
applicable to most users and is the recommended method. Select this check box to use DHCP.
When DHCP is enabled, the NK-IPS will attempt to acquire network settings from a DHCP server on power up.
If successful, the NK-IPS will use the acquired network settings. If it is unable to acquire the network settings
after one minute, the NK-IPS will use the following network settings:
• IP address: 192.168.20.100
• Netmask: 255.255.255.0
• Gateway: 0.0.0.0
Address – the IP address of the device.
Netmask – the IP netmask of the device.
Gateway – the IP gateway of the device.
Port (read-only) – the port number of the device.
Send Settings – click this button to send the settings to the device.
Cancel – click this button to close the dialog box without applying changes.
NK Switchboard Configuration and Operation
The NK Switchboard enables the routing matrix to be monitored and optionally controlled on any router on any
NK-IPS detected on the network. The NK Switchboard is configured using the NK Switchboard tab in DashBoard.
It is recommended to configure the NK Switchboard globally before performing any switches.
Once DashBoard has been installed, the NK Switchboard can be accessed by clicking on the NK Switchboard
button ( ) from the toolbar. If the Switchboard has already been opened in the work area, activating it
from either the menu or the toolbar will open it as a device tab in the device view of DashBoard.

2–8 • Configuration and Operation NK-IPS User Guide (v03)
Figure 2.7 NK Switchboard tab
Switching
The NK Switchboard is designed to emulate basic behaviour of the RCP-NK1. Switches are performed by first
selecting the Level(s) required to be switched, then by selecting the Output, and finally selecting the Input.
When an Output has been selected, all Input buttons pressed thereafter will switch to that output. This is indicated
by the blue line highlighting the current output selection.
Source, Destination, and Level Buttons
The Input (Source), Output (Destination), and Level buttons displayed on the NK Switchboard can be edited
individually on-the-fly as required by right-clicking on the desired button and editing the fields. The button edit
menu enables users to define text labels for the buttons display (Edit Text), the relative input, output or level value
(Edit Value), as well as Add or Delete buttons.
The number of inputs, outputs, and levels can be configured using the Configure IPS dialog box. Click the
Configure IPS button ( ) to open the Configure IPS dialog box.
For More Information on...
• the Configure IPS dialog box, please refer to “Configure IPS” on page 2–9.
The Level Buttons
The Level buttons, when selected, enable switching on the corresponding levels. The total number of Level buttons
shown is reliant on the number entered in the Configure IPS dialog box.