TCP/IP network operation requires the following:
55542-01 Management Card
TCP/IP parameters must be configured
The standard supports a 10Base-T LAN connection. Before testing the LAN port or installing the TimeHub on a network, the following network parameters must be set via the TimeHub Local Port:
The TCP/IP Configuration, shown in the figure below, displays the network settings as described in the following table. Click Edit to change the settings. Consult with your network manager if you have questions about values.
Item |
Function |
Description |
IPNE |
Set the TimeHub IP Address in the AUX memory |
The IPNE address can be a range of values from 0.0.0.0 to 225.255.255.255. In most situations, a block of IP addresses have been reserved for the network usage. |
IPSUBNET |
Set the Subnetwork Mask IP Address |
The IPSUBNET address can be a range of values from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255. Consult with the network manager. |
IPGATE |
Set the Gateway IP Address |
The IPGATE address can be a range of values from 0.0.0.0 to 225.255.255.255. |
IPEM1 IPEM2 |
Set the Element Manager IP Address |
The IPEM1 address for the primary element manager (EM) can be a range of values from 0.0.0.0 to 225.255.255.255. The TimeHub also supports an alternate element manager (IPEM2) IP address. The TimeHub uses the alternate address for event reporting in case of communication failure with the primary EM. A switch setting on the Management Card (S6–8) allows communication from a specified element manager IP addresses. Otherwise, communication from any IP address is accepted. |
IPLM1 IPLM2 |
Set the Local Manager IP Address |
The IPLM1 address for the primary local manager (LM) can be a range of values from 0.0.0.0 to 225.255.255.255. The TimeHub also supports an alternate local manager (IPLM2) IP address. The TimeHub uses the alternate address for event reporting in case of communication failure with the primary EM. A switch setting on the Management Card (S6–8) allows communication from a specified element manager IP addresses. Otherwise, communication from any IP address is accepted. The local manager feature allows you to test the LAN connection using a local PC connected to the LAN port. The PC should be configured to communicate properly with a network device. When a connection with local manager is accomplished via the LAN port, commands and automatic event reporting is merged by default, regardless of the AOMERGE setting. (Refer to Command Port and Automatic Output Port Number for descriptions.) |
PORTCMDS |
Set the Command Port Number |
The PORTCMDS number has a range of 5001 to 20000 (default = 7588). It specifies the port for command/response Command Port Number reporting. When the AOMERGE feature is set to Y, both commands and automatic event reporting are carried on this port. |
PORTAO |
Set the Automatic Output Port Number |
The PORTAO number has a range of 5001 to 20000 (default = 7589). It specifies the port for automatic event reporting. When the AOMERGE feature is set to N, commands and automatic event reporting are carried on separate ports. If set to Y, then events are not reported on this port but instead are sent to the Command port. |
INACTTIME |
Set the Inactivity Time |
The INACTTIME setting specifies the length of time a connection will continue without the occurrence of an automatic output message. The inactivity timer has a setting range of 0 to 10000, where each count has a time value of 0.1 seconds (100 ms). For example, a setting of 100 specifies that after 10 seconds without the occurrence of an automatic message, the connection to the TimeHub will be closed. |
AOMERGE |
Set the Automatic Output Merge Feature |
The AOMERGE setting specifies whether the messages and commands are carried separately on two different ports or combined onto one. The network parameters for the two ports are: PORTCMDS and PORTAO. When merged, the commands and automatic messages are carried on the command port (PORTCMDS). Operation using the Network Management software requires that separate ports be used. AOMERGE=Y or N. Note: If the IP address of the element manager (IPEM) is set similar to that of the local manager (IPLM1 or IPLM2), the output is merged, regardless of the AOMERGE value. In this case, it is assumed that only the local manager software is being used which does not support having the commands and events carried on separate ports. |
Set the Scramble Feature |
The SCRAMBLE setting specifies that communications sent to and received from the TimeHub are scrambled. SCRAMBLE=Y or N. The default value is N. The SCRAMBLE feature supports a low-level encryption for communications to and from the TimeHub. It requires use of the TimeScan THC Network Management software and a network connection to the LAN port of the TimeHub. If the SCRAMBLE value is set to Y over the LAN port, whatever network program being used to communicate with the TimeHub must also be capable of supporting the SCRAMBLE algorithm. Otherwise, a visit to the site of the TimeHub will be required to disable the SCRAMBLE feature via the Local port. Note: It is essential that the set of parameters in the AUX memory be correct before applying new values. IF THEY ARE NOT CORRECT, it may become impossible to reconnect to the LAN port! In this case, it is necessary to use the Local Port to re-establish valid parameters before network communications are possible. In some cases, if the Management Card determines an inconsistency among the network parameters, it attempts to restore the IPNE, IPGATE, and IPSUBNET parameters to their earlier values. This is done in an attempt to allow communication to take place. However, this does not protect against the situation where the values are valid but are not what the user had intended to enter. |