Ns-link device driver features, Using the port sharing feature – Comtrol DeviceMaster NS-Link User Manual
Page 28
28 - NS-Link Device Driver Features
DeviceMaster Driver User Guide: 2000595 Rev. A
NS-Link Device Driver Configuration
NS-Link Device
Driver Features
During initial installation and configuration of the NS-Link device driver, Comtrol
recommends that you associate the MAC address to the DeviceMaster. If you do
not do so, you will not be able to use the following device driver features:
•
Access the
tab to review PC network or device network interface
statistics
•
Program or change an IP address using through the Network Settings button
•
Reboot the DeviceMaster from the Comtrol Drivers Management Console
After associating the MAC address, you can then program the DeviceMaster for IP
or DHCP usage.
on Page 27 for information about
MAC addressing and IP addressing issues.
Using the Port
Sharing Feature
DeviceMaster ports can be shared by installing the NS-Link device driver on
multiple systems or through socket mode, or combination of both. To do so, install
the NS-Link driver on each system that you want to permit access to the serial
ports. You can share the same port with multiple systems (only one system can
have an open connection to a port at any given time) or you can set up multiple
systems to share specific ports on the device driver..
Use port sharing to configure redundant PCs or fail-over protection.
Note: Most applications do not release ports, so you may not be able to use port
sharing across multiple systems with the same port. Also, if using port
sharing, make sure that two computers do not try to access the same port at
the same time. Only one computer can control a given port at a given time.
Port
System A
System B
1
COM5
Not Configured
2
COM6
Not Configured
3
Not Configured
COM5
4
Not Configured
COM6
DeviceMaster
Port 1
System A
System B
Port 2
COM 5
COM 6
Port 3
Port 4
COM 5
COM 6
Ethernet Hub
Configured for System A
Configured for System B
Example:
To configure two ports for System A and two ports for System B,
1. When installing
the device driver
on System A, click “Not Configured” for the
2. When installing
the device driver
on System B, click “Not Configured” for the
Multiple systems can use the same COM port names.
:
you could configure the drivers like this:
COM port names for Ports 3 and 4.
COM port names for Ports 1 and 2.