Academic Company Events NI Developer Zone Support Solutions Products & Services Contact NI MyNI
5 ratings:
 3.20 out of 5     Rate this Document

Unable to Locate an Ethernet FieldPoint Network Module in MAX (or FieldPoint Explorer) in Windows XP

Primary Software: Driver Software>>NI-FieldPoint
Primary Software Version: 3.0
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: N/A
Hardware: Compact FieldPoint>>Controllers>>cFP-2000, Compact FieldPoint>>Controllers>>cFP-2010, Compact FieldPoint>>Controllers>>cFP-2020, Compact FieldPoint>>Controllers>>cFP-2100, Compact FieldPoint>>Controllers>>cFP-2120, Compact FieldPoint>>Controllers>>cFP-2110, FieldPoint>>Controllers/Network Modules>>FP-1600, FieldPoint>>Controllers/Network Modules>>FP-1601, FieldPoint>>Controllers/Network Modules>>FP-2000, FieldPoint>>Controllers/Network Modules>>FP-2010, FieldPoint>>Controllers/Network Modules>>FP-2015, Compact FieldPoint, Compact FieldPoint>>Controllers>>cFP-1804, Compact FieldPoint>>Controllers>>cFP-1808, Compact FieldPoint>>Controllers>>cFP-2200, Compact FieldPoint>>Controllers>>cFP-2210, Compact FieldPoint>>Controllers>>cFP-2220

Problem:
I have connected my FieldPoint communications module to the local ethernet and I am certain that it is on the same subnet as my computer system. Also, I am sure that the IP configuration of the network module has already been set correctly (or is unconfigured). The FieldPoint module is not reporting any errors via its status light. However, Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) (or FieldPoint Explorer) is not able to locate any modules on the network. I have even tried connecting the FieldPoint directly to my computer through a cross-over cable but it still will not show up in MAX.

Solution:
Sometimes two ethernet ports even within the same room may not be on a single network subnet. You may need to correspond with your network administrator to ensure that both systems are on the same subnet. Also, one of the most common reasons that a module cannot be located is if there is a software firewall running on the PC. A firewall will entirely prevent a module from being detected. While there is a broad array of firewalls available on the market, there is also one built-in to Windows XP SP2.

To check if the Windows XP firewall is enabled:
  1. Open Network Connections Control Panel, located in Start»Settings»Network Connections; this will result in listing the local networks.
  2. Right-click any connection and select Properties.
  3. Select the Advanced tab. If the option to protect your computer is checked, then the firewall is enabled. Uncheck this box and click the OK button.
  4. You should now be able to locate your FieldPoint network module.
If you cannot disable the Windows XP firewall, because its settings are controlled by Group Policy, try the following:
  1. Open Network Connections Control Panel, located in Start»Settings»Network Connections; this will result in listing the local networks.
  2. Right-click any connection and select Properties.
  3. Select the Advanced tab.
  4. Click Settings.
  5. Select the Exceptions tab.
  6. Click Add Program...
  7. Select Measurement & Automation in the list and click OK
  8. Click OK on both remaining windows
  9. Now MAX will be able to communicate with your FieldPoint controller.


Related Links:
Developer Zone Tutorial: Troubleshooting Communication Problems with the FieldPoint Ethernet Network Modules
KnowledgeBase 2V5FG3TJ: Why Does (compact) FieldPoint Display "No Devices Found"? or the FTP Server Doesn't Work?
KnowledgeBase 2FF6N4KN: Choosing an IP Address for Your Real-Time Engine

Attachments:





Report Date: 03/23/2004
Last Updated: 05/06/2009
Document ID: 37ME9PSF

Your Feedback! poor Poor  |  Excellent excellent   Yes No
 Document Quality? 
 Answered Your Question? 
  1 2 3 4 5
Please Contact NI for all product and support inquiries.submit