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How to Network FieldPoint to a Host Computer with Ethernet

Primary Software: Driver Software>>NI-FieldPoint
Primary Software Version: N/A
Primary Software Fixed Version: N/A
Secondary Software: Utility Software>>Measurement & Automation Explorer
Hardware: Compact FieldPoint>>Controllers, FieldPoint>>Controllers/Network Modules

Problem:
I have connected my FieldPoint or Compact FieldPoint controller or network module, but it does not appear in Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX).  How do I network my FieldPoint hardware to my host computer?

Solution:
Configuring an Isolated Network Segment (Static IP)
Configuring an Exposed Network Segment (DHCP)
Troubleshooting Tips

There are two main types of network configurations:

Configuration 1: Isolated Network
  • There is no DHCP server (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) to assign IP addresses.
    • Direct connection between FieldPoint unit and host computer using a crossover cable.
    • Indirect connection between FieldPoint unit and host computer with a hub or switch in the center.  Typical straight-through Ethernet cables are used here.
In an isolated network, a static IP must be assigned that matches the subnet of the computer attempting to communicate with the [c]FP-2xxx.

To set the IP address of your host computer in Windows XP:
  1. Go to Start»Control Panel»Network Connections.
  2. Right-click on the Local Area Connection associated FieldPoint connection, and select Properties.
  3. In the Local Area Connection Properties window, select Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and click on the Properties button.



  4. Select Use the following IP address and enter an IP address and Subnet mask. For this example, we will use the IP address and Subnet mask shown in the figure below. With these settings, the subnet is 192.168.1.0.  For more details on how to calculate a subnet, refer to KnowledgeBase 3SC9P5IH: Setting Computers on the Same Subnet.



  5. Leave the other fields blank, and click OK and then Close.

To set the FieldPoint unit to the same subnet:

  1. Set the FieldPoint unit into a state that will broadcast it to any subnet so that it can appear in Measurement and Automation Explorer (MAX).
    • For FieldPoint and Compact FieldPoint Real-Time controllers, set the Reset IP and Safe Mode DIP switches to on.

      Compact FieldPoint Controller


      FieldPoint Controller FP-20xx

    • For Network Modules such as the cFP-180x and FP-160x, only use the corresponding reset IP dip switch


      Compact FieldPoint Ethernet Module cFP-180x


      FieldPoint Network Ethernet Module FP-160x
       
  2. Either push the RESET button on the FieldPoint unit or cycle power.
  3. Open Measurement and Automation Explorer  by going to Start»Program Files»National Instruments»Measurement and Automation.
  4. Expand Remote Systems. The FieldPoint unit should appear as 0.0.0.0. If it does not, go to View»Refresh or press F5 to refresh MAX.
  5. Click on the unit in remote systems, and select the Network Settings tab in the bottom center.
  6. Select Use the following IP address under IP Settings, and type in the IP address and Subnet mask.



  7. Reset the DIP switch(es) back to the off position, and cycle power again.
  8. The FieldPoint unit should now appear as the specified name in remote systems. Refreshing MAX by going to View»Refresh or by pressing F5 may be necessary.


Configuration 2: Exposed Network
  • There is a DHCP server.
  • The FieldPoint unit and host computer connect to a network access point, such as a router, on the same network with a standard straight-through Ethernet cable.
In an exposed network, the DHCP automatically assigns IP addresses to both the host computer and the FieldPoint unit.  Follow the steps of Configuration 1, with the following exceptions:

  1. In the Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) Properties window, select Obtain an IP Address Automatically.  This most likely is already selected if this network port was previously used for an internet connection.
  2. In step 6 of the FieldPoint section, just select Obtain an IP Address automatically and continue with step 7.

Troubleshooting Tips

  1. Unable to see target in MAX.
  2.  Intermittent Loss of Communication.
  3. Find Devices is grayed out with Real-Time controllers.
  4. Error 56, Error 59, and other TCP errors.


Related Links:
KnowledgeBase 3KDF27SE: What is the Difference in Rebooting my [c]FP-2xxx with the Reset DIP Switch On and with the Reset and Safe Mode DIP Switches On?
KnowledgeBase 3SC9P5IH: Setting Computers on the Same Subnet
KnowledgeBase 27K9UNKN: How Do I Connect to a LabVIEW Real-Time (RT) Controller with a Crossover Cable?
KnowledgeBase 2GD9CL6Q: What Ports Do I Need to Open on My Firewall for National Instruments Software Products?
KnowledgeBase 37ME9PSF: Unable to Locate an Ethernet FieldPoint Network Module in MAX (or FieldPoint Explorer) in Windows XP
KnowledgeBase 47IC8SCW: Why is My Target Not Listed in MAX 4.2 When in Safe Mode or Unconfigured?
Developer Zone Tutorial: Troubleshooting Communication Problems with the FieldPoint Ethernet Network Modules
Developer Zone Tutorial: Upgrading FieldPoint Firmware
KnowledgeBase 3OMEC5MY: Why Is "Find Devices" Grayed Out For My FieldPoint 2xxx Controller In MAX?
KnowledgeBase 42I77BXJ: Connecting to Ethernet Targets with Multiple Networks Cards in the Host

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Report Date: 08/14/2007
Last Updated: 01/29/2010
Document ID: 4CDENRCY

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