PortStore IP Buffer

Networked RS232 / RS485 Buffered Communications.

Software Downloads

Package	Version	Description
DataCentral	v.1.01.000	Schedule the downloading of data from PortStore devices.
Setup Wizard	v.1.01.000	Simplifies the configuration of your PortStore Devices.
DataLoader	v.1.01.000	Load data onto the RS232 port of the PortStore device.
Hercules	v.1.01.000	An engineers configuration and testing tool for the PortStore device.
VirtualPort Driver	v.1.01.000	Installs a COM port on your Windows machine that can connect to the PortStore over your Ethernet Network. * Windows XP / 2000
PortStore User Manual		PDF version of the PortStore's User Manual.

F.A.Q

I have a 100Mb network, will this cause any problems?

The PortStore is a 10Mb network device, if it needs to be connected to a 100Mb or 1Gb network, then a 100/10 switch or a 1000/100/10 switch should installed between the PortStore and the Network.

Can the IP address of the PortStore be configured by DHCP ?

The PortStore requires a fixed IP address and cannot be configured by DHCP. The configuration of the Network should allow this, contact your network administrator for an IP address to use. They will also advise you on what subnet mask and value for the gateway.

What value should I use for the Download Port ?

Although this is defaulted to port 23 (Telnet), for security reasons its not advisible to leave it set to this value. Set it between 2000-10000, 10000 is the maximum value that the PortStore will accept.

How do I access my PortStore via a Firewall/Router ?

Create a Port Mapping on your Firewall to map the PortStore device through your public interface. Then configure the Device in DataCentral to use the Firewall IP and Port numbers.

Are there any requirements for the Wizard to work correctly ?

The Wizard needs to broadcast messages to the PortStore and receive broadcast messages back from the PortStore. Therefore the computer running the wizard needs to be on the same subnet as the PortStore. The ability to broadcast on the network needs to be enabled. This is not required for normal operation, only configuration.

Can I configure the PortStore without a Network ?

This can be accomplished by using a computer with a 10/100mb network card and by connecting a network cable directly from a computer to the PortStore, the computer will need to have its IP address set manually. The cable should be a 'cross-over' network cable, not a standard network cable. The IP address set on the Computer should be on the same subnet as the IP address to be configured on the PortStore. It will also default to the computer's subnet mask and gateway value.

Will the PortStore retain its configuration and data if powered down ?

The PortStore will retain its configuration and data when powered down, so the Portstore can be configured and then installed on site and it will recover from a power-down.

How do I ensure communication security ?

Switch on the TEA authorisation and change the default keys. This means that when you connect to the Portstore to either configure it, or download data. The Portstore sends out a message that need to be encrypted using the keys and sent back to the unit, only then will it start to communicate. In addition to this you can restrict the IP addresses that the PortStore will communicate with by entering an IP address and subnet mask. To limit this to one IP address, use a mask of 255.255.255.255.

Restricting access by IP address can be difficult to implement where IP addresses are set by DHCP and can therefore change. The use of the associated subnet mask can define a range of IP addresses that can have access.

How can I test the Unit without a PBX ?

You can use the DataLoader application that is installed when the software is installed. It can be used to load data to the unit and then it can be downloaded, or it can be used to simulate a PBX sending Call records one at a time to the unit.