NetPort is a program used to connect clocks to a computer, via another computer and a TCP/IP network.

This article describes the options available to NetPort users.

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Remote Connections Via NetPort

Concept

NetPort allows one computer to use the Com port on another computer. So long as the two computers are connected via a TCP/IP network, then NetPort can make connecting  in this way very easy.

As you can see in the above diagram, the Computer running TNA 2000 connects to the computer running NetPort via the TCP/IP Network.

And the computer running NetPort connects to the clock(s) in the normal way via the COM port.

Installing NetPort

You will find the NetPort install on your TNA 2000 CD. If you don't have your CD handy then you can download NetPort from the TNA 2000 Downloads page. (www.tna2000.com/downloads)

The Install file is called NetPortSetup.Exe. Run this Exe on the Remote computer to install NetPort.

After installing NetPort you can set it running by going to the Start Menu, to Programs, CapeSoft, NetPort and then choosing NetPort. 

Tip : The install will have added a NetPort shortcut to the Start-Menu. So another way to start NetPort for the first time is simply to reboot the computer.

When NetPort is running on the computer then it appears as a small icon in the system tray. For Example;

If you click on this Icon with your mouse then you'll see the NetTalk Options window.

NetPort Options

Ports Tab

This tab displays the ports that have been opened by a remote program. If you double clock on one of the lines in the list box then you'll be able to see the data flowing in and out of that port.

Log Tab

Log Events : Tick this on if you want the events to be logged to a text file. The log file is called NetPortLog.Txt and it's in the same directory as the NetPort program files. 

View Log : Opens the log file in NotePad, or WordPad, so that you can view it, or print it and so on.

Clear Log : Empties the log file.

This tab also shows you recent log events. This history of the last few events is displayed on the tab even if logging is turned off.

Options Tab

Base Port : This is the TCP/IP Port number which will be used by the remote program. 

Note that if you have a fire wall between NetPort and the remote program, then the fire wall will probably need to be opened for this port.  You will also need to open subsequent ports (sequentially following the command port) for the data channels that NetPort will use. 

Allow Management through Web Browser : All of the options displayed on the NetPort options window can also be displayed, and changed, from a remote computer with a web browser. This is particularly useful if NetPort is running on a computer that is hard to get to physically.

Of course this does open the door for other people to tamper with the NetPort settings on this machine, so don't tick this option on unless you have to.  If you do tick it on then make sure you set the web password as explained below.

Port : The default web server port is 80. However if there is another web server running on this machine then 80 is probably not available. In that case use a port number like 8080 or 8088.

Web Password : If management via a web browser is allowed, then enter a password here. When accessing NetPort via the browser then you will first need to enter the password before you can view the log, or change any of the settings.

Accessing NetPort Remotely via a Browser

If you have turned on the option to allow management via a web browser, then you will need 2 pieces of network information. Firstly the name, or IP number of the machine, and secondly the port number.

If you have the machine name (for example Daisy) and the port number (for example 8088)  then enter the following in your browser;

http://daisy:8088

you should see the login screen appear, at which point you should enter the Web Password as set above.

If you only have the IP number (for example 192.168.2.34) and the port number (for example 8088) then use;

http://192.168.2.34:8088

If (and only if) the port number is set to 80 then you can call it without the port number. For example;

http://daisy