Issue
Guidance on how to add a persistent route to a Sigma server PC connected to a flat Ethernet network, particularly when RIP (Routing Information Protocol) cannot be used on DNNs.
Product Line
Satchwell BAS & Sigma
Environment
Satchwell Sigma Server
Cause
In environments where the Sigma server communicates via Ethernet or Arcnet through DNNs, and RIP cannot be run, manual configuration of persistent routes is required to ensure reliable communication.
Resolution
Understanding Routes
A route in networking defines how data packets travel from one device to another across networks. Each device maintains a routing table, which acts like a GPS for network traffic—guiding packets to their destination based on IP addresses.
- Static Route: A manually defined path that doesn’t change unless updated.
- Persistent Route: A static route that remains active even after a reboot (enabled using the
-Pflag). - Default Gateway: A fallback route used when no specific route matches the destination.
In the Sigma environment, adding persistent routes manually imay be necessary to ensure the server knows how to reach each DNN subnet.
Network Example
A flat Ethernet network has no subnets.
Example:
- Network Address:
10.158.0.0 - Subnet Mask:
255.255.0.0 - Valid IP Range:
10.158.0.1to10.158.255.254
Adding a Persistent Route
-
Open Command Prompt:
- Click Start
- Select Run
- Type
CMDand press Enter
-
Use the ROUTE ADD Command:
ROUTE ADD -P <Subnet Address> MASK <Subnet Mask> <DNN Ethernet IP Address>Example:
- DNN Subnet:
192.168.1.0 - Subnet Mask:
255.255.255.0 - DNN Ethernet IP:
10.158.1.6
Command:
ROUTE ADD -P 192.168.1.0 MASK 255.255.255.0 10.158.1.6This tells the Sigma server:
“To reach any device in the192.168.1.xrange, send traffic to10.158.1.6.” - DNN Subnet:
-
Verify the Route:
- Type
ROUTE PRINTat the command prompt - Confirm the route appears at the bottom of the list
- Type
-
Repeat for Each DNN:
- Add a separate route for each DNN in the network
Additional Notes
- This configuration ensures persistent routing even after system reboots.
- It’s essential in systems where dynamic routing protocols like RIP are not feasible or supported.
