Issue
Installed the I/A Series(Niagara) R2 software on a new Windows computer but cannot get it to connect to an existing UNC that has the same release of the I/A Series R2 software. One possible error, "Java.io.EOF Exception", that might be displayed is shown below:
Another possible error message is an HTTP 401 error.
This issue may also prevent the I/A Series R2 tunnel client from connecting to UNC.
Environment
Computer with any supported version of Windows software including the usual assortment of utility and security / anti-virus software.
I/A Series (Niagara) R2 software (any version) installed on the computer.
Cause
The Windows Firewall and/or Anti-Virus/Internet Security software has been installed and configured such that it is blocking Ethernet communications into or out of the computer on certain Ethernet ports.
According to the I/A Series Networking & Connectivity Guide, provided with the I/A Series (Niagara) R2 software, specific user definable Ethernet ports, must be open for two-way communications between the WorkPlace Pro software and a UNC. If communications is blocked on these ports, the WorkPlace Pro software will not be able to communicate across the Ethernet network.
Similar issues are caused by the firewall built into many of the Internet Security software packages. The following programs have been known to cause port blocking issues:
- Trend Micro Internet Security - Workstation Edition
- Trend Micro Office Scan - Workstation Edition
- Symantec Internet Security Suite version 9
- Avast 7 (Free) Antivirus with 30 day demo of Avast Internet Security
- Bitdefender Antivirus Software
- Kaspersky PURE 3.0Total Security
- Kaspersky Endpoint for Business
Resolution
- Verify that the Windows Firewall has been configured to pass bidirectional Ethernet communications over the two required Ethernet ports (default ports are 80 and 3011 - for both the TCP and UDP protocols). Refer to the online Windows Help for configuration information. Note that computers that are members of a Windows Domain may have firewall configuration restrictions enforced by domain policies. In these situations, it will be necessary to contact the Domain Administrator or facility PC-Help Desk for assistance.
- Verify that any installed Internet Security software does not block the required Ethernet communications ports. Some specific Internet Security software packages are known to permanently block the use of some Ethernet ports, for specific uses. Any Internet Security software of this type must be totally removed from the computer before the required communications can be established. Three known software packages of this type are the "Symantec Internet Security Suite, version 9", "Bitdefender Antivirus Software" and "Trend Micro Internet Security software".
