You can connect the cRIO-906x to the host computer and/or network in the following ways:

  • USB 2.0 Type-C Device Port with Console Out
  • RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet Port
Tip NI recommends using the USB 2.0 Type-C Device Port for configuration, debug, and maintenance.

Connecting the cRIO-906x to the Host Computer Using USB

Complete the following steps to connect the cRIO-906x to the host computer using the USB device port.

  1. Power on the host computer.
  2. Connect the cRIO-906x to the host computer using the USB A-to-B cable.
    Caution NI requires the use of a locking USB cable (157788-01) to meet the shock and vibration specifications. Refer to the specifications on ni.com/manuals for shock and vibration specifications.
    The device driver software automatically detects the cRIO-906x. If the device driver software does not detect the cRIO-906x, verify that you installed the appropriate NI software in the correct order on the host computer.

Connecting the cRIO-906x to the Host Computer or Network Using Ethernet

Complete the following steps to connect the cRIO-906x to a host computer or Ethernet network using the RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port 1. NI recommends using the RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port 1 for communication with deployed systems.
Note If your controller has the RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port 1, you can configure that port in Measurement & Automation Explorer (MAX) under the Network Settings tab.
  1. Power on the host computer or Ethernet hub.
  2. Connect the RJ-45 Gigabit Ethernet port 1 on the cRIO-906x to the host computer or Ethernet hub using a standard Category 5 (CAT-5) or better shielded, twisted-pair Ethernet cable.
    Notice To prevent data loss and to maintain the integrity of your Ethernet installation, do not use a cable longer than 100 m (328 ft).
    The cRIO-906x attempts to initiate a DHCP network connection the first time you connect using Ethernet. The cRIO-906x connects to the network with a link-local IP address with the form 169.254.x.x if it is unable to initiate a DHCP connection.

Finding the cRIO-906x on the Network (DHCP)

Complete the following steps to find the cRIO-906x on a network using DHCP.
  1. Disable secondary network interfaces on the host computer, such as a wireless access card on a laptop.
  2. Ensure that any anti-virus and firewall software running on the host computer allows connections to the host computer.
    Note MAX uses UDP 44525. Refer to the documentation of your firewall software for information about configuring the firewall to allow communication through the UDP 44525.
  3. Launch MAX on the host computer.
  4. Expand Remote Systems in the configuration tree and locate your system.
    Tip MAX lists the system under the model number followed by the serial number, such as NI-cRIO-906x-1856AAA.

What to Do When the cRIO-906x is Not Communicating with the Network

Use this topic to troubleshoot possible reasons your cRIO-906x is not communicating with the network.

  • Ensure that the USB Device connection between the cRIO-906x and the host computer and the Ethernet connections between the host computer and the router are secure.
  • Configure the IP and other network settings by completing the following steps.
    1. Use a USB-Type-C-to-USB-Type-A cable (included in the kit) to connect the cRIO-906x USB Type-C Device Port with Console Out to a host computer. The USB driver creates a virtual network interface card and assigns an IP address to the cRIO-906x in the format of 172.22.11.x.
    2. In MAX, expand your system under Remote Systems.
      Tip If you do not see the cRIO-906x under Remote Systems, use the Troubleshoot Remote System Discovery utility to walk through troubleshooting steps.
    3. Select the Network Settings tab to configure the IP and other network settings.
    4. (Optional) Use the RJ-45 Ethernet port 1 to reconnect the cRIO-906x to the host computer. The cRIO-906x attempts to initiate a DHCP network connection at power up.
      Note If the cRIO-906x cannot obtain an IP address, it connects to the network with a link-local IP address with the form 169.254.x.x. The host computer communicates with the cRIO-906x over a standard Ethernet connection.
  • Ensure that you have the correct version of NI CompactRIO Device Drivers installed on the host computer.
    Note Refer to the Software Support for CompactRIO, CompactDAQ, Single-Board RIO, R Series, and EtherCAT link under Related Information below for the minimum supported versions of LabVIEW and NI CompactRIO Device Drivers.
    Tip If you have recently upgraded LabVIEW, you must reinstall NI CompactRIO Device Drivers.
  • Ensure that the NI USBLAN adapter is recognized in the Device Manager. Select Start » Control Panel » Device Manager » Network adapters » National Instruments » USBLAN adapter. If the USBLAN adapter is not recognized, you must reinstall NI CompactRIO Device Drivers.
    Note For Windows 10, you may need to search for the Control Panel as it not always available from the Start Menu.
  • Temporarily disable any network firewalls or other security software.

Verifying the System IP Configuration

Complete the following steps to verify the system IP configuration of your cRIO-906x

  1. Put the cRIO-906x in safe mode and enable the RS-232 serial port by holding the RESET button down for 5 seconds.
    The STATUS LED starts blinking three times every few seconds.
  2. Use the RS-232 serial port terminal to read the IP address, or connect a monitor to the mini DisplayPort to read the IP address.
    Note Refer to cRIO-906x Startup Options for more information about port configuration.
  3. Set a new DHCP connection by holding the RESET button down for 5 seconds. The STATUS LED repeats the same behavior from Step 1.
    If the cRIO-906x fails to set a new DHCP address, it assigns itself a link-local IP address. If the DHCP connection is successful and appropriate for your application, skip to Step 6.
  4. In MAX, expand your system under Remote Systems.
  5. Select the Network Settings tab to configure the IP and other network settings.
  6. Reboot the cRIO-906x by pressing the RESET button.

Troubleshooting Network Connectivity with the RESET Button

You can use the RESET button to troubleshoot network connectivity.

Complete the following steps to reset the network adapters to default settings.
  1. Hold the RESET button for 5 seconds and then release it to boot the controller in safe mode and enable Console Out.
  2. Hold the RESET button again for 5 seconds to boot the controller into safe mode, enable Console Out, and reset network adapters to default settings.

Configure the Windows Firewall

Use this topic to configure the firewall in Windows to ensure you cRIO-906x can communicate with the network.

  • Use the Troubleshoot Remote System Discovery tool to configure the firewall.
    1. In MAX, right click Remote Systems and select Troubleshoot Remote System Discovery.
    2. Follow the steps in the tool.
  • Add an exception for MAX to your network firewall or other security software by completing the following steps:
    1. Select Start » Control Panel » Windows Firewall » Allow a program through Windows Firewall.
      Note For Windows 10, you may need to search for the Control Panel as it not always available from the Start Menu.
    2. Click Allow another program.
    3. Select Measurement & Automation.
    4. Click Add.
    5. Click OK.
  • Ensure that UDP port 44525 is open to communication on the host computer. If you are using an intelligent switch on the network, ensure that it is not disabling UDP port 44525.