SR0030

Inspect Physical Connections

Check all Ethernet cables connected to the CNC machine and router for loose connections or damage. Ensure the network port LEDs are blinking or solid, indicating activity.

Use a cable tester if available to quickly identify faulty cables.

Ensure the machine is powered down before handling cables to avoid electrical hazards.

Test Network Port

Connect a known working device (e.g., a laptop) to the same port to verify if the port or switch is operational. If the device fails to connect, the issue may be with the network hardware.

Label cables and ports during testing to avoid confusion in complex setups.

Avoid hot-swapping network cables on live equipment to prevent damage.

Restart Network Equipment

Power cycle the router, switch, or hub connected to the CNC machine. Wait for 1-2 minutes before powering back on to ensure a full reset.

Document the network topology before restarting to ensure correct reconnection.

Inform other users before restarting shared network equipment to avoid disruptions.

Access Server Status

Navigate to the system menu on the CNC control panel and locate the data server status under network settings. Look for indicators showing 'Stopped' or 'Error'.

Take a photo of the status screen for reference in case of recurring issues.

Do not modify unrelated settings while navigating the menu to avoid unintended changes.

Restart Data Server Service

If the server is stopped, select the option to restart the service from the control panel. Wait for confirmation that the server is running again.

Monitor the restart process for any error messages that might indicate deeper issues.

Ensure no active DNC operations are running before restarting to prevent data loss.

Verify Functionality

Attempt to access a test file or program from the data server to confirm it is operational. If the error persists, note any new error codes displayed.

Use a small, non-critical file for testing to minimize risk.

Avoid repeated restarts without checking logs, as this may mask underlying issues.

Check CNC IP Configuration

Access the network settings on the CNC control panel and note the assigned IP address, subnet mask, and gateway. Ensure they match the intended network configuration.

Keep a record of all device IPs on the network for quick reference.

Do not change IP settings without consulting network documentation.

Scan Network for Conflicts

Use a network scanning tool or command (e.g., 'arp -a' on a connected PC) to identify if another device is using the same IP address as the CNC machine.

Free tools like Advanced IP Scanner can simplify this process.

Ensure you have permission to scan the network to avoid security violations.

Reassign IP if Necessary

If a conflict is found, assign a unique static IP to the CNC machine within the network range. Restart the machine to apply changes and test connectivity.

Reserve the new IP in the router settings to prevent future conflicts.

Document the new IP assignment to avoid future overlaps.

Verify Server Accessibility

From a separate computer on the same network, attempt to ping the file server’s IP address or access shared folders. Note any error messages or timeouts.

Use the 'ping' command in Command Prompt for a quick check (e.g., ping 192.168.1.100).

Ensure you have the correct server IP or hostname before testing.

Check Server Power and Status

Physically inspect the file server if accessible, or contact the IT team to confirm if the server is powered on and operational. Look for error lights or logs if possible.

Check server logs for recent crashes or reboots that might explain downtime.

Do not attempt to restart a server without IT authorization.

Restart Server if Authorized

If permitted, perform a controlled restart of the file server. Wait for full boot-up and retest connectivity from the CNC machine.

Schedule restarts during off-hours to minimize impact on other users.

Backup critical data before restarting if there’s any risk of data loss.

Test Network Latency

Use a tool like 'ping' or 'tracert' from a PC on the same network to measure response times to the data server. Look for delays exceeding 100ms or packet loss.

Run multiple tests over a few minutes to identify intermittent issues.

Ensure testing does not interfere with active CNC operations.

Identify Congestion Points

Check if other devices or heavy data transfers are overloading the network. Use router monitoring tools if available to spot high traffic areas.

Temporarily disconnect non-critical devices to test if performance improves.

Avoid disrupting critical network operations during testing.

Optimize Network Settings

If latency persists, consult with IT to prioritize CNC traffic via QoS (Quality of Service) settings on the router, or reduce network load by scheduling large transfers.

Consider a dedicated network segment for CNC machines to avoid congestion.

Do not modify router settings without proper authorization or expertise.