Which NI Real-Time Targets Support Ethernet over USB?

Issue Details

I have heard that certain NI Real-Time (RT) targets support the Ethernet over USB feature. Which Real-Time Targets Support Ethernet over USB?

Solution

Almost all targets that run an NI Linux Real-Time (RT) Operating System will support Ethernet over USB. You can find which Real-Time Operating System your controller is equipped with in the Real-Time Controllers and Real-Time Operating System Compatibility article. RT targets with these ports are intended for device configuration, application deployment, debugging, and maintenance. For example, you can use the USB device port to install software or driver updates during field maintenance instead of interrupting communication on the RJ-45 Ethernet ports. 

To confirm if your RT target supports this mode, check the user manual or the specifications of the device. This port usually shows up as a USB Device port or Dual Role. USB Host ports do not support Ethernet over USB.

Below are 2 examples for CompactRIO 903x and CompactRIO 904x targets:

• CompactRIO 903x target that supports Ethernet over USB through its USB Type B Device port: 
  
• CompactRIO 904x target that supports Ethernet over USB through its USB 3.1 Type-C Dual Role port

Additional Information

An Ethernet over USB connection allows the device's USB port to be emulated as an Ethernet device. An automatic DHCP network is created over the USB device port, which allows for system updates apart from the physical Ethernet connection. The server assigns new targets IP addresses from block 172.22.11.*. This allows for a more streamlined configuration, deployment, debugging, and maintenance experience.