Error 56: Timeout When Communicating Between VeriStand™ and Network Devices

Updated Sep 21, 2026

Reported In

Software

  • VeriStand

Issue Details

I am trying to deploy a VeriStand project and receive the following error message:

The VeriStand Gateway encountered an error while deploying the System Definition file.
Details:
Error 56 occurred at Project Window.lvlib:Project Window.vi >> Project Window.lvlib:Command Loop.vi >> NI_VS Workspace ExecutionAPI.lvlib:NI VeriStand - Connect to System.vi
Possible reason(s):
LabVIEW:  The network operation exceeded the user-specified or system time limit.

 

Solution

Error 56 indicates that a network response was not received within the expected time limit. To troubleshoot this behavior, perform the following steps:

 

  • Deploy a blank System Definition that only contains the controller configuration.
  • Verify that the required VeriStand drivers are correctly installed.
  • Confirm that the correct IP address and controller operating system are configured in the System Definition.
  • Verify that all network cables are properly connected or that the wireless connection is established.
  • Use a direct Ethernet connection between the host PC and the Real-Time target, if possible.
  • Ping the network device to verify communication and connectivity.
    • Minimize network latency to ensure VeriStand can deploy required components such as Custom Devices.
  • Disable host PC firewalls and antivirus software temporarily to determine whether network ports are being blocked.
  • Verify that all devices are on the same subnet and use matching subnet masks. For additional information, refer to "Inconsistent IP Settings" When Using a Real-Time Target in NI MAX.
  • Check for excessive network traffic that may delay communication and deployment operations.

 

If the issue persists, use a packet sniffing program to see if the data is being sent across the network. A third-party tool called Wireshark [EXTERNAL LINK] can help you see if the data is arriving. If no data is arriving and you see this error, investigate the sending device or network infrastructure. If packets are arriving but the error persists, investigate firewall settings or malformed TCP/IP communication. Use Wireshark Capture Filters [EXTERNAL LINK] to isolate traffic associated with the target IP address.

If packets are transmitted successfully but the destination device does not respond, the device's network adapter may be defective.

Additional Information

Error 56 is a generic timeout error that occurs when a network response is not received within a user-defined or system-defined time limit. Multiple network, configuration, or communication conditions can result in this error.