How to Connect a cRIO to SystemLink Through a Host PC Network

You can connect an NI Linux Real-Time target, such as a CompactRIO controller, to SystemLink even when it is initially connected directly to a host PC. However, the target must have a valid network path to the SystemLink Server. If the host PC uses separate network adapters for the local CompactRIO connection and the corporate network connection, the target may be unable to communicate with the SystemLink Server and may not appear in SystemLink or register successfully.

This article is intended for engineers configuring NI Linux Real-Time targets with SystemLink.

Option 1: Use USBLAN for Local Management and Ethernet for SystemLink

1. Connect the NI Linux Real-Time target to the host PC using the USB device port.

2. Verify that the USBLAN virtual network adapter appears on the host PC.

3. Connect the target Ethernet port directly to the network that can reach the SystemLink Server.

4. Configure the target network settings in NI MAX.

5. Verify that the target can communicate with the SystemLink Server and complete registration.

Option 2: Connect All Devices Through a Common Switch or Router

1. Connect the target Ethernet port to a network switch or router.

2. Connect the host PC Ethernet adapter to the same switch or router.

3. Verify that the switch or router provides network access to the SystemLink Server.

4. Configure the target with appropriate network settings using NI MAX.

5. Confirm that the target and host PC can communicate on the same routed network.

6. Register the target with SystemLink.

Option 3: Enable Windows Internet Connection Sharing (ICS)

1. Open Control Panel>>Network and Sharing Center>>Change Adapter Settings on the host PC.

2. Right-select the network adapter connected to the corporate network and select Properties.

3. Select the Sharing tab.

4. Enable Allow Other Network Users to Connect Through This Computer's Internet Connection.

5. Select the network adapter connected directly to the CompactRIO controller from the Home Networking Connection list.

6. Apply the configuration changes.

7. Open NI MAX and configure the CompactRIO with a static IP address on the shared subnet.

8. Set the Default Gateway to the IP address assigned to the host PC's shared network adapter.

9. Set the DNS Server to the same shared network adapter IP address.

10. Verify network connectivity and register the target with SystemLink.

After completing one of these configurations, the NI Linux Real-Time target should:

• Reach the SystemLink Server over the network.

• Appear in SystemLink as a managed system.

• Complete registration successfully.

• Generate expected SystemLink and Salt service logs on the target.

• Verify network connectivity using standard network diagnostic tools.

• Confirm that firewall policies allow communication between the target and SystemLink Server.

• Review target registration status in SystemLink.

• Monitor SystemLink agent and Salt service logs if registration issues persist.