Netmask & Gateway for the DS #1
This step comes in two options: you are either requested to input the gateway and netmask information that the DS #1 needs to connect to the DS #2 (right screenshot) or you are shown a screen informing you that the entry of this data is not necessary (left screenshot).
The gateway and netmask need only be set when two conditions are observed:
| • | The DS #1 may need to (or must) establish data connections to the DS #2. |
| • | The DS #1 and the DS #2 are located on different network segments (there is at least one router between them). |
Setting gateway and netmask information for the DS that only accepts incoming connections is not necessary*. If both Device Servers are located on the same network segment, the gateway and netmask are not necessary even if the DS #1 has to connect to the DS #2.
How to set the gateway and netmask
Since the DS #1 is located on the same network segment with this PC the gateway and netmask values that need to be set for this DS are probably the same as the ones set for the PC. Clicking Set as on the PC button copies the gateway and netmask information from the PC.
If the IP-address of the DS #1 is configured through DHCP (DHCP (DH) setting is 1 (enabled)), then the DHCP server might have configured this Device Server's gateway and netmask as well. When you reach this step of the Connection Wizard the Gateway IP-address and the Netmask fields are filled with the data from the Gateway IP-address (GI) and Netmask (NM) settings of the target DS. This data may already be correct!
What if the DS #2 is not visible from the DS #1
When the DS #1 and the DS #2 are located on different network segments it may well be that the DS #2 is not "visible" from the DS #1. This is normal as many networks are not symmetrical. Since the DS #1 and this PC are located on the same network segment the visibility of the DS #2 is the same for the PC and the DS #1. This is why the options at the top of the screen are disabled and cannot be changed:
| • | The DS #2 is accessible from the DS #1 is selected if you have specified that the Device Server #2 is accessible from this network segment on the DS #2 step of the Wizard. |
| • | The DS #1 is not accessible from the DS #1 is selected if you have specified that the Device Server is not accessible from this network segment on the DS #2 step of the Wizard. |
* We found that some people hold a passionate belief that these parameters are necessary in any case. This is not true! If your network device doesn't have to establish outgoing connections you never have to bother about the gateway and netmask!