Release Notes - Version 9.12.5.0
 
 1. The NetDecoder software now supports Rockwell Automation's Data Highway Plus to USB Cable (1784-U2DHP).

1784-U2DHP DH+ to USB Interface cable
1784-U2DHP DH+ to USB Interface cable

 2. Customers using the DL-3500 to interface to DH+ buses can now use Frontline's RS-232 ComProbe II to capture the RS-232 serial output from the DL-3500.
3. The NetDecoder software supports the new 'Ethernet ComProbe'. The Ethernet ComProbe is an Ethernet tap that can passively monitor Ethernet traffic without the need for managed switches or making complex changes to network configuration. The tap sends captured data to the analysis PC via a USB port.

Ethernet ComProbe
Ethernet ComProbe

4. The NetDecoder software includes updated protocol decoders for the IEC 60870-5-101, 60870-5-103 and 60870-5-104 protocols. These decoders are now a standard part of the NetDecoder product.
5. Modbus decoders have been updated to handle special radio characters.
6. This version also fixes some important timestamp bugs related to the RS-232 ComProbe II and the RS-422/485 ComProbe. top
Release Notes - Version 9.6.13.0
 
 1. NetDecoder now has an improved start-up wizard with detailed information to help users pick the right option.

NetDecoder now has an improved start-up 
					wizard with detailed information to help users pick the 
					right option.

 2. NetDecoder now supports the new "RS-422/485 ComProbe". This device can capture Asynchronous RS-422/485 data and connects to the analysis PC via USB.

NetDecoder now supports the new "RS-422/485 ComProbe". This 
					device can capture Asynchronous RS-422/485 data and connects 
					to the analysis PC via USB.

3. The ControlNet analyzer using Rockwell Automation's 1784-PCC interface card has been updated to fix bugs and improve performance.
4. NetDecoder now includes improved Modbus decoders that improve Master-Slave node identification.
5. The ControlNet and CIP decoders have been improved. This release fixes some decoder bugs that were reported by customers.
6. The DH+ statistics plugin has been improved to automatically reload data when the decoders are reloaded. top
 
Release Notes - Version 9.2.18.4
 1. NetDecoder now supports a new serial-to-USB interface device for sniffing RS-232 serial data. The new device is called the "RS 232 ComProbe II" and comes with an RS-232 monitoring cable set.

NetDecoder now supports a new serial-to-USB 
					interface device for sniffing RS-232 serial data.

 2. The ControlNet analyzer using Rockwell Automation's 1784-U2CN Net interface device now includes Capture Filters, Start and Stop triggers.
3. Improved statistics for the ControlNet analyzer including information about frames dropped by the CNA10 ASIC, frames dropped by the U2CN, number of bad frames and the MAC IDs of nodes transmitting bad frames.
4. The DeviceNet analyzer using Rockwell Automation's 1784-U2DN DeviceNet interface device now provides Start and Stop triggers.
5. Improved statistics for the DeviceNet analyzer including information about CRC errors, Bit-stuff errors, U2DN buffer overflows and frame errors.
6. Improved DNP3 over Ethernet decoders to support fragmented frames. top
 
Release Notes - Version 8.11.24.0
 1. Frontline's NetDecoder analyzer now supports DeviceNet protocol analysis using Rockwell Automation's new1784-U2DN to USB interface device. This data capture option can be selected in the start-up wizard under the "Open DeviceNet Vendor Association (ODVA)" directory.

Choose Protocol To Analyze...

 2. Frontline's NetDecoder analyzer now supports ControlNet protocol analysis using Rockwell Automation's 1784-PCC card or the new 1784-U2CN to USB interface device. Either of these two data capture options can be selected in the start-up wizard under the "Rockwell Allen Bradley" directory.

Choose Protocol To Analyze...

3. The existing support for SST-Woodhead's DeviceNet interface card has been updated to include the following features:
  • The SST card is not automatically put online. The card goes online only when the user hits the "Start" button. When the user clicks the 'Stop' button the card is put offline.
  • The existing device settings have been moved from the "Hardware Settings" dialog to the "I/O Settings dialog".
  • The users can access the "I/O settings" dialog in a capture session and change the settings.
  • The "I/O Settings" dialog also includes the DeviceNet capture filters tab.
  • The "I/O Settings now has two additional trigger options:
    • The user can select to "Put interface offline in Bus Warning condition". Whenever the analyzer detects a Bus Warning condition it puts the device offline to prevent the entire network from going into a bus off condition.
    • The "I/O Settings" also has a "Noise trigger" that can stop data capture whenever a CAN communication error is detected.
  • The timestamps on the Frame Display are displayed in micro-second resolutions.
  • The "CAN" protocol tab in Frame Display has pre-defined summary columns.
4. The start-up wizard has an additional option for CAN protocol analysis using SST-Woodhead's DeviceNet interface cards.
  • The "I/O Settings" dialog provides the user with options for changing device settings as well as for defining CAN capture filters.
5. The DH+ Statistics display has been improved in terms of both performance indicators and a more user-friendly display. Includes more detailed information on individual node performance along with "Network Throughput" information.

DH + Statistics Overview

6. NetDecoder now supports decoders for CC-Link IE (Ethernet) protocol. top
 
Release Notes - Version 8.7.12.0
 1. Frontline is pleased to announce the release of a new feature for our communications analyzers which will provide copy protection along with the ability to move/park the software license. This feature will be included in the Serialtest®, Ethertest®, MeshDecoder™, and NetDecoder™ analyzers. The release of these analyzers with copy protection will occur in early September.
 2. The Frontline copy protected software can be activated via the Internet, with manual browser activation or with manual activation via email request or a telephone call to Frontline. More detailed information on the license protection functionality and activation options is available in a separate document. (Installing, Activating, and Managing Frontline Test System (FTS) Products.

This NetDecoder version captures communications to a single file or to a series of files. By default, the analyzer comes ready to capture to a single file, but the file size selection and the capture to a series of files selection can be viewed by clicking on Options and then Systems Settings.

 Control Window with Network View and New Dashboard Buttons

Control Window with Network View and New Dashboard

3. View the video for the Ethernet Network View feature.
4. View the new Dashboard video.

Key Dashboard View features:

  • Provides a high level view of the key Ethernet network activities.
  • Includes a 10-minute history of network utilization, statistics on the top talkers (with a histogram for high traffic activities).
  • A speed meter with background color change alert for high network utilization.
  • A meter to show bad packets percentage.
  • A meter to show the top talker percentage.
  • A chart for protocol specific activity.
  • User-defined alarms with email notification will define a group of allowable IP addresses and NetDecoder will let you know when an unauthorized IP address is detected.

As a reminder, the NetDecoder Communications Analyzer is a passive Ethernet network monitoring software which works through the Network Interface Card in most PCs.

 
Release Notes - Version 8.2.8.0
 1. This NetDecoder version captures communications to a single file or to a series of files. By default, the analyzer comes ready to capture to a single file, but the file size selection and the capture to a series of files selection can be viewed by clicking on Options and then Systems Settings.

 Control Window with Modified Save Functionality

Control 
					Window with Modified Save Functionality

2. Also included in this version is decoding for ProfiNet communications traffic. ProfiNet communications decoding is presented in an easy to view format. This format assists in easily understanding what is being communicated along with powerful filtering to get at the section of the communications traffic that you want to view. When combined with the Network View and Dashboard View functionality, NetDecoder becomes a powerful network diagnostic tool.

ProfiNet communications traffic

3. In addition to the customer requested Network View, which was released in August, is the new Ethernet Dashboard View. The Dashboard View provides a high level view of the key activities occurring on the Ethernet communications network. Key features of this release includes a 10-minute history of network utilization, statistics on the top ten talkers (with a histogram for each), a speed meter with background color change alert for high network utilization, a meter to show bad packets percentage and a meter to show the top talker percentage. Also included is a chart for specific protocol activity. User-defined alarms with email notification will be coming in the next version. The Dashboard includes user definable alarms with e-mail notification when an alarm is triggered. You may define a group of allowable IP addresses and NetDecoder will let you know when an unauthorized IP address is detected.

Ethernet Dashboard View

As a reminder, the NetDecoder Communications Analyzer is a passive Ethernet network monitoring software which works through the Network Interface Card in most PCs. top

 
Release Notes - Prior Versions
1. To upgrade from 5.1 to any new version contact sales for a new serial number.
2. NetDecoder's new "Ethernet Network View" enables you to see the statistics on specific nodes, including communications traffic details and node information on all active nodes on the monitored side of the switch. Selectable views enable you to see Packets Transmitted and Received, Bytes Transmitted and Received, IP Addresses, MAC Addresses and more. You can even give each node a "User- Friendly Name" (such as PLC#2, Pump Station #2, etc.).
3. Training videos on NetDecoder's Network View and NetDecoder Analyzer functionality are available to view in the NetDecoder section of this website.
4. A ControlNet Decoder is now included in the NetDecoder decoder library.
5. NetDecoder now has compatibility with Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6). It adds many improvements to IPv4 in areas such as routing and network auto-configuration.
6. As the result of customer feedback, you will also notice in this version that Frontline has updated the tool bar Icons in most displays. Some Icons have been changed to more closely represent their function.
7. New enhancements have been made to "print" capability.

The new print capability gives you options for printing out information in NetDecoder's Frame Display. Selecting options, as shown in the above screen shot of NetDecoder's Frame Display Print feature, results in a print-out as illustrated in the Print Preview screen shot below. You can also choose an option so that the print-out includes the decode information for each Frame number
  Other Features (Introduced with v7.2.1)
8. NetDecoder has a new interface for launching the desired sniffer.
9. Right-click filtering is now available.
10. Display filter results are now placed into a tab on Frame Display and as a Named Frame Filter on Protocol Navigator.
11. Event Display Export to HTML, CSV or text format - HTML and text formats look as similar as possible to the Event Display window.
12. A View install is supported by all products.
13. A Demo install is supported by all products.
  Other Features (Introduced with v5.1
14. DH+ ( Data Highway Plus) Statistics Module: The new DH+ statistics module truly analyzes and summarizes both your individual nodes and the network traffic generated by those nodes. Features include:
  • Active Devices and Health of Devices
  • Top Talkers, Top Listeners and Top Conversations
  • Token Rotation Time, Token Utilization and Time Token Held
  • Device Response Times
  • Event Log that lists problems seen on the network
15. DeviceNet Support: The new DeviceNet decoder supports DeviceNet Objects with class and instance sizes of 8/8, 8/16, 16/8, and 16/16. The analyzer must be connected to the network when the master devices first establish their connection parameters with each slave device for explicit unconnected messages. This allows auto discovery of the class and instance parameters so that responses can be properly decoded. Otherwise, all class and instance sizes default to 8/8. top
 
Contact

For further information regarding pre-release software and protocol decoders, please contact our sales department at (800) 359-8570 or +1 434-984-4500 or send email to frontline_onlinesales@teledyne.com.

More questions? Contact Frontline Technical Support.