NEX DMS network configuration

Owned by Darian Cabot
Last updated: 19 Oct 2017Version comment
3 min read

How to configure network settings on your NEX DMS controller using a USB flash drive.

This feature was introduced mid-2017 and may not be present on NEX DMS controllers before then.

Retrieve the current network settings

  1. Plug a USB flash drive into a computer.
  2. Create a blank text file on the root directory of the USB flash drive (i.e. not in any folders) named "nex-config.txt".
  3. Disconnect the USB flash drive from the computer.
  4. Ensure the NEX DMS controller is powered up for at least 5 minutes.
  5. Plug the USB flash drive into any of the USB ports on the NEX controller. You may need to carefully remove the plastic lid to access the USB ports.
  6. Leave the USB flash drive plugged in for 3 minutes before removing it. During this time the NEX will output it's network config.
  7. Plug the USB flash drive back into your computer.
  8. The "nex-config.txt" file should now be renamed with a date-time stamp and have the current network settings (see the reference below on how to interpret this).
  9. If the "nex-config.txt" file is the same name and blank, possible causes are:
    1. The NEX controller wasn't running or powered up long enough.
    2. The USB stick wasn't left in the NEX long enough (3 minutes).
    3. The NEX controller doesn't have this feature (i.e. from before mid-2017).
    4. There is a NEX controller fault.

Update the network settings

  1. Plug a USB flash drive into a computer.
  2. Create a text file on the root directory of the USB flash drive (i.e. not in any folders) named "nex-config.txt".
  3. Enter the configuration desired. See the reference and examples below.
  4. Disconnect the USB flash drive from the computer.
  5. Ensure the NEX DMS controller is powered up for at least 5 minutes.
  6. Plug the USB flash drive into any of the USB ports on the NEX controller. You may need to carefully remove the plastic lid to access the USB ports.
  7. Leave the USB flash drive plugged in for 3 minutes before removing it. During this time the NEX will read the config and output a log.
  8. Unplug the USB flash drive from the NEX controller.
  9. There should now be new files: nex-config-[date-time].txt and nex-config-[date-time].log from the changes.
  10. If significant network changes were made, it is a good idea to power cycle the NEX controller and ensure it connects as desired.
  11. If the "nex-config.txt" file is the same name and blank, possible causes are:
    1. The NEX controller wasn't running or powered up long enough.
    2. The USB stick wasn't left in the NEX long enough (3 minutes).
    3. The NEX controller doesn't have this feature (i.e. from before mid-2017).
    4. There is a NEX controller fault.

Parameter reference

The following is a list of parameters that can be used to configure the NEX DMS network.

ParameterValueDescription
nex-vpnonSecure NEX-VPN will be used to allow for remote support (for premium support customers, contact support for details).
offDo not connect to NEX-VPN.
Ethernet settings:
ethernetdhcpIP address will be set automatically from a DHCP server (i.e. router).
manualIP address will be set manually (see additional parameters below).
ethernet.address192.168.1.42Sets the IP address when ethernet=dhcp.
ethernet.gateway192.168.1.1Sets the gateway address when ethernet=dhcp.
Wi-Fi settings:
wirelessdhcpIP address will be set automatically from a DHCP server (i.e. router).

manualIP address will be set manually (see additional parameters below).
wireless.address192.168.0.42Sets the IP address when wireless=dhcp.
wireless.gateway192.168.0.1Sets the gateway address when wireless=dhcp.
wireless.ssidMy WiFi APSets the Wi-Fi SSID (name) to connect to.
wireless.passwordmypasswordSets the Wi-Fi password to use when connecting.
Diagnostics:
nex-diagN/A

Generates a .NEX diagnostics file to be emailed to NEX Support.

Note: This feature was introduced from August 2017. This command will be ignored for earlier versions.

Example configurations

Connect to a Wi-Fi network:

nex-config.txt
wireless=dhcp
wireless.ssid=My WiFi AP
wireless.password=mypassword

Connect to ethernet and enable NEX-VPN (NEX support customers):

nex-config.txt
nex-vpn=on
ethernet=dhcp

Connect to ethernet with a static IP address:

nex-config.txt
ethernet=manual
ethernet.address=192.168.1.42
ethernet.gateway=192.168.1.1

Generate a .NEX diagnostics file to be emailed to NEX Support:

nex-config.txt
nex-diag



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