Configuring Controllers for IP Client

Updated September 22, 2025

Configuring Mercury Controller - IP Client

Overview

The typical configuration of a Mercury controller on a network is for the controller to act as an iterative server. In this manner, the driver initiates the connection to the controller. This configuration, known as IP Server in the Connection Type field (Host Communication page) on the controller's Configuration Manager web setup pages, is well suited for controlled networks without firewalls between the host application server and the controller.

In contrast, if a controller is located behind a firewall from the driver, the controller itself can be configured to initiate the connection to the driver. This configuration is known as IP Client.

Prerequisites

  • Software version 10.9.94 or higher
  • TCP port opened on the firewall (default: 3001)
  • TCP/IP Network settings on the controller (IP Address, Subnet Mask, Default Gateway)
  • MAC Address of the Controller
  • IP address of the server hosting the Mercury Driver

I. Configuring the Driver for IP Client Connection(s)

  1. In Hardware Manager, stop the Mercury driver and unlock the module.
  2. In the Driver property, set IP_Client_Port to the port address that controllers will use to connect back. Default is 3001.
  3. Restart the Driver (stop and start the driver).

II. Configuring the Controller for an IP Client Connection

  1. Log in to the controller Configuration Manager web setup page using any browser (Internet Explorer recommended).
  2. In the Host Comm section, set Communications Address to 0.
  3. Note: Setting the address to any other value is not supported at this time.
  4. Set the Primary Host Port Connection Type to IP Client.
  5. Enter the Host IP (server running Mercury Driver) and port number (default: 3001), along with connection mode and retry interval.
  6. Note: Only connection mode of continuous is supported at this time.
  7. Click Accept, then Apply Settings in the navigation menu to save changes.

III. Adding the IP Client Controller in the Security Management Software

  1. Launch the Web client, open Hardware Manager, and unlock the module.
  2. Right-click the Mercury Driver > Edit > Add Controller.
  3. In Add Controller → Manual Setup, select the correct controller model and click OK.
  4. Select the newly added controller. In Properties, set Connection_Type to 7- Ethernet (IP Client), and enter the controller’s MAC address (e.g., 00:0F:E5:00:5C:81).
  5. Note: MAC Address is required only for controllers connected via IP Client. For IP Server, this is auto-filled.
  6. Once configured, the controller will attempt to establish a connection using the IP_Client_Port. The driver will identify it by MAC Address and bring it online automatically within a few seconds.
  7. If not, toggle the Poll property (check/uncheck the box).
Was this article helpful?