Why am I unable to connect to my Speedgoat target computer after upgrading to R2020b or later?

I am upgrading my Speedgoat target computer to Simulink Real-Time (SLRT) R2020b or later, which uses a new 64-bit QNX real-time operating system. The target migration and software update were successful, and the Speedgoat boots correctly.

However, the host-target connection between my Speedgoat hardware and MATLAB fails. When I press the Connect button in my model, my SLRT app, or Simulink Real-Time Explorer, MATLAB either hangs or shows errors like:

Cannot connect to target 'TargetPC1': Timed-out waiting for target connection.
Cannot connect to target 'TargetPC1': Cannot connect to target.
Unable to connect to target computer 'TargetPC1': Unable to connect to target computer.

I receive the same error when using the 'connect' command in the MATLAB Command Window:

>> tg= slrealtime;
>> tg.update('force',true);
>> tg.connect

However, clicking the 'Update' or 'Reboot' buttons in Simulink Real-Time Explorer works, indicating that the target is reachable on the network. I can also ping the Speedgoat and access the target command line using an SSH client (e.g., PuTTY).

Additionally, I had no issues with host-target communication in R2020a and earlier using the same setup.

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

In MATLAB R2020b and later, Simulink Real-Time uses a new protocol and ports for the host-target connection, requiring firewall adjustments. Coordinate with your IT team to follow these steps:

 

1. Configure Your Firewall(s)

The first important step is to allow MATLAB to communicate through all types of networks (Public, Private, and Domain). Refer to these MATLAB Answers for detailed steps:

• How do I configure Windows Firewall for Simulink Real-Time (SLRT)?  
• How do I configure Symantec Endpoint Protection firewall for Simulink Real-Time (SLRT)?

Important: Check if there are multiple firewalls active on your system. Ensure all firewalls are configured correctly to allow host-target communication.

 

2. Considerations for 'Public' Ethernet Interfaces:

Firewalls may block the new host-target connection protocol for networks classified as 'Public'. Note that Windows classifies all Ethernet connections as 'Public' by default.

If the solution from item 1 didn't help, or if you are unable to follow the steps due to privilege restrictions, you can resolve the issue by either:

• Changing the classification of the Ethernet interface used for host-target connection from 'Public' to 'Private'.
• Creating an additional inbound UDP rule to allow the necessary communication.

For detailed instructions on how to perform these actions, refer to this MATLAB Answer:

How can I establish communication with a Speedgoat target computer via an Ethernet interface configured as 'Public'?

3. Unblock Ports Used by Simulink Real-Time

Have your IT department unblock the necessary ports through firewalls, network hubs/switches, and VPN security configurations (for remote connections). Refer to this MATLAB Answer:

What ports does a Simulink Real-Time target use to communicate with the host?  

 

4. Further Troubleshooting

If the above steps don't resolve the issue, refer to this MATLAB Answer for additional troubleshooting:

Troubleshooting connection issues with Speedgoat target computers

Answer 2

[Pablo Romero]

Please don't forget to check out the following resource from the MathWorks documentation with the most up-to-date recommendations to troubleshoot your host-target connection.

Troubleshoot Communication Failure Through Firewall (Windows) - MATLAB & Simulink (mathworks.com)