3Com 3C6090 - NETBuilder II Dual Processor Engine... User manual

®
http://www.3com.com/
Installing the NETBuilder II
®
Dual Processor Engine Module
For models DPE 40 and DPE plus
Part No. 09-0795-001
Published August 1997

ii
3Com Corporation
5400 Bayfront Plaza
Santa Clara, California
95052-8145
© 3Com Corporation, 1997. All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be reproduced in
any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as translation, transformation, or
adaptation) without permission from 3Com Corporation.
3Com Corporation reserves the right to revise this documentation and to make changes in content from
time to time without obligation on the part of 3Com Corporation to provide notification of such revision
or change.
3Com Corporation provides this documentation without warranty of any kind, either implied or
expressed, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose. 3Com may make improvements or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s)
described in this documentation at any time.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT LEGENDS:
If you are a United States government agency, then this documentation and the software described
herein are provided to you subject to the following restricted rights:
For units of the Department of Defense:
Restricted Rights Legend: Use, duplication or disclosure by the Government is subject to restrictions as set
forth in subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) for restricted Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at
48 C.F.R. 52.227-7013. 3Com Corporation, 5400 Bayfront Plaza, Santa Clara, California 95052-8145.
For civilian agencies:
Restricted Rights Legend: Use, reproduction or disclosure is subject to restrictions set forth in
subparagraph (a) through (d) of the Commercial Computer Software - Restricted Rights Clause at 48
C.F.R. 52.227-19 and the limitations set forth in 3Com Corporation’s standard commercial agreement for
the software. Unpublished rights reserved under the copyright laws of the United States.
If there is any software on removable media described in this documentation, it is furnished under a
license agreement included with the product as a separate document, in the hard copy documentation,
or on the removable media in a directory file named LICENSE.TXT. If you are unable to locate a copy,
please contact 3Com and a copy will be provided to you.
Unless otherwise indicated, 3Com registered trademarks are registered in the United States and may or
may not be registered in other countries.
3Com, NETBuilder, and NETBuilder II are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation. 3TECH is a
trademark of 3Com Corporation. 3ComFacts is a service mark of 3Com Corporation.
AMD is a registered trademark of Advanced Micro Devices. IBM and AT are registered trademarks of
International Business Machines Corporation. CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe, Inc.
Other brand and product names may be registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders.
Guide written by Ramona Boersma, edited by Pat Vaughn, illustrated by Debra Knodel, and produced by
Ramona Boersma.

iii
C
ONTENTS
A
BOUT
T
HIS
G
UIDE
Conventions 1
1
I
NSTALLING THE
DPE M
ODULE
DPE Models 1-1
Software and Hardware Support 1-1
Upgrading from a CEC to a DPE 1-1
Before Installing the Module 1-2
Installing in the 4- or 8-Slot Chassis 1-3
Installing in the Extended Chassis 1-4
Connecting a PC, Terminal, or Modem 1-5
Installing Software 1-7
Removing or Installing the Flash Memory Drive Cover 1-8
Where to Go from Here 1-9
2
T
ROUBLESHOOTING AND
R
EPLACING THE
DPE M
ODULE
Startup Problems 2-1
LED Patterns 2-2
Replacing the DPE Module 2-4
3
F
EATURES AND
S
PECIFICATIONS
Features 3-1
LEDs 3-2
LEDs on the Chassis 3-2
Connectors 3-2
Buttons 3-3
LCD Control Panel 3-3
Physical Specifications 3-3
A
U
PGRADING
M
EMORY FOR THE
DPE 40
Procedure A-1

iv
B
T
ECHNICAL
S
UPPORT
Online Technical Services B-1
World Wide Web Site B-1
3Com Bulletin Board Service B-1
Access by Analog Modem B-2
Access by Digital Modem B-2
3ComFacts Automated Fax Service B-2
3ComForum on CompuServe Online Service B-3
Support from Your Network Supplier B-3
Support from 3Com B-4
Returning Products for Repair B-4
I
NDEX
3C
OM
C
ORPORATION
L
IMITED
W
ARRANTY

A
BOUT
T
HIS
G
UIDE
This guide describes how to install, start up, troubleshoot, and maintain the
NETBuilder II
®
Dual Processor Engine (DPE) module. The DPE module is a central
processor for all NETBuilder II systems and comes in two models, the DPE 40
and the DPE
plus .
This guide is intended for
the system administrator,network equipment installer,or
network manager who is responsible for installing and managing the network
hardware.It assumes a working knowledge of network operations,but does not
assume prior knowledge of 3Com® internetworking equipment.
If the information in the release notes shipped with your product differs from
the information in this guide, follow the release notes.
Conventions Table 1 lists conventions that are used throughout this guide.
Table 1 Notice Icons
Icon Notice Type Alerts You To...
Information note Important features or instructions
Caution Risk of personal safety, system damage, or loss of data
Warning Risk of severe personal injury

2 A BOUT T HIS G UIDE

1
I
NSTALLING THE
DPE M
ODULE
The Dual Processor Engine (DPE) module is the central processor for the
NETBuilder II
®
system. It includes a flash memory drive for the system software
as well as a second flash memory drive for back-up. Firmware parameters set
with the software SysconF command and with the firmware boot monitor are
stored on the flash PROM (FPROM). A console port on the front of the module
provides local management. The DPE module, in combination with the 800
Mbps backplane, delivers consistently high throughput for all interface ports.
This chapter describes how to install the DPE module into the NETBuilder II
system.
If you have a NETBuilder II EZBuilt system with a preinstalled DPE module, go to
“Connecting a PC, Terminal, or Modem” on page 1-5.
The software flash memory card does not ship with the stand-alone DPE
module and must be purchased separately from 3Com.
DPE Models The DPE module is available in two models, the DPE 40 and the DPE plus .
The DPE 40 has a 50 MHz AMD 29040 RISC processor, 32 MB of instruction
and data memory (upgradeable to 64 MB), and 8 MB of shared (packet)
memory.
The DPE
plus has a 62.5 MHz AMD 29040 RISC processor, 64 MB of instruction
and data memory, and 16 MB of shared (packet) memory.
The DPE 40 cannot be upgraded to a DPE plus.
Software and
Hardware Support
The DPE module needs NETBuilder software version 9.3.1 or later.
The DPE module is compatible with all NETBuilder II chassis.
Upgrading from a
CEC to a DPE
The DPE module has two built-in flash memory drives and does not support
either the floppy disk drive or the internal flash memory drive. The CEC module
uses the internal flash memory drive to boot. Refer to
Upgrading NETBuilder
Family Software
for more information about upgrading your software.
When you replace the DPE module, the firmware parameters that were
previously configured by the SysconF command in the software are not
automatically updated to the FPROM of the replacement DPE module. You must
reconfigure these parameters. Refer to the software guide
for configuration
information.

1-2 C HAPTER 1: I NSTALLING THE DPE M ODULE
Before Installing the
Module
Before you install the DPE module into the NETBuilder II system, follow
these steps:
1 Observe appropriate electrostatic discharge (ESD) precautions.
ESD can damage circuit board components. Failures resulting from ESD may not
be covered under your warranty. To prevent ESD damage, follow these
procedures:
■
Keep the module in its antistatic shielded bag until you are ready to install it.
■
Do not touch pins, leads, or solder connections on the board.
■ Handle the board by the edges only.
■
Store or ship the module in static-protective packaging.
Observe proper grounding techniques when handling the module: Use a foot
strap and grounded mat, or wear a grounded static-discharge wrist strap.
2 Unpack and inspect the module for shipping damage.
If you find any damage, file a report with the shipping company. If the module
must be returned to your network supplier, ship it in its original shipping carton.
If the original carton was damaged in shipment, repack the system in a carton
that provides equivalent protection.
3 Write down the serial number and MAC address from the labels on the
component side of the module.
You will need this information if you have to contact your network supplier.
Serial number example: S/N:4FTE123456
MAC address example: 08000 21A4B5C
.
Serial number:
Mac address:
Serial number
MAC address
®
DPE
CONSOLE
RUN
LOAD
TEST
4321
STATUS PACKET
FORWARD POWER/
FAULT RESET ATTENTION
A
B

Installing in the 4- or 8-Slot Chassis 1-3
Installing in the 4- or
8-Slot Chassis
To install the DPE module into the NETBuilder II 4- or 8-Slot chassis, follow these
steps. If you own the Extended chassis, refer to the next section.
Although it is not required, 3Com recommends that you turn off the system
before you install or remove a DPE module. If you do not turn off the system,
the bridge/router will automatically reset when you install the DPE module.
You will need a small, flatblade screwdriver.
1 Insert the module into the top slot.
Although the figure shows an 8-Slot chassis, the procedure for the 4-Slot
chassis is exactly the same.
2 Hand-tighten the captive screws, then gently tighten them with a small
(1/8 in. – 3/16 in.) screwdriver. Do
not overtighten the screws.
A solid connection of the front panel to the chassis is required for proper
operation. Do
not use the screws to force the board into place.
You are now ready to install the I/O modules. Refer to the appropriate I/O
module installation guides. After installing your I/O modules, refer to
“Connecting a PC, Terminal, or Modem” on page 1-5.
c
a
b
d
1
2
3
4
8
7
6
5
®
DPE
PACKET
FORWARD POWER/
FAULT
RUN
LOAD
TEST
RESET ATTENTION
4321
STATUS
CONSOLE
A
B
Grasp left
and right
sides of
LED panel.
Make sure module
is right side up.
Push ejector tabs all
the way closed until the
module is flush with the chassis.
Slide module along
guide rails until it
engages the notches
of ejector tabs.

1-4 CHAPTER 1: INSTALLING THE DPE MODULE
Installing in the
Extended Chassis To install the DPE module into the NETBuilder II Extended chassis, follow these
steps. If you own the 4- or 8-Slot chassis, refer to the previous section.
Although it is not required, 3Com recommends that you turn off the system
before you install or remove a DPE module. If you do not turn off the system,
the bridge/router will automatically reset when you install the DPE module.
You will need a small, flatblade screwdriver.
1Insert the module into the left-most slot marked A.
2Hand tighten the captive screws, then gently tighten them with a small
(1/8 in. – 3/16 in.) screwdriver. Do not overtighten the screws.
A solid connection of the front panel to the chassis is required for proper
operation. Do not use the screws to force the board into place.
You are now ready to install the I/O modules. Refer to the appropriate I/O
module installation guides. After installing your I/O modules, refer to the next
section, “Connecting a PC, Terminal, or Modem.”
Grasp left and right sides of
LED panel.
a
Turn the board so the 3Com logo is
on the bottom.
b
Slide board along guide rails until it
engages ejector tab notches.
c
Push ejector tabs closed until the
module is flush with the chassis.
d
®
FAST ETHERNET
100BASE-TX
®
DPE
PACKET
FORWARD POWER/
FAULT
RUN
LOAD
TEST
RESET ATTENTION
4321
STATUS
CONSOLE
A
B

Connecting a PC, Terminal, or Modem 1-5
Connecting a PC,
Terminal, or Modem After the I/O modules are installed and cabled according to the I/O module
installation guides, connect a PC running a terminal emulation program, a
terminal, or a modem to the Console port on the DPE module front panel.
You will use the PC, terminal, or modem to:
■Configure the bridge/router software.
■Use the boot monitor.
■Review startup and system operation messages. Some of the messages
displayed by the terminal are more detailed than information displayed on
the LCD. These detailed messages may help you troubleshoot startup or
operation problems.
To connect a PC, terminal, or modem to the DPE module, follow these steps:
1Obtain a cable to connect the console to the Console port on the DPE module
front panel.
Figure 1-1 shows the pinouts for a 9-pin female to 9-pin female PC cable. A
null modem-type cable can be used.
Figure 1-2 shows the pinouts for a 9-pin female to 25-pin terminal cable. A
null modem-type cable can be used.
Figure 1-3 shows the pinouts for a 9-pin female to 25-pin male modem cable. A
straight-through-type cable can be used.
WARNING: To eliminate cable noise emission in excess of FCC Part 15,
Subpart J, and EN55022 B, this device cable should be shielded and have
connectors with metallic backshells.
Figure 1-1 9-pin to 9-pin PC Cable (Null Modem-Type)
5 4 3 2 1
9 8 7 6
5 4 3 2 1
9 8 7 6
Name Abbr Pin Pin Abbr Name
9-pin female connector
9-pin female connector
2
3
1
8
7
5
4
6
3
2
7
8
1
5
6
4
TxD
RxD
RTS
CTS
CD
GND
DSR
DTR
RxD
TxD
CD
CTS
RTS
Gnd
DTR
DSR
Transmit Data
Receive Data
Request to Send
Clear to Send
Carrier Detect
Signal Ground
Data Set Ready
Data Terminal Ready
Receive Data
Transmit Data
Carrier Detect
Clear to Send
Request to Send
Signal Ground
Data Terminal Ready
Data Set Ready
To Console port To PC serial port

1-6 CHAPTER 1: INSTALLING THE DPE MODULE
Figure 1-2 9-pin to 25-pin Terminal Cable (Null Modem-Type)
Figure 1-3 9-pin to 25-pin Modem Cable (Straight-Through-Type)
2Connect one end of the cable to the Console port on the DPE front panel and
the other end to the serial port on the back of your console.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
5 4 3 2 1
9 8 7 6
Name Abbr Pin Pin Abbr Name
25-pin male or female connector
9-pin female connector
2
3
1
8
7
5
4
6
2
3
4
5
8
7
6
20
TxD
RxD
RTS
CTS
CD
GND
DSR
DTR
RxD
TxD
CD
CTS
RTS
GND
DTR
DSR
Transmit Data
Receive Data
Request to Send
Clear to Send
Carrier Detect
Signal Ground
Data Set Ready
Data Terminal Ready
Receive Data
Transmit Data
Carrier Detect
Clear to Send
Request to Send
Signal Ground
Data Terminal Ready
Data Set Ready
To Console port To terminal
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25
5 4 3 2 1
9 8 7 6
25-pin male connector
9-pin female connector
To Console port To modem
Name Abbr Pin Pin Abbr Name
2
3
4
8
5
7
6
20
Transmit Data
Receive Data
Request to Send
Carrier Detect
Clear to Send
Signal Ground
Data Set Ready
Data Terminal Ready
TxD
RxD
RTS
CD
CTS
GND
DSR
DTR
TxD
RxD
RTS
CD
CTS
GND
DSR
DTR
Transmit Data
Receive Data
Request to Send
Carrier Detect
Clear to Send
Signal Ground
Data Set Ready
Data Terminal Ready
3
2
7
1
8
5
6
4

Installing Software 1-7
3Verify that configurable parameters of your console match the configuration
settings of the Console port specified in Table 1-1.
4Turn on the console.
Installing Software If you have the software from 3Com preinstalled on a flash memory card,
remove the flash memory drive cover if present and insert the card into drive A,
the top flash memory drive. The default boot and configuration file paths are
set to a directory on drive A.
See the next section to remove and reinstall the flash memory drive cover.
Table 1-1 Console Port Configuration Settings
Characteristic Setting
Baud rate 9600
Databits 8
Parity None
Stop bits 1
DTR Ignored
Duplex Full
Echo Off
Flow control X-on/X-off

1-8 CHAPTER 1: INSTALLING THE DPE MODULE
Removing or
Installing the Flash
Memory Drive Cover
You must install the flash memory drive cover to ensure emissions compliance.
To install a flash memory card, remove the cover as shown:
After installing the flash memory card, attach the cover as shown:
RESET ATTENTION
A
B
Remove screw
Slide cover toward right of
front panel and pull cover
toward you to remove from
front panel.
RESET ATTENTION
A
B
Match notches with slots
RESET ATTENTION
A
B
Install screw. Do not
tighten all the way.
Slide cover toward center of
front panel until screw fits in
the narrow end of the slot.
Tighten screw. Do not
overtighten.
RESET ATTENTION
A
B

Where to Go from Here 1-9
Where to Go from
Here To configure the NETBuilder II software, refer to the software guides that
shipped with your software package. Information about the firmware
Boot Monitor utility is in Reference for NETBuilder Family Software.
Refer to the release notes for approved vendors of blank flash memory cards for
backup. New Installation for NETBuilder II Software describes how to format a
blank card.

1-10 CHAPTER 1: INSTALLING THE DPE MODULE

2TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPLACING
THE DPE MODULE
This chapter provides information on troubleshooting and replacing the
DPE module.
Startup Problems Table 2-1 lists symptoms of DPE module startup problems (abnormal LED
patterns and error messages).
.
Table 2-1 Troubleshooting the DPE Module
Symptom Cause and Action
LEDs fail to light at initial power-on or during a reset. No power to the system or the DPE module connectors are
not properly mated with the backplane connecters.
1Turn off the NETBuilder II system.
2Verify that the power cord is plugged properly into the
system’s power supply module and into a working outlet.
3Inspect the system’s in-line power fuse and replace it, if
necessary. Use the appropriate procedure in Installing the
NETBuilder II Bridge/Router.
4Turn on the system.
5If the LEDs still do not light, remove and reinstall the DPE
module.
6If the LEDs still fail to light, contact your network supplier.
LCD and terminal displays freeze and nothing happens when
either the Enter or Return key is pressed. Reset the system by pressing the two outer buttons on the LCD control panel.
If this does not resolve the problem, call your network
supplier.

2-2 CHAPTER 2: TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPLACING THE DPE MODULE
LED Patterns The nine LEDs display the diagnostic and operational activity of the NETBuilder II
bridge/router. Table 2-2 describes the LEDs during normal operation. Table 2-3
describes the LEDs during an error condition.
Table 2-2 Normal Operation of LEDs
Run Load Test
G = green
Y = yellow
x = any value
- = off
F= flashing
Packet Forward Power/Fault
Status Meaning
G G Y G G G G G Y Initial power-on or reset value
- - Y - - - G - G Performing DRAM test
- - Y - - G - - G Loading firmware
- - Y - G - x - G Firmware initialization
- - Y G - - x - G Performing non-essential, board-level, power-on self-tests
- - Y G - G x - G Performing corebus loopback test
- - Y G G - x - G Performing UART and shared memory test
- - Y G G G x - G Validating firmware parameters
- - Y - G G x - G Updating firmware
- G - - - - x - Y Waiting for boot monitor command
- G - - G - x - Y Performing TFTP get of bridge/router image
- G - - - G x - G Awaiting response to “enter boot monitor?”
- G - - G - x - G Reading bridge/router image composite file into shared
memory
- G - - G G x - G Validating composite file
- G - G - - x - G Auto-updating from composite file
- G - G - G x - G Decompressing bridge/router software
- G - G G - x - G Loading bridge/router software
- G G G G x - G Bridge/router software initializing
G - - x x x x x G Bridge/router software running

LED Patterns 2-3
Table 2-3 Error indications of LEDs
Run Load Test
G = green
Y = yellow
x = any value
- = off
F= flashing
Packet Forward Power/Fault
Status Meaning
G G Y G G G G G Y Board hung very early in firmware load
Return module for repair.
- - Y - - - G - YF DRAM test failed
Reseat or replace SIMM.
- - Y - - G - - YF Firmware load failed
Return module for repair.
- - Y - - G G - YF Attention buttons pressed
Reset system to reboot.
- - Y - G - x - G Hang during firmware initialization
- - Y G - - x - G Hang during board-level tests
Return module for repair.
- - Y G - G x - YF Corebus loopback test failed
Reseat DPE.
- - Y G G - x - YF Serial port or shared memory test failed
Return module for repair.
- - Y G G G x - YF FPROM contents corrupted
Return module for repair.
- G - - G - x - YF Unable to load bridge/router image; unable to load from
flash memory, or TFTP get failed
Replace flash memory card with a backup or verify TFTP
parameters and setup.
- G - - G G x - YF No valid bridge/router image file found; bad checksum or
magic number
Replace flash memory card with a backup.
- G - G G - x - YF No valid bridge/router image; unable to load
Replace flash memory card with a backup.
- G - G G G x - G Hang during bridge/router initialization
G - - x x x x x YF Bridge/router software has crashed and entered the debug
monitor, as specified by the RA command in the boot
monitor or by the SysconF command in the software.

2-4 CHAPTER 2: TROUBLESHOOTING AND REPLACING THE DPE MODULE
Replacing the
DPE Module To replace the DPE module, follow these steps. You will need a small, flatblade
screwdriver.
Although it is not required, 3Com recommends that you turn off the system
before you remove and reinstall a DPE module.
1Prevent ESD-related damage to the DPE module by following the ESD guidelines
presented in Chapter 1.
2Disconnect any cables, if necessary.
3Remove the DPE module from the chassis.
aLoosen the two captive screws with the flathead screwdriver.
bPress outward firmly and evenly on the ejector tabs.
The DPE module will eject from the slot.
4Install the new DPE module by following the procedure in Chapter 1.
When you replace the DPE module, the firmware parameters that were
previously configured by the SysconF command in the software are not
automatically updated to the FPROM of the replacement DPE module. You must
reconfigure these parameters. Refer to the software guide for configuration
information.