Andrew SmartLine 16 User manual

SmartLine
™
16
Intelligent
Stackable MAU
User’s Guide
Andrew Corporation
2225 First St., Suite 102
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Sales 800-328-2696
Technical Support 800-8-ANDREW
FAX [phone]

© 1994, 1996 Andrew Corporation. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be copied in any form or by any
means without prior written consent of Andrew Corporation. All
software, firmware and downloadable operating code described
herein or used by the products described herein is copyrighted by
and shall remain the property of Andrew Corporation.
All drawings, schematics, and artwork used in the manufacture of
products described herein are copyrighted. Reproduction of said
drawings, schematics and artwork or manufacture of said products
without written consent of Andrew Corporation is absolutely
prohibited.
Information and specifications in this document are subject to
change without notice and do not represent a commitment on the part
of Andrew Corporation.
SmartLine is a trademark and MAUi is a registered trademark of Andrew Corporation.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
IBM is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation
All other trademarks are the property of their respective Companies..
Printed in U.S.A. – Document 402-0556-01-Rev. B – May 1996

The United States Government Federal Communications
Commission has specified that the following notice be brought to the
attention of users of this product:
WARNING
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause interference with radio
communications. It has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A computing device pursuant to Subpart J of Part
15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference when operated in a commercial
environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause interference in which case the user, at his or her own
expense, will be required to take whatever measures may be required
to correct the problem.
In order to ensure FCC compliance, only properly constructed and
terminated shielded cabling should be used with this product.
NOTE:
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio
emissions from digital apparatus as set forth in the radio
interference regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications.

Related Publications
Andrew Token Ring Network Planning Guide,Bulletin 1565
IBM Token-Ring Network Introduction and Planning Guide,
GA27-3677-1
IBM Token-Ring Network Installation Guide, GA27-3678
IBM Token-Ring Network Telephone Twisted-Pair Media Guide,
GA27-3714-4
SmartLine 8122 Full Ring In/Ring Out Copper-to-Fiber Repeater
User’s Guide, Document 400-0218-01

i
Table of Contents
Chapter One Introduction....................................................................1-1
1.1 SmartLine Intelligent Stackable MAU.................................. 1-1
1.2 Token Ring Theory...............................................................1-2
Multistation Access Units......................................................1-3
Repeaters................................................................................ 1-4
Chapter Two Hardware Description...................................................2-1
2.1 Front Panel DIP Switch Settings...........................................2-1
2.2 Front Panel LEDs..................................................................2-3
2.3 Front Panel Connectors.........................................................2-5
2.4 Rear Panel Connectors..........................................................2-6
Chapter Three Installation...................................................................3-1
3.1 Power Connection................................................................. 3-2
3.2 Ring and Lobe Port Connections.......................................... 3-2
Main and Backup Rings......................................................... 3-4
Backup Path Operation..........................................................3-5
Calculating When a Repeater Becomes Necessary................ 3-6
3.4 PC Connections.....................................................................3-9
3-5 Installation Check List........................................................ 3-12
Chapter Four Problem Determination................................................4-1
Chapter Five SmartLine Management Software ...............................5-1
5.1 Pre Installation Verification.................................................. 5-2
5.2 Software Installation............................................................. 5-3
5.3 COM Port Communications.................................................. 5-4
5.4 SmartLine Management Software Windows Features..........5-6
Menu Descriptions................................................................. 5-7
5.5 Operation ............................................................................5-12
Starting SmartLine Management Software.......................... 5-12
Viewing Chassis Status Summary ....................................... 5-13
Viewing Chassis Status Detail............................................. 5-14
Controlling Access By Locking Ports..................................5-17
Enabling or Disabling Port-Level Speed Detect..................5-18
Initiating Software Resets....................................................5-18
Issuing ID Signaling ............................................................ 5-18
Editing SmartLine Device Names........................................5-18

Table of Contents
ii SmartLine 16 User’s Guide
Downloading Microcode ..................................................... 5-20
Establishing Modem Connections .......................................5-21
Creating and Using a Phone Book.......................................5-22
Appendix A Cables and Connectors................................................... A-1
A.1 Main Ring Cables................................................................ A-1
RJ45 Connectors................................................................... A-1
DC or MIC Connectors......................................................... A-2
A.2 Lobe Port Cables................................................................. A-2
A.3 Manager PC Cables............................................................. A-2
PC-to-SL16 Direct DTE-to-DTE.......................................... A-2
PC-to-Modem DTE-to-DCE................................................. A-4
Modem-to-SL16 DCE-to-DTE............................................. A-5
Modem-to-Telephone Cables................................................ A-5
SL162 Out-to-SL16 In Cascade Cables................................ A-5
DB9-to-RJ45 Crossover Adapter.......................................... A-6
Appendix B Rack-Mounted Equipment Safety Requirements .........B-1
Appendix C Specifications................................................................... C-1
Appendix D Beacon and Soft Error Types and Definitions.............. D-1
D.1 Beacon Types and Definitions............................................ D-2
D.2 Soft Error Types and Definitions........................................ D-3
List of Figures
Figure 2-1. Front Panel DIP Switches.......................................................2-1
Figure 2-2. Front Panel LEDs ................................................................... 2-4
Figure 2-3. Front Panel Connectors...........................................................2-6
Figure 2-4. Rear Panel Connectors............................................................ 2-7
Figure 3-1. MAU Ring and Lobe Port Cabling.........................................3-3
Figure 3-2. Main Ring Signal Path............................................................ 3-4
Figure 3-3. Loopback Signal Paths ........................................................... 3-5
Figure 3-4. Worst Case Cable Length Calculation.................................... 3-7
Figure 3-5. PC Cable Connections.......................................................... 3-11
Figure 5-1. SmartLine 16 DIP Switch.......................................................5-2
Figure 5-2. SmartLine Management Software Icon..................................5-4
Figure 5-3. Comm Port Setup Window.....................................................5-5
Figure 5-4. Modem Database Window .....................................................5-5
Figure 5-5. SmartLine Management Software Window............................ 5-7
Figure 5-6. SmartLine Chassis Window..................................................5-13
Figure 5-7. Expanded View for a SmartLine 16 ..................................... 5-15
Figure 5-8. Expanded View for a SmartLine 8122 .................................5-15

TableofContents
iii
Figure5-9.SmartLineModuleNamesWindow...........................................5-19
Figure5-10.SmartLineDownloadCodeWindow.......................................5-20
Figure5-1116/8122UtilityPhoneBookWindow......................................5-22
Figure 5-12. Phone Book Edit Window.................................................. 5-22
Figure 5-13. Phone Book Add Window..................................................5-23
Figure A-1. Main Ring RJ45 Cables........................................................ A-1
Figure A-2. DC Main Ring Cables........................................................... A-2
Figure A-3. PC-to-SL16 Direct Cable...................................................... A-3
Figure A-4. PC-to-Modem Cables............................................................ A-4
Figure A-5. Modem-to-SL16 Cable ......................................................... A-5
Figure A-6. DB9-to-RJ45 Crossover Adapter Wiring ............................. A-6
Figure C-1. Management Port Connectors................................................C-1
Figure C-2. Ring Port Connectors.............................................................C-2
Figure C-3. MAUi DB-9 Connector..........................................................C-2
List of Tables
Table 3-1. Cable Characteristics................................................................ 3-1
Table 3-2. ARL Plus Longest Lobe Maximums for 4-Mhz Rings............3-8
Table 3-3. ARL Plus Longest Lobe Maximums for 16-Mhz Rings..........3-9
Table 4-1. Problem Solving................................................................4-1, 4-2

TableofContents
iv SmartLine16User’sGuide

1-1
Chapter One Introduction
1.1 SmartLine 16 Intelligent Stackable
MAU
The SmartLine 16 (SL16) is an intelligent, stackable, token ring
MAU with 16 lobe ports. The product features Andrew’s
QuickLock™ hardware speed detection on all lobe ports and the
Ring In port. This feature prevents the most common causes of ring
failure by detecting and locking out workstations configured for the
wrong speed. Andrew offers two versions of this product:
Model SL-16 Serves users with RJ45 Connectors on the Ring
In/Ring Out and lobe ports
Model SL-16 DC Serves users with DC (Data/ MIC Connectors)
on the Ring In/Ring Out and lobe ports. You
also have a DB-9 connector as a Ring In
connector option.
When used with other smart Andrew products, such as the
SmartLine 8122, the SL16s can detect a main ring cable break (or
disconnection) on the Ring or Ring Out ports and automatically
switch to a backup ring. This preserves the integrity of the ring and
allows recovery without a loss of data. After the problem is

Introduction
1-2 SmartLine 16 User’s Guide
corrected, the ring is automatically switched back to the primary
ring.
SmartLine 16s share the same out-of-band network manager as its
cousin the SmartLine 8122. You can intermix a stack of up to eight
SL16s and/or SL8122s and manage them all with a PC console
connected to the serial port of the first unit. You can connect the PC
management console either directly to the first unit in a stack or
operate the console remotely by using a dial-up modem.
The SmartLine Manager software is a Windows-based GUI
(Graphical User Interface) program that can present a front panel
graphic for each unit in the stack. This gives the manager a view of
the front panel LED status and switch settings. It also allows you to
control ring access and enable/disable speed detection on individual
lobe ports.
1.2 Token Ring Theory
Token Ring LANs adhere to the IEEE 802.5 standard. Briefly stated,
each workstation connected must pass a data packet, called a token,
received from an upstream workstation to the next downstream
workstation. Because the workstations connect in a ring or loop,
tokens pass through all active workstations. Also, because each
workstation retransmits the token, transmission line losses do not
limit cable lengths to the extent they do in other LAN configurations.
Because tokens move in only one direction, collision of packets is
not a concern.
All workstations connected to a Token Ring LAN require an adapter
card in one of the expansion slots of the workstation. Each adapter
card can recognize tokens, transmit data, generate tokens, and detect
faults. For the purpose of error recovery, one adapter card acts as the
Active Token Monitor. Should this card fail to operate, the error
recovery chore passes to another adapter card.
Token frames contain fields for starting and ending delimiters,
source and destination addresses, data, and data checking. The
ending delimiter contains a token bit that indicates whether or not the

Introduction
1-3
token is available for use. In Token Ring LANs interconnected by
bridges, a subfield directs token routes. With the ring operated at 16
megabits per second, you can have frame sizes of up to 18,000 bits.
With the ring operated at four megabits per second, the maximum
frame size is 2,000 bits.
A workstation wishing to send data captures an available token and
adds the source and destination addresses along with the other fields
to the frame. A workstation receiving a token frame checks the
destination address to see if it is the intended destination. If not, the
workstation sends the token to the next downstream workstation. If
so, the workstation copies the data field into its input buffer,
modifies the ending delimiter field to indicate reception of the data,
and then sends the token downstream. When received by the source
workstation, the ending delimiter is examined to check reception by
the destination workstation. After verifying reception, the source
workstation strips off the address and data fields and sends the token
downstream. The source workstation cannot immediately recapture
the token, because ring protocol prevents a workstation from
monopolizing data transmissions.
Multistation Access Units
MAUs serve as the connecting hubs for a group of workstations.
Each MAU has a group of typically eight or more connectors that
connect to the workstations and two connectors that allow expansion
to other MAUs (called Ring In and Ring Out). Basic MAUs are
passive devices that serve to control access of workstations into a
Token Ring LAN. By using Type 1 shielded-twisted-pair cable
(STP) or Category 5 unshielded twisted pair cable (UTP), you can
have up to 260 devices on a ring.
In token ring LANs, MAUs control access to the ring by monitoring
each lobe port to a workstation. If a DC “Phantom” voltage is
present from a workstation, the MAU knows the workstation is
active. On this basis, the MAU gives the workstation access to the
ring.
When the “Phantom” voltage is removed due to a disconnected cable
or workstation power down, the MAU then closes the port. This
maintains ring integrity for the remaining devices.

Introduction
1-4 SmartLine 16 User’s Guide
Some Andrew MAUs, such as the SmartLine 16, use a technique
similar to “Phantom” voltage to determine whether they have an
active Rin/Rout connection. If “Phantom” voltage is removed, these
ports are taken off the ring.
Repeaters
A repeater regenerates and re-times the token ring signal. Repeaters
serve to extend cable distances between wiring closets. Some
repeaters also serve to extend lobe cabling to a distant workstation.
(See Andrew models TRR8416, TRx9416, and 8120 repeaters for
additional information.)
The re-timing feature of the SL8122 also helps minimize data errors
on the ring, thereby providing a more efficient network and
improving throughput. The Andrew SL8122s provide all of the
above features of a repeater in addition to acting as a copper-to-fiber
media converter.

2-1
Chapter Two Hardware Description
2.1 Front Panel DIP Switch Settings
DIP switches on the front panel allow you to set ring speed either to
four or 16 megahertz and either to enable or disable Autowrap on the
Ring In and Ring Out ports. Figure 2-1 shows the front panel DIP
switches.
Figure 2-1. Front Panel DIP Switches.
Switch 1 (16MB). You set this switch to the same speed as all other
devices on the Token Ring LAN. Up sets the SL16 for a 4 megabit-
per-second rate. Down (the factory setting) sets the SL16 for a 16
megabit-per-second rate.
NOTE:
Any change in the setting of Switch 1 takes effect
immediately, which causes an Autowrap on all main ring
devices and lobe port workstations set differently.

Hardware Description
2-2 SmartLine 16 User’s Guide
SL16s have hardware speed detection. An SL16 monitors all
connections. Only those devices matching its own speed setting are
allowed to insert or remain inserted onto the ring. A flashing red
LED indicates when an associated port has Autowrapped because of
a non-matching speed setting. Once inserted, the SL16 no longer
monitors the RO port, because only a cable break would activate the
backup path (the receive side of the Ring Out).
NOTE:
When used in a MAUi or StackLynx-Plus satellite application, the
SL16 should always have the hardware speed detect enabled in
your management software.
Switch 2 (RI EN). You enable the Autowrap (loopback) feature of
the Ring In port with this switch in the enabled (down) position.
Loopback occurs when a cable break occurs on the main ring (RI
and RO port connections) and refers to operation using the backup
path. SmartLine devices can automatically switch to the backup path
with a main ring cable break and return to the primary path after an
associated repair.
NOTE:
You must set this switch in the disabled (up) position when
you connect the SL16 to a “dumb” or non-powered MAU.
Otherwise, the SL16 cannot function.
Automatic loopback requires the presence of all TX and RX
connections (both primary and loopback) in the RI and RO
cables, and that all attached devices comply with the Andrew
standard for RI/RO Autowrap.
Switch 3 (RO EN). All the statements made for Switch 2 and the
associated Ring In ports also apply to Switch 3 and the Ring Out
ports.
Switch 4 (SAT MAU). SmartLine 16 Intelligent MAUs may be
managed either by the SmartLine Manager software or by an
Andrew Intelligent Controller, such as the MAUi products or
StackLynx Plus.

Hardware Description
2-3
Switch 4 governs whether the SL16 expects the management signals
on the front panel RJ45/DC/DB-9 Ring In port connector (as for an
Andrew controller application) or on the rear panel RJ45 connectors
(as in a stack managed by SmartLine Manager software).
When using a MAUi, you connect to a front panel Ring In Partition
Port and place this switch in the down (factory) position. When
using the SmartLine Management Software, you connect to the
management PC or remote modem to the rear RJ45 IN connector and
place this switch in the up position.
SmartLine MAUs equipped with DC connectors have an added DB-
9 connector on the front panel that you activate with DIP switch 4.
When management signaling is required for the controller
applications, the DC Ring In connector is disabled, and all signaling
is switched to the DB-9 connector.
CAUTION:
When a SmartLine Stackable MAU is set for MAUi satellite
MAU applications, always verify a proper token ring speed
switch setting prior to insertion. An improper speed under
these circumstances can bring down the ring.

Hardware Description
2-4 SmartLine 16 User’s Guide
2.2 Front Panel LEDs
LEDs on the front panel (see Figure 2-2) supply the following
operational status:
Figure 2-2. Front Panel LEDs.
Power. This indicator turns on (green) when you connect the device
to a suitable AC power source.
OK. This LED flashes (green) during normal operation. A steady off
or on indicates an internal malfunction.
16 MB. This LED turns on (green) when the device is set to operate
at 16 megabits per second. Off indicates four megabit-per-second
operation.

Hardware Description
2-5
Port LEDs (RI and RO and Lobe Ports 1 through 16). These
LEDs indicate the following:
Off Port is wrapped (i.e., not inserted).
Steady Green Port is inserted.
Flashing Green Port is inserted, but speed detect is disabled by
management software.
Steady Red Port is Locked (disabled) by management
software.
Flashing Red Port has detected an improper speed and has
blocked access to the ring.
2.3 Front Panel Connectors
Figure 2-3 shows the front panel Ring and Lobe connectors. You can
purchase Andrew’s SmartLine 16 MAUs with either RJ45 or DC
connectors. SL16s supply lobe connectors for up to 16 workstations.
Appendix A contains cable descriptions.
You can use RJ45 connectors with either shielded or unshielded
twisted pair cable (STP or UTP). DC connectors are typically used
with IBM Type 1 cable.
The DB-9 connector on the DC model is used only with Andrew’s
intelligent controllers, such as a MAUi product. Switch 4 on the
front panel enables access to this connector on the SL16 DC models.
See Section 2.1 for additional information.
Note that a MAUi only requires RI cables to the MAUs in an
associated stack. Main ring signals loop through the MAUi between
the RI connections to the MAUs, eliminating the need for the RO
cables. In fact, RO cables would disrupt the management capabilities
of the MAUi. The StackLynx Plus controller uses a similar approach.

Hardware Description
2-6 SmartLine 16 User’s Guide
Figure 2-3. Front Panel Connectors.
2.4 Rear Panel Connectors
Figure 2-4 shows the rear panel. Note that the rear panel has a power
cable connector and two RJ45 connectors. A fuse is integrated into
the power connector.
The RJ45 cables serve as interfaces to both the COM port of a PC
(IN port) and as a cascading port to other SL16s or SmartLine 8122s
(OUT to IN of next SmartLine 16 or 8122 on the stack). SmartLine
IN ports emulate DTE, or terminal-like equipment. You can
interconnect up to eight SmartLine 16s or 8122s and manage or view
their operations using Andrew’s SmartLine Manager software (see
Chapter Five). You can attach the PC directly or use modems to
operate the software from a remote location. The SmartLine
Manager operates under Windows.