Digital Equipment DECserver 300 Reference manual

DECserver 300
Introduction
Order No. AA-NE46A- TE

DECserver 300
Introduction
June 1989
This manual describes the DECserver 300 system, which
consistsofoECserver300 hardwareandsoftware. Information
is provided for using the server and for expanding or
reconfiguring the server.
.Supersession/Update Information: This is a new manual.
Software Version: DECserver 300 V1.0
This manual applies to Version 1.0 of DECserver 300 and all
subsequent maintenance releases upto the nextmajorproduct
release.
Order Number: AA-NE46A- TE

AA-NE46A- TE
June 1989
Theinformationinthisdocumentissubjecttochangewithoutnoticeand shouldnotbe construed
as a
commitmentbyDigital EquipmentCorporation. Digital EquipmentCorporation assumes
no respon-
sibility for any errors that may appear in this document.
Thesoftwaredescribedin thisdocumentisfurnishedunderalicenseandmayonlybe used orcopied
in accordance with the terms
of such license.
No responsibilityis assumedfortheuse orreliability ofsoftware on equipmentthatis notsupplied by
Digital or its affiliated companies.
Copyright © 1989by Digital Equipment Corporation
All Rights Reserved.
Printed in U.S.A.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:
DEBNA DESVA
DEBNET DEUNA
DEC
~DmDDmD""
DECconnect LAN Bridge
DECnet LA120
DECserver LN01
DECUS LN03
DELNI LQP02
DELUA MASSBUS
DELQA Micro/RSX
DEMPR MicroVAX
DEQNA PDP
DESOA Professional
Q-Bus
Rainbow
RSX
RSX-11
M-PLUS
ThinWire
ULTRIX-32
UNIBUS
VAX
VAXcluster
VAXmate
VAXstation
VMS
This manual was produced by Networks and Communications Publications.

Preface
1
Overview
1.1
1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.3
1.3.1
1.3.2
1.3.3
1.3.4
1.3.5
1.4
1.5
1.5.1
1.5.2
1.5.2.1
1.5.2.2
1.5.2.3
1.5.3
1.6
1.7
Contents
What is the DECserver 300 System? .................. 1-1
Server Features .................................. 1-3
Models ...................................... 1-3
Operating Modes .............................. 1-4
Server Hardware ................................. 1-4
Main Logic Module ............................. 1-6
EIA-423-A Distribution Module .................... 1-7
Power Supply ................................. 1-8
Fans ........................................ 1-8
Controls, Indicators, and Connectors ............... 1-8
Server Firnlware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-11
Server Software ................................. 1-11
Down-Line Loading from Load Hosts .............. 1-12
DECserver 300 Databases ....................... 1-12
Operational Database . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Permanent Database. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-13
Resetting Characteristics to Factory Specifications .... 1-14
Software Requirements ......................... 1-14
Communications Standard ........................ 1-14
Server Specifications ............................. 1-15
iii

1.7.1
1.7.2
1.7.3
1.7.4
Physical ..................................... 1-15
Environmental
................................ 1-16
Power ...................................... 1-17
Cabling ..................................... 1-17
2 Configurations
2.1 Port Device Configurations ......................... 2-1
2.1.1 Port Devices Supported ......................... 2-2
2.1.2 Used as a Terminal Selver for Digital Tenninals ....... 2-4
2.1.3 Used to Offer Services to Renlote and Local Users ..... 2-4
2.2 Network Configurations ........................... 2-6
2.2.1 Networks with Terminal Servers ................... 2-6
2.2.2 Direct Standard Ethernet Connection ............... 2-8
2.2.3 Network Connection Through a DELNI Network
Concentrator
................................. 2-9
2.2.4 Connection to Broadband Ethernet Network ......... 2-10
2.2.5 Connection to a DELNI-Based Network ............ 2-11
2.2.6 Connection to a Stand-Alone ThinWire Network
..... 2-12
2.2.7 ThinWire Network Connection Through a DEMPR
Device ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2-13
3 Reconfiguration
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
Assessing Your
Needs ............................ 3-1
Connecting Additional Port Devices to an Existing Server .. 3-1
Reconfiguring an Existing Server ..................... 3-2
Adding Servers to the Network ...................... 3-2
4 How to Use the Documentation
4.1 Organization of the Documentation ................... 4-1
4.1.1 Reference Documentation
........................ 4-1
4.1.2 Procedural Documentation
....................... 4-2
4.1.3 Quick Reference Documentation ................... 4-2
iv

4.2 Documents Used to Perform Each Task ............... 4-3
4.3 Description of Server Documents .................... 4-8
4.3.1 DECserver 300 Software Document Set ............. 4-8
4.3.2 DECserver 300 Hardware Document Set ............. 4-9
4.3.3 User Documentation Set ........................ 4-10
4.3.4 On-Line Documentation ........................ 4-10
4.3.5 Terminal Server Manager Documents .............. 4-10
5 Ordering Information
5.1 Ordering Instructions ............................. 5-1
5.1.1 Hardware
and Software ......................... 5-1
5.1.2 Documentation
................................ 5-1
5.2 Software
Order Numbers .......................... 5-3
5.3 Hardware
Order Numbers ......................... 5-4
5.3.1 DECserver 300
Shipment ........................ 5-4
5.3.2 DECserver 300 Country Kits ...................... 5-4
5.3.3 DECserver 300 Accessories ....................... 5-6
5.3.4 Digital Office Cable (BC16E) and Adapters ........... 5-7
5.3.5 Standard Ethernet Transceiver Cables ............... 5-8
5.3.6 ThinWire Ethernet Cables ........................ 5-9
5.4 Documentation Order Numbers .................... 5-10
5.4.1 Software Documentation ........................ 5-10
5.4.2 Hardware DOCUlllentation ....................... 5-11
Index
Figures
1-1 DECserver 300 Hardware ............................ 1-5
1-2 MMJ Connector Pinout .............................. 1-7
1-3
Server Controls, Indicators, and Connectors ............. 1-9
2-1 Used as a Terminal Server for Digital Tenllinals .......... 2-4
2-2 Server Configured to Offer Services to Users . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
2-3 Example of a Network with Servers .................... 2-7
v

2-4 Direct Connection to a Network 00000000000000000000000 2-8
2-5 Network Connection Through a DELNI Network Concentrator2-9
2-6 Connection to a Broadband Ethernet Network 000000000002-10
2-7 Connection to a DELNI-Based Network 00000000000000002-11
2-8 Connection to a ThinWire Ethernet Stand-Alone Segn1ent 002-12
2-9 ThinWire Network Connection Through a DEMPR Device 002-13
4-1 Hardware Installation 0000000000000000000000000000000
4-3
4-2
Server Use .. 00000 .. 0 ...... 0. 0 .. 0 ..... 0 ..... 0. 00 .. 4-4
4-3 Software Installation 000 ... 0. 00. 0. 000 ...•... 000 ...... 4-5
4-4 Server Management 00 .. 0000000 .. 0000 .. 0. 0. 000 0 000. 0 4-6
4-5 Problem Solving ...... 000 .. 0000. 0 .. 00000 ... 00 00000. 4-7
Tables
1-1 MMJ Connector Pin description 0 00 .... 00 .... 000 ....... 1-7
1-2 Server Controls 000 .. 000 .. 000000000. 0 .. 0000 ...... 01-10
1-3 Server Indicators 00000000000000000. 0000000000 • 00001-10
1-4 Server Connectors 000. 000. 00000. 0000000000000000. 01-11
1-5 Server Size and Weight o. 000000. 00000 ..... 0. 00 00 0 001-15
1-6 Environmental Requirelnents 0 ..... 0. 00 .... 0. 000 00 0001-16
1-7 Power Requiren1ents 0. 0. 000000000000. 0 .. 000000 00000 1-17
1-8 Maxin1um Network and Power Cabling Distances 000. 00001-17
1-9 . Maximun1 Device Cabling Distances 0000. 0000. 00. 000 00 1-18
4-1 Tasks and Supportive Documentation 00000000. 000000000 4-2
5-1 How To Order By Phone .. 000' 00 0. 0000000 .. 000.000005-2
5-2 How To Order By Mail 0000000000. 0000 .. 0000000. 000005-2
5-3 DECserver 300 Software Order Codes 000000000000000000 5-3
5-4 DECserver 300 Country Kit Order Codes 00000. 00. 0000000 5-5
5-5 DECserver 300 Accessory Order Codes 00. 00000000000000 5-6
5-6 Digital Office Cable and Adapter Order Code 00. 000000000 5-7
5-7 ThinWire Coaxial Cable Order Codes 0000000. 00000000 .. 5-9
vi

Preface
This manual contains an overview of the DECserver 300 terminal server sys-
tem; both hardware and software.
Intended Audience
The DECserver 300 Introduction manual is intended for the following audi-
ences:
• Terminal user -Uses an interactive terminal attached to a server port.
Tenninal users have access to nonprivileged server cOllullands.
• Server manager -Manages a server. The server manager has access to
privileged server
commands.
• Software installer -Installs the server software on a load host. The in-
staller also configures new servers in the load host node database.
• Network manager -Manages the local area network of the server.
• Field service engineer -Services the server hardware if it should fail.
vii

Structure of This Manual
The DEeserver 300 Introduction contains the following chapters:
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Provides
an overview of the features and functions of the DECserver
300 system. Chapter 1 also provides the DECserver 300 specifica-
tions.
Describes
the various server configurations, including connections
to
the network and port devices. This includes identifying the de-
vices
that are compatible with the DECserver 300 system.
Provides guidelines for
planning and implementing server reconfig-
uration.
Provides an overview to the DECserver 300 documentation set.
Provides
information about ordering terminal server hardware and
software, related hardware products, and documentation.
Conventions Used in This Manual
Convention
lowercase italics
bold
viii
Meaning
Italics in command syntax or examples indicate variables
for
which eithel' the user or the system supplies a value.
In text, words appearing in bold type introduce new
terms or concepts and can also be found in the glossary.

1
Overview
The DECserver 300 terminal server system enables a variety of datapleads-
only devices (for example, printers and terminals) to access and use COln-
puter resources on an Ethernet local area network (LAN).
The DECserver 300 terminal server system comprises three basic cOinpo-
nents: hardware, firmware,
and software. This chapter provides a definition
of
the DECserver 300 system, a description of the server's features, and an
overview of the hardware, firmware, and software. Also, the EIA-423-A com-
Dlunication
standard and the site requirements for the server are discussed.
1.1 What is the DECserver 300 System?
A server is a computer system, or node, where resources shared by the net-
work are located. A server offers these resources to the other
nodes. The
DECserver 300 system is a type of cODlmunications server called a terminal
server. It provides
an efficient way to connect terminals and other devices to
the Ethernet local area network (LAN).
NOTE
In this manual, the terms "Ethernet" and
"LAN" are used interchangeably.
The DECserver 300 system consists of
the following:
• DECserver 300 hardware and the devices attached to the server ports
• DECserver 300 firmware operating on the hardware unit
1-1

1-2
• Current version of the DECserver 300 software running on the unit,
which
implements the LAT (local area transport) networking protocols
The DECserver 300 offers two kinds of benefits to the network:
• It gives the users of its attached interactive devices access to resources,
or services (such as applications prograIns) offered by other network
nodes.
• It offers services, typically printers, to users of terminals connected to
other
tenninal servers and non-server systems on the network.
The DECserver 300
supports up to 16 asynchronous devices attached at the
server ports. The server
uses modified nlodular jack (MMJ) connectors for
attaching serial devices. The server uses the EIA-423-A electrical interface
standard. EIA-423-A is compatible with the EIA-232-D electrical interface.
The DECserver 300 terminal server does
not allow you to use modems to
connect to
wide area networks and non-LAT hosts. Also, the DECserver 300
system does not support non-LAT hosts.
The server provides transparent data paths
between devices on its ports and
other network nodes. The nodes are computers or other tenninal servers
on the network that offer services to the network. The DECserver 300 pro-
vides its users with flexible access to these services. The DECserver 300 sys-
tenl can offer such services to interactive users of any terminal server on the
Ethernet, including users of the saIne DECserver 300 systeln.
Each DECserver 300
user can maintain up to eight simultaneous connec-
tions, or sessions, to these various services on each port. Therefore, the
DECserver 300 hardware
supports up to 128 total sessions for the server.
Response time
and throughput for terminals connected to the server are sim-
ilar to those for terminals directly connected to a cOlnputer systeln. The
server also
pennits properly configured computer systenls on the network
to share access to asynchronous printers
attached to DECserver 300 ports.
The LAN
on which the DECserver 300 operates supports both a DECnet net-
work and a LAT network. Terminal servers and service nodes communicate
using LAT network protocols and LAT software, but they also use DECnet
protocols for other tasks (for example, down-line loading server software).
See the Local Area Transport (LA T) Network Concepts manual for a discussion of
LAT networks and LA T software.
DECserver 300 Introduction

The DECserver 300 hardware is designed to be located either in an office
environment
or in a satellite equipment room in a facility that employs the
DECconnect wiring strategy.
1.2 Server Features
The DECserver 300 has the following features:
• Permits fast, easy connections between the devices attached to the
server ports and the systems on the network
• Reduces and simplifies cabling required for connecting devices to a net-
work
• Provides access to Digital host systems on a LA T network
• Supports up to 8 multiple sessions per user, up to 128 per server.
Users can sinlultaneously tnaintain multiple sessions on several hosts.
• Manages device traffic, leaving computer systems more titne for appli-
cations tasks
• Initializes down-line loading of the software so that local mass storage
devices are
not needed
• Includes ROM-based diagnostics
• Connects to either a standard or ThinWire Ethernet network
• Can be placed on a desk, mounted in a standard rack cabinet, or
mounted to a wall
• Provides log-in load balancing (when two or more service nodes of-
fer the
same service), by evaluating the service ratings that the service
nodes include in multicast announcenlent of services
1.2.1 Models
There is only one model of the server, shown in Figure 1-1. However,
there are two versions.
One for 120 Vac (DSRVF-BA), and one for 240 Vac
(DSRVF-BB).
Overview
1-3

1.2.2 Operating Modes
The seIVer has two operating modes: local mode and selvice mode.
Local Mode
In local mode, an interactive user enters selver comlnands to cOlnmunicate
directly with the selver. Local
11l0de is distinguished by the selver's local
luode prompt that appears on the port user's device display. The Local> is
the default pronlpt; however, the seIVer
manager can define another prompt
for the seIVer.
Service Mode
In seIVice mode, an interactive user communicates with a service in an active
session. The
selver does not interpret data entered by the user. Instead, this
data is
passed to the seIVice node.
To the user, the connection appears to be direct to the seIVice node. The
user sees the pronlpt for the operating system or application program, not
the seIVer's Local> prompt.
1.3 Server Hardware
The DECselver 300 system hardware is contained in a systenl enclosure (see
Figure 1-1). The DECselver 300 systelu hardware consists of the following:
• Main logic module
• EIA-423-A distribution module
• Power supply
• Two DC cooling fans
• Controls, indicators, and connectors
1-4 DECserver 300 Introduction

Figure 1-1: DECserver 300 Hardware
REAR
LKG-2564-89
Overview
1-5

1.3.1 Main Logic Module
1-6
The main logic module is a single printed circuit board that contains the cen-
tral
processing unit (CPU), standard and ThinWire Ethernet circuitry, randOln
access Inelnory (RAM),
and read-only Inenlory (ROM).
Central processing unit (CPU)
The CPU Inanages all of the functions of the server. These functions in-
clude:
• Managing the power-up process. This process includes Inonitoring the
self-tests that
run When the server is turned on or rebooted. The CPU
also assists in initializing down-line loading the server software.
• Managing comlnunications between the individual device ports and the
systems on the Ethernet LAN.
• Supporting all of the user services provided by the server, such as mul-
tiple sessions, port-to-port comnlunications,
and on-line help.
• Participating in various diagnostic routines used to test server functions.
Ethernet Circuitry
The Ethernet circuitry allows you to connect the server to either a standard
Ethernet or a ThinWire Ethernet.
The
Ethernet circuitry is the server's network interface that perfonns all of
the
data link layer and the physical layer network functions for the server.
The Ethernet circuitry manages the transfer of data between the server and
the Ethernet local area network. The Ethernet circuitry receives data frOln
the network
if the data is addressed to the selver. The received data is then
decoded and stored in server melnory for processing.
Similarly,
the Ethernet circuitry retrieves data fronl server melnory, encodes
it according to the Ethernet protocol, and transmits it onto the network as
soon as translnit conditions are met.
The server is compatible with
baseband and broadband Ethernet products,
and with Ethernet and IEEE 802.3 specifications.
RAM and ROM
The RAM provides 1 megabyte of Inemory for the server. The ROM con-
tains
the selver firmware.
DECserver 300 Introduction

1.3.2 EIA-423-A Distribution Module
The EIA-423-A distribution module contains 16 MMJ connectors that are
used to connect to the EIA-423-A port devices. Each connector has one full-
duplex,
asynchronous channel using data-leads-only communications, along
with DSR/DTR signaling. The server is compatible with EIA-232-D communi-
cations
through the use of adapters.
Figure 1-2 shows the pins of the MMJ connector. Table 1-1 describes the
function of each pin.
Figure 1-2: MMJ Connector Pinout
PIN 1--6
LKG-2S83-89
Table 1-1: MMJ Connector Pin description
Pin Description
1 DTR (data transmit ready)
2
Transmit data
3 Transmit common
4 Receive common
5 Receive data
6 DSR (data set ready) signal can be used for DSR logout (to end a ses-
sion
on power-down), flow control for printers, or status signal check
for
printers.
Overview 1-7

1.3.3 Power Supply
The power supply is rated at 75 W. The power supply is factory set to oper-
ate
frOIn either a 120- or a 240-Vac power source.
1.3.4 Fans
Two fans are located inside the server box. The fans circulate the air frOIn
outside the server box to the components on the inside. To prevellt a reduc-
tion in airflow, ensure that
the server air vents do not get blocked.
1.3.5 Controls, Indicators, and Connectors
1-8
The server controls and indicators provide a way to run controlled power-
up procedures for diagnostic purposes, and to check the status of the server.
The server connectors allow power, device,
and network connections to the
server, All the server indicators, controls,
and connectors are located at the
rear of
the server (see Figure 1-3).
Table
1-2 describes each of the server controls. Table 1-3 describes each of
the server indicators. Table
1-4 describes each of the server connectors.
DECserver 300 Introduction

Figure 1-3: Server Controls, Indicators, and Connectors
Overview
PORT DEVICE
CONNECTORS
(1-16)
SERVER DATABASE
RESET SWITCH (S1)
CIRCUIT BREAKER
POWER CORD
SOCKET
GROUNDING
SCREWS (4)
STANDARD ETHERNET
CONNECTOR
STANDARD /Th in Wire
SELECTOR SWITCH
STANDARD /ThinWire
SELECTOR LED
ThinWire ETHERNET
CONNECTOR
LKG-2803-89
1-9

1-10
Table 1-2: Server Controls
Control Description
Server database reset
switch
(Sl)
Voltage select switch
Circuit breaker
Standard/TIlinWire se-
lector switch
This switch,
in conjunction with power-up, restores the
factory-set parameters in the server's database. The
factory-set parameters include server system character-
istics, system password,
and other parameters associ-
ated with the serial line ports.
This switch sets the input voltage to the range required
(100 to 120 Vac or 220 to 240 Vac).
This circuit breaker protects
the power supply against
excessive
current. Press to reset.
This switch selects
either standard or ThinWire Ethernet.
Table 1-3: Server Indicators
Indicator Description
Seven-Segment Display
Diagnostic Dot
Standard/Thin Wire se-
lector
LED
This display provides error and status information.
If a fault occurs, the code displayed can be used to
help identify
the cause of the fault. The DECserver 300
Problem Solving manual provides a definition of the sta-
tus
and error codes, including fatal errors.
When lit,
the diagnostic dot indicates that there are no
fatal errors. When off, the dot indicates either a fa-
tal
error or that the server is running self-test. When
blinking,
the dot indicates that a non-fatal error was
detected. Refer to the DECserver 300 Management man-
ual for a description of the non-fatal errors.
This LED lights to indicate that the Ethernet connector
is configured to accept a ThinWire Ethernet connection.
DECserver 300 Introduction

Table 1-4: Server Connectors
Connector Description
Standard Ethernet con-
nector
Thin Wire Ethernet con-
nector
Port device connectors
Power cord receptacle
Grounding screws
1.4 Server Firmware
This single 15-pin female D-connector is used to con-
nect to a
standard Ethernet local area network using a
transceiver cable.
This single female BNC connector
is used to connect
to a ThinWire Ethernet local area
network using a
Thin Wire cable and T-connector.
These are 16, 6-pin female mod.ified
modular jack
(MMJ) connectors used to connect devices to
the server.
The server
power cord plugs into this receptacle.
These screws provide grounding points for shielded ca-
bles.
The server firmware resides in read-only memory (ROM), located on the
main logic module in the server. The firmware controls the server during
power up (before software is loaded into the selver), and contains diagnos-
tic
progranls used to test the server. The firmware consists of the following
cOlnponents:
• A diagnostic self-test program that tests the server hardware.
• A Maintenance Operation Protocol (MOP) program that supports func-
tions such as down-line loading of the server image and up-line dUlnp-
ing of the selver memory.
1.5 Server Software
The DECserver 300 operational software is contained in the DEC server 300
software image. The software image resides on a load host. The inlage file
with several
other distribution files make up the DECselver 300 software dis-
tribution kit.
The DECserver 300 hardware unit is delivered with no operational software.
Without this software,
which you order separately, the unit can run only its
ROM-based diagnostics.
Overview
1-11