Digital Equipment DECserver 90TL User manual

DECserver90TL
Owner’sManual
Order Number: DSRVE-OM-001

CAUTION The DECserver 90TL is not intended for use with telecommunications
networks or with Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) devices.
ACHTUNG Der DECserver 90TL darf nicht als Teil eines Fernmeldenetzwerks
oder zusammen mit ISDN1-Geräten betrieben werden.
(1Integrated Services Digital Network)
ATTENTION Le DECserver 90TL n’a pas été conçu pour fonctionner avec des
réseaux de télécommunication ou des modules ISDN (Integrated
Services Digital Network).
A VISO
IMPORTANTE El DECserver 90TL no ha sido diseñado para su uso con redes de telecomunicaciones ni dispositivos de Red Digital Servicios Integrados
(ISDN).
ii

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not
be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital Equipment
Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license and may only be
used or copied in accordance with the terms of such license.
No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software on equipment that is not
supplied by Digital or its affiliated companies.
Restricted Rights: Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government is subject to
restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c) (1) (ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and
Computer Software clause at DFARS 252.227-7013.
Copyright © 1992 by Digital Equipment Corporation
All Rights Reserved
FCC NOTICE – The equipment described in this manual generates, uses and may emit
radio frequency energy. The equipment has been type 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 radio frequency
interference when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in
a residential area may cause interference, in which case the user at his own expense may
be required to take measures to correct the interference.
The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:
DEC, DECconnect, DEChub, DECUS, DECserver, LAT, PDP, ThinWire, ULTRIX, UNIBUS,
VAX, VMS and the Digital logo.
The following are third-party trademarks:
MS–DOS is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
UNIX is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc.
This manual was produced by Telecommunications and Networks Publications.
This document was prepared using VAX DOCUMENT, Version 2.0.

Contents
About This Manual...................................... vii
1 Overview
Features ............................................. 1–1
Description ........................................... 1–4
2 Installation
Tabletop Installation ................................... 2–2
Wallmount Installation . . ............................... 2–4
Backplane Installation . . . ............................... 2–6
Running Self-Tests ..................................... 2–8
Loading Server Software . ............................... 2–9
Verifying Ports . ....................................... 2–10
3 Management
Setup Planning ....................................... 3–2
Connecting the Communications Server to Your Network . ...... 3–3
LAT Network ...................................... 3–3
TCP/IP Network.................................... 3–4
Server Management Options . . . ....................... 3–5
Setting Port Characteristics .............................. 3–6
Setting Port Access . . ............................... 3–7
Matching Port and Device Characteristics . ............... 3–7
Setting Flow Control . ............................... 3–10
Setting Automatic Logout Characteristics . ............... 3–11
Additional Port Customization Settings . . . ............... 3–12
Connecting Interactive Devices ........................... 3–13
Using an Interactive Device as a Network Service.......... 3–14
Connecting Noninteractive Devices . ....................... 3–15
Offering Services to the Network . . . ....................... 3–17
iii

Offering LAT Services to the Network ................... 3–17
Offering Services to the Network Through the Telnet
Listener . . . ....................................... 3–18
Setting Up a Port for SLIP Access by an IP Host ............. 3–19
Security for Interactive and Noninteractive Devices ........... 3–20
Management Tools ..................................... 3–21
Communications Server Commands ..................... 3–21
Online Help ....................................... 3–22
Remote Console Port . ............................... 3–23
DSVCONFIG Configuration Procedure . . . ............... 3–23
Terminal Server Manager Software ..................... 3–23
SNMP Access ...................................... 3–23
Communications Server Databases . ....................... 3–24
4 Operation
Getting Started ....................................... 4–2
Using Online Help . . . ............................... 4–2
Establishing Sessions ................................... 4–3
Establishing LAT Sessions ............................ 4–3
Establishing Telnet Sessions . . . ....................... 4–3
Establishing a Temporary SLIP Session . . ............... 4–4
Managing Sessions ..................................... 4–5
Using TD/SMP Support .............................. 4–5
Asian Terminal Support .............................. 4–5
Performing File Transfers ............................... 4–6
5 Troubleshooting
A Specifications
Physical Specifications . . . ............................... A–1
Environmental Specifications ............................. A–2
Power Specifications.................................... A–3
Power Supply ...................................... A–3
Communications Server .............................. A–3
Communications Server Connector Pin Out . . . ............... A–4
Cable Connector Pin Out . ............................... A–5
LAT Specifications ..................................... A–7
iv

B Related Documentation
Documentation Ordering Information ...................... B–1
Continental USA and Puerto Rico ...................... B–1
Canada........................................... B–2
New Hampshire, Alaska, or Hawaii ..................... B–2
International ...................................... B–2
Internal Orders .................................... B–2
Index
Figures
1–1 DECserver 90TL Hardware ..................... 1–2
1–2 DECserver 90TL Connection .................... 1–5
2–1 Standalone Configuration....................... 2–3
2–2 Removing the Back Cover ...................... 2–5
2–3 Backplane Installation . . ....................... 2–7
A–1 Port Circuit . . ............................... A–4
A–2 BN25G Equipment Cable Wiring Diagram . . . ...... A–5
A–3 BN24H Office Cable Wiring Diagram.............. A–6
Tables
2–1 LOAD and DUMP Protocols ..................... 2–10
2–2 Default Console Port Terminal Characteristics ...... 2–10
5–1 DECserver 90TL Troubleshooting . ............... 5–2
A–1 Physical Dimensions . . . ....................... A–1
A–2 Operating Environment . ....................... A–2
A–3 Shipping Environment . . ....................... A–2
A–4 Default Server Characteristics ................... A–7
A–5 Default Port Characteristics .................... A–7
v

About This Manual
This manual describes the procedures used to install, operate, manage and
troubleshoot the DECserver™ 90TL Ethernet communications server.
Organization
This manual contains the following five chapters and two appendixes:
Chapter Description
1 Provides an overview of the communications server features.
2 Describes selected methods of communications server installation.
3 Describes basic communications server management.
4 Describes basic communications server operation.
5 Describes troubleshooting techniques.
Appendix A Describes communications server specifications.
Appendix B Provides a list of reference documentation and ordering information.
For additional information on the communications server software, refer to the
DECserver 90TL software installation documentation available for this product.
vii

Conventions
The following are conventions used in this manual.
Convention Meaning
Special type This special type in examples indicates system output or user
input.
UPPERCASE Uppercase letters in command lines indicate keywords that
must be entered. You can enter keywords in either uppercase
or lowercase. You can abbreviate command keywords to the
smallest number of characters that distinguish the keyword to
the communications server.
lowercase italics Lowercase italics in command syntax or examples indicate
variables for which either the user or the system supplies a
value.
BOLD In summaries of characteristics, bold type indicates default
values.
{ } Braces in command syntax statements indicate that you must
specify one of the enclosed values. Do not type the braces.
[ ] Square brackets in command syntax statements indicate that
the enclosed value(s) are optional. You can enter none or one.
Default values apply for unspecified options. Do not type the
brackets.
Vertical list
of options In command syntax statements, a vertical list of options not enclosed within braces or brackets or parentheses indicates
that you may specify none or any number of the options.
Unspecified options take a default value.
/ A slash between command verbs indicates related, alternative
commands or options. For example,
SET/DEFINE/CHANGE PORT refers to the SET PORT,
DEFINE PORT, and CHANGE PORT commands.
Ctrl/xHold down the Ctrl key and press the key specified by x. The
communications server displays this key combination as ^x.
viii

1
Overview
This chapter describes hardware, software, and network features of
the DECserver™ 90TL Ethernet communications server, referred to as
‘‘communications server’’ throughout this document.
Features
The communications server supports the following standard features:
• Rack mountable in the DEChub™ 90
Ethernet backplane
• Concurrent LAT and Telnet support
• Ready-in/ready-out or XON/XOFF
flow control
• Manageable by remote console from
VMS™, ULTRIX™, or UNIX™ based
systems and Terminal Server Manager
(TSM) software
• Command line recall and editing
• Domain Name System
• Supports Open DECconnect™
• Port Characteristics
—1 ThinWire port
—8 asynchronous ports
—6-wire control signaling
—Individual port status LEDs
—8-wire modular jack - MJ8
(also known as RJ45)
• Protocols supported
—Local Area Terminal (LAT)
—Telnet
—Boot (BOOTP)
—Serial Line Internet (SLIP)
—Management Operations (MOP)
—Multisession (TD/SMP)
—Trivial File Transfer (TFTP)
—Simple Network Management
(SNMP)
Overview 1–1

Overview
Figure 1–1 shows the communications server and calls out its features.
Figure 1–1 DECserver 90TL Hardware
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3
2
1
LJ-01567-TI0
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5
1–2 Overview

Overview
! Power Indicator – Lights and remains lit when +5 volts is supplied to the
communications server.
" Self-Test OK Indicator – Lights when the communications server has
successfully completed the ROM-based self-tests.
# Network OK Indicator – Lights when the communications server is
connected to an appropriately terminated network. Blinks while the
communications server is loading or dumping software.
$ Port Activity Indicators – Consists of eight LEDs, each corresponding to a
device port on the communications server. Each port activity LED will light
when the associated port is in use by the connected device. These LEDs blink
when port activity is detected and continue blinking until port data transfer
has ceased.
% Ethernet Address Display – Displays unique addresses of physical devices
on the network in a small window on the communications server.
& Network Connector (BNC) – Connects the communications server to the
ThinWire network. Not used in DEChub 90 configurations.
' Port Connectors (MJ8) – Connects the peripheral devices to the
communications server.
( Power Connector – Connects the power source to the standalone
communications server. Not used in DEChub 90 configurations.
) Backplane Connector – Connects the communications server power source
and network interface to the backplane in DEChub 90 configurations.
+> Back Cover – Shields the backplane connector and mounting assembly when
not used in a DEChub 90 configuration.
+? Reset Switch – Resets the communications server to the factory default
characteristics.
Overview 1–3

Overview
Description
The DECserver 90TL Ethernet communications server is a multisession
communications server designed to operate in multivendor environments.
The communications server can be configured as a standalone device or as a
module in the DEChub 90 Ethernet backplane.
The DEChub™ 90 is a multifunction Ethernet backplane that provides mounting,
power, and connections for up to eight Workgroup LAN products.
The communications server downline loads software using MOP or BOOTP
protocols.
The communications server is attached to a ThinWire Ethernet network and up
to eight asynchronous devices. The communications server allows any attached
asynchronous device to establish sessions with services offered either on the
network or on other attached devices. The communications server also enables
network hosts to establish sessions with devices attached to the communications
server. The communications server allows sessions to be established using either
LAT or Telnet protocols.
Communications server management functions are enabled and monitored
through a host system using a remote console facility, Simple Network
Management Protocol (SNMP) or a terminal connected to the communications
server.
Figure 1–2 shows communications server configuration in a ThinWire Ethernet
Local Area Network (LAN).
1–4 Overview

Overview
Figure 1–2 DECserver 90TL Connection
Printer
DECserver 90TL
Ethernet Communications Server
ThinWire Ethernet
Terminal
Terminal Terminal Terminal Terminal
LJ-01615-TI0
VMS Host UNIX Host ULTRIX Host IP Router/Gateway DECnet Router
TD/SMP
Personal
Computer Personal
Computer
Overview 1–5

2
Installation
The communications server can be installed as a standalone device - on a tabletop
or mounted to a wall - or added to the DEChub 90 Ethernet backplane.
Before beginning the hardware installation ensure that the software has been
properly installed on a load host. Refer to the appropriate DECserver 90TL
software installation documentation.
Once the communications server software has been properly installed on a load
host, complete the installation by performing the following tasks:
• Install the communications server hardware
• Run the communications server self-tests
• Load the communications server software
• Verify operation of the communication server ports
Installation 2–1

Installation
Tabletop Installation
To install the communications server (standalone) as a tabletop device, follow the
steps below.
1. Connect a ThinWire cable, T-connector, and terminator to the BNC connector
on the communications server as shown in Figure 2-1. Connect the other
end of the ThinWire cable to an active ThinWire outlet such as a faceplate or
other appropriate network device.
2. Optionally, attach a device configured to the settings listed in Table 2–2
to the console port (default is port 1) using a cable terminated with an
MJ8-compatible (RJ45) plug.
3. Plug the DC power connector into the power inlet on the communications
server.
4. Plug the communications server power supply cord into an AC wall outlet and
verify that the power LED on the communications server lights.
5. Refer to ‘‘Running Self-Tests’’ in this chapter, and verify that the
communications server has successfully run all of the self-tests.
Note
An illustration of the communications server hardware and descriptions of
the LED indicators are provided in the ‘‘Overview’’ section of this manual.
Figure 2–1 shows the communications server installed as a standalone device.
2–2 Installation

Installation
Figure 2–1 Standalone Configuration
PJ,D120
SCALE 46% 85%
Terminal
LJ-01568-TI0
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T-Connector 50 Ohm
Terminator
Reset Switch
International
Power Supply
North American
Power Supply
Installation 2–3

Installation
Wallmount Installation
To mount the communications server on a wall, follow the steps below.
1. Remove the back cover (refer to Figure 2–2).
a. Insert a small screwdriver into the top mounting hole of the cover.
b. Lift up the latch on the unit’s back cover.
c. Pull the top of the cover away from the unit and down to remove it.
2. Use the back cover as a template and position each of the (#8 1-inch)
mounting screws (not supplied).
3. Secure the mounting screws.
4. Replace the back cover on the unit.
5. Connect a ThinWire cable, T-connector, and terminator to the BNC connector
on the communications server as shown in Figure 2-1. Connect the other
end of the ThinWire cable to an active ThinWire outlet such as a faceplate or
other appropriate network device.
6. Plug the DC power connector into the power inlet on the communications
server.
7. Mount the unit to the wall.
8. Optionally, you can attach a device configured to the settings listed in
Table 2–2 to the console port (default is port 1) using a cable terminated with
an MJ8-compatible (RJ45) plug.
9. Plug the power supply into an AC wall outlet to apply power.
10. Verify that the power LED is lit and that the communications server is
running the self-test.
11. Refer to the ‘‘Running Self-Tests’’ section of this chapter.
Figure 2–2 shows how to remove the back cover.
2–4 Installation

Installation
Figure 2–2 Removing the Back Cover
LJ-00320-TI0
Installation 2–5

Installation
Backplane Installation
To install the communications server in the DEChub 90 Ethernet backplane,
follow the steps below.
1. Remove the back cover (refer to Figure 2–2).
2. Place the lower mounting tab, located on the back of the communications
server, in the appropriate mounting slot on the backplane (refer to
Figure 2–3).
3. Rock the unit into place. An audible click is heard when the device is securely
latched in place.
4. Make sure the power unit is secured in the backplane.
5. Secure a ThinWire connection or terminator on the backplane BNC connector.
6. Verify that the power LED is lit and that the communications server is
running the self-tests.
7. Optionally, you can add a terminal to the console port (default is port 1)
by attaching a cable terminated with an MJ8-compatible (RJ45) plug and
configuring the console terminal port settings as listed in Table 2–2.
8. Refer to the ‘‘Running Self-Tests’’ section of this chapter.
Note
You can install or replace (hot-swap) the communications server while the
backplane is powered-up and connected to the network.
Figure 2–3 shows the communication server backplane installation.
2–6 Installation

Installation
Figure 2–3 Backplane Installation
LJ-01519-TI0
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7
8
Installation 2–7