Microplex M305 User manual

M305 Print Server
Quick Installation and
Configuration Guide
Manual Version 1.0
For firmware version 1.0
Microplex Systems Ltd.
8525 Commerce Court
Burnaby, B.C. V5A 4N3
http://www.microplex.com/
P/N 79-305-100
manual4.book Page 1 Saturday, January 16, 1999 4:26 PM

Copyright 1991-1999 Wyndham Technologies Inc.
All rights reserved.
No patent liability is assumed with respect to the use of the
information contained herein. While every precaution has
been taken in the preparation of this manual, Microplex
Systems Ltd. assumes no liability for errors contained
herein or for incidental or consequential damages in
connection with the performance or use of this material.
Copyright 1996, Novell, Inc. All rights reserved. All
other product names are trademarks of their respective
manufacturers or providers.
This manual was written, illustrated, and produced using
FrameMaker workstation publishing software.
Rev: 01/99
Printed in Canada.
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V1.0 3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MANUAL OVERVIEW ...............................................1
PDF File Index.....................................................................1
Documentation Conventions................................................2
M305 INTRODUCTION..............................................3
Overview..............................................................................3
What is the M305?...............................................................3
How Does the M305 Work?................................................4
Product Features ..................................................................5
M305 INSTALLATION...............................................7
Overview..............................................................................7
Unpacking the M305 ...........................................................7
Attaching to the Network.....................................................8
CONFIGURATION TOOLS......................................15
Overview............................................................................15
Two-Part Configuration.....................................................15
Available Tools..................................................................15
Troubleshooting Tips.........................................................21
WINDOWS CONFIGURATION................................23
Overview............................................................................23
Environment Description...................................................23
M305 Configuration ..........................................................24
Troubleshooting Tips.........................................................29
UNIX CONFIGURATION .........................................31
Overview............................................................................31
Environment Description...................................................31
M305 Configuration ..........................................................32
Host Configuration ............................................................34
Troubleshooting Tips.........................................................35
NOVELL CONFIGURATION ...................................39
Overview............................................................................39
Environment Description...................................................39
M305 Configuration ..........................................................40
Host Configuration ............................................................41
Troubleshooting Tips.........................................................48
APPLETALK CONFIGURATION ............................51
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4V1.0
Overview............................................................................51
Environment Description...................................................51
M305 Configuration ..........................................................52
Host Configuration ............................................................52
Troubleshooting Tips.........................................................53
M305 REFERENCE PAGES....................................55
Overview............................................................................55
M305 Naming Scheme ......................................................55
M305 Command Shell.......................................................56
Back to Factory Defaults ...................................................62
Firmware Upgrades............................................................63
GETTING HELP.......................................................65
Help Methods Available....................................................65
Repair Procedure................................................................66
M305 SPECIFICATIONS.........................................71
Hardware Specifications....................................................71
Software Specifications .....................................................75
GLOSSARY.............................................................77
INDEX ......................................................................83
Appendix A - More on Windows ......................... A-1
Overview......................................................................... A-1
M305 Configuration ....................................................... A-3
General Workstation Configuration................................ A-9
Windows 95/98
Workstation Setup......................................................... A-10
Windows NT
Workstation Setup......................................................... A-12
Windows Troubleshooting............................................ A-15
Appendix B - More on Unix ................................. B-1
Overview..........................................................................B-1
M305 Configuration ........................................................B-2
Host Configuration Overview..........................................B-9
Direct Printing Without the Spooler................................B-9
Printing Via the Spooler ................................................B-10
Manual System V Host Setup........................................B-13
Manual LPR/LP Host Setup ..........................................B-16
Printing from AIX..........................................................B-22
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V1.0 5
Manual Printing with FTP’s PC/TCP............................B-24
Printing Using FTP Daemon..........................................B-25
Direct Socket Printing....................................................B-25
Device Printing - Microplex’s NPD ..............................B-26
Troubleshooting.............................................................B-31
Appendix C - More on Novell .............................. C-1
Overview..........................................................................C-1
M305 Configuration ........................................................C-2
Host Configuration ........................................................C-11
Troubleshooting.............................................................C-17
Appendix D - More on AppleTalk........................ D-1
Overview......................................................................... D-1
M305 Configuration ....................................................... D-2
Appendix E - Extra Features/Additional Information
E-1
Overview..........................................................................E-1
Print Server Architecture .................................................E-2
General Options...............................................................E-5
M305 Security..................................................................E-7
Printer Monitoring and Logging....................................E-11
FTP Daemon..................................................................E-14
Managing with SNMP ...................................................E-21
Troubleshooting.............................................................E-25
NCSA.............................................................................E-25
Appendix F - More on Specifications..................F-1
Overview..........................................................................F-1
Network Connectors........................................................F-2
Power Socket ...................................................................F-2
Parallel Port (PRN)..........................................................F-3
M305 LEDs......................................................................F-7
Variable Definitions.........................................................F-7
Appendix G - More on Commands .....................G-1
Overview......................................................................... G-1
Command Shell Overview.............................................. G-2
Complete Command List................................................ G-3
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6V1.0
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MANUAL OVERVIEW
V1.0 1
MANUAL OVERVIEW
This manual describes the installation and configuration of
an M305 on your network. It describes a basic setup for
each supported network environment. For more detailed
information about configuration and management, please
see the Portable Document Format (PDF) files available on
the CD ROM supplied with the M305 or from the Technical
Support section of Microplex’s Web site,
“http://www.microplex.com/”.
PDF File Index
Table 1 lists the PDF files that are available on the CD ROM
included with your unit. Please refer to these documents if
you can’t find what you’re looking for in this guide.
Table 1: Microplex PDF Files
File Name Description
windows.pdf Appendix A - Print setup for Windows
environments.
unix.pdf Appendix B - Step-by-step manual
configuration instructions for Unix
environments.
novell.pdf Appendix C - RPRINTER configura-
tion and other Novell information.
apple.pdf Appendix D - Additional configuration
for AppleTalk environments.
extra.pdf Appendix E - Details about the M305’s
additional features such as printer log-
ging.
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MANUAL OVERVIEW
2V1.0
Documentation Conventions
The document conventions used in this manual and the
appendices are as follows:
• The Courier font in boldface indicates commands that
you type.
$ping ftp.microplex.com
• Regular Courier font indicates displayed results.
ftp.microplex.com is alive
• Example names and numbers described in text are
bold.
sends data to the M305 named spike...
The model directory...
• Variable values are shown in italics both in command
syntax, output, and in text. Italics also add emphasis.
ping
ipname
ipname
is alive
Please enter the ipname at the prompt.
Make sure you first contact...
specs.pdf Appendix F - Additional specifications
for the M305 hardware.
command.pdf Appendix G - In depth look at the
M305’s internal command shell. (for
commonly used commands, see Com-
mon npsh Commands on page 58.)
Table 1: Microplex PDF Files
File Name Description
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M305 INTRODUCTION
V1.0 3
M305 INTRODUCTION
Overview
The purpose of this chapter is to acquaint you with the
M305’s architecture and special features.
What is the M305?
The M305 10/100 Pocket Print Server allows you to locate
your printer anywhere on a 10 Base-T or 100 Base-T LAN
rather than attaching it directly to a host system. After fol-
lowing some simple configuration steps, the printer can be
simultaneously shared with users on Unix (TCP/IP), Win-
dows (NetBIOS over TCP/IP), Novell (IPX), or AppleTalk
(EtherTalk) networks. Multiple users and multiple protocols
are supported simultaneously.
Note: The M305 is compatible with most printers
with a Centronics parallel interface.
The M305’s key physical components are:
• a 10/100 network interface connector to connect to the
network,
• one parallel port,
• Flash memory to store firmware and user-configurable
settings,
•SDRAM.
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M305 INTRODUCTION
4V1.0
How Does the M305 Work?
Print Path
The print path is the path data takes when the host sends a
job to a printer through the M305. This print path can be
divided into the three components (refer to Figure 1).
Figure 1: Print Path Components
Host The host sends the job to one of four pre-
defined destinations(e.g. d1prn) on the print
server, not directly to the I/O port.
Print Server The job passes through the destination’s
associated model (e.g. m1) for optional pro-
cessing and then continues through the desti-
nation’s associated logpath (e.g. l1) where
logging information is recorded. The data
then ends up at the destination’s associated
I/O port, prn.
Printer The data passes from the print server’s I/O
port to the attached printer for output.
There are four destinations on the M305, with each having
an associated model and logpath. The model determines if
any extra data processing (e.g. ASCII to PostScript conver-
sion) needs to be done and the logpath determines whether
job logging (e.g. user ID) or printer errors need to be
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M305 INTRODUCTION
V1.0 5
reported. A model or logpath can be associated with more
than one destination. Refer to Figure 17 on page 56
Product Features
The M305 offers an extensive list of features including:
• Built-in HTML forms for easy cross-platform configu-
ration with any web browser;
• Waldo, the utility for automated TCP/IP configurations
(included on CD ROM supplied with the M305);
• Ezsetup utility for automated Unix print configurations
(included on CD ROM);
• MPS utility for error-free printing in Windows 95,
Windows 98 and Windows NT environments (included
on CD ROM);
• a detailed and easy-to-use command shell, “npsh”;
• multilevel configuration security through passwords,
permission levels, and access lists;
• numerous printer logging methods (e.g. automatic
Email) to record printer errors and usage;
• remote management through Telnet sessions, “rsh/
rcmd/remsh” commands, SNMP, and predefined log
methods;
• extensive built-in troubleshooting tools;
• built-in “telnet” and “ping” clients;
• ability to disable protocols and destination services
allows memory usage to be configured;
• multiple destinations for versatile printer manipulation
and distinct print setups;
• header and trailer strings to instruct printers on tray
selection, font, pitch, simplex/duplex, etc.;
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M305 INTRODUCTION
6V1.0
• autosensing of job format for ASCII to PostScript con-
version or to automatically switch printer emulations;
• flexible naming conventions;
• Flash memory upgrades over TCP/IP networks;
• multiple speeds on the parallel port for additional
printer compatibility;
• simultaneous printing on all supported protocols.
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M305 INSTALLATION
V1.0 7
M305 INSTALLATION
Overview
This chapter discusses the preparation and installation steps
necessary to use the M305 on your network.
Unpacking the M305
Upon receiving the M305, check the packaging for any
damaged or missing pieces (refer to Table 2, “M305 Pack-
ing List,” ). Immediately report problems to the shipping
company or vendor. If everything is in order, fill out the
Warranty Registration Card:
Registration Options
Fill out the Warranty Registration Card included with
your product and mail it to Microplex.
Fax the card to Microplex at +1 604 444-4239.
Fill out an on-line version on our Web site at:
“http://www.microplex.com/”.
.
Table 2: M305 Packing List
Print
Server •M305
• Power Supply
Documen-
tation • Quick Reference and Installation
Guide (this guide)
• CD ROM with PDF files and software
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M305 INSTALLATION
8V1.0
Attaching to the Network
Site Requirements
Prepare to install the M305 in a clean, well-ventilated envi-
ronment protected from extremes of temperature, humidity,
mechanical shock, or vibration. Provide enough space at the
rear of the unit for Ethernet cable connections.
Prepare to install the M305 within four meters (13 feet) of a
grounded 115 or 220 VAC outlet. Power is supplied to the
M305 from an external transformer through a two-meter
(six-foot) output cord to a 6 position mini din. The external
transformer connects through a two-meter (six-foot) line
cord to a 3-prong 115 or 220 VAC outlet.
Network Connections
The M305 provides a 10/100Base-T RJ45 (UTP) connector.
Refer to Figures 2 and 3 for a view of the front and rear of
the M305.
Software • Included on the CD ROM are:
•Waldo - TCP/IP configuration tool
•MPS - Microplex printing solution
for Windows 95, Windows 98 and
Windows NT environments
• EZSetup - UNIX configuration
tool.
•MPAdmin-Novell NWAdmin
snap-in configuration tool.
Packaging • Shipping Box
• Cardboard Insert
Table 2: M305 Packing List
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M305 INSTALLATION
V1.0 9
Figure 2: M305 Front View
Figure 3: M305 Rear View
Printer/ Port Connections
One printer may be attached via the M305’s 36-pin male
Centronics connector (with an IBM PC compatible pinout).
The port can be configured with various parameters depend-
ing on the attached printer. These parameters include:
• cen Centronics mode. Used with older impact printers
(e.g. dot matrix or line printers);
•pcdefault mode. Will work with most printers;
•slowfor slower parallel interfaces that need a slower
transfer rate;
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M305 INSTALLATION
10 V1.0
•fastfor high-performance parallel interfaces that can
handle an increased transfer rate (like the HP 4 and 5
series printers);
•bbbit bucket (for simulating an attached printer even if
one isn’t attached);
•nibble reverse data transfer mode for printers with bi-
directional communications capability (used only with
back channel enabled).
Printing Test Pages
Use the test page feature to test the M305 and printer com-
munications without a network connection. To output test
pages:
1. Power off the M305 and the printer and disconnect the
network connector.
Note: If the print server is connected to the network
with link integrity, this procedure will force it
into download mode instead of printing a test
page.
2. Set Dipswitch 1 and Dipswitch 2 to the “on” position
(i.e. down).
3. Power on the printer then power on the M305. The
M305 will generate two test pages automatically.
4. When done, power off the M305 then power off the
printer. Set Dipswitch 1 and Dipswitch 2 to the “off”
position (i.e. up) again for normal operations.
Connecting to the Network
To attach the M305 to the network as illustrated in Figure 4
on page 11, you will need to:
1. Connect the M305 to the network via the appropriate
network connector.
2. Attach the unit to the parallel port of the desired
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M305 INSTALLATION
V1.0 11
printer. Ensure that the printer is turned off when you
plug in the print server.
3. Turn the printer on and unpack and plug in the M305’s
power supply. The connector plugs into the back of the
M305.
Watch the lights on the front panel of the device as they
cycle through the power-on self test. When the test is com-
plete, the STAT LED will flash once per second (twice per
second if there is no IP address configured).
Figure 4: Physical Setup
Dipswitches
On the back of the M305 you will find two dipswitches
labeled 1 and 2. Their functions are explained in Table 3 on
page 12:
M305
Printer
Network
Power
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M305 INSTALLATION
12 V1.0
Table 3: Dipswitch Settings
Dipswitch
1 2 Comments
off off Normal operation. With both
dipswitches in the “off” position, the
unit will boot up using the settings
in Flash rather than the default set-
tings. Dipswitch 2 is in the “off”
position from the factory so that the
new settings that you store will be
used.
on off Factory default settings. With the
dipswitches in this configuration,
the unit will boot up and all settings
stored in Flash will be erased except
the Ethernet address and key value.
off on Default IP. With the dipswitches in
this configuration, the unit will boot
with factory default settings. How-
ever, the stored settings in flash are
intact. Setting dipswitch 2 to “on”
will not clear any settings that you
have stored in Flash. It simply boots
the unit in a different state with the
settings in Flash temporarily
ignored.
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M305 INSTALLATION
V1.0 13
on on If the unit is connected to a network
with link integrity and then reset to
MOS, a download will be forced. If
the unit is not connected to a net-
work, it will print a test page.
Table 3: Dipswitch Settings
Dipswitch
1 2 Comments
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M305 INSTALLATION
14 V1.0
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