Multitech CommPlete 4000 User manual

CommPlete 4000
Communications Server
User Guide

2CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview
CommPlete 4000 Communications Server
User Guide
82098675, Revision A
This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior expressed written
permission from Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
Copyright © 1999, by Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents
hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any
particular purpose. Furthermore, Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. reserves the right to revise this
publication and to make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. to notify any person or organization of such revisions or changes.
Record of Revisions
RevisionDescription
AManual released. All pages at revision A.
(12/1/99)
Patents
This product is covered by one or more of the following U.S. Patent Numbers: 5.301.274;
5.309.562; 5.355.365; 5.355.653; 5.452.289; 5.453.986. Other Patents Pending.
TrademarksTrademarks of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. are as follows: CommPlete, RASExpress,
MultiExpressFax, and the Multi-Tech logo.
CompuServe is a trademark of CompuServe, Inc.
Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
2205 Woodale Drive
Mounds View, Minnesota 55112
[phone] or [phone]
Fax [phone]
Tech Support [phone]
Internet Address: http://www.multitech.com

CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview 3
Contents
1 System Overview
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 6
Product Overview .............................................................................................................................. 6
RASExpress V5.31 ............................................................................................................................ 6
Documentation Set Overview .............................................................................................................. 7
Technical Specifications ..................................................................................................................... 8
Chassis ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Power Supply ................................................................................................................................... 8
AC Input .......................................................................................................................................... 8
DC Output ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Dimensions ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Environmental .................................................................................................................................. 9
2 Installing Your CommPlete 4000
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 12
Unpacking ...................................................................................................................................... 12
Safety Warnings ............................................................................................................................. 12
Rack Mounting ................................................................................................................................12
Cable Connections .......................................................................................................................... 12
SBC Board Cabling .......................................................................................................................... 13
ISI Board Cabling ............................................................................................................................ 14
Serial Card Upgrades ...................................................................................................................... 14
NIC Cabling .................................................................................................................................... 15
Powering Up ................................................................................................................................... 16
3 Getting Started with RASExpress
Quick Start with RASExpress ............................................................................................................ 18
4 Hardware Removal/Replacement
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 24
Disconnecting Cables and Removal from Enclosure ............................................................................. 24
Card Cage Removal/Replacement ..................................................................................................... 25
Board Removal and Replacement ...................................................................................................... 27
Removing SBC Board ...................................................................................................................... 27
Removing NIC Board ....................................................................................................................... 28
Removing ISI Boards ....................................................................................................................... 29
Hard Disk Drive Removal/Replacement .............................................................................................. 30
Floppy Disk Drive Removal/Replacement ............................................................................................ 30
CDROM Removal/Replacement ......................................................................................................... 31
Power Supply Removal/Replacement ................................................................................................. 31
5 Troubleshooting
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 34
Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................. 34
Diagnostic Tests .............................................................................................................................. 35
Calling Technical Support ................................................................................................................. 35
6 Service, Warranty, and Technical Support
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 38

4CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview
Limited Warranty ............................................................................................................................ 38
Tech Support .................................................................................................................................. 38
Recording CommPlete 4000 Information ..................................................................................... 38
Service .......................................................................................................................................... 39
About the Multi-Tech BBS ................................................................................................................. 39
How to Use the Multi-Tech BBS ...................................................................................................39
About the Internet ........................................................................................................................... 40
About the Multi-Tech Fax-Back Service ............................................................................................... 40
Appendices
Appendix ABack Panel Connector Pinouts ........................................................................................ 42
VGA 15-Pin Connector .............................................................................................................. 42
9-Pin DB9 (COM 1) Connector .....................................................................................................42
6-Pin Circular Jack..................................................................................................................... 43
RJ-45 Connector ....................................................................................................................... 44
34-Pin Floppy Disk Drive Connector ............................................................................................. 44
Printer Port Connector ............................................................................................................... 45
COM 2 Port Connector ............................................................................................................... 45
Hard Disk Connector .................................................................................................................. 45
Appendix BRegulatory Information .................................................................................................. 46
FCC Regulations for Telephone Line Interconnection ...................................................................... 46
Canadian Limitations Notice ........................................................................................................ 47
Compliance with BABT Requirements .......................................................................................... 47
European Low Voltage Directive .................................................................................................. 49
Compliance with BS6305 Clause 6.2, BS6320 Clause 7.2, and BABT/SITS/82/005S/D ........................ 49
Compliance with BS6789: Section 3.1 and Part 2 .......................................................................... 49
Compliance with BS6328 Part 1 .................................................................................................. 50
EMC, Safety, and Terminal Directive Compliance ........................................................................... 50

CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview 5
1 System Overview

6CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview
System Overview
Introduction
The CommPlete 4000 Communications Server is a single-segment, rack mountable
communications server. It is customized for dedicated turnkey operation of LAN-based
communications and remote access server functions. The CommPlete 4000 is a general
purpose, turnkey communications server that easily interfaces to any existing Novell, Windows
NT, or IP network.
Figure 1-1. CommPlete 4000 Communications Server
Product Overview
The CommPlete 4000 is a ruggedized, highly expandable 19" rack mount device that includes a
built-in hard drive, 3.5" floppy drive, and a slot for a CD-ROM drive. It has five circuit-board
slots: four are PCI compatible, and one accommodates either a PCI or ISA card. (Each
CommPlete 4000 model is shipped with a Network Interface Card and a MultiModem ISI card.
These occupy two slots, leaving three slots for expansion cards.) A separate slot supports the
single board computer (SBC) that is the heart of the system. A user configurable card cage
allows for up to 32 V.90 (56kbps, KFlex) internal modems or up to 32 high speed serial ports.
The CommPlete 4000 is shipped with factory-installed RASExpress server software for remote-
access functionality. Each CommPlete 4000 has a default configuration that allows it to boot as
a RAS unit.
The four CommPlete 4000 models differ according to the serial interface card used. The
different serial interface cards offer, variously, serial ports for external modems, built-in
modems, or built-in modems and terminal adapters:
Model CC4S-8 with the ISI4608PCI serial card -- has serial port connections for eight
external modems.
Model CC4M-8 with the ISI5634PCI/8 serial card -- has eight built-in modems
Model CC4H-4S with the ISIHP-4S serial card -- provides four ISDN terminal adapters
using the S interface as well as eight analog modems (allowing eight concurrent
sessions)
Model CC4H-4U with the ISIHP-4U serial card -- provides four ISDN terminal adapters
using the U interface as well as eight analog modems (allowing eight concurrent
sessions)
The CommPlete 4000 has expansion capability for up to three additional MultiModem ISI circuit
cards (for additional modems/TAs). When multiple serial-interface cards are used, the
CommPlete accommodates or includes as many as 32 communications devices. While it is
most common to use multiple ISI cards all of the same type, you can equip a single CommPlete
4000 unit with more than one type of ISI card.

CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview 7
RASExpress
The CommPlete 4000 is equipped with factory installed RASExpress, an advanced remote
access software that enables network managers to configure and manage remote servers via
web browsers, through Telnet over an IP network, and via a GUI manager over both IP and IPX
networks. Through an a special software package bundled with the CommPlete 4000,
RASExpress can also be interfaced to standard Radius Authentication functionality (which
resides on a separate PC). Radius Authentication ensures security against unauthorized server
access, and includes an integrated Telnet server and Client. Built-in R log protocol support
permits remote log-in to all hosts on the network and RASExpress can facilitate remote
software upgrades via standard TFTP protocol.
Ethernet Concentrator
Printer
EtherNet
LAN
Terminals
12345678 910111213141516
Ethernet10BASET Concentrator
ModelEN516TP/CA Active Hub for UTPNetworks
File
Server
Print
Server
RASExpress
Software
SBC
Network
Interface
Card
NIC Dial-Up
Lines
ISI5634PCI/8
Intelligent Serial
Interface Cards
ISI5634PCI/8
ISI5634PCI/8
ISI5634PCI/8
CommPlete 4000
Single Processor
Data Communications Server
Figure 1-2. Typical RASExpress Application
Additional noteworthy features include:
 Support for DHCP, a time saving feature that dynamically allocates IP addresses instead of
requiring network managers to allocate them manually
 Built-in SNMP agent enables third-party SNMP manager to administer the box
 Support of IP and IPX header compression and IP VJC header compression for increased
performance
 Call back support for Windows 95 client
 Remote Access Security on a per use basis for accessing IP only, IPX only, or both IP and IPX
 Keyboard or mouse operation
 Standard or User-defineable cover page
 Built-in web, telnet, and FTP access
Documentation Set Overview
The CommPlete 4000 documentation set includes individual hardware and software manuals
separated by tabs labeled with the manual titles. Updates are available from the Multi-Tech
web site, FTP site, and BBS.
Individual titles in your CommPlete 4000 documentation set include the following:
 CommPlete 4000 Quick Start Guide (printed)
 System Overview and Chassis Manual (this present online document)
 Single Board Computer User Guide (online)
 PCI Ethernet Network Interface Card (10/100Mb) (online)

8CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview
 RASExpress User Guide (online)
 RADIUS Server User Guide (online)
 Serial Card documentation: ISI4608PCI, ISI5634PCI/8, ISIHP-2S/2U/4S/4U/4SD (online)
Technical Specifications
The CommPlete 4000 conforms to the following technical specifications.
Chassis
 6-slot PCI/ISA backplane
 SBC
 10/100Mb PCI EtherNet NIC
 One half-height 1.44Mb 3½-inch floppy disk drive
 One half-height IDE hard disk drive
 One power supply
 Power on/off switch on front panel with built in power LED.
 Full security locking
 Intelligent Serial Interface card with or without modems/TAs (ISI4608PCI, ISI5634PCI/8,
ISIHP-4S, or ISIHP-4U)
Power Supply
AC Input
 Power requirement: 100-120/220-240V; 6A/3A (RMS) selectable by slide switch
 Frequency: 50-60 Hz
 Efficiency: >65% @ full load, nominal line
DC Output
 Output: +5 @ 25A
+12 @ 10A
-5 @ 0.5A
-12 @ 0.5A
 Inrush current: <30A peak @ 115VAC, cold start at 25oC
 Line regulation: +/- 5% at full load for +/-5V, +/-12V, +/-10% for -12V
 Hold Time: 12ms at full load @ 115VAC
Note: 3.3 volts, DC, is available at PCI expansion slots on one side of the backplane only. This
does not affect MultiTech ISI cards because they do not require 3.3-volts from the backplane.
However, PCI expansion cards made by some other manufacturers may require3.3 volts. Any
such boards must be installed in the CommPlete 4000 backplane on the side of the chassis
where the Single-Board Computer is located. Since there is no 3.3-volt supply on the other

CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview 9
side of the backplane, such PCI expansion cards will not operate properly in those positions.
Dimensions
 Height: 5.25 inches
 Width: 19 inches
 Depth: 17 inches
 Weight: 31 lbs. (14kg)
Environmental
 Temperature: 040oC
 Humidity: 1090% RH noncondensing
 Fan Rating: 25 cfm

10 CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview

CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview 11
2 Installing Your
CommPlete 4000

12 CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview
Introduction
This chapter explains how to set up and connect cables for the CommPlete 4000. This product
is ready to be connected to the end-user's Ethernet concentrator. It is preconfigured to
operate as a communications server. The operator must make modem/terminal-adapter
connections, link up the VGA monitor and keyboard, boot the system, and enter some basic
information. To connect the cables to the SBC, NIC, or ISI board, see the Cable Connections
section of this chapter.
Unpacking
Check the items on the CommPlete 4000 shipping list to ensure that you have received the
correct options and accessories. Unpack the unit and inspect it for visible shipping damage. If
damage is observed, do not power-on the unit; contact Multi-Tech's Tech Support for advice.
If no damage is observed, place the CommPlete 4000 in its final location.
Safety Warnings
 Never install telephone wiring during a lightning storm.
 Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet
locations.
 Never touch uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the telephone line has been
disconnected at the network interface.
 Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.
 Avoid using a telephone (other than a cordless type) during an electrical storm. There may be
a remote risk of electrical shock from lightning.
 Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
Rack Mounting
Caution: To prevent personal injury or damage to the unit, two people should mount the
CommPlete 4000 into the rack enclosure.
The CommPlete 4000 fits in a standard 19-inch rack enclosure. Attach it securely to the rack
enclosure with the four mounting screws included in your CommPlete 4000 kit.
Note: To keep the server cool enough, you need at least one inch of clearance behind the unit
to allow air flow. If mounted in a rack enclosure or as a desktop unit, there must be a
minimum of one inch between the back of the CommPlete 4000 and any wall or barrier.
Cable Connections
The operator must connect the Network Interface Card to the network and the serial interface
card(s) to their related external devices or telephony connections. If the ISI5634PCI/8 is used,
the supplied special cables with two sizes of modular phone plugs must be used to connect that
boards built-in modems to the phone lines.
If the ISI4608PCI is used, connections between it and external modems are made via the
supplied octopus cable going between the DB-78 connector on the ISI4608PCI board and the
DB-25 connectors on the individual modems. (RJ-11 connectors connect the modems to the
phone jacks.)

CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview 13
If the ISIHP-4S or -4U are used, each ISIHP card accepts as many as four RJ-45 connectors to
accommodate ISDN BRI lines. (The modem connections that accommodate analog calls are
internal to the ISIHP board. That is, when the V.90 modem module is installed, each ISDN B-
channel connects to a V.90 modem via a digital connection. These digital connections allow
analog callers using 56K modems to receive 56k downloads from the ISIHPs modems.)
The SBC board has cable connectors for adding a monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse or other
serial device (on COM1). Cable connectors and boards are shown in Figure 2-1.
ISI Boards
120
Cover Mounting
Screws
Cover
Network
Interface
Card
COM 2
(DB15)
Printer Port
(DB25)
SBC Backplane
Power Supply
100M LINK ACT
Figure 2-1. Back Panel Connectors
SBC Board Cabling
The SBC board is located in the CommPlete 4000 as shown in Figure 2-1. The SBC board
cabling may involve connection to three back panel connectors (see Figure 2-2). The back
panel connectors are:
 Video connector
 COM 1 connector
 Keyboard connector
SBC
Backplane
6-Pin Circular Jack
(To External Keyboard)
DB9 (male) Connector
(to COM 1 Serial Port)
15-Pin Video
Connector
(to External
Display Monitor)
120
100M LINK ACT
Fig. 2-2. SBC Backplane Connections
The right connector (COM 1) on the SBCs backplane typically accommodates a mouse or other
pointing device. The middle receptacle connects the video cable to a monitor. The left round
connector is for the keyboard. The SBC connector pinouts are shown and defined in Appendix
A.
Note: Any cables connected to the CommPlete 4000 should be shielded to reduce interference.
ISI Board Cabling
Each Intelligent Serial Interface card (ISI5634PCI/8, ISI4608PCI, or ISIHP-2S/2U) takes up one
physical slot in the CommPlete 4000. Depending on your configuration, you may have as many
as four of these cards (see Figure 2-1). Attach the line cords (RJ-12 for analog phone lines;
RJ-45 for ISDN phone lines) to the line connectors on the ISI card(s) at the back of your
CommPlete 4000 as shown in Figure 2-3.

14 CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview
ISI5634PCI/8 Board
120
100M LINK ACT
RJ12 Line Jacks
Figure 2-3: ISI Board Connectors (ISI5634PCI/8 shown; other MultiModem ISI cards differ)
Note: Any cables connected to the CommPlete 4000 should be shielded to reduce interference.
Note that the two top expansion slots share a data interrupt signal on the PCI bus.
Consequently, if both slots are used, they must be occupied with identical devices (and the
device drivers must be identical). This is a constraint of PCI bus architecture. Also, the device
drivers must support interrupt-sharing. The drivers for the MultiTech ISI card do support
interrupt-sharing
120
100M LINK ACT
Shared Interrupt
for Top Slots.
Identical Devices Required.
Figure 2-3b. Top Slots Require Identical Devices
Serial Card Upgrades
As shown in Figure 2-3c, installation of expansion cards is simpler in the outer slots than in the
inner expansion slot.

CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview 15
}
Shipped Configuration
120
100M LINK ACT
120
100M LINK ACT
Preferred
expansion
slots
120
100M LINK ACT
Installing expansion card here
requires removal of card cage.
Figure 2-3c. Convenience of using outer expansion slots before the inner slot
NIC Cabling
The 10/100Mb PCI EtherNet Network Interface Card is located as shown in Figure 2-4. The
NIC has a single RJ-45 connector and three LEDs.
Network
Interface
Card
120
RJ-45 UTP
Connector
100M
LINK
ACT
100M LINK ACT
Fig. 2-4. NIC Board Connectors
Connect the appropriate network cable to the NIC in the CommPlete 4000. The RJ-45 NIC
connector is shown and defined in Appendix A.
Note: Any cables connected to the CommPlete 4000 should be shielded to reduce interference.

16 CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview

CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview 17
3 Getting Started with
RASExpress

18 CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview
Quick Start with RASExpress
MultiTech Systems has preinstalled RASExpress server software on your CommPlete 4000 to
make configuration as simple as possible. For your convenience, a copy of the RASExpress
Installation program is on the CD-ROM shipped with the CommPlete 4000. Complete the
procedure below to put your CommPlete 4000 into operation as a Remote Access Server.
What you need to start
 The CommPlete 4000 Server
 A dumb terminal or an auxiliary PC (other than the CommPlete 4000 itself) that can
operate in terminal mode
 A shielded RS-232C serial cable with a female DB-9 connector on one end and a
connector to match the serial port of the terminal or auxiliary PC on the other end
(supplied)
 An IP Address assigned to the CommPlete 4000 server
 An IP Subnet Mask assigned to the CommPlete 4000 server
 Optional: a client PC connected to the CommPlete 4000s network and equipped with
Telnet, a browser, or MultiManager
Accessing RASExpress
To configure the CommPlete 4000 as a RASExpress server, you must first connect a terminal
or auxiliary PC to the CommPlete 4000s serial port. Then you must enable IP Remote
Access and program the IP Address and IP Subnet Mask into the CommPlete 4000. After
the IP Address and IP Subnet Mask have been entered into the CommPlete 4000, you can
either:
(a) continue using the terminal or auxiliary PC to program other network settings into the
CommPlete 4000, or
(b) re-boot the CommPlete 4000 and then continue programming the CommPlete 4000s
network settings from a client PC connected to the LAN in which the CommPlete 4000 is
the RAS server.
Do this using Telnet, or a browser, or MultiManager.
The steps for both methods are presented below.
Method A. Do All Configuration using Terminal or Auxiliary PC
A1. Be sure that the CommPlete 4000 is connected to the LAN. Turn off the power for the
CommPlete 4000.

CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview 19
A2. Using the provided RS-232C serial cable, connect a terminal (or an auxiliary PC) to the
CommPlete 4000s serial port.
SBC
Backplane
6-Pin Circular Jack
(To External Keyboard)
Connect RS-232C
Serial Cable (female end)
here
15-Pin Video
Connector
(to External
Display Monitor)
120
100M LINK ACT
Dumb Terminal
or
Auxiliary PC
RS-
232C
Cable
COM 1
DB9 male
Figure 3-1: Serial port on the CommPlete 4000
A3. Power up the CommPlete 4000. The RASExpress Server Screen will appear.
Note: The server takes a few moments to load the RASExpress software and to initialize the
modems after it is turned on. Observe RAS software processing and displaying .
A4. Turn on the terminal (or auxiliary PC) and press Enter.
A5. Select Quick Configuration of Server.
A6. Enable IP Remote Access.
Note: Error messages will appear and will indicate that the remote addresses of the WAN ports
are not on the same subnet. This is normal for the initial setup. Ignore these messages.
A7. Type the IP Address for the CommPlete RASExpress server.
A8. Type the IP Subnet Mask.
A9. In the IP Default Route field, enter the router address for the LANs file server.
A10. If you want the RASExpress server to use IP Routing Information Protocol (RIP-2) for IP
routing, enable IP RIP.
A11. If you have enabled IP-RIP, you may enable IP Auto Learn Default Gateway.
When enabled, the RASExpress server will learn the correct default gateway if it was
configured incorrectly or if the configured gateway goes down and a different router starts
acting as a default router.
A12. In the Primary Name Server field and the Secondary Name Server fields,
type 000.000.000.000
unless you have made other arrangements.
A13. In the IP Frame Type field, select TYPE_II (the default value).

20 CommPlete 4000 Communications Server Overview
A14. If you set the Remote Client IP Address field to the value Configure Per
Port, follow these steps when this present Quick Configuration procedure is done:
i. From the terminal main menu, select Configuration of server
ii. Select Communication Setup.
iii. Select ISI Setup.
iv. Delete all ISI cards before saving and rebooting the server.
These steps correct the initial subnet error the next time the server loads.
If you set the Remote Client IP Address to any of these values (Use DHCP, or Use
Address Pool, Use Radius), go to step A15. If you selected Use Address Pool,
you must configure the address pool. See the RASExpress User Guide.
A15. When the above steps are complete, press Esc and save the changes to disk. You will
be asked to re-boot the server.
A16. Type Y and press Enter. The connection closes while the RASExpress server re-boots.
A new menu appears after the CommPlete 4000 has re-booted.
A17. To complete the configuration of the RASExpress server, select Configuration of
server from the main menu. For detailed information about the menu options, see
Chapter 3 of the RASExpress manual.
Method B. Start Configuration with Terminal, Finish Configuration on Client PC
To enable remote configuration of the RASExpress server, you must first configure the servers
IP settings, including the servers IP address. To do this, you must connect a terminal (or
auxiliary PC) to the servers serial port. After IP is configured and working, you can complete
the server configuration remotely through Telnet, through a browser, or through MultiManager
on a client PC connected to the LAN.
B1. Be sure that the CommPlete 4000 is connected to the LAN. Turn off the power for the
CommPlete 4000.
B2. Using the provided RS-232C serial cable, connect a terminal to the RASExpress servers
configuration port.