NBase-Xyplex MAXserver 1608A User manual

Getting Started
With
MAXserver™ Access Servers
Models 1604, 1608A/B, 1620 and 1640
NBase-Xyplex
295 Foster St.
Littleton, MA 01460
1-800-435-7997 (U.S.)
[phone] (International)
Email: [e-mail]
451-0038D

0038
ii
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without
the prior written consent of NBase-Xyplex. The information in this
document is subject to change without notice and should not be construed as
a commitment by NBase-Xyplex. NBase-Xyplex reserves the right to revise
this publication, and to make changes in content from time to time, without
obligation to provide notification of such revision or changes. NBase-Xyplex
assumes no responsibility for errors that may appear in this document.
Copyright © 1997, 2000 by NBase-Xyplex. Printed in USA
Warranty
For Repair or Warranty information, refer to the ReadMe1st file that is
included on the CD shipped with the Software Kit. Should you experience
trouble with this equipment, please contact your NBase-Xyplex customer
support representative in the USA at 978-952-4700.

0038 iii

0038
iv
CAUTION
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, can cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be
determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to
try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
· Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
· Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
· Connect the power cord of the equipment into an outlet on a circuit that
is different from that to which the receiver is connected.
· Consult the dealer or experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by NBase-Xyplex could
void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

0038 v
VCCI
Translation:
This is a Class B product based on the standard of the Voluntary Control
Council for Interference from Information Technology Equipment (VCCI). If
this is used near a radio or television receiver in a domestic environment, it
may cause radio interference. Install and use the equipment according to the
instruction manual.

0038 vii
Table of Contents
About the MAXserver.....................................................................................13
Supported Communication Speeds...........................................................................15
Software Requirements..............................................................................................15
Downloading Software...............................................................................................16
Configuration Options................................................................................................17
Related Publications...................................................................................................19
Installation......................................................................................................20
Unpack and Inspect the Unit....................................................................................21
Place the Unit on a Flat Surface or Mount on Rack................................................21
Rack Mount Installation (optional)...........................................................................22
Insert the Flash Card (if Supplied)...........................................................................23
Connecting the Ethernet Interface...........................................................................24
Connect the Power Cable...........................................................................................26
Front Panel LEDs - MAXserver 1620/1640..............................................................27
Front Panel LEDs - MAXserver 1604/1608B............................................................27
Port Status LEDs........................................................................................................29
Connect Serial Device Cables....................................................................................29
Additional Considerations for an Internet Environment........................................30
Factory Defaults Settings..........................................................................................30
Autobauding Feature.................................................................................................31
Reinitializing/Powering Off the Unit........................................................................33
Resetting the MAXserver...........................................................................................33
Connecting Other Devices.........................................................................................36
Logging in to the Access Server...................................................................37
Telneting into the Access Server Console Port...........................................39
Changing the Telnet Remote Port.............................................................................42
Passwords......................................................................................................42
Login Password...........................................................................................................43
Privilege Password.....................................................................................................43
Lost Passwords...........................................................................................................45
Time-Sensitive Passwords.........................................................................................45
Prompts...........................................................................................................46
Login Password Prompt.............................................................................................46
Configurable Username and Password Prompts......................................................46
Privileges........................................................................................................48

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viii
Flash Cards.....................................................................................................51
Loading the Image File
................................
................................
..............................
51
Changing the Software Image Filename
................................
................................
...
52
Copying Flash Cards
................................
................................
................................
..
53
Deleting Flash Cards
................................
................................
................................
..
53
Displaying the Flash Card Settings
................................
................................
..........
53
Updating Images
................................
................................
................................
........
55
Rebooting........................................................................................................57
INITIALIZE DELAY Command
................................
................................
................
57
Cabling Considerations .................................................................................60
Ordering Cables
................................
................................
................................
..........
60
Cabling Types
................................
................................
................................
.............
60
Modem Control/Hardware Flow Control
................................
................................
...
61
Making Your Own RJ-45 Cables
................................
................................
................
62
RJ-45 Wiring Considerations
................................
................................
.....................
63
Modular Adapters (RJ-45 to DB-25)
................................
................................
..........
64
Using Existing MAXserver 1000-series Cabling
................................
.......................
64
DEConnect RJ-45 Cables
................................
................................
...........................
67
Octopus Cables
................................
................................
................................
............
68
Connecting to a Distribution Panel
................................
................................
...........
70
Pin Assignments ............................................................................................78
10Base-T Connector
................................
................................
................................
....
78
RJ-45 and DB-25 Pins
................................
................................
................................
79
Using the Configuration Menu.......................................................................80
Loading Software Image and Parameters
................................
................................
.
81
Displaying Load Status Messages
................................
................................
.............
81
Loading Protocols
................................
................................
................................
........
82
Accessing the Configuration Menu
................................
................................
............
83
About the Configuration Menu
................................
................................
..................
84
Display Configuration
................................
................................
................................
84
Displaying Initialization Records
................................
................................
..............
85
Displaying Miscellaneous Unit Configurations
................................
........................
87
Loading and Dumping Protocols
................................
................................
................
88
Displaying the Software Load Host
................................
................................
...........
88
Displaying the Parameter Server
................................
................................
..............
88
Modify Unit Configuration
................................
................................
.........................
90
Creating a Customized Configuration
................................
................................
.......
92
Defining Parameter Loading Methods
................................
................................
......
95

0038 ix
Defining Dumping Methods
................................
................................
.......................
96
Defining IP Addresses
................................
................................
................................
99
Miscellaneous Unit Configuration
................................
................................
..........
100
Resetting the Unit’s Load and Dump Protocols to Factory Defaults
....................
102
Initializing Server and Port Parameters
................................
................................
104
Revert to Stored Configuration
................................
................................
...............
104
Exit Saving Configuration Changes
................................
................................
........
105
Exit Without Saving Configuration Changes
................................
.........................
105
Command Line Interface..............................................................................107
Displaying an Initialization Record
................................
................................
........
107
Enabling/Disabling Image and Parameter Protocols
................................
.............
109
Naming Load Files
................................
................................
................................
...
112
Retrieving Image Files from Host
................................
................................
...........
113
Terminating Image File Loading
................................
................................
............
113
Dump Protocols
................................
................................
................................
.........
113
Assigning IP Addresses
................................
................................
............................
114
Resetting Initialization Parameters To Default Values
................................
........
117
Displaying Initialization Parameters
................................
................................
......
117
Displaying the Software Load Host
................................
................................
........
118
Displaying the Parameter Server
................................
................................
............
118
Protocols
................................
................................
................................
....................
119
Setting Up MaxServer Ports for Out-of-band Management of Console Port
Devices..........................................................................................................123
Accessing the Out-of-band Management Console Port............................126
Accessing from an Ethernet-attached Station
................................
........................
126
Accessing from a Dumb Terminal Attached to a MaxServer Serial Port
.............
126
Troubleshooting...........................................................................................128
Startup/Loading Problems
................................
................................
.......................
128
Startup Error Codes
................................
................................
................................
.
129
Common Error Codes
................................
................................
...............................
131
Power Up and Re-initialization Problems
................................
..............................
132
Network Loading Problems
................................
................................
.....................
133
Loading Problems
................................
................................
................................
.....
134
Load Server Errors
................................
................................
................................
...
135
SIMMs Installation........................................................................................142
Recommended SIMMs Manufacturers
................................
................................
....
142
MAXserver Memory Requirements
................................
................................
.........
144
Installation
................................
................................
................................
................
144
Verifying Memory Installation Using Commands
................................
.................
149

0038x
Verifying Memory Installation Using the Configuration Menu............................149
Removing SIMMs......................................................................................................152
Removing SIMMs from the MAXserver..................................................................153
Technical Specifications..............................................................................155
Index
Figures
Figure 1 - Sample SHOW UNIT Display..................................................................16
Figure 2 - Sample FocalPoint Configuration............................................................18
Figure 3 - Mounting a MAXserver in Rack...............................................................23
Figure 4 - MAXserver 1620/1640, Rear View............................................................24
Figure 5 - MAXserver 1604/1608B, Rear View........................................................25
Figure 6 - MAXserver 1620/1640 Front Panel..........................................................27
Figure 7 - MAXserver 1604 Front Panel...................................................................28
Figure 8 - Serial Device Connector (RJ-45) Signal Assignments............................29
Figure 9 - Monitor Parameter Server Display..........................................................34
Figure 10 - RESET Switch Location..........................................................................35
Figure 11 - Sample SHOW PORT 0 TELNET CHARACTERISTICS Display.......40
Figure 12 - Crossover and Straight-through Wiring Schemes................................64
Figure 13 - Adapter Wiring, MAXserver to DTE......................................................65
Figure 14 - Adapter Wiring, MAXserver to DCE......................................................66
Figure 15 - MAXserver DEConnect Cable................................................................68
Figure 16 - Octopus Cable with 50-pin Telco Connector..........................................69
Figure 17 - Octopus Cable With 36-pin Female DEConnect Connector.................69
Figure 18 - Octopus Cable With 36-pin Male DEConnect connector......................70
Figure 19 - Connecting a MAXserver to DB-25 Distribution Panel........................71
Figure 20 - Modular Cables for Connecting a Modem (6-Wire)...............................73
Figure 21 - Modular Cables for Connecting a Modem (7-Wire)...............................74
Figure 22 - Modular Cables for RTS/CTS Flow Control (7-Wire)............................75
Figure 23 - Modular Cables for Connecting a Modem (Eight-Wire)........................76
Figure 24 - Modular Cables for RTS/CTS Flow Control (Eight-Wire).....................77
Figure 25 - Ethernet 15-Pin AUI Connector Assignments......................................78
Figure 26 - 10Base-T Connector Assignments..........................................................79
Figure 27 - RJ-45, DB-25 Pins...................................................................................79
Figure 28 - Access Server Configuration Menu........................................................84
Figure 29 - Display Unit Configuration Menu..........................................................85
Figure 30 - Sample Unit Configuration Display.......................................................86
Figure 31 - Sample Miscellaneous Configuration Display.......................................87
Figure 32 - The Modify Unit Configuration Menu...................................................91

0038 xi
Figure 33 - Sample Primary Initialization Record Display
................................
...
108
Figure 34 - Primary Initialization Record Display
................................
.................
118
Figure 35 - Sample Error Code Display
................................
................................
..
130
Figure 36 - Typical SIMM
................................
................................
........................
144
Figure 37 - Removing the Screws Securing the Cover
................................
..........
145
Figure 38 - Location of SIMM Sockets
................................
................................
....
146
Figure 39 - Inserting SIMM into Socket
................................
................................
.
148
Figure 40 - MAXserver Access server Configuration Menu
................................
..
151
Figure 41 - Sample Display Unit Configuration Display
................................
.......
151
Figure 42 - Sample Miscellaneous Configuration Display
................................
.....
152
Figure 43 - Removing SIMMs
................................
................................
..................
154

Getting Started with MAXserver Access Servers
0038 13
About the MAXserver
The MAXservers are standalone access servers that provide:
Serial Ports – The MAXserver is available in the following configurations:
· The MAXserver 1620 provides 20 asynchronous serial communication
ports with RJ-45 interfaces.
· The MAXserver 1640 provides 40 asynchronous serial communication
ports with RJ-45 interfaces. (See Figure 4 for connector signal
assignments.)
· The MAXserver 1608 provides 8 asynchronous serial communication
ports with RJ-45 interfaces.
· The MAXserver 1604 provides 4 asynchronous serial communication
ports with RJ-45 interfaces.
Figure 4 and Figure 5 show rear and front views of the MAXserver 1620 and
MAXserver 1640. Figure 6 and Figure 8 show rear and front views of the
MAXserver 1608A and MAXserver 1604.
NOTE: The front and rear panels of the MAXserver 1608A are
identical to the MAXserver 1620 and 1640 except for the
number of ports available.
Ethernet Interfaces -- A 15-pin standard Ethernet Interface Attachment
Unit Interface (AUI) connector and a 10Base-T Ethernet interface (RJ-45
connector). (See Figure 15 for AUI connector signal assignments.)
TCP/IP and LAT Protocol Support -- The MAXserver provides
concurrent support for the DEC Local Area Transport (LAT®) and TCP/IP
protocols.

Getting Started with MAXserver Access Servers
0038
14
Flash Card -- An optional card, from which the unit can load its operating
software.
The MAXserver can also load software from the flash card to other NBase-
Xyplex access server units on the network for which it has a load image.
Network Software Loading -- If you order a MAXserver without a flash
card, the unit loads its operating software from a network host called a load
server. The load server is typically a UNIX Ô or VAX/VMS Ô system.
However, you can also use a MAXserver Manager card (MAXman) or
another MAXserver. The load server downloads a software image to the
MAXserver over the network whenever the access server is powered on or
re-initialized. The load serverm can support other devices as well.
Expandable Memory – All MAXserver units are shipped with 4 MB of
factory installed memory. The memory can be expanded in 2 MB
increments, up to 8 MB, using SIMM memory modules. SIMMs should be
installed by qualified personnel only. To upgrade your MAXserver, contact
your NBase-Xyplex sales representative or distributor. Installation
instructions are provided later in this Guide.
Concurrent Flow Control and Modem Control Support -- The
MAXserver provides concurrent support for RTS/CTS flow control signals
and modem control; signals on all ports. Adapters are available to support
cabling to MAXserver ports when these signals are used. In most cases, the
MAXserver can also use standard MAXserver 1000-series cabling, if support
for the new signals is not required.

Getting Started with MAXserver Access Servers
0038 15
Supported Communication Speeds
MAXserver Communication Speed
MAXserver 1604 50 - 115.2 Kbps
MAXserver 1608A/B 50 - 115.2 Kbps
MAXserver 1620 50 - 115.2 Kbps
MAXserver 1640 50 bps to 57.6 Kbps
Software Requirements
MAXserver Minimum Software Requirements
1608A, 1620, 1640 Release 5.3 or higher
1604 and 1608B Release 6.0.3 or higher
NOTE: If you are unsure of the software version you are running,
enter the SHOW UNIT command at the Xyplex prompt to
display the unit’s current software version.

Getting Started with MAXserver Access Servers
0038
16
Hardware Type: 86
Hardware Revision: 00.00.00
Rom Revision: 470000
Software Type: Access Server Level 4
Software Revision: V6.1
Protocol Type: LAT, TELNET, RLOGIN, TN3270, ARAP, SNMP, PPP, IPX,
XPRINTER
Daemon(s): LPD
Enabled Feature(s): APD, HELP, INTERNET SECURITY, IP FILTERING,
IPX FILTERING, ULI, SECURID, MENU, NESTED MENUS,
KERBEROS, RADIUS
APD Message:
AutoProtocolDetect - Begin protocol or enter 4 returns for interactive mode.
Figure 1 - Sample SHOW UNIT Display
Downloading Software
MAXservers are configured at the factory to load software from a flash card,
if one is inserted in the card slot. If a card is not present, the unit requests
software from a network load server, which can be:
· A MAXserver that is equipped with a flash card
· A MAXserver Manager (MAXMAN) card or Network 9000 processor
module
· A VAX/VMS host system, from which the unit can load via DEC
Maintenance Operations Protocol (MOP)
· A UNIX system running:
- Bootstrap protocol (BOOTP) and Trivial File Transfer Protocol
(TFTP), or
- Reverse Address Resolution Protocol (RARP) and TFTP

Getting Started with MAXserver Access Servers
0038 17
The load server downloads a software image to the MAXserver, over the
network, whenever the unit is powered on or re-initialized. By default, the
unit requests software from each type of load server, until a server responds
with a software load offer.
If you need to install software on a network load server, refer to the Software
Installation Guide for the type of load server you plan to use.
Configuration Options
There are two Graphical User Interface configuration utilities that you can
use instead of using the Access Server Configuration Menu or the Command
Line interface to configure the MAXserver. These utilities simplify the task
of configuring MAXservers - FocalPoint and ControlPoint.
About FocalPoint
FocalPoint for Access Servers is a Windows-based configuration utility with
a point-and-click graphical interface (GUI) designed to step you through the
process of configuring MAXservers.
FocalPoint guides you through the logical progression of setup choices
complete with default settings and context-sensitive online help.Using
FocalPoint to configure the MAXserver eliminates the need to learn a
complex command line interface.
FocalPoint automatically ships free of charge on the software and
documentation CD with all Network 3000, Route Runners, MAXserver, and
720 Series Access Server modules for the Network 9000. The latest versions
of FocalPoint software are also available from the NBase-Xyplex Web Site.

Getting Started with MAXserver Access Servers
0038
18
To use FocalPoint, simply load the software from the CD that was shipped
with the MAXserver. From FocalPoint, you can select your MAXserver
model and also provide all pertinent information before you can advance to
the next step. FocalPoint will not prompt you for options not available to
your system.
Figure 2 - Sample FocalPoint Configuration
About ControlPoint
The ControlPoint network management application is standards-based,
portable and runs on inductry-leading network management platforms such
as Microsoft Windows 95 and NT, Sun Microsystems (SunNet Manager) and
Hewlett Packard (HP OpenView).

Getting Started with MAXserver Access Servers
0038 19
ControlPoint is tailored for NBase-Xyplex devices. It provides easy
configuration through a simple point-and-click Graphical User Interface
(GUI). ControlPoint’s Policy Manager reduces the risk of error, simplifies
repetitive tasks, and saves network administrators time. A trend analysis
application provides monitoring and graphing of long-term internetworking
trends. To order ControlPoint, contact your NBase-Xyplex Sales
Representative.
Related Publications
The following publications are useful to persons who install and manage
NBase-Xyplex access servers. The following publications were included on the
CD with your access server software. To obtain hard copies, contact your
NBase-Xyplex sales representative or distributor.
MAXserver Documentation
Document Title Document Number
Basic Configuration Guide 451-0084
Advanced Configuration Guide 420-0558
Printer Configuration Guide 451-0112
Commands Reference Guide 420-0559
Error Messages Reference Guide 451-0049
Using the Xyplex ULI 451-0062
Using the Xyplex APGEN Utility 451-0065
Software Installation Guides
UNIX
VAX/VMS
Xyplex Loader
420-0390
420-0391
420-0392

Getting Started with MAXserver Access Servers
0038
20
Installation
This section explains how to install a MAXserver and place it into operation.
The basic installation consists of the following procedures:
1. Unpack the unit, check the contents against the packing list, and inspect
for possible damage during shipping.
2. Mount the unit in a standard 19" rack or place it on a suitable flat
surface (19" x 15").
3. If the unit is equipped with a flash card, insert the into the card slot on
the front of the unit.
NOTE: NBase-Xyplex recommends that you wear a
grounded wrist strap when you insert the card.
If none is available, ground yourself by placing
one hand on the unit (or another grounded
object), before you insert the flash card, to
prevent static from being discharged into the
unit.
4. If the unit is not equipped with a flash card, verify that Release 5.3 or
greater of Access Server software is installed in the network (Release
6.0.3 or higher if using the MAXserver 1604 or 1608B).
5. If you are installing a unit that is equipped with a flash card, as well as
units that are not, install the unit with the flash card first. That unit
can then serve as a load server for the other units.
6. Connect the Ethernet transceiver cable or 10Base-T network cable to the
unit.