Systech Corporation RCS/5000 User manual

RCS/5000 and RCS/6000
Hardware
Manual
Document number 80-001048-1
Revision B

RCS/5000 and RCS/6000
Hardware
Manual

Document part number 80-001048-1
Revision History
Date Revision Description
7/10/00 A Initial production release
11/28/00 B Correction: RS-485/422
pinout for RCS/5000
Created 2000, and Protected Under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976.
Copyright © 2000, SYSTECH Corporation
All Rights Reserved
This document is subject to change without notice.

Agency Notifications
FCC Class A
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A 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
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with this manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the
interference at his/her own expense.

Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: OVERVIEW...........................................................................................3
Features...........................................................................................................................4
Using the RCS/5000 or RCS/6000...................................................................................5
CHAPTER 2: INSTALLING THE HARDWARE ..........................................................7
Overview..........................................................................................................................7
Planning the installation.................................................................................................7
RCS/5000 and RCS/6000 Panel Connectors..................................................................8
Connecting EIA-232 Devices ........................................................................................10
RCS/5000...................................................................................................................10
RCS/6000...................................................................................................................14
Connecting Parallel Printers to the RCS/5000 and RCS/6000....................................17
Synchronous Serial Devices ........................................................................................18
Ethernet LAN .................................................................................................................19
Adapting an RCS/6000 to an RCS/4000 or RCS/5000 Network...................................20
Starting the RCS/5000 or RCS/6000.............................................................................21
CHAPTER 3: PHYSICAL LAYER INTERFACE SETTINGS.....................................24
Connecting RS-422/485 Devices ..................................................................................24
RS-422/485 Point-to-point Configuration....................................................................25
RS-422/485 Bus Configurations .................................................................................25
Two-Wire System...................................................................................................................26
Four-Wire Systems.................................................................................................................26
Using the RCS Port Server in RS-422 or RS-485 Mode ..............................................27
Connecting the RCS Port Server................................................................................28
RCS/5000...............................................................................................................................28
RCS/6000...............................................................................................................................28
Configuring an RCS serial port for RS-422/485..........................................................29
CHAPTER 4: TROUBLESHOOTING........................................................................31
LED Displays .................................................................................................................31
Error Codes ...................................................................................................................34
APPENDIX: SPECIFICATIONS................................................................................36
RCS/5000 and RCS/6000 Hardware Specifications.....................................................36
Environmental Specifications ......................................................................................36
Product Dimensions .....................................................................................................36
Model Numbers .............................................................................................................37
Ethernet cabling specifications ...................................................................................37

Overview 3
Chapter 1: Overview
The RCS/5000 and RCS/6000 port servers provide communication between peripheral
devices and devices connected to your local network. When the port server is connected to
your LAN and to one or more peripherals, it manages network traffic, routing it to the
correct device. For instance, the RCS might be used, as shown in the network diagrams
below, to allow several PC registers to share expensive peripherals or to communicate with a
remote site.

Features4
Features
The RCS/5000 and RCS/6000 offer the following features and benefits:
•Easy set up and configuration
•Open systems communications for multi-site data networks
•Can be used in a variety of data communications applications
•Reduces cost and complexity
•8 or 16 RJ-45 (RCS/5000) or DB9 (RCS/6000) serial ports
•1 Hub with 4 ethernet ports, 1 port cross-wired for easy connection to another hub
•High-speed serial connections
•Software selectable RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485 modes on each port
•Parallel printer port
•Optional WAN port for PPP over HDLC or Frame Relay
•Dial-up LAN/Internet access
•IP packet routing
•Operating system independent
•Modem and serial printer pooling
•Complete remote diagnostics
•LEDs for each port, signaling port status and error conditions
•Industry standard interoperability
•Developer's API for custom, on-board applications and protocols

Overview 5
•Raw reverse telnet option so you can access ports without using special protocol or
processing
•Standard lpd printing option that is efficient and easy to use
•Dial on demand to automatically dial and make a connection with a remote system
•Multiple services per port allows setting up both incoming and outgoing services on the
same port
•ppp header compression
•Reverse telnet support for a variety of UNIX operating systems
Using the RCS/5000 or RCS/6000
Using the RCS requires three steps:
1. Hardware installation
2. Configuration
3. Operation
Hardware installation is documented in this manual.
There are three ways to configuration and use your RCS port server: NativeCOM, a web
browser, or the command line interface.
•NativeCOM: If you are using Windows, you can use NativeCOM, a software package
provided free of charge by Systech. The NativeCOM Networked COM ports software
makes remote serial communication ports (e.g. EIA-232 ports on a terminal server)
available to PC programs as local COM ports. Applications from a PC running Microsoft
Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT can access and use the remote serial ports.
For further information on configuring and using Networked COM ports, see the
NativeCOM manual. The NativeCOM software and manual are available on the CD you
received with your port server and from the Systech web site (www.systech.com).
•Web Browser: If you are not using Windows or do not wish to use NativeCOM, you can
configure your port server directly using your web browser. To use the browser, point it
at the IP address of your Systech port server. For further information on assigning an IP
address to your port server and on the configuration and operation options for your port
server, see the Systech Port Server Administrator’s Guide, available on the CD you
received with your port server and from the Systech web site (www.systech.com).
•Command line interface: You can also configure your port server directly using the
command line interface, rather than a browser, by connecting a terminal to one of the
serial ports or by connecting to the port server via telnet. For further information on
configuration and operation using the command line interface, see the Systech Port
Server Administrator’s Guide, available on the CD you received with your port server
and from the Systech web site (www.systech.com).

Installing the Hardware 7
Chapter 2: Installing the Hardware
This chapter describes installing the RCS/5000 and RCS/6000 hardware, including:
•Planning the installation
•Checking cables and connectors
•Sample configurations
Overview
Installing the RCS/5000 or RCS/6000 hardware includes the following steps:
1. Plan the installation.
2. Connect the RCS port server to your network.
Most common connection method: Connect LAN (10BaseT RJ-45 connector located on
the back panel) to your Ethernet LAN using a straight through cable.
3. Connect your peripheral devices to the RCS port server.
Most common connection method: Connect each peripheral device (e.g., cash register,
card reader, modem) to a serial port (one of the RJ-45 or DB-9 connectors on the front
panel).
4. Plug the unit into a source of AC power and turn the power switch on.
Planning the installation
Before installing the RCS remote communications server, consider the following:
•How will you configure your network—what types of devices will you connect and
where will they be located? Identify the distances at which each device will be located
from the RCS/5000 or RCS/6000 port server.
•Verify that the locations selected for devices do not exceed cable specifications.
•Is there an acceptable source of AC power available near each device’s proposed
location?

RCS/5000 and RCS/6000 Panel Connectors8
RCS/5000 and RCS/6000 Panel Connectors
The RCS/5000 and RCS/6000 have different front panels, but have the same back panel.
Figure 2-1 shows the RCS/5000 front panel. Figure 2-2 shows the RCS/6000 front panel.
Figure 2-3 shows the back panel of both models.
STATUS
LAN
A
PRINTER
WAN BC
serial port LEDs LEDs Ethernet
port LEDs port server LED
910111213141516
13
16
15
14
9
12
11
10
87654321
5
8
7
6
1
4
3
2
RJ-45 serial ports
Figure 2-1. RCS/5000 Front Panel
The front panel of the RCS/5000 (Figure 2-1 above) provides 8 or 16 RJ-45 serial ports, with
its number above each connector. Each serial port connector has an associated LED, also
numbered, that signals normal operation or error conditions. A larger status LED on the
lower right indicates the overall status of the port server. In addition, LEDs for the printer,
WAN, and Ethernet ports are located on the front panel, although the connectors are located
on the back panel. (NOTE: Not all models include a WAN port. See Model Numbers, page
37. If your model does not have a WAN port, the WAN LED will always remain dark.) For
information on interpreting the LED color and pattern displays, see LED Displays, page 31.
DB-9 serial ports
3
4
4
3
STATUS
LAN
A
PRINTER
WAN BC
1
2
1
28
7
6
5
8
7
6
5
serial port LEDs LEDs
Ethernet port
LEDs
port server
LED
Figure 2-2. RCS/6000 Front Panel
The front panel of the RCS/6000 (Figure 2-2 above) provides 8 or 16 DB-9 serial ports with a
number beside each connector. Each serial port connector has an adjacent LED, also
numbered, that signals normal operation or error conditions. A larger status LED on the

Installing the Hardware 9
lower right indicates the overall status of the port server. In addition, LEDs for the printer,
WAN, and Ethernet ports are located on the front panel, although the connectors are located
on the back panel. (NOTE: Not all models include a WAN port. See Model Numbers, page
37. If your model does not have a WAN port, the WAN LED will always remain dark.) For
information on interpreting the LED color and pattern displays, see LED Displays, page 31.
LAN
H/W
reset S/W reset BAC WAN Printer Power
Ethernet ports DB-25 printer port
male
DB-25 WAN port
female
Figure 2-3. RCS/5000 and RCS/6000 Back Panel
The back panel provides four RJ-45 Ethernet hub ports. The port labeled LAN is wired for
connection to a hub. The DB-25 WAN port and Printer port are also located on the back
panel. (NOTE: Not all models include a WAN port. See Model Numbers, page 37. If your
model does not have a WAN port, the WAN connector will be covered.) The power
connector is located on the right side.
Two reset buttons are provided, one to reset the hardware and one to reset the software. The
hardware reset button reboots the port server, restarting it as if it had been powered off and
back on, putting the unit into operating mode. The software reset button accesses the
firmware monitor, but does not reboot. When the server enters the firmware monitor,
operation is suspended and all active sessions are ended. The firmware monitor allows you
to load new software into the port server, perform maintenance or troubleshooting
functions, make a bootp request, etc. For instructions on using the Firmware Monitor, see the
Systech Port Server Administrator’s Guide.

Connecting EIA-232 Devices10
Connecting EIA-232 Devices
RCS/5000
The RCS/5000 server uses a symmetrical EIA-232 data terminal equipment (DTE) pinout on
the RJ-45 serial ports. Table 2-1 lists the pinouts of the RJ-45 ports used for EIA-232 serial
communications.
RJ-45
Pin
Number RS-232 Name Direction Signal Function
1 DCD I Signals module that remote device is
attached and powered on
2 RTS O Flow control, to enable remote device to
send data
3 SG Signal return (NOT chassis ground)
4 TXD O Serial data out, from RCS to remote device
5 RXD I Serial data in, from remote device to RCS
6 SG Signal return (NOT chassis ground)
7 CTS I Flow control, to enable RCS to send data on
TXD
8 DTR O Signals remote device that RCS is attached
and powered on
Table 2-1 EIA-232 RJ-45 Pinouts
To connect your EIA-232 device to the serial port of an RCS/5000, you need to determine
whether the device connector wiring follows the standard for data terminal equipment
(DTE) or for data communication equipment (DCE). In general, modems are wired as DCE
devices and all other devices are wired as DTE; however, some equipment manufacturers
may deviate from the standard. The manual for your device will contain information on the
pinouts for the device. Figures 2-4 through 2-7 show cable diagrams for the most common
configurations. Figure 2-8 shows a minimal cable using 3 wires.
The cable shown in Figure 2-4 or 2-5 may be used to connect most ASCII terminals or serial
printers to RCS/5000 serial ports. The cable shown in Figure 2-6 or 2-7 may be used to
connect modems to the RCS/5000. Modems should be configured to switch their carrier
detect signal (CD) on and off in response to making and breaking telephone connections.
This insures that the RCS/5000 terminates users’ sessions when they disconnect. Figure 2-8
shows a 3-wire cable.

Installing the Hardware 11
RJ-45 Plug Pin
Number DB-25 Plug Pin Number/Signal
1 DCD
8 DTR
7 CTS
5 RXD
4 TXD
6 SG
3 SG
2 RTS
20 DTR
6 DSR
8 DCD
4 RTS
2 TXD
3 RXD
7 SG
5 CTS
Pin 1
Figure 2-4 RJ-45 to DB-25 Terminal Cable
RJ-45 Plug Pin
Number DB-9 Plug Pin Number/Signal
1 DCD
8 DTR
7 CTS
5 RXD
4 TXD
6 SG
3 SG
2 RTS
4 DTR
6 DSR
1 DCD
7 RTS
3 TXD
2 RXD
5 SG
8 CTS
Pin 1
Figure 2-5 RJ-45 to DB-9 Terminal Cable

Connecting EIA-232 Devices12
RJ-45 Plug Pin
Number DB-25 Plug Pin Number/Signal
1 DCD
8 DTR
7 CTS
5 RXD
4 TXD
6 SG
3 SG
2 RTS
8 DCD
20 DTR
5 RTS
3 RXD
2 TXD
7 SG
4 RTS
Pin 1
Figure 2-6. RJ-45 to DB-25 Modem Cable
RJ-45 Plug Pin
Number DB-9 Plug Pin Number/Signal
1 DCD
8 DTR
7 CTS
5 RXD
4 TXD
6 SG
3 SG
2 RTS
1 DCD
4 DTR
8 RTS
2 RXD
3 TXD
5 SG
7 RTS
Pin 1
Figure 2-7 RJ-45 to DB-9 Modem Cable

Installing the Hardware 13
The RCS/5000 does not require the use of all 8 wires. Only pins 3, 4, and 5 are essential.
RTS/CTS and DTR (pins 2, 7, and 8) are only necessary for flow control. Only one ground,
(e.g., pin 3) is necessary. Although the RCS/5000 requires DCD by default, you can change
the serial port setting so that the DCD signal is not required. To change the setting, use the
command
set ignoredcd portnumber no i
where portnumber is the number of the port to be changed. (For more information, see the
ignoredcd command in the Port Server Administrator’s Guide). Thus, a minimal cable as
shown in Figure 2-8, using only RX (pin 5, data in), TX (pin 4, data out), and SG (pin 3,
ground), can be used.
RJ-45 Pin
Number DB-25 Pin Number/Signal
1 DCD
8 DTR
7 CTS
6 SG
5 RXD
4 TXD
3 SG
2 RTS
7 SG
3 RXD
2 TXD
Figure 2-8 RJ-45 to DB-25 3-Wire Terminal Cable
RJ-45 to DB-25 or DB-9 adapters may be used with RJ-45 cables to create the cable
configurations shown in Figures 2-4 through 2-5. In most cases, you use “straight through”
RJ-45 cables. If you use “crossover” RJ-45 cables, the RJ-45 pins will be reversed. Figures 2-9
and 2-10 illustrate the difference between the two types, when constructed with flat 8-
conductor wire.
pin 1
Figure 2-9 RJ-45 to RJ-45 Straight-through Cable

Connecting EIA-232 Devices14
pin 1
Figure 2-10 RJ-45 to RJ-45 Crossover Cable
RCS/6000
The RCS/6000 port server uses an EIA-232 data terminal equipment (DTE) pinout on the
DB-9 serial ports. Table 2-2 lists the pinouts of the DB-9 ports used for EIA-232 serial
communications.
DB-9
Pin
Number RS-232 Name Direction Signal Function
1 DCD I Signals module that remote device has a valid
connection
2 RX I Serial data in, from remote device to RCS
3 TX O Serial data out, from RCS to remote device
4 DTR O Signals remote device that RCS is attached and
powered on
5 GND Signal ground
6 DSR I Signals module that remote device is attached and
powered on
7 RTS O Flow control, to enable remote device to send data
8 CTS I Flow control, to enable RCS to send data on TX
9 RI I Ring Indicator
Table 2-2 EIA-232 DB-9 Pinouts