Systran SCRAMNet SC150 User manual

SCRAMNetÒNetwork
Monitor & Analyzer
(SCRAMalyzer) User Manual
Document No. D-T-MU-SCALYZER-A-0-A1

FOREWORD
The information in this document has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate; however, no
responsibility is assumed for inaccuracies. Systran reserves the right to make changes without notice.
Systran makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this printed material, including, but not limited to,
the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
©Copyright 2000 Systran Corporation. All rights reserved.
SCRAMNetÒis a registered trademark of Systran Corporation.
Ôis a trademark of Systran Corporation.
FieldGoÔis a trademark of Broadax Systems, Inc.
References to products and/or services of other manufacturers as provided in this document do not constitute
endorsement by Systran Corporation.
Revised: March 2, 2000
Systran Corporation
4126 Linden Avenue
Dayton, OH 45432-3068 USA
[phone]

FCC
This product is intended for use in industrial, laboratory or military environments. This product uses and
emits electromagnetic radiation, which may interfere with other radio and communication devices. The
user may be in violation of FCC regulations if this device is used in other than the intended market
environments.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................1-1
1.1 How to Use This Manual ..........................................................................................1-1
1.1.1 Purpose ....................................................................................................1-1
1.1.2 Scope........................................................................................................1-1
1.1.3 Style Conventions....................................................................................1-1
1.2 Related Information ..................................................................................................1-1
1.3 Quality Assurance.....................................................................................................1-1
1.4 Technical Support .....................................................................................................1-2
1.5 Ordering Process.......................................................................................................1-3
2. PRODUCT OVERVIEW..........................................................................................................2-1
2.1 Overview...................................................................................................................2-1
2.2 Description................................................................................................................2-1
2.3 Features.....................................................................................................................2-2
3. INSTALLATION......................................................................................................................3-1
3.1 Overview...................................................................................................................3-1
3.2 Connections...............................................................................................................3-1
3.2.1 Fiber-optic Configuration (SCRAMNet SC78) .......................................3-1
3.2.2 Fiber-optic Configuration (SCRAMNet SC150) .....................................3-2
3.2.3 Fiber-optic Connection ............................................................................3-3
3.3 Fiber-Optic Cable Maintenance ................................................................................3-5
4. OPERATION ............................................................................................................................4-1
4.1 Overview...................................................................................................................4-1
4.2 Getting Started ..........................................................................................................4-1
4.3 SCRAMalyzer Quick Viewer....................................................................................4-2
4.3.1 Viewing Options......................................................................................4-3
4.3.2 The Carrier LED......................................................................................4-3
4.3.3 Measuring Throughput.............................................................................4-3
4.3.4 Saving Throughput Measurements ..........................................................4-5
4.3.5 Measuring Latency...................................................................................4-6
4.3.6 The Reset Button .....................................................................................4-7
4.3.7 The Analyze Button.................................................................................4-7
4.4 Help...........................................................................................................................4-7
4.4.1 About SCRAMalyzer...............................................................................4-7
4.4.2 On-line Help ............................................................................................4-7
4.5 SCRAMalyzer Analysis Tool....................................................................................4-8
4.5.1 Overview..................................................................................................4-8
4.5.2 Measuring Throughput.............................................................................4-9
4.5.3 Loading Stored Throughput files.............................................................4-9
4.5.4 Statistical Display ..................................................................................4-10
4.6 Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................4-14
GLOSSARY............................................................................................................... GLOSSARY-1
INDEX ................................................................................................................................INDEX-1

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FIGURES
Figure 2-1 SCRAMalyzer..............................................................................................................2-1
Figure 3-1 Fiber-optic ST Connector ............................................................................................3-2
Figure 3-2 SC78 PCI Faceplate.....................................................................................................3-3
Figure 3-3 SC78 Fiber-Optic Connections....................................................................................3-3
Figure 3-4 SC150 PCI Faceplate...................................................................................................3-4
Figure 3-5 SCRAMNet SC150x Fiber-optic Connections ............................................................3-4
Figure 4-1 SCRAMalyzer Quick Viewer Dialog ..........................................................................4-2
Figure 4-2 Quick Viewer Throughput Text box............................................................................4-3
Figure 4-3 Throughput Vertical Scale Slider.................................................................................4-4
Figure 4-4 Quick Viewer Snapshot Buffer Size Editor.................................................................4-4
Figure 4-5 Quick Viewer Set Memory Capture Range Dialog......................................................4-5
Figure 4-6 Quick Viewer Latency Text box..................................................................................4-6
Figure 4-7 Latency Vertical Scale Slider.......................................................................................4-6
Figure 4-8 Latency Test Address Editor........................................................................................4-6
Figure 4-9 Analysis Tool Main Dialog..........................................................................................4-9
Figure 4-10 Throughput versus Time Display.............................................................................4-10
Figure 4-11 Data Fit Display.......................................................................................................4-11
Figure 4-12 Probability Mass Function.......................................................................................4-12
Figure 4-13 Probability Density Function...................................................................................4-13

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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 How to Use This Manual
1.1.1 Purpose
This manual describes the operating features of the SCRAMNet Network Monitor and
Analyzer (SCRAMalyzer). The SCRAMalyzer is a tool for measuring and diagnosing
SCRAMNet network performance.
1.1.2 Scope
This document is intended for SCRAMNet network system managers and/or engineers.
You can use the SCRAMalyzer to understand and improve your SCRAMNet network
operations. To use this manual effectively you need an understanding of the SCRAMNet
network; its hardware and software components, and Windows NT.
1.1.3 Style Conventions
The following conventions are used in this document:
· TheCc symbol indicates that you must press the Ckey whileyou
simultaneously press another key (in this case, c).
· Names of files, parameters and commands are in bold type; for example,
sysconfigtab file.
· Names of called routines are followed by open and closed parentheses and are
printed in italics; for example, dma_read().
· Directory path names are in italics; for example, mkdir /usr/SCRAMNet.
· In a prompt, square brackets indicate that the enclosed item is the default
response. For example, [y] means the default response is Yes.
· Menu items are in single quotation marks; for example, ‘File’, ‘Start’, etc.
· Button names are bolded, such as OK.
1.2 Related Information
· SCRAMNet Network Media User’s Guide
(Document No. D-T-MU-MEDIA)
· The appropriate SCRAMNet hardware reference manual corresponding to the
specific SCRAMNet boards in your network
· FieldGo PCATX-N9 Series Portable Workstation User’s Guide
(Broadax Systems, Inc.)
· Broadax Systems, Inc. web site: www.bsicomputer.com
1.3 Quality Assurance
Systran Corporate policy is to provide our customers with the highest quality products
and services. In addition to the physical product, the company provides documentation,
sales and marketing support, hardware and software technical support, and timely product

INTRODUCTION
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delivery. Our quality commitment begins with product concept, and continues after
receipt of the purchased product.
Systran’s Quality System conforms to the ISO 9001 international standard for quality
systems. ISO 9001 is the model for quality assurance in design, development, production,
installation and servicing. The ISO 9001 standard addresses all 20 clauses of the ISO
quality system and is the most comprehensive of the conformance standards.
Our Quality System addresses the following basic objectives:
· Achieve, maintain and continually improve the quality of our products through
established design, test, and production procedures.
· Improve the quality of our operations to meet the needs of our customers,
suppliers, and other stakeholders.
· Provide our employees with the tools and overall work environment to fulfill,
maintain, and improve product and service quality.
· Ensure our customer and other stakeholders that only the highest quality product
or service will be delivered.
The British Standards Institution (BSI), the world’s largest and most respected
standardization authority, assessed Systran’s Quality System. BSI’s Quality Assurance
division certified we meet or exceed all applicable international standards, and issued
Certificate of Registration, number FM 31468, on May 16, 1995. The scope of Systran’s
registration is: “Design, manufacture and service of high technology hardware and
software computer communications products.” The registration is maintained under BSI
QA’s bi-annual quality audit program.
Customer feedback is integral to our quality and reliability program. We encourage
customers to contact us with questions, suggestions, or comments regarding any of our
products or services. We guarantee professional and quick responses to your questions,
comments, or problems.
1.4 Technical Support
Technical documentation is provided with all of our products. This documentation
describes the technology, its performance characteristics, and includes some typical
applications. It also includes comprehensive support information, designed to answer any
technical questions that might arise concerning the use of this product. We also publish
and distribute technical briefs and application notes that cover a wide assortment of
topics. Although we try to tailor the applications to real scenarios, not all possible
circumstances are covered.
Although we have attempted to make this document comprehensive, you may have
specific problems or issues this document does not satisfactorily cover. Our goal is to
offer a combination of products and services that provide complete, easy-to-use solutions
for your application.
If you have any technical or non-technical questions or comments (including software),
contact us. Hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Standard/Daylight
Time.
· Phone: [phone] or [phone]
· E-mail: [email protected]
· Fax: [phone]

INTRODUCTION
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1.5 Ordering Process
To learn more about Systran products or to place an order, please use the following
contact information. Hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern
Standard/Daylight Time.
· Phone: [phone] or [phone]
· E-mail: i[email protected]
· World Wide Web address: www.systran.com

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2. PRODUCT OVERVIEW
2.1 Overview
This chapter describes the SCRAMalyzer and lists its features. SCRAMalyzer measures
your network’s performance and reports the results in real-time. This information can
help you identify network performance issues and aid you in improving your network
design. A photo of a SCRAMalyzer unit is shown in Figure 2-1.
Figure 2-1 SCRAMalyzer
2.2 Description
The SCRAMalyzer is a portable system used to non-obtrusively monitor, record, and
analyze SCRAMNet network performance. The SCRAMalyzer displays and collects real-
time data traffic including network throughput and latency.
Physically, SCRAMalyzer is a portable industrial computer running Windows NT with a
graphic user interface (GUI) and all associated utility software. The software provides
“post-test” throughput versus time data plotting and statistical analysis data. Latency
measurement graphs provide easy throughput and latency comparisons. You can also
generate text-based data reports for post-test analysis.
:

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2.3 Features
The SCRAMalyzer system has the following specific features:
· Real-time network data throughput sampling (up to 1 ms rate).
· Real-time network latency sampling.
· Data statistics analysis package.
· Time versus throughput display.
· Throughput probability mass function.
· Throughput probability density function.
· Continuous real-time (scrolling) display.
· Pre-installed software.
· On-line documentation.

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3. INSTALLATION
3.1 Overview
This chapter contains the information you need to properly install SCRAMalyzer.
Refer to the FieldGo PCATX-N9 Series Portable Workstation User’s Guide for
information on unpacking and starting your system.
3.2 Connections
Add the SCRAMalyzer into the SCRAMNet ring like you would another node by
connecting the fiber-optic cables from a downstream node to the SCRAMalyzer, and
from the SCRAMalyzer to an upstream node.
Turn on the power, and wait for the computer to boot.
FIBER-OPTIC CABLE PRECAUTIONS
Fiber-optic cables are made of glass and may break if crushed or bent in a loop with less than a 2-
inch radius.
Perform a visual check of the cable ends before inserting into the Media Card interface. If debris is
inserted into the transmitter/receiver connector, it may not be possible to clean it out and it could
result in damage to the transmitter or receiver lens. Hair, dirt, and dust can interfere with the light
signal transmission.
Use an alcohol-base wipe to clean the cable ends.
CAUTION: No other applications should be running while using SCRAMalyzer. If
other applications are running the performance will be degraded.
3.2.1 Fiber-optic Configuration (SCRAMNet SC78)
The basic SCRAMNet SC78 Series Network communication architecture consists of
SCRAMNet SC78 boards connected together by fiber-optic cable in a ring configuration.
The maximum recommended distance between each node of the network using this
configuration is approximately 300 meters. The recommended fiber-optic cable is
62.5/125 micron core multi-mode fiber cable with ST connectors.
.NOTE: On a freshly powered system, a message from any node on the ring may be
necessary to establish the carrier signal.

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FIBER-OPTIC CONNECTORS
The fiber-optic cables are shipped in a separate carton. The fiber-optic cables are to be
attached to the connectors on the SCRAMNet SC78 board or the Cabinet Kit, as
appropriate. Remove the rubber boots on the fiber-optic transmitters and receivers as well
as the ones on the fiber-optic cables. These rubber boots should be replaced when cables
are not in use or in the event the node must be returned to the factory.
There are two types of “bayonet” fiber-optic connector used on ST fiber-optic cables. The
newer type is made by 3M and is smaller than theAT&T ST connector. Install the
connector by pushing it onto the board connection and twisting the connector to the right
(clockwise) to engage the blade. Remove it by pressing the metal sleeve toward the board
and twisting to the left (counter-clockwise) to disengage the blade.
The primary difference between the connector types is that the AT&T connector provides
a “locking” mechanism. Before it can engage or disengage the blade on the board
connection, the plastic boot must be unscrewed at least 1/4" inch and then re-tightened.
3.2.2 Fiber-optic Configuration (SCRAMNet SC150)
The SCRAMNet SC150 Series Network communication architecture consists of
SCRAMNet SC150 boards tied together by paired sets of fiber-optic cable in a ring
configuration. The maximum recommended distance between each node of the network
using this configuration is approximately 300 meters. The recommended fiber-optic cable
is 62.5/125 micron core multi-mode fiber cable with ST connectors.
.NOTE: On a freshly powered system, a message from any node on the ring may be
necessary to establish the carrier signal.
FIBER-OPTIC CONNECTORS
The fiber-optic cables are shipped in a separate carton. The fiber-optic cables are to be
attached to the connectors on the SCRAMNet SC78 board or the Cabinet Kit, as
appropriate. Remove the rubber boots on the fiber-optic transmitters and receivers as well
as the ones on the fiber-optic cables. These rubber boots should be replaced when cables
are not in use or in the event the node must be returned to the factory. Figure 3-1 is a
representation of an ST fiber-optic connector.
Figure 3-1 Fiber-optic ST Connector

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3.2.3 Fiber-optic Connection
SCRAMNet SC78 SERIES PRODUCTS
Connect the fiber-optic cable to the receive (R) and transmit (T) connectors on the
SCRAMNet SC78 board as shown in Figure 3-2.
Figure 3-2 SC78 PCI Faceplate
The fiber-optic cable transmitter of the up-stream node is connected to the receiver of the
down-stream node. Data flows from the transmitter of one node to the receiver of the next
node as shown in Figure 3-3.
Figure 3-3 SC78 Fiber-Optic Connections

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SCRAMNet SC150 SERIES PRODUCTS
Connect the fiber-optic cable to the receive (R1, R2) and transmit (T1, T2) connectors on
the SCRAMNet SC150 board as shown in Figure 3-4.
Figure 3-4 SC150 PCI Faceplate
The fiber-optic cable transmitter pairs of the up-stream node are connected to the receiver
pair of the down-stream node. Data flows from the transmitter pair of one node to the
receiver pair of the next node as shown in Figure 3-5.
Figure 3-5 SCRAMNet SC150x Fiber-optic Connections
.NOTE: It does not matter if Tx1or Tx2is connected to the next node’s Rx1or Rx2as
long as both Tx cables are connected to both of the next node’s Rx connectors.

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3.3 Fiber-Optic Cable Maintenance
It is important that the ends of the fiber-optic cable be kept clean. If there is an
exceptional amount of light-power loss experienced, the cable ends should be inspected
for cleanliness. Alcohol-based fiber-optic cleaning pads are available to remove minor
contaminants such as dust and dirt.

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4. OPERATION
4.1 Overview
This chapter contains the information you need to properly operate SCRAMalyzer and
use its capabilities.
SCRAMalyzer has two operational modes:
· SCRAMalyzer Quick Viewer - Provides a scrolling real-time graph displaying
a coarse view (10 ms rate) of the SCRAMNet network throughput and latency. A
snapshot of this data can be stored to disk for post-test analysis. The snapshots
can be taken either manually or automatically.
· SCRAMalyzer Analysis Tool - Passively collects data faster in real-time (1 ms
rate). When data collection is halted, the application provides various statistical
data reports regarding network throughput and latency.
4.2 Getting Started
To begin using SCRAMalyzer, select one of the SCRAMalyzer operational modes from
the ‘Start’| ‘Programs’menu or click on the icon:
CAUTION: Node ID must be unique for each node in the network.

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4.3 SCRAMalyzer Quick Viewer
The Quick ViewerApplication starts examining the network immediately after clicking
on the Quick Viewer icon. The Quick Viewer window is shown in Figure 4-1.
Figure 4-1 SCRAMalyzer Quick Viewer Dialog
The Quick Viewer provides:
· Both graphic and text representations of the SCRAMNet throughput. The graphic
lines are based on one-second sample averages.
- The red line represents the average.
- The green line displays the maximum values.
- The blue line displays the minimum values.
· Both graphic and text representations of the SCRAMNet latency. This graphic
line is based on a 1 second average. The black line represents the latency.
· A network Carrier Detect indicator.
· Slider controls to adjust the vertical scale of latency and throughput.
· A Reset button to reinitialize the running maximum and minimum values
displayed and restarts scrolling.
· The current Trigger window settings.
· Snapshot buffer information and control.
· An Analyze button to run the SCRAMalyzer analysis tool.
Average
(Red)
Maximum
Values
(
Green
)
Minimum
Values
(
Blue
)
Latency
(Black)