Xyplex Terminal Server 720 User manual

Table of Contents
Section Page Number
Preface
Chapter 1 Introducing the Terminal Server 720
1.1 About the Terminal Server 720..........................................................8
1.2 Controls and Indicators..................................................................11
1.3 Product Prerequisites....................................................................12
1.3.1 Changing the Software Loading Method......................................12
1.4 Parameter Storage and Loading........................................................13
Chapter2 Installation Notes
2.1 Prepare for the Installation..............................................................14
2.2 Unpack and Inspect the Terminal Server.............................................14
2.3 Install the Terminal Server and I/O Card ............................................15
2.4 Connect the Device Cables...............................................................15
2.5 Install the Memory Card - If Available................................................16
2.6 Initialize the Terminal Server 720.....................................................17
2.7 Initialize Connected Serial Devices ...................................................20
Chapter3 I/O and Cabling Considerations
3.1 Overview to Cabling......................................................................21
3.2 RJ-45 Cabling Options...................................................................23
3.2.1 Making Your Own RJ-45 Cables...............................................23
3.2.2 Device Wiring Considerations................................................24
3.2.3 Modular Adaptors ...............................................................25
3.2.4 DECconnect RJ-45 Cables.......................................................28
3.2.5 Octopus Cables ...................................................................29
3.3 Telco Cabling Options ...................................................................31
3.3.1 Rear Panel Connection (Telco)................................................31
3.3.2 Extension Cables ................................................................33
3.3.3 Octopus Cables ...................................................................34
3.3.4 Distribution Panels .............................................................35
3.3.5 Modular Splitters................................................................37
3.3.6 Modular Cables..................................................................37
3.3.7 Punch Down Block ..............................................................38
3.3.8 Gender Changer.................................................................40
3.3.9 DECconnect™ 36-Pin Serial Interface Connections........................40
3.3.10 DECconnect Adaptor Cables....................................................40
3.3.11 DECconnect Style Modular Splitters ..........................................41
3.3.12 Device Wiring Considerations (Telco).......................................42

Table of Contents (continued)
Section Page Number
Chapter4 Operation and Software Configuration
4.1 Introduction...............................................................................43
4.2 Logging On to a Port and Obtaining Help.............................................43
4.3 Configuring TCP/IP Characteristics..................................................44
4.4 Becoming a Privileged User............................................................44
4.5 Assigning an Internet Address.........................................................45
4.6 Configuring Domain Name Server Support...........................................46
4.7 Summary of Internet-Related Commands............................................48
Chapter5 Memory Upgrades
Appendix A Specifications
Appendix B Order Codes
B.1 Processor and I/O Module Order Codes................................................56
B.2 Model 723 I/O Module Cabling Order Codes...........................................56
B.3 Model 721 I/O Module Cabling Order Codes...........................................58
Appendix C Configuration Menu
C.1 Overview ..................................................................................60
C.2 How to Bring Up the Configuration Menu .............................................63
C.3 Terminal Server Configuration Menu Options ......................................65
C.3.1 Option 1 - Display Configuration..............................................66
C.3.2 Option 2 - Modify Unit Configuration.........................................68
C.3.3 Option 3 - Initialize server and port parameters.............................76
C.3.4 Option 4 - Revert to stored configuration......................................76
C.3.5 Option S - Exit Saving Configuration Changes..............................77
C.3.6 Option X - Exit Without Saving Configuration Changes....................77
Appendix D Trouble Analysis
D.1 Overview ..................................................................................78
D.2 Normal Terminal Server Operations .................................................78
D.3 Startup Error Codes.......................................................................80
D.4 Loading Messages........................................................................83
D.4.1 Example Network Load Procedure.....................................................83
D.5 Resetting the terminal server...........................................................85
D.6 If the Ethernet Segment (A, B, or C) Light Is Out ......................................86
D.7 Server Problem Analysis................................................................87
D.8 Overview to Troubleshooting Internet Loading Problems...........................95
D.9 Troubleshooting RARP Problems......................................................96
D.10 Troubleshooting BOOTP Problems ....................................................98
D.11 Troubleshooting TFTP Problems ......................................................99
D.12 Troubleshooting TFTP Directory or File Problems..................................100
Index

Preface
How To Use This Guide
This Guide is intended to be used in series with other Xyplex product documentation. This set
of documentation is organized to make the installation of Network 9000 products easy, and to
help you get started using the Terminal Server 720 in the shortest possible time. The following
documentation map shows the order in which you should use various Xyplex documentation.
The shaded block indicates where this Guide fits in the installation process.
Installing the Network 9000™
Intra-Networking Hub
Getting Started with the
Terminal Server 720
Network 9000™ Documentation Map
Managing Network 9000
Modules and Power Supplies
Software Installation Guides
for UNIX, VAX/VMS,
MAXman Cards, and
Memory Cards
Hardware Installation,
Software Installation
Guidelines, Initialization
Configuration Menu
Chassis Installation
Software Installation on Host
Systems or MAXman Card;
Copying and Formatting of
Memory Cards
Operational Management
of the Chassis and the
Power Supplies.
TCP/IP-LAT Software
Management Guide TCP/IP-LAT Commands
Reference Guide
Managing terminal
servers for the
network administrator
Using the TCP-IP LAT
Terminal Server
Using terminal servers for
the end-user
Detailed descriptions of each
TCP/IP-LAT Terminal Server
Command
TCP/IP-LAT Commands Mini
Reference
Syntax of each Terminal
Server Command
5

What this Guide Covers
This Getting Started Guide covers installation of the Xyplex Terminal Server 720 processor
module and the available I/O modules and cabling options.
This guide is organized as follows:
Chapter 1 Introducing the Terminal Server 720
Chapter 2 Installation Notes
Chapter 3 I/O and Cabling Considerations
Chapter 4 Operation and Software Configuration
Chapter 5 Memory Upgrades
Appendix A Specifications
Appendix B Order Codes
Appendix C Configuration Menu
Appendix D Trouble Analysis
Index
Chapter 1: Introduction, provides a brief overview of the features and options available with the
Terminal Server 720 and the typical applications (for example, types of devices one could
connect to the unit) of the product. This chapter also covers product prerequisites, such as which
software release is required in order to use the product, and shows the location and purpose of
the controls and indicators on the unit.
Chapter 2: Installation Notes, describes installation issues that are specific to the Terminal
Server 720, including making sure that software is loaded on the unit in order to complete the
installation.
Chapter 3: I/O and Cabling, describes the available I/O module(s) and cables.
Chapter 4: Operation and Software Configuration, describes some of the important software-
related activities that you will need to perform in order to use the Terminal Server 720. These
include how you become a privileged user, how to configure the terminal server Internet
networking configuration, and how to format and update a memory card.
Chapter 5: Memory Upgrades, shows where Terminal Server 720 SIMM sockets are located.
Appendix A: Technical Specifications
Appendix B: Order Codes
6

Appendix C: Configuration Menu, explains the purpose of the Configuration Menu (which is to
create and manage load/dump configurations), and describes how to use the initialization
configuration menu to perform the following tasks:
•Select and view the protocols for image and parameter loading, and dumping
(create load/dump configurations)
•Specify information for directed TFTP loading
•Select a network segment
•Initialize parameters
•Revert to stored configuration
•Revert to factory defaults
•Enable display of load status messages
•Configure memory
•Exit
Appendix D: Troubleshooting, describes what to do if you encounter a problem during
installation or server operation. This appendix explains how the terminal server indicates
self-test errors, how to reset the unit, and possible solutions to problems you might encounter
when using the unit.
7

Chapter 1
Introducing the Terminal Server 720
1.1 About the Terminal Server 720
The Terminal Server 720 is an option for the Network 9000 Intra-Networking Hub. The
Terminal Server 720 provides a method of connecting asynchronous serial devices such as
terminals, personal computers, and modems to the network, so that users can connect to
VAX/VMS®host computers, UNIX®host computers, and IBM host computers that support
TN3270. Serial printers can also be connected to the server's serial ports, which allows them to
be shared among multiple hosts, personal computers, or file servers on a network. Figure 1-1
shows a front view of the processor module. Figure 1-2 shows the Terminal Server 720
networking environment.
TERMINAL SERVER 720 ETHERNET
CARD RUN CON
C
.....................................................................................................................................................
2 3 4 5 6 71 8
A B
Figure 1-1. Terminal Server 720 Module Front View.
The following are some of the key features of the Terminal Server 720:
Designed for Ease of Start-up -- The Terminal Server 720 includes factory defaults for
operation which allow you to get the unit running easily after hardware installation. Refer to
section 2.6.1 for a description of the default activity of the Terminal Server 720.
TCP/IP-LAT and TN3270 Support -- Concurrent support for TCP/IP, DEC Local Area
Transport (LAT®), and TN3270 protocols.
Expandable Memory -- The server is shipped with 2 MB of factory installed base memory. A 2
MB unit can be expanded to 4 MB, using two 1 MB SIMM memory modules.
Memory Card -- An optional memory card, from which the unit can load its operating software.
“Flash” memory cards are available from Xyplex. These memory cards are
readable/writeable, can be updated with a newer software version, and can store parameters
0021 1-8

Introducing the Terminal Server 720
Serial Port I/O and Cabling Options -- There are three serial I/O and cabling schemes
available for the Terminal Server 720.
-Model 721 16-port I/O module. Two 50-pin TELCO connectors provide six-wire
connections for sixteen serial devices, using a variety of wiring schemes, such as
extension cables, distribution panels. splitters, octopus cables, punch-down blocks,
modular (MODtap™) cabling, and DECconnect™ cabling. These ports support
modem control signals and communication speeds from 75 bps to 115.2 Kbps.
-Model 723 20-port I/O module. Twenty RJ-45 connectors provide eight-wire
connections for twenty serial devices using modular cabling. These ports support
modem control and concurrent hardware flow control, and communication speeds
from 75 bps to 115.2 Kbps.
-Model 724 24-port I/O module. Three 50-pin TELCO connectors provide six-wire
connections for twenty-four serial devices, using the same wiring schemes available
for the Model 721 I/O module. These ports support modem control signals and
communication speeds from 75 bps to 115.2 Kbps.
☞When using port speeds higher than 64 kbps, you must be careful to use a cabling
scheme that minimizes the potential for "cross-talk" problems. Cabling
methods, such as punch-down blocks used in conjunction with bundled 50-wire
cables can suffer from cross-talk at these data rates. It is recommended that you
use separate shielded cables for each port (for example, a Xyplex octopus cable),
when using the TELCO I/O modules, or short cable lengths.
Network Software Loading -- If you order a server without a memory card, the unit loads its
operating software from a network host called a load server. The load server is typically a
UNIXTM or VAX/VMSTM system, a Xyplex loader (a MAXman unit, for example), or a Network
9000 product equipped with a memory card. The load server downloads a software image to the
server, over the network, whenever the server is powered on or re-initialized. The load server
can support other types of Xyplex devices as well.
0021 1-9

Introducing the Terminal Server 720
VAX/VMS Host System UNIX Host System
Ethernet LAN
IBM Host System
Modems
Terminals
Serial Printers
Network 9000
Terminal
Servers
Other Serial Devices Including:
• Xwindows Terminals
• Personal Computers
• Barcode readers
• Controllers
• Point-of-sale equipment
etc
Figure 1-2. Network Using a Terminal Server 720 Unit.
1-10 0021

Introducing the Terminal Server 720
1.2 Controls and Indicators
Figure 1-3 shows the location and purpose of all controls and LED indicators on the Terminal
Server 720 cards.
Memory Card Slot
TERMINAL SERVER 720 ETHERNET
CARD RUN CON
C
Serial Port
Status Lights
Ethernet Segment
Indicator Lights
Memory Card Drive Status Light
720 Card Status Light
Console Port Status Light
Reset Switch
.....................................................................................................................................................
2 3 4 5 6 71 8
A B
Memory Card Eject Button
Figure 1-3. Terminal Server 720 Controls and Indicators.
0021 1-11

Introducing the Terminal Server 720
1.3 Product Prerequisites
The Terminal Server 720 processor module and associated I/O modules can be ordered as part
of a Network 9000 chassis configuration, or can be added separately to an installed Network
9000 unit. Each Terminal Server 720 processor module requires one Network 9000 chassis
processor module slot. Each associated I/O module requires one Network 9000 chassis I/O
module slot.
The server requires Xyplex TCP/IP-LAT software, Release 4.3 or greater. The unit is
configured at the factory to load its software from a memory 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:
•Another Terminal Server 720 or other Network 9000 product that is equipped with a
memory card which contains the correct load image.
•A VAX/VMS 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, or
- Trivial File Transfer Protocol (for "Directed" TFTP)
•Other Xyplex loader units, such as a MAXman unit.
The load server sends a software image to the server, over the network, whenever the unit is
powered on or re-initialized. By default, the terminal server requests software from each type
of load server, until a load server responds with a load offer. (Appendix C includes a flow chart
showing the order in which the unit uses protocols to load. Appendix D provides a description of
the software loading process.) You can have multiple load servers on the network.
1.3.1 Changing the Software Loading Method
You can specify the protocols which the server uses to load software and which protocols will be
used. For example, you can configure the unit to load exclusively from a specific type of load
server, to use a specific protocol first and another next, or you can configure the unit to load
from the memory card only. You use the initialization configuration menu (refer to Appendix
C) to change the software loading method. Alternatively, you can use DEFINE CHASSIS
commands to change the software loading method (refer to the Guide to Managing Network
9000 Devices and Power Supplies for more information).
1-12 0021

Introducing the Terminal Server 720
1.4 Parameter Storage and Loading
The Terminal Server 720 uses and stores two sets of parameters: the "initialization
parameters" and the permanent "operational parameters."
Initialization parameters refer to values that the Network 9000 unit uses during the software
loading process. Initialization parameters include which protocols should be used to load
software and operational parameters. These parameters are stored in the Control Storage of
the AC input module of the Network 9000 chassis (the Ethernet address of the chassis slot is also
stored there, although the unit cannot alter this). You can change most of these parameters via
a unit's initialization configuration menu (refer to Appendix C for more information) or by
the commands listed in the Guide to Managing Network 9000 Devices and Power Supplies.
Operational parameters (e.g., those affected by DEFINE or SET commands) affect the
operation of the software after initialization. Typically, operational parameters affect serial
ports (e.g., speed, parity, character size, etc), the availability of local services, Internet
characteristics (e.g., internet-address, domain-name, subnet-mask, etc), and LAT
characteristics, etc. You can configure the unit to load its operational parameters from a flash
memory card (not supported on OTP cards), if one is available, or from a network host, called
a parameter server, using the initialization configuration menu (refer to Appendix C for more
information). Alternatively, you can use DEFINE CHASSIS commands to change the
parameter loading method (refer to the Guide to Managing Network 9000 Devices and Power
Supplies for more information).
The Terminal Server 720 is configured at the factory to store parameters locally on a flash
memory card, if one is available, on the memory card of another unit in the hub acting as a
parameter server, or remotely in a file at any properly configured parameter server. You use
commands to change the parameter storing method. Operational parameters can be stored
redundantly so that if one parameter server is not available during a reboot other parameter
servers may be used.
Some units, including the Terminal Server 720, support the use of two sets of operational
parameters. One set is "permanent" the other "temporary." The permanent parameters are
stored at parameter servers or on a flash memory card. You use DEFINE and PURGE
commands to change these parameters, and LIST commands to view information about them.
The temporary parameters are not stored. You use SET and CLEAR commands to change
these parameters, and SHOW or MONITOR commands to view information about them.
Temporary parameters are only in effect until the next time the unit is reinitialized, a port is
logged out, changed with another SET or CLEAR command, or the unit "learns" information
from the network which overrides an existing temporary parameter.
☞The term operational parameters is used in this guide to refer to parameters which
affect the operation of the software after initialization. Readers of the TCP/IP-LAT
Documentation Set should note that the term operational parameters is used there to
refer only to the set of temporary parameters (mentioned above).
0021 1-13

Chapter 2
Installation Notes
2.1 Prepare for the Installation
☞Before you begin the installation of the Terminal Server 720 processor module and
an I/O module, you must have completed the installation procedure for the Network
9000 Chassis. If this has not been completed, refer to the guide Installing the
Network 9000 Chassis.
Make sure that you have the following items:
Software at a load server or a Memory Card -- The Terminal Server 720 terminal
server can load software locally from a memory card, or remotely from a network load
server. If the unit will load software from a load server, you should make sure that you
have installed software at the load server(s) before you install the hardware. You
should follow the installation and configuration instructions contained in the Software
Installation Guide supplied with your software kit. Load image names will be listed in
the Software Kit Information supplied with your kit. (The Terminal Server 720 has a
hardware type of 76.)
Serial device cables -- Should be available for connection to the terminal server.
-Refer to Chapter 3 for serial device cabling considerations.
Terminal -- You need a VT100 or ANSI-compatible terminal, or a PC with terminal
emulation software in order to configure the Terminal Server 720 terminal server.
Tools -- You need a small Phillips-head screwdriver to secure modules in a Network
9000 chassis slot.
2.2 Unpack and Inspect the Terminal Server
Follow these steps:
1. Carefully unpack the terminal server shipping carton(s).
2. Inspect the contents and make sure that you received all parts listed on the shipping order.
Each terminal server is shipped with the basic items listed in Table 2-1. If any item is
missing, contact Xyplex or the distributor where you bought the unit.
0021 2-14

Installation Notes
Table 2-1. Items Supplied with Terminal Server 720
Item Quantity
Terminal Server 720 processor module 1
Sixteen-Port I/O module (model 721), 1
Twenty-Port I/O module (model 723) or
Twenty-four-Port I/O module (model 724)
Terminal Server 720 Getting Started Guide 1
(this manual)
3. Place all packing materials back into the shipping carton and save the carton. (If you need
to return the terminal server to Xyplex or your distributor, you should return it in the
original carton.)
4. If the terminal server has been damaged in shipping or any parts are missing, notify your
Xyplex representative or distributor immediately.
2.3 Install the Terminal Server and I/O Card
Network 9000 processor and I/O modules are very easy to install. If you have previously
installed a Network 9000 processor or I/O module, simply locate an empty slot in the Network
9000 chassis and use the same procedure to install the Terminal Server 720 processor and I/O
modules. (Slot 1 cannot be used for a Terminal Server 720.) If you have not previously
installed a processor and I/O module in the chassis, refer to the instructions contained in
Chapter 4 of the guide Installing the Network 9000 Chassis.
2.4 Connect the Device Cables
Connect the serial device cables to the connectors on the I/O module. While this activity can be
completed at any time during or after the installation process, you will need to have one
terminal connected to a serial port in order to configure the server software. Refer to Chapter 3
for cabling options.
0021 2-15

Installation Notes
2.5 Install the Memory Card - If Available
If the Terminal Server 720 is equipped with a memory card, insert the memory card into
the card slot on the front of the unit.
☞Xyplex recommends that you wear the grounded wrist strap, supplied with the
Network 9000 chassis when you insert the card. If it is not available, ground
yourself by placing one hand on the Network 9000 chassis (or another grounded
object) before you insert the Memory card, to avoid discharging static electricity into
the Terminal Server 720.
Markings on the memory card indicate which end you insert into the Terminal Server 720
(insert the end which has two rows of small square holes). You can eject the memory card by
pressing the Eject Button. Figure 2-1 shows which end of the memory card to insert into the
Memory Card Slot. Figure 2-2 shows the location of the Memory Card Slot and Eject Button.
XYPLEX
Memory
Card
Insert this end.
Figure 2-1. Memory Card.
2-16 0021

Installation Notes
Memory Card Slot
TERMINAL SERVER 720 ETHERNET
CARD RUN CON
C
Serial Port
Status Lights
Ethernet Segment
Indicator Lights
Memory Card Drive Status Light
720 Card Status Light
Console Port Status Light
Reset Switch
.....................................................................................................................................................
2 3 4 5 6 71 8
A B
Memory Card Eject Button
Figure 2-2. Terminal Server 720 Controls.
The serial port status lights shown in Figure 2-2 are used in several ways. During the
initialization process, the lights indicate that self-tests are being performed, and if any self-
test fails, they indicate an error code. After the unit has been received a load image and
parameters, the lights indicate when a port is actively being used. In this case, each light can
indicate activity for more than one port. For example, if LED 1 is lit, this can indicate that
there is activity on ports 1, 9, or 17. LED 2 indicates activity on ports 2, 10, or 18, etc.1
2.6 Initialize the Terminal Server 720
When you apply power to the Network 9000 Chassis, all modules in the chassis, including
Terminal Server 720 units initialize themselves and begin to try to load software and
operational parameters. If you have installed the Terminal Server 720 into an already
functional Network 9000 Hub, you may need to reset the unit manually, as described below.
The unit is configured at the factory to use a default set of initialization parameters in order to
obtain a software image. This means that, for most configurations, the unit should be able to be
loaded without any configuration changes. Loading is made particularly easy if you have
inserted a memory card which contains the appropriate load image into the Memory Card Slot,
since the unit will load from the memory card. If a card is not present or the appropriate image
is not on the card, the unit requests to be loaded by a host system that has the TCP/IP-LAT
software installed, or a Network 9000 module that has a Memory card which contains the
appropriate load image. (By default, network load requests are transmitted on midplane
Ethernet LAN segment A.) The unit is also configured at the factory to store parameters
locally on a flash memory card, if one is installed, and remotely at properly configured
parameter servers.
1Each LED indicates port activity on the same numbered port (ports 1 through 8 are shown by LEDs 1 through 8,
respectively) and those ports whose numbers are multiples of 8 added to the LED number
0021 2-17

Installation Notes
To reset the terminal server manually, follow these steps:
1. Make a simple "tool" from an ordinary paper clip by bending one end outward. You
need this tool to press the RESET switch located behind the terminal server's front
panel.
2. Look for the small hole to the left of the Memory Card Slot (see Figure 2-2).
3. Use the paper clip tool to press the RESET switch once. This halts all terminal server
operations -- the server will no longer send or receive network data or data from its
connected devices. The terminal server enters a halt state; all front panel lights
illuminate.
☞All ongoing sessions and data are lost when you reset the unit.
4. Press the RESET switch again. The terminal server performs a self test of its
circuitry, which takes about 20 seconds. Check the lights on the front panel (see Figure
2-2) while the test is under way.
Regardless of how the unit is reset, the light pattern should appear as follows during the self test:
Front Panel Light Activity Meaning
All lights ON Testing lights (approximately 1
second).
CARD, RUN, CON, A, B, and C
(Ethernet) lights OFF Self Test begins.
Lights ON, from right (8 status light) to
left (1 status light) Self Test is running.
RUN flashes rapidly Successful completion of Self Test.
If the lights do not behave as indicated, refer to the Appendix D. When the Self Test completes,
the terminal server requests load service or begins loading software.
An Ethernet (A, B, or C) LED on the front panel (see Figure 2-2) illuminates as soon as the
terminal server detects network activity (normally about 2 seconds). Within 15 seconds the
unit transmits software load requests on the network or begins to load from the memory card.
The RUN and Ethernet (A, B, or C) LEDs blink during loading. Loading takes from 10 to 60
seconds, depending on whether you are loading from a local memory card, or if from a network
load server, on the amount of network activity and the speed of the load server. The light pattern
should appear as follows:
2-18 0021

Installation Notes
Front Panel Light Activity Meaning
Ethernet A, B, or C LED ON Terminal server detects network
activity on Ethernet segment to which it
is attached..
CARD LED ON Unit is loading from a Memory card
(light ON for approximately 15 seconds).
☞The Terminal Server 720 is
accessing the Memory card. Do
not remove the card while the
CARD light is ON.
RUN and Ethernet (A, B, or C) LEDs blink
simultaneously Software load in progress.
Port lights go ON, sequentially from right (Port 8
status light) to left (Port 1 status light). Then,
lights go OFF from left to right.
Unit has finished loading the software
image, and is decompressing it.
RUN LED flashes slowly
Ethernet (A, B, or C) LED flashes when Ethernet
packets are received
Software loading has completed.
Terminal server is in normal operating
state.
If the LEDs do not behave as indicated, refer to the Appendix D.
0021 2-19

Installation Notes
2.7 Initialize Connected Serial Devices
Connect a terminal to a terminal server serial port, turn its power ON, and press RETURN (or
ENTER) a few times until the terminal server recognizes your device. Note that the terminal
server serial port automatically adjusts to the communication speed of your terminal (75 bps -
38.4K bps, using 8-bit characters with no parity, or 7-bit characters with even parity; above
38.4K bps you must specify a fixed port speed). When the terminal server responds, it
generates the following message which appears on your screen:
Welcome to the Xyplex terminal server
Enter username>
Type in your name, your initials, or a nickname -- whatever you would like to be known as
while you are connected, then press RETURN again. You can type up to 16 characters
(numbers or letters). This name is your identifier during this session. If you choose, you can
change it each time you make a connection to the terminal server.
☞Until permanent operational parameters are stored, the server will display the
following message when you log in:
Xyplex -901- Default parameters in use.
This is a normal message.
After you enter your username, the terminal server responds with the following prompt:
Xyplex>
The Terminal Server 720 is now ready to accept commands to configure the terminal server
and its ports. For example, you can obtain on-screen information about the terminal server
commands by typing HELP and pressing the RETURN or ENTER key.
☞Some commands require a higher privilege level. Section 4.4 describes how you
become a privileged user.
2-20 0021

Chapter 3
I/O and Cabling Considerations
3.1 Overview to Cabling
There are various serial I/O and cabling schemes available for the Terminal Server 720.
-The model 723 twenty-port I/O module. Twenty RJ-45 connectors provide connections for
twenty serial devices using modular cabling. These ports support concurrent hardware
and software flow control, at communication speeds from 75 bps to 115.2 Kbps. Section 3.2
covers cabling options for this I/O module.
-The model 721 sixteen-port I/O module. Two 50-pin TELCO connectors provide
connections for sixteen serial devices, using a variety of wiring schemes, such as
extension cables, distribution panels. splitters, octopus cables, punch-down blocks,
modular (MODtap™) cabling, and DECconnect™ cabling. These ports support modem
control (but not concurrent hardware and software flow control) at communication
speeds from 300 bps to 115.2 Kbps. Section 3.3 covers cabling options for this I/O module.
-Model 724 24-port I/O module. Three 50-pin TELCO connectors provide six-wire
connections for twenty-four serial devices, using the same wiring schemes available for
the Model 721 I/O module. These ports support modem control signals and communication
speeds from 75 bps to 115.2 Kbps. Section 3.3 covers cabling options for this I/O module.
☞When using port speeds higher than 64 kbps, you must be careful to use a cabling scheme
that minimizes the potential for "cross-talk" problems. Cabling methods, such as punch-
down blocks used in conjunction with bundled 50-wire cables can suffer from cross-talk at
these data rates. It is recommended that you use separate shielded cables for each port (for
example, an octopus cable), when using the TELCO I/O modules, or short cable lengths.
This chapter describes the cabling and signal distribution considerations for Terminal
Server 720. Some of the cabling and distribution items are available from Xyplex. Other
cabling items are supplied by the customer. Depending on your application, there are different
cabling schemes that you can use. Figure 3-1 provides an overview of the cabling and
distribution options available to you.
Serial connections are made at connectors on the I/O module. A signal listing is included for
each cabling option so you will be able to understand how to wire/connect to devices.
For each cabling option, pinouts are included so you will be able to wire/connect to serial
devices. Refer also to the Customer Device Wiring Considerations description in Section 3.3.2
(RJ-45) or 3.3.12 (Telco) for information regarding DTE-to-DTE and DTE-to-DCE (crossover
and straight through) connections.
0021 3-21

I/O and Cabling Considerations
Figure 3-1. Cabling Overview.
The following signal abbreviations will be used throughout this chapter:
Abbreviation Signal Name Type Available For:
DTR Data Terminal Ready Output RJ45, Telco
XMT Transmit Data Output RJ45, Telco
RTS Request to Send Output RJ45
GND Ground - RJ45, Telco
RCV Receive Data Input RJ45, Telco
DCD Data Carrier Detect Input RJ45, Telco
RNG Ring Indicator Input RJ45, Telco
CTS Clear to Send Input RJ45
DSR Data Set Ready Input RJ45
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