Black Box MD960A, MD960A-D48 User Manual

CUSTOMER

SUPPORT

INFORMATION

Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]

NOVEMBER 2000

MD960A

MD960A-D48

Secure Rack Modem

1

FCC INFORMATION

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

AND

INDUSTRY CANADA

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct
the interference.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

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SECURE RACK MODEM

FCC REQUIREMENTS FOR

TELEPHONE-LINE EQUIPMENT

1. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has established rules which
permit this device to be directly connected to the telephone network with
standardized jacks. This equipment should not be used on party lines or coin
lines.

2. If this device is malfunctioning, it may also be causing harm to the telephone
network; this device should be disconnected until the source of the problem
can be determined and until the repair has been made. If this is not done, the
telephone company may temporarily disconnect service.

3. If you have problems with your telephone equipment after installing this
device, disconnect this device from the line to see if it is causing the problem.
If it is, contact your supplier or an authorized agent.

4. The telephone company may make changes in its technical operations and
procedures. If any such changes affect the compatibility or use of this device,
the telephone company is required to give adequate notice of the changes.

5. If the telephone company requests information on what equipment is
connected to their lines, inform them of:

a. The telephone number that this unit is connected to.

b. The ringer equivalence number.

c. The USOC jack required: RJ-11C.

d. The FCC registration number.

Items (b) and (d) can be found on the unit’s FCC label. The ringer
equivalence number (REN) is used to determine how many devices can be
connected to your telephone line. In most areas, the sum of the RENs of all
devices on any one line should not exceed five (5). If too many devices are
attached, they may not ring properly.

6. In the event of an equipment malfunction, all repairs should be performed by
your supplier or an authorized agent. It is the responsibility of users requiring
service to report the need for service to the supplier or to an authorized
agent.

3

NOM STATEMENT

NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)

ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT

INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD

1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.

2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.

3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.

4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.

5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc..

6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.

7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.

8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.

9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.

10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.

11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.

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SECURE RACK MODEM

12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.

13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.

14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.

15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.

16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.

17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.

18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:

A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u

B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o

C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o

D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su

desempeño; o

E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

Any trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.

5

CONTENTS

Contents

Chapter Page

1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.1.1 Password-Protected Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.1.2 Access Activity Logs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.1.3 Three Different Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.2 Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.2.1 Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

2.2.2 Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2.3 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

3. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.1 Applying Power to the Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.2 Connecting a PC to the Console Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

3.3 Communicating with the Secure Rack Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

4. Hardware Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.1 Connecting Power to the Secure Rack Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.1.1 AC-Powered model (MD960A). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.1.2 DC-Powered model (MD960A-D48). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

4.2 Setup Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.2.1 Default Modem Baud Rate (SW1, SW2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.2.2 Default Flow Control Format (SW3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4.2.3 Default Bits and Parity (SW4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

4.2.4 Default Rings to Answer (SW5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.2.5 Default ARQ/Compression Status (SW6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4.2.6 Default Modem Speaker Status (SW7). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4.2.7 Default Security Mode Status (SW8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

4.3 Initialize the Unit to Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.4 Cable Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.4.1 Modem Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.4.2 Console Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

4.4.3 Telco Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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Chapter Page

5. Setup and Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

5.1 Command Mode Access. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

5.1.1 Access via the Console Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

5.1.2 Access via Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

5.2 The General Parameters Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

5.3 The Modem Parameters Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5.4 Save Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

6. The Password Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

6.1 Add Name/Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

6.2 Edit/Delete from List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

6.3 Edit/Delete from Search . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

6.4 Viewing the Password Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

6.5 Zero Activity Counters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

6.6 Save Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

7. Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

7.1 Secure Rack Modem Operating Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

7.1.1 User Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

7.1.2 Command Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

7.1.3 Unsecured Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

7.2 Password Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

7.2.1 The System Password . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

7.2.2 User Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

7.2.3 Dial Back Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

7.2.4 Password on Dial Back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

7.3 Suppressing the Confirmation Prompt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

7.4 Viewing the Audit Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

7.5 The Utilities Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

7.5.1 Zero All Activity Counters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

7.5.2 Delete Audit Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

7.5.3 Delete Entire Password Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

7.5.4 Default Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

7.5.5 Send Test Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

7.5.6 Upload Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

7.5.7 Download Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

7.5.8 Pass-Through Mode (Console-Modem). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

7

CONTENTS

Chapter Page

8. Saving and Restoring Parameters and Password Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

8.1 Sending Parameters to a File. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

8.2 Restoring Saved Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

9. Modem Command Set (AT Commands). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

9.1 Communicating with the Internal Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

9.2 Modem Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

9.3 AT Command Set. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

10. S-Registers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

11. Modem Result Codes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Appendix A. Interface Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

A.1 Console Port. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

A.2 Modem Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Appendix B. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

B.1 Calling Black Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

B.2 Shipping and Packaging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

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SECURE RACK MODEM

1. Specifications

General

Compatibility—ITU-T V.22 bis (2400 bps) to ITU-T V.34+ (33.6 kbps);

Bell: 212/V.22, 103/V.21

Command Set—Connexant Choppiest; Industry-standard AT commands

Supports—V.42/MNP

®

2–4 Error Control; V.42bis/MNP 5 Data Compression

User Password Directory—Passwords allowed: 100 maximum;

Password field: 16 characters, case-sensitive; Dialback field: 32 digits

Operating Temperature—32 to 113°F (0 to 45°C)

Humidity—10 to 90%, noncondensing

Power—AC model: 115/230 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 10 watts; DC model: Dual -48 VDC

inputs, 0.1 amp

Size—1.75"H x 19"W x 6"D (4.5 x 48.3 x 15.2 cm)

Shipping Weight—5 lb. (2.3 kg)

Modem Port

Interface—RS-232C

Connector—DB25 female

Data Rate—300 to 38,400 baud

Buffer—32 K

Flow Control—None, RTS/CTS, X-ON/X-OFF, Both

Rings to Answer—1 to 32

No Activity Timeout—1 to 30 minutes

Console Port

Interface—RS-232C

Connector—DB9 male

Site ID—32 characters maximum

System Password—16 characters, case-sensitive

9

2. Introduction

2.1 General

Use the Secure Rack Modem for applications that require secure, dial-up access to
console ports on rack-mounted equipment. It can recognize up to 100 passwords,
track activity for each password, and create a log of successful and/or unsuccessful
access attempts.

2.1.1 P

ASSWORD-PROTECTEDACCESS

Up to 100 passwords can be stored in the modem’s non-volatile memory. You can
assign each password a user name and a dial back number (it instructs the unit to
call the user at a predefined number before allowing access to the secure device).
A separate system password restricts access to the modem’s command mode. This
allows the system administrator to contact the unit via modem in order to change
parameters or check access activity.

2.1.2 A

CCESSACTIVITYLOGS

The modem provides two convenient ways to track access activity: the Audit log and
the Password directory. The Audit log lists the 100 most recent connection
attempts, including the time, date, password entered, port used, call duration, and
reason for disconnect. The Password directory displays user names, passwords and
dial back numbers, and counts the use of each individual password. Only the
System Administrator can view the Audit log and Password directory; callers who
log on with a User Password are not allowed to view these screens.

2.1.3 T

HREEDIFFERENTOPERATINGMODES

The modem provides three distinct operating modes: the User mode, the
Command mode, and the Unsecured mode.

• User mode: Provides password-protected access to the secure device
connected to the Secure Rack Modem’s serial modem port.

• Command mode: Provides password-protected access to the modem’s
Command Menus, which are used to define passwords and select
configuration parameters.

• Unsecured mode: When this mode is activated, the Secure Rack Modem will
function like a normal, unsecured modem; callers are allowed to access the
secure device without entering a password.

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

10

SECURE RACK MODEM

2.2 Description

2.2.1 F

RONTPANEL

Figure 2-1. Front panel.

1. ON: Lights when power is applied to the modem.

2. RDY: Flashes to indicate that the modem is ready to receive calls or enter the
command mode.

3. PASS: Lights when a caller has entered a valid password and has been allowed
to access the connected device.

4. DCD (Data Carrier Detect): Lights when the DCD signal is high.

5. RXD (Receive Data): Lights when the RXD signal is high.

6. TXD (Transmit Data): Lights when the TXD signal is high.

7. RTS (Request to Send): Lights when the RTS signal is high.

8. CTS (Clear to Send): Lights when the CTS signal is high.

9. DTR (Data Terminal Ready): Lights when the DTR signal is high.

NOTE

The DTR signal must be high for the modem to communicate. If the DTR
signal is low, the modem will prompt callers to enter a password, but
will disconnect when a valid password is entered.

11

2.2.2 B

ACKPANEL

Figure 2-2. Back panel (DC version shown).

1. Power input: (DC unit shown) The DC version includes a dual-bus terminal
block for -48-VDC operation and a ground screw. The AC version includes an
IEC-32 inlet for connection to a three-wire (grounded) power cord (supplied
with the modem).

2. Power switch.

3. Voltage selector switch: (AC units only) For selecting 115-VAC or 230-VAC
operation.

4. Default button: Resets unit to default parameters and erases the password
directory. To reset to defaults, power off the unit, then press and hold the
Default button while pressing the Power switch to ON. Wait several seconds,
then release the Default button.

NOTE

The default procedure will clear all menu-selected parameters and erase
the Password directory.

5. Setup switches: These eight DIP switches select the default modem baud rate,
flow control, parity, rings to answer, compression, speaker (on/off), and
security mode. For more information on the setup switches, refer to
Section 4.2.

6. Console port: For connection to your PC, terminal, or other device. Allows
access to command mode. DB9, RS-232, DTE configuration.

NOTE

You can also access command mode via modem as explained in
Section 5.1.2.

Appendix A.1 describes the console port interface.

CHAPTER 2: Introduction

12

SECURE RACK MODEM

7. Modem port: For connection to the secure device. The modem will protect
dialup access to this device by requiring a password or calling the user back at
a predefined number. Appendix A.2 describes the Modem port interface.

8. Telco line: An RJ-11 jack, for connection to your telecommunications line.

2.3 Features

• Password-protected command mode.

• Recognizes up to 100 user-defined passwords.

• Tracks access attempts and password activity.

• Requires only one 19-inch rack unit.

• Filtered and surge-protected power supply.

• Two models available: AC and -48 VDC.

13

3. Getting Started

This chapter provides a brief introduction to the procedures you’ll use to
communicate with the modem and access the configuration menus. For detailed
instructions about installation and configuration, refer to Chapters 4 through 6.

3.1 Applying Power to the Unit

Connect an appropriate power source to the modem. The modem is available in
both AC- and DC-powered versions.

• AC model (MD960A): Set the voltage selector switch (located on the modem’s
back panel) to the appropriate voltage. Connect the supplied power cable to
the receptacle on the modem’s back panel, then connect the plug to a suitable
AC outlet.

• DC model (MD960A-D48): Remove the protective plastic cover from the DC
terminal block, switch off the DC power source, then attach the wires from the

-48 VDC power source to the screw terminals. Connect your ground line to
the grounding screw, then replace the protective cover and switch the DC
power source back on.

CAUTION

Only operate the modem with the type of power source indicated on the
instrument nameplate. If you are not sure of the type of power service
available, please contact your local power company.

After connecting the modem to the power source, put the power switch in the ON
position. The ON indicator will light, and after a brief pause, the RDY indicator will
begin to flash.

3.2 Connecting a PC to the Console Port

For this overview, we’ll connect a PC to the modem’s console port. This will allow
you to access the command mode and display the menus that are used to select
configuration parameters, check connection activity, and define and display user
passwords.

NOTE

Although this overview demonstrates the procedure for communicating
with the unit via the Console Port, you can also access the Command
Mode via modem as described in Section 5.1.2.

CHAPTER 3: Getting Started

14

SECURE RACK MODEM

To connect your PC to the modem’s console port:

1. Attach a standard null-modem cable to a COM port on your PC. Make
certain to connect to the COM port that is used by your communications
program (for example, ProComm).

2. Connect the other end of the cable to the console port, located on the
modem’s back panel. For a description of the console port interface, refer to
Appendix A.

3.3 Communicating with the Secure Rack Modem

To communicate with the modem for the first time, you must set your
communications program (for example, ProComm) to match the default console
port parameters. After you access command mode, you can then use the General
Parameters menu to select other console port parameters as described in
Chapter 5, and then reset your communications program accordingly.

Start your communications program and set it to match the following default
console port parameters:

• 9600 bps.

• 8 data bits, 1 stop bit.

• No parity.

After setting the communications program to match the default console port
parameters, press [Enter] to activate the modem’s command mode. After a brief
pause, the modem should display the Help screen shown in Figure 3-1, followed by
the “SRM>” command prompt. When you access the modem via the console port,
a password prompt will not be displayed.

15

CHAPTER 3: Getting Started

Figure 3-1. The Secure Rack Modem Help Screen.

If the command prompt and Help screen are not displayed, check to make certain
that you’ve selected the correct communications parameters, cable connectors are
firmly seated, and that the cable has been connected to the COM port that is used
by your communications program.

When the “SRM>” command prompt is displayed, you can invoke the commands
listed in the Help menu to display the various configuration menus and status
screens. For this overview, we recommend only that you review the information on
each menu in order to familiarize yourself with the modem; you don’t need to
actually enter parameters at the configuration menus now.

1. View/Set General Parameters: From the command prompt, type /G and
press [Enter]. The General Parameters menu will be displayed. This menu is
used to set console port communication parameters, define the system
password, and select other general parameters as described in Section 5.2.
Press [Esc] to return to the main menu.

Secure Rack Modem Version 1.11 Site: (undefined)

COMMANDS
/H Display Help Screen /C View Audit Log
/G View/Set General Parameters /U Utilities
/M View/Set Modem Parameters /X Exit/Disconnect
/E Edit Password Directory
/D View Password Directory

Modem Type: V2.200-V34_AGF_DP1
Reset String: ATZ
Init String: AT&C1&D2E0Q1V1M1S0=1&Q%C3
Hang-Up String: (undefined)

MODEM PORT SETTINGS
Baud Rate: 9600 Result Codes: Verbose
Flow Control: RTS/CTS Speaker: On
Local Echo: Off Error Control: On
Rings to Answer: 1 Compression: On
Quiet Mode: On

16

SECURE RACK MODEM

2. View/Set Modem Parameters: Type /M and press [Enter] to display the
Modem Parameters menu. You’ll use this menu to select communication
parameters for the SRM’s internal modem as described in Section 5.3. Press
[Esc] to return to the main menu.

3. Utilities Menu: Type /U and press [Enter] to display the Utilities menu.
You’ll use this menu to access the modem’s command features, such as the
Pass-Through mode, the Download Parameters function, and others. Press
[Esc] to return to the main menu.

4. Other Menus: At this point, commands such as “View Password Directory”
and “View Audit Log” will not display much information. This is because the
Password directory has not been defined yet, and the Audit log has not had
the opportunity to record connection activity. If you wish to display these
menus, key in the appropriate command and then press [Enter]. To exit a
menu, press [Esc] to return to the main menu.

5. Exit/Disconnect: When you have finished exploring the various modem
command menus, return to the “SRM>” command prompt, and then type /X
and press [Enter] to exit from command mode.

This completes the introductory overview of the Secure Rack Modem. To
demonstrate the modem’s security functions, you must completely install the unit,
and define the Password directory as explained later in this manual. Refer to
Chapters 4 through 6 for complete installation and configuration instructions.

17

4. Hardware Installation

4.1 Connecting Power to the Secure Rack Modem

The Secure Rack Modem is available in both AC- and DC-powered versions. When
connecting power to the modem, follow the instructions in this section.

CAUTION

Only operate the modem with the type of power source indicated on the
instrument nameplate. If you are not sure of the type of power service
available, please contact your local power company.

4.1.1 AC-P

OWEREDMODEL

(MD960A)

Set the voltage selector switch (located on the modem’s back panel) to the
appropriate voltage. Plug the supplied power cable into the receptacle on the
modem’s back panel, and then connect the power cable to a grounded (earthed),
115-VAC outlet.

4.1.2 DC-P

OWEREDMODEL

(MD960A-D48)

When connecting the modem to your DC power source, first remove the protective
plastic cover from the DC terminal block. Switch off your DC power source, and
then attach the wires from the 48-VDC power source to the screw terminals, and
connect your ground line to the labeled ground screw. Then replace the
protective cover, and switch the DC power source back on.

NOTE

The DC terminal block features a dual bus configuration so you can
connect it to a back-up power supply.

Figure 4-1. Terminal block assembly and grounding screw (DC units only).

CHAPTER 4: Hardware Installation

18

SECURE RACK MODEM

4.2 Setup Switches

The setup switches, located on the back panel, select the default settings for
Modem Port baud rate, flow control, parity, rings to answer, and enable or disable
ARQ/Compression, the modem speaker, and the modem’s Security Mode.

NOTE

You can also select operating values for all of these parameters via the
modem’s configuration menus. However, if you reset the modem to
default parameters, these settings will return to the default values
selected by the Setup switches.

4.2.1 D

EFAULTMODEMBAUDRATE

(SW1, SW2)

Setup switches #1 and #2 select the default baud rate for the Secure Rack Modem’s
internal modem and the serial modem port. You can also select the modem’s
baud rate via the Modem Parameters menu (/M). If you reset the unit to default
parameters, the modem baud rate will return to the default setting selected by
setup switches #1 and #2.

NOTE

Automatic baud rate sensing is disabled, so the modem can function
with devices that do not send an AT command string.

Table 4-1. Modem baud rate switch settings

Default Modem Baud Rate SW1 SW2

9600 bps* DOWN DOWN

38.4 kbps DOWN UP

19.2 kbps UP DOWN

2400 bps UP UP

*Default setting.

4.2.2 D

EFAULTFLOWCONTROLFORMAT

(SW3)

Setup switch #3 selects the default flow control (handshaking) format for the serial
modem port. The flow control format for the serial modem port can also be
selected via the Modem Parameters menu. You set the flow control format for the
internal modem itself using AT commands as described in Chapter 9. If you reset
the unit to default parameters, the flow control format will return to the default
setting selected by setup switch #3.

19

CHAPTER 4: Hardware Installation

Table 4-2. Flow control switch settings

Default Flow Control Format SW3

RTS/CTS (Hardware)* DOWN

X-ON/X-OFF (Software) UP

*Default setting.

4.2.3 D

EFAULTBITS ANDPARITY

(SW4)

Setup switch #4 selects the default bits and parity setting for both the internal
modem and the serial modem port. You can also select the bits and parity via the
Modem Parameters menu (/M).

NOTE

If you reset the modem to default parameters, bits and parity will return
to the default setting selected by setup switch #4.

Table 4-3. Default bits and parity switch settings

Default Bits and Parity SW4

8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit* DOWN

7 bits, even parity, 1 stop bit UP

*Default setting.

20

SECURE RACK MODEM

4.2.4 D

EFAULTRINGS TOANSWER

(SW5)

Setup switch #5 selects the default “Rings to Answer” setting. The Rings to Answer
setting can also be defined via the Modem Parameters menu (/M). If the modem
is reset to default parameters, the Rings to Answer feature will return to the default
setting selected by setup switch #5.

Table 4-4. Default rings to answer switch settings

Default Rings to Answer SW5

One* DOWN

Eight UP

*Default setting.

4.2.5 D

EFAULT

ARQ/C

OMPRESSIONSTATUS

(SW6)

Setup switch #6 selects the default enabled/disabled status for the
ARQ/Compression feature. The ARQ mode and compression feature can also be
enabled or disabled via the Modem Parameters menu (/M).

NOTE

If the modem is reset to default parameters, these features will return to
the default settings selected by setup switch #6.

Table 4-5. Default ARQ/Compression status switch settings

Default ARQ/Compression Status SW6

Enable* DOWN

Disable UP

*Default setting.

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CHAPTER 4: Hardware Installation

4.2.6 D

EFAULTMODEMSPEAKERSTATUS

(SW7)

Setup switch #7 selects the default enabled/disabled status for the modem speaker.
You can also use the Modem Parameters menu (/M) to enable or disable the
speaker. If you reset the modem to default parameters, this feature will return to
the setting selected by setup switch #7.

Table 4-6. Default modem speaker status switch settings

Default Modem Speaker Status SW7

ON* DOWN

OFF UP

*Default setting.

4.2.7 D

EFAULTSECURITYMODESTATUS

(SW8)

Setup switch #8 selects the default enabled/disabled status for the security mode.
You can also disable the security mode via the General Parameters menu (/G).
Note that if the unit is reset to default parameters, the security mode feature will
return to the default status selected by setup switch #8.

NOTE

If the modem security mode is disabled (off), all password and security
features will be suppressed, and you will not be able to access the
modem command mode via the modem (although console port access
to command mode is still allowed). When the security mode is disabled,
the modem will function like a normal, non-secure modem.

Table 4-7. Default security mode status switch settings

Security Mode SW8

ON* DOWN

OFF UP

*Default setting.

22

SECURE RACK MODEM

4.3 Initialize the Unit to Default Settings

If you change setup switch settings, new parameters will not take effect until the
modem is initialized.

CAUTION

After initialization, menu-selected parameters will return to the settings
specified by the setup switches. Also, the password directory will be
erased.

NOTE

To reset the modem to default parameters without clearing the
password directory, use the “Default Parameters” option in the Utilities
menu as described in Section 7.5.4.

1. Set the modem’s Power switch to the OFF position.

2. Press and hold the Default button (located on the back panel). Place the
modem’s Power switch in the ON position.

3. Wait for one second (or until the front-panel LEDs flash), and then release
the Default button.

4.4 Cable Connection

Connect cables and telco lines as described in the sections that follow. Please refer
to Appendix A for a description of port interfaces.

4.4.1 M

ODEMPORT

The serial modem port connects to your secure device. Use a straight-wired
modem cable to connect the secure device to the Secure Rack Modem’s serial
modem port. For a description of the modem port interface, see Appendix A.

4.4.2 C

ONSOLEPORT

The modem’s command mode allows the system administrator to define
passwords, select configuration parameters, and review the connection activity log.
There are two different ways to access the command mode: via modem or via a
local PC connected to the modem’s console port.

If you plan to control and configure your modem via the console port, use an
appropriate cable to connect the console port to the COM port on your PC or
terminal. Appendix A describes the console port interface. If you’ll control and

23

configure your installation via modem, you won’t need to connect a PC to the
console port.

4.4.3 T

ELCOLINE

Use a standard RJ-11 phone cable to connect your phone line outlet to the telco
line port on the modem’s back panel. If the modem’s telco line port includes two
RJ-11 connectors, connect your phone line to the connector labeled “wall” or
“line.”

CHAPTER 4: Hardware Installation