Black Box SW925AE, SW929C, SW928C, SW925A, SW926C User Manual
...
1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax 724-746-0746
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 724-746-0746
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: info@blackbox.com
APRIL 2000
SW925A
SW925AE
SW926C
SW927C
SW928C
SW929C
Modular Smart Switch
© Copyright 2000. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
Modular Smart Switch
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
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 B 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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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
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.
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
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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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.1 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
2.2 Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
3. Installing Port Modules and Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
3.1 Fitting Expansion-Buffer Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
3.2 Fitting Port Modules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
4. Configuring the Modular Smart Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
4.1 Setting the Global Timeout Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
4.2 Setting Parallel Ports as Inputs or Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
4.3 Setting Serial Port Protocols and Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
5. Installing the Modular Smart Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
5.1 Selecting Ports for Your Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
5.2 Positioning the Modular Smart Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
5.3 Cable Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
5.4 Connecting Devices to the Modular Smart Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
5.5 Switching On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
5.6 Enabling Computers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
5.7 Using the Modular Smart Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
5.8 Port Indicators (1 to 12) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
5.9 Buffer Status Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
6. Using the Control Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
6.1 Installing the Resident Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
6.2 Running the Software from the DOS Prompt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
6.3 Command-Line Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
6.4 Running the Software from within Microsoft®Windows . . . . . . . . . .28
6.5 Using the Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
6.6 Main Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
6.7 Selecting a Destination Printer, Plotter, or Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
6.8 Direct Output of Typed Keyboard Characters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
6.9 Using the Functions Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
6.9.1 Sending a Form Feed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
6.9.2 Clearing Unwanted Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
6.9.3 Ending Long or Infinite Timeouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
6.10 Setting the Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
6.10.1 Multiple Copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
6.10.2 Changing the Timeout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
6.10.3 Selecting a PC Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
Any trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
Chapter Page
Appendix A: Serial Ports ..................................................................................53
A.1 RS-232 and RS-422 Pin Assignments....................................................53
A.2 Connecting to Computers—RS-232 Connections ..............................54
A.2.1 RS-232 Connections to IBM PCs and Compatibles ..................54
A.2.2 RS-232 Connectors to IBM AT and compatibles ......................55
A.3 Connecting to Printers .........................................................................56
A.4 Connecting to Modems ........................................................................57
A.5 Connecting to Plotters..........................................................................58
A.6 Connecting to NEC Spinwriter ............................................................59
A.7 Connecting to DEC LN03 Laser Printer .............................................60
A.8 RS-422 Cables ........................................................................................61
Appendix B: Parallel Ports ...............................................................................62
B.1 Parallel Pin Assignments ......................................................................62
B.2 Cable for IBM PC/XT, AT, or compatible..........................................64
B.3 Cable to a 36-pin Amphenol ................................................................64
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
Chapter Page
7. Serial Port Control Utility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
8. Using the Modular Smart Switch to Transfer Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
8.1 Transferring Files between IBM compatible PCs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
8.2 Using the Software with File-Transfer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
8.3 Transferring Files Between PCs Not Compatible
with IBM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
8.4 General Hints and Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
9. Software Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
9.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
9.2 Connect Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
9.2.1 Selecting a Destination Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
9.2.2 Printing Several Copies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
9.2.3 Broadcasting Data to Several Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
9.2.4 Varying the Timeout Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
9.2.5 Disabling Software Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
9.2.6 Removing Line Feeds at End of Software
Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
9.3 Clear Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
9.4 End of File Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
9.5 Creating Batch Files to Send Commands (IBM
compatible PCs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
9.6 Setting Default Start of Day Destination Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49
10. Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
10.1 Self-Test at Power-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
10.2 Parallel Interfaces—No Data Transmitted through the
Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
10.3 Parallel Interfaces—Corrupted, Extra, or Lost Data . . . . . . . . . . . .51
10.4 Problems Interfacing Serial Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
10.5 Serial Interfaces—No Data Transmitted through the
Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
10.6 Serial Interfaces—Corrupted Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .51
10.7 Merged Printouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
10.8 Print Data Transmitted but File Transfer Fails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
2. Introduction
The Modular Smart Switch is suitable for a wide variety of applications,
including printer and plotter sharing, file transfer, modem sharing, network
switching, electronic point-of-sale systems, access control networks, machine
tool control, data collection, and mainframe connections.
2.1 Features
• Modular and user-upgradeable construction.
• Mixed serial (RS-232/422) and parallel ports in any combination.
• Up to 12 ports and 4 MB of buffer memory.
• Automatic printer and plotter sharing.
• Any port can be routed to any other port.
• File transfer between computers using standard file-transfer software.
• Memory-resident control software for selecting destination ports.
• Multiple copies of printouts.
• Unwanted print data can be cleared from the switch’s buffer.
• Software for high-speed serial data output from PCs.
• Full-duplex serial data communications.
2.2 Product Information
The following items are available:
• Modular Smart Switch Chassis w/ 1 Meg Memory (SW925A, SW925AE)
includes:
Main chassis with 6 dual-port module slots and 2 memory slots
Software disk in 3.5" format
Power lead with 115 VAC or 230 VAC plug
5 module blanking plates with fixing screws
This user manual
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
1. Specifications
Base Chassis (SW925A/SW925AE)—6 dual-port module slots, 2 memory
module slots, integral power supply
Ports—Parallel: Dual parallel-port module slots with DB25 female connectors.
Automatic in/out detection or selectable by option switches. 30,000 cps.
Serial: Dual serial-port modules contain 2 bidirectional RS-232/422
interfaces with DB25 male connectors.
Switches—Control protocol and RS-232/422 selection and baud rates.
Baud Rates—300, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, and 57600 bps
Handshake—CTS/DTR hardware XON/XOFF, ETX/ATK.
Functional Features—Code-string control; data broadcast to multiple ports;
print to first available printer; file transfer compatible with Laplink,
Fastlynx, Kermit, Xmodem, etc.
Timeout—Selectable from 1 to 255 seconds
Indicators—LEDs: Buffer status, individual channel activity, power
Power—115 or 230 VAC, 60/50 Hz
Size—3.5"H x 13.1"W x 9.4"D (9 x 33.5 x 24 cm)
Weight—7.7 lb. (3.5 kg)
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
3. Installing Memory and Port Modules
To fit memory and port modules, you will need to remove the lid of your
Modular Smart Switch. To do this, remove the four retaining screws holding
the lid in place (see Figure 3-2) and lift the lid away.
3.1 Fitting Expansion-Buffer Memory
The Modular Smart Switch contains two memory module slots (A and B),
each of which can be fitted with a 1 MB or 2MB buffer memory module (see
Figure 3-1). The Modular Smart Switch is supplied as standard with a 1 Meg
buffer memory module fitted in slot A.
Figure 3-1. Fitting Expansion Buffer Memory Modules.
Memory slot B Memory slot A
(fill this first)
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
• Dual Serial RS232/422 Port Module (SW926C)
• Dual Parallel Port Module In/Out (SW927C)
• 1 Meg Memory Expansion (SW928C)
• 2 Meg Memory Expansion (SW929C)
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
Figure 3-2. Fitting Port Modules.
To fit port modules:
1. Make sure that the Modular Smart Switch is powered off.
2. Remove the rear- panel blanking plates as appropriate.
3. Insert the modules as shown in Figure 3-2.
4. Push the modules onto the mating connectors on the base board.
Do not place too much pressure on the board.
5. Fix the modules to the rear panel using the screws provided.
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
To install additional buffer memory:
• Make sure that the Modular Smart Switch is powered off.
• Insert the expansion buffer memory module into slot A or B (slot A
should be filled first). A polarizing pin ensures that the board is seated
correctly.
The installed buffer memory is automatically tested whenever the Modular
Smart Switch is powered on. The buffer memory indicators will flash while
the test is in progress and go off when the test is complete. If all the channel
and buffer indicators come on permanently, then the buffer has been
installed incorrectly or there is a memory fault.
CAUTION
Always observe static handling precautions when installing memory
modules.
1. Keep the modules in their anti-static bags until you are ready to install
them.
2. Never place memory modules in plastic bags or on plastic surfaces.
3. Discharge static from your clothes before handling the modules (you
can do this by touching an earth-grounded metal device).
3.2 Fitting Port Modules
• Any type of port module can be fitted into any of the six module slots in
any order.
• All slots have equal priority.
• All print data is routed by default to port 1 unless a destination port has
been selected. For automatic printer and plotter sharing, the printer or
plotter should be connected to port 1.
Position of lid
retaining screws
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
4.1 Setting the Global Timeout Period
Figure 4-1. Setting the Global Timeout Period.
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
1
OFF
(0)
ON
(1)
1
2
3
4
5
6
Timeout = 16 seconds
Timeout = 30 seconds
Timeout = 1 minute
Timeout = 4 minutes
Reserved - set to 0
TEST switch - set to 0 (OFF)
for normal operation
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
4. Configuring the Modular Smart Switch
The ports on the Modular Smart Switch are configured using a number
of option switches situated on the modules. In addition to the port
configuration, the global timeout values can be set using option switches
on the main board. Figures 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3 show the meaning of each
of the sets of option switches. Set the option switches as required.
NOTE
The option switches are only read when the Modular Smart Switch is first
powered on. Changing the settings while the Modular Smart Switch is
powered on will have no immediate effect.
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
4.2 Setting Parallel Ports as Inputs or Outputs
Figure 4-2. Selecting the Direction of Parallel Ports (Input or Output).
HIGH port
Dual parallel
port module
LOW port
HIGH port
switches
LOW port
switches
OFF
(0)
ON
(1)
1ON2 3 4
1
0
0
1
1
1
Set port as INPUT
Set port as OUTPUT
Automatic input/output
detection (* not guaranteed)
1
0
0
1
1
1
Set port as INPUT
Set port as OUTPUT
Automatic input/output
detection (* not guaranteed)
HIGH port switches
LOW port switches
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
Timeout Period
When a user has sent no data for the timeout period, the Modular Smart
Switch is able to switch to another user. The default timeout setting of 16
seconds is suitable for most applications. If printouts are ever merged,
increase the timeout period. Switches 1 and 2 on the base board control the
global default timeout period used by all the ports. Individual port timeouts
can be set using the software (see Chapter 6) or by sending software
commands (see Chapter 9).
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
NOTE
The XON/XOFF setting for printer and plotter con-nections is a
bidirectional protocol that recognizes the XON and XOFF characters in
both directions. The XON/XOFF setting for com-puter connections
recog-nizes the XON and XOFF characters in one direction only. This
allows graphics, font and other non text data to be sent from computers
without problems (the XON and XOFF characters often form part of this
data).
Ports on the Modular Smart Switch that are set to XON/XOFF handshake
will also give the hardware handshake signal to ensure maximum
compatibility.
The bidirectional XON/XOFF protocol used for printer and plotter connections can also be used for computer connections if the computer will
never send the XON or XOFF characters as part of the data stream.)
RS-232/RS-422 Selection
Each dual serial module supports both RS-232 and RS-422 serial
communication. The hardware signals for RS-232 and RS-422
communication appear on different pins of the interface
(see Appendix A for pin-configuration details).
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MODULAR SMART SWITCH
NOTE
Automatic detection of the direction of parallel ports is achieved by
detecting the state of the SELECT IN signal on the hardware interface.
This will operate with most PCs and printers. Automatic detection is not
guaranteed to work with all equipment, so if you experience any
problems, set the ports as dedicated inputs or outputs.
4.3 Setting Serial-Port Protocols and Options
Protocols
For serial devices, you must set a number of parameters to make sure that the
Modular Smart Switch is “speaking the same language” as the equipment that
it will communicate with. These parameters include the handshake mode,
the baud rate, the parity, the number of bits per character, and the number of
stop bits. Most computers and printers are able to set these parameters, so it
is generally advisable to set the fastest available. This is often 9600 baud, 8
bits per character, one stop bit, no parity, and either hardware handshake or
XON/XOFF.
Hardware Handshake
• DTR/CTS (hardware) handshake uses hardware signal lines to control the
flow of data (pins 5 and 20).
Software Handshake
• ETX/ACK—the flow of data is controlled by sending blocks of data and
waiting for an ACKnowledgement character to be received.
• XON/XOFF (printer and plotter connections)—the flow of data is
controlled by the receiving device by transmitting XOFF (stop data flow)
and XON (start data flow) characters. Set this protocol on ports
connected to printers and plotters.
• XON/XOFF (computer connections)—the flow of data is controlled by
the Modular Smart Switch. This is done by sending XON (start data flow)
and XOFF (stop data flow) characters to the computer. Set this protocol
on ports connected to computers.
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