Comtrol VS3000S User Manual

InterChangeVS™ 3000 Series

VS3000U and VS3000S

Installation and Configuration

Guide

Copyright © 1997, 1998. Comtrol Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
Second Edition, March 3, 1998
Comtrol Corporation makes no representations or warranties with

regard to the contents of this guide or to the suitability of Comtrol
products for any particular purpose. Specifications subject to change
without notice. Some software or features may not be available at the
time of publication. Contact your reseller for current product
information.

Trademarks

Comtrol and InterChangeVS are trademarks of Comtrol Corporation.
Microsoft and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft

Corporation.
Novell and NetWare are registered trademarks and MultiProtocol

Router, IntranetWare, and NetWare Connect are trademarks of
Novell, Inc.

Citrix and WinFrame are registered trademarks of Citrix Systems,
Inc.

Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or
registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Corporate Corporate Headquarters:

Internet URL: www.comtrol.com
email: [e-mail]
FTP site: ftp.comtrol.com
FAX: [phone]
Phone: [phone]

Comtrol Europe:

Internet URL: www.comtrol.co.uk
email: [e-mail]
FAX: [phone]
Phone: [phone]
Comtrol has a staff of software and hardware engineers, and

technicians available to help you.

Document Part Number: 6620D

Table of Contents

List of Tables........................................................................................5

Introduction ......................................................................................... 7

Product Overview ...................................................................................7

Features............................................................................................7

ISDN Service Standards Supported................................................8

Operating System Requirements .................................................... 8

Connectivity Requirements .............................................................8

Installation Overview............................................................................. 9

Backup Server Overview...................................................................... 10

Backup Server Configuration and Hierarchy............................... 10

Distributing the Workload.............................................................10

Returning Control to the Primary Server..................................... 11

Software or Document Updates........................................................... 12

Comtrol Corporate Headquarters.................................................. 12

Comtrol Europe .............................................................................. 12

Working with the Phone Company............................................... 13

Ordering the ISDN Line....................................................................... 13

Installing the Hardware..................................................................15

Hardware Installation Overview......................................................... 15

Identifying VS3000 Models............................................................ 15

FCC Notice (Consumer Instructions)............................................ 15

Safety Precautions .........................................................................16

Installing the VS3000...........................................................................17

Replacing Units in Service (“Hot-Swapping”)..................................... 20

Primary and Backup Servers............................................................... 20

VS3000 Specifications ......................................................................21

Hardware Operating Conditions.......................................................... 21

3

Table of Contents

Hardware Specifications.......................................................................21

Electromagnetic Compliance................................................................22

Power Supply Requirements................................................................ 22

Building Cables.................................................................................. 23

ISDN Cable Specifications ...................................................................23

ISDN (Port) Connector Pinouts.....................................................23

Ethernet Cable Specifications..............................................................24

Ethernet 10Base-T Connector Pinout...........................................24

Ethernet AUI Connector Pinout....................................................25

Remote Connector.................................................................................25

Troubleshooting ................................................................................27

Problem Resolution Checklist..............................................................27

Understanding the Ethernet LEDs...............................................28

Understanding the Port LEDs....................................................... 29

Obtaining Software and Document Updates....................................... 30

Placing a Support Call..........................................................................30

Comtrol Corporate Headquarters.................................................. 32

Comtrol Europe .............................................................................. 32

Notices .................................................................................................33

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) (FCC 15.105).............................33

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) (CISPR-22)................................33

Labeling Requirements (FCC 15.19) ...................................................34

Modifications (FCC 15.21)....................................................................34

Cables (FCC 15.27)...............................................................................34

InterChangeVS 3000U - Canada ......................................................... 34

InterChangeVS 3000S - Canada.......................................................... 35

Underwriters Laboratory ..................................................................... 36

Important Safety Information.............................................................. 36

External Wiring.................................................................................... 37

Return Procedures................................................................................37

Index..................................................................................................... 39

4

List of Tables

Table 1. ISDN Software Installation Information.............................13

Table 2. Model and Serial Numbers...................................................17

Table 3. LED Display for Fatal Errors...............................................20

Table 4. VS3000 Operating Conditions..............................................21

Table 5. VS3000 Specifications...........................................................21

Table 6. VS3000U Electromagnetic Compliance ...............................22

Table 7. VS3000S Electromagnetic Compliance................................22

Table 8. ISDN Port RJ45 Connector Pinouts.....................................23

Table 9. Ethernet Cabling Specifications...........................................24

Table 10. Ethernet Port RJ45 Connector Pinouts ...............................24

Table 11. Ethernet Port DB15 Connector Pinouts...............................25

Table 12. Ethernet LED Descriptions ..................................................28

Table 13. Port LED Descriptions..........................................................29

Table 14. Support Call Information......................................................30

5

List of Tables

6

Introduction

Product Overview

The Comtrol™ InterChangeVS™ 3000 virtual remote access server is a
rack-mountable or stackable “network appliance” that connects via
Ethernet to a host Windows NT
terminates four Basic Rate Interface (BRI) ISDN lines. Each ISDN
line (“port”) consists of two 64 Kbps B channels and one 16 Kbps D
channel: each B channel can be used independently, for up to eight
simultaneous 64 Kbps connections, or the B channels can be bonded,
for connections of up to 512 Kbps. This bandwidth, along with the
flexible data compression schemes that are supported, makes the
VS3000 ideal for site-to-site file transfers and graphics-intensive
Internet/intranet applications.

Features

• Supports both ISDN Datalink Layer ITU-T Q.921 and ITU-T Q.931 D­channel signaling.

• Supports both North American (VS3000U) and international
(VS3000S) users with the same product family and software.

• Provides the performance and features of a standalone remote access
server with reduced implementation and operating costs.

• Automatic backup server switching ensures that ISDN services stay
available even if the primary server goes down.

• “Hot-swapping” lets you take VS3000 units in or out of service
without downing the server or interrupting other network services.

• VS-Link software gives you direct and immediate control of the
VS3000, including monitoring and diagnostic functions.

• Full support for Windows NT RAS, Novell NetWare MultiProtocol
Router™, and Novell NetWare Connect™ functionality.

®

or Novell® NetWare® server and

Product Overview 7

Introduction

ISDN Service Standards Supported

The VS3000U is designed for North American use and is compatible
with most ISDN service standards, including:

• AT&T, National ISDN-1 (NI-1), 5ESS Custom, and EuroISDN

• Nortel, NI-1, DMS-100 Proprietary (NTI), and EuroISDN

• Siemens, NI-1, and EuroISDN
The VS3000S is designed for international use, or North American use

when connected to an NT1 terminating unit, and is compatible with
most international ISDN service standards, including:

• European EuroISDN (ETSI NET-3)

• AT&T, National ISDN-1 (NI-1), 5ESS Custom, and EuroISDN

• Nortel, NI-1, DMS-100 Proprietary (NTI), and EuroISDN

• Siemens, NI-1, and EuroISDN

Operating System Requirements

The InterChangeVS 3000 requires at least one network server*
running one of the following operating systems:

• Windows NT (3.51 or 4.0) with Remote Access Service (RAS or
RRAS).

Note: The Windows NT 4.0 operating system is required to

support Multilink PPP.

®

•Citrix

• Novell NetWare (3.12, 4.11, or IntranetWare

WinFrame® (1.7 or later)

™

)

Note: Contact Novell Inc. for information regarding Multilink

PPP support for NetWare.

* Two or more network servers are required in order to use the

automatic backup server feature.

Connectivity Requirements

• One to four ISDN BRI telephone lines. (See Working With The
Phone Company, elsewhere in this guide.)

• An Ethernet connection, either directly to a NIC card in the host
server or to an Ethernet hub. (See Installing the Hardware,
elsewhere in this guide.)

8 Product Overview

Introduction

Installation Overview

The following figure illustrates the InterChangeVS 3000 hardware
and software installation procedure.

Note: The following procedure assumes that the ISDN line is already

installed and operational. See the Working with the Phone

Company section for more information.

Install the VS3000 using the

Installing the Hardware section.

Connect an RJ45 ISDN* cable between the

VS3000 and ISDN line phone jack or NT1

Terminating Unit (depending on country).

Connect the appropriate Ethernet* cable

between the VS3000 and the network.

To install VS-Link the
first time, use the software
installation section for your

To update VS-Link or add

additional VS3000 units,

remove the existing VS-Link.

operating system.

Re-install VS-Link using the

software installation section

for your operating system.

While ISDN and Ethernet cables may appear to be identical, they are

*

not interchangeable. Make sure you are using the correct cable(s) in
the correct locations.

Installation Overview 9

Introduction

Backup Server Overview

Both the Windows NT and Novell versions of VS-Link support
automatic backup server switching. If you have more than one NT or
Novell server on a network, you can configure one server as the

primary server for the VS3000, and one or more other servers as
backup servers for the same VS3000.

Once configured, primary-to-backup server switching is automatic. In
the event that the primary server goes offline, the backup server waits
the amount of time you specified during setup. If the primary server
does not come back online in that time, the backup server
automatically resets the VS3000 (in the process terminating any calls
in progress), then reloads the VS3000 using the configuration
information stored on the backup server and restores ISDN service.

Backup Server Configuration and Hierarchy

To configure backup server operation, you must install the VS-Link
software on the primary server and on every server that may be used
as a backup server. Then, when you configure the software on a given
server, you follow these steps:

1. Select the specific VS3000 to be controlled by this server.

2. Select whether this server is the primary or backup server for the
selected VS3000.

3. If a backup server, select the amount of time the server waits
(Recover Time in Windows NT, Polling Time in Novell) before
taking over from the primary server.

Each VS3000 must have one and only one primary server, but it can
multiple backup servers. Thus, by configuring each potential backup
server with a different recover time, you can establish a hierarchy that
determines which backup server to go to, and when.

Distributing the Workload

Note that primary/backup server configuration is set for each VS3000
on the network individually. This means that a given server can be the
primary server for some of the VS3000 units on the network, and the
backup server for others.

For example, in the following illustration, server “A” is the primary
server for VS3000-1 and the backup server for VS3000-2, while server
“B” is the primary server for VS3000-2 and the backup server for
VS3000-1. Thus, the normal workload is distributed between the two
servers, but if one of them goes down, the other takes over support of
both VS3000 units.

10 Backup Server Overview

Server
“A”

Primary

B

ac

k

ac

B

ku

u

Introduction

VS3000-1

p

p

Server

Primary

“B”

VS3000-2

Note: VS-Link for Novell can support four VS3000 units (either

primary, backup, or mixed) per Novell server. VS-Link for
Windows NT can support thirty-two VS3000 units per NT
server.

Returning Control to the Primary Server

When the primary server comes back online after a service outage,
backup-to-primary switching is not automatic. Instead, you must go to
the primary server and perform a manual procedure to reassert
control over the VS3000.

On Windows NT networks, access the ISDN Monitor program and use
the Reset option.

On Novell networks, load the vs3kcfg.nlm utility and use the Primary,
Force Load option.

Backup Server Overview 11

Introduction

Software or Document Updates

For information that is not in this Guide, see

README

and/or Help
files on the installation media. In particular, the Windows NT version
of VS-Link and the Windows NT ISDN Monitor program include
significant online help.

Comtrol manuals and other documents are available in electronic form
on the Comtrol web site. Driver software updates can be downloaded at
no charge from the Comtrol ftp site. Always check the web and ftp sites
to make sure that you have the current driver and documentation.

The current released version of the software is stored in the VS3000
directory. If a newer version has reached the beta testing stage, it can
be found in the BETA directory. Beta software is made available on an

“as-is”

basis and users of beta software assume all risks and liabilities

relating thereto.

Note: Downloadable driver software files are stored in either zipped

(filename.zip) or self-extracting zip (filename.exe) format. You
must extract the zipped files before installing a downloaded file.
For more information, see the appropriate section for your
network operating system.

Comtrol Corporate Headquarters

Internet URL:
email:

[e-mail]

FTP site:

www.comtrol.com

ftp.comtrol.com

FAX: [phone]
Phone: [phone]

Comtrol Europe

Internet URL:
email:

[e-mail]

www.comtrol.co.uk

FAX: [phone]
Phone: [phone]

12 Software or Document Updates

Working with the Phone Company

This section discusses ordering the ISDN line and collecting
information needed for software installation

Ordering the ISDN Line

For your ISDN installation to go smoothly, use the table below to
record information from your service provider.

Note: For North American installations, your ISDN line should follow

the NIUF generic U package (unless it is cost-prohibitive). This
package is often referred to as Easy ISDN or EZ-ISDN1. In
some cases, this service is also referred to as Basic Rate (2B+D)
ISDN service. With 2B+D, make sure that you order the version
that has EKTS (electronic key touch service) disabled or that it
does not include EKTS (such as, ring indicator).

Record the following information as supplied by your ISDN service
provider. In most cases, this information should be posted at the
demark location.

Table 1. ISDN Software Installation Information

Description Value

ISDN Installation Type (for
example, EZ-ISDN1)

ISDN Line Type o BRI
ISDN Help Desk Phone Number
Circuit ID

Switch Vendor (hardware type)

Network Type (software)

o EZ-ISDN1
o 2B+D (without EKTS)
o Other____________________

o ATT 5ESS
o Nortel DMS-100
o Siemens (EuroISDN)

o National ISDN1 (NI-1)
o ATT Custom
o DMS-100 Proprietary (NI-1)
o EuroISDN (NET3)

Ordering the ISDN Line 13

Working with the Phone Company

Table 1. ISDN Software Installation Information (Continued)

Description Value

Windows NT Novell

Primary SPID* SPID* 1
Primary

Directory
Number**

Secondary SPID SPID 2

Port 1

Secondary
Directory Number

Directory
Number** 1

Directory

Number 2
Primary SPID SPID 3
Primary

Directory Number
Secondary SPID SPID 4

Port 2

Secondary
Directory Number

Directory

Number 3

Directory

Number4
Primary SPID SPID 5
Primary

DirectoryNumber
Secondary SPID SPID 6

Port 3

Secondary
Directory Number

Directory

Number 5

Directory

Number 6
Primary SPID SPID 7
Primary

DirectoryNumber
Secondary SPID SPID 8

Port 4

Secondary
Directory Number

Directory

Number 7

Directory 8

* The SPID (Service Provide Identifier) is an up-to-14-digit number

resembling a telephone number and consisting of the SPID, SPID
suffix, and TID. In some cases, your phone company may also
provide you with an ISDN sub-address for each SPID. SPIDs are
required for North American installations only.

** The Directory Number (also known as the ISDN directory number

or ISDN address) is the 7-digit “local phone number” portion of the
SPID.

14 Ordering the ISDN Line

Installing the Hardware

Hardware Installation Overview

Perform the following steps to install and configure your VS3000:

• Connect up to four VS3000 ISDN ports to the ISDN lines.

• Connect the appropriate Ethernet cable between your server or hub
and the VS3000.

• Install the VS-Link software (discussed in the appropriate software
installation section).

Identifying VS3000 Models

There are at present two versions of the VS3000: the VS3000U, for
North American use, and the VS3000S, for international use (or North
American use with an NT1 terminating unit).

If you are unsure of which version of the VS3000 you have, check the
Network Address (MAC) label on the back on the unit. The network
address is coded as follows:

VS3000U 00 C0 4E 01 xxxx North America
VS3000S 00 C0 4E 03 xxxx International

FCC Notice (Consumer Instructions)

1. This equipment complies with Part 68 of the Federal
Communications Commission Rules. On the outside of the
equipment is a label containing the FCC registration number. The
information must be provided to the telephone company:

FCC Registration Number: 5EVUSA-24608-DE-N
FIC: 021S5
SIC: 6.0 N
USOC Jack: RJ49C

2. FCC-compliant cables are provided with this equipment. This
equipment is designed to be connected to the telephone network or
premises wiring using a compatible modular jack which is Part 68
Compliant. See the Building the Cable section for details.

Hardware Installation Overview 15

Installing the Hardware

3. If this equipment causes harm to the telephone network, the
telephone company will notify you in advance that temporary
discontinuance of service may be required. But, if advance notice
is not practical, the telephone company will notify the customer as
soon as possible. Also, you will be advised of your right to file a
complaint with the FCC if you believe it is necessary.

4. The telephone company may make changes in its facilities,
equipment, operations, or procedures that could affect operation of
the equipment. If this happens, the telephone company will
provide advance notice in order for you to make necessary
modifications in order to maintain uninterrupted service.

5. If experiencing trouble with the InterChangeVS-3000U, please
contact Comtrol Corporation, at [phone]. If the equipment
is causing harm to the network, the telephone company may
request you to remove the equipment from the network until the
problem is resolved.

6. No repairs are to be made by you. Repairs are to be made only by
Comtrol or its licensees. Unauthorized repairs void registration
and warranty.

7. This equipment cannot be used for public coin service provided by
the telephone company. Connection to party line service is subject
to state tariffs. Contact the state public utility commission, public
service commission or corporation commission for information.

Safety Precautions

Avoid contact with electrical current by using the following guidelines:

• Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless that jack is
specifically designed for wet locations.

• Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.

• Use a screwdriver and other tools with insulated handles.

• Do not place telephone wiring or connections in any conduit, outlet
or junction box containing electrical wiring.

Note: Do not work on your telephone wiring at all if you wear a

pacemaker. Telephone lines carry electrical current.

Installation of inside wire may bring you close to electrical wire,
conduit, terminals and other electrical facilities. Extreme caution must
be used to avoid electrical shock from such facilities. You must avoid
contact with all such facilities.

• Telephone wiring must be at least 6 feet from bare power wiring or
lightning rods and associated wires, and at least 6 inches from
other wire (antenna wires, doorbell wires, wires from transformers
to neon signs), steam or hot water pipes, and heating ducts.

16 Hardware Installation Overview

Installing the Hardware

• Do not place a jack where it would allow a person to use the
telephone while in a bathtub, shower, swimming pool, or similar
hazardous location.

• Protectors and grounding wire placed by the service provider must
not be connected to, removed, or modified by the customer.

Warning: Do not touch telephone wiring if lightning is present!

Installing the VS3000

Use the following procedure to connect the VS3000 to your network.

1. Write down the serial number and Network (MAC) of the virtual
server in the event that you need to call technical support.

Note: You can use the blank, peel-off sticker that was shipped with the

VS3000.

Table 2. Model and Serial Numbers

Serial Number* Network (MAC) Address*

00 C0 4E ___ ______

* The identification tag is located on the rear of the VS3000 unit.

2. Optionally, mount the VS3000 into the rack using the enclosed
mounting brackets or mount the rubber feet.

Warning: If mounting the VS3000 into a rack mount unit, make sure

that the rack is not top heavy.

a. Attach the L brackets to the VS3000 using the screws supplied

with the unit.

b. Attach the L brackets into your rack.

OR

• Attach the adhesive feet to the depressions on the bottom of the

VS3000.

Installing the VS3000 17

Installing the Hardware

Note: You can mount the VS3000 facing forward or to the rear

depending on your needs. Make sure that you do not obstruct the
cooling fan.

3. Connect an Ethernet cable from the appropriate Ethernet
connection (10Base-T or AUI) on the VS3000 to your server or
Ethernet hub.

Note: The Ethernet cable is not supplied by Comtrol. Depending on

the model of VS3000 you have purchased, Comtrol supplies one
or more ISDN cables. While Ethernet and ISDN cables may
appear to be identical, they are not interchangeable, and an
ISDN cable will not work if used in place of an Ethernet cable.

Note: If connecting directly to the server, an Ethernet adapter (NIC

card) is required. This is not supplied by Comtrol.

Ethernet Connection

to Server or

Ethernet Hub

10 BASE-T or AUI

Connector

Server Running

VS-Link

Note: If you need information about connectors or pinouts, see the

Cabling section.

Warning: Turn the power switch on the VS3000 virtual server

OFF

(0).

4. Connect the ISDN cable(s) shipped with the VS3000 between the
ISDN ports and ISDN line phone jacks or NT1 termination units.

Note: The VS3000 diagnostics require that PORT 1 have an active

ISDN line connected. Make sure that you keep track of
which line goes into which PORT. The associated SPID
numbers are not interchangeable.

5. Connect the power cable to the unit and plug it into a power
source.

Note: All VS3000 models include autoswitching power supplies.

You may need to select the appropriate power cable for your
location, but the VS3000 automatically senses and switches
to the correct line voltage and cycle frequency.

18 Installing the VS3000

Installing the Hardware

6. Turn the VS3000 power switch to the on (1) position and watch the
LED lights (on the back/front of the VS3000) for the following
activity during the self-diagnostic power up sequence.

a. All of the LEDs flash on for one second and then off, to indicate

that the LEDs work.

b. If using a 10Base-T Ethernet connection, the lower LED

remains lit to indicate that you have link polarity on the
connection.

Note: Check the link polarity at the hub to make sure that there is

Ethernet polarity at both ends of the Ethernet cable.

If the lower LED is off, then the unit is not connected to a LAN
system or it is connected by the AUI port. If using an AUI
connection to the server, you can determine whether th e line is
working by using an AUI to 10Base-T convertor box.

c. The D channel LEDs flash in sequence from port to port during

a test of ISDN components and verification of the ISDN lines.
This takes about 30 seconds.

d. All of the LEDs turn off for a moment.

Note: If all of the LED lights on any particular port flash on and

off several times in sequence (B1, B2, and D) before the next
step, there may be a problem with the ISDN line or the
hardware for that port. It indicates that the ISDN
hardware could not synchronize with the central office
(CO).

e. The B1 LED on PORT 1 flashes to indicate that it is waiting for

a control program (VS-Link) to download.

Installing the VS3000 19

Installing the Hardware

f. Use the following table to determine the problem if Steps a

through f did not occur.

Table 3. LED Display for Fatal Errors

LEDs Lit Description

Indicates a RAM self-test failure or other

PORT 1: B1

PORT 1: B1 & B2

7. Go to the appropriate VS-Link Installation section for your
operating system.

mainboard error. Implemented at primary
BOOT level prior to dependency on RAM.

Ethernet Controller hardware initialization
failure. Implemented at secondary BOOT
level during normal initialization.

Replacing Units in Service (“Hot-Swapping”)

In the event that a VS3000 needs to be removed from service, it is
possible to replace it with another VS3000 without taking down the
network server.

For more information, including step-by-step instructions, see the
section titled “Replacing Units in Service” in the chapter of this guide
relating to your network operating system.

Primary and Backup Servers

Both the Windows NT and Novell versions of the VS-Link software
support primary and backup servers. That is, if you have multiple
servers on a network, one server is designated as the primary server
for a given VS3000, and one or more other servers can be designated
as backup servers for the same VS3000. In the event that the primary
server goes offline, the backup server automatically takes over control
of the VS3000 and restores ISDN service.

For more information on setting up primary and backup servers, see
the chapter of this guide relating to your network operating system.

Notes:

• Each VS3000 must have one and only one primary server.

• Each VS3000 can have several backup servers, and you can use the
recover time (NT) or polling time (Novell) to establish a hierarchy
for selecting which backup server to go to and in which order.

• The same server can be the primary server for some VS3000 units
and the backup server for other VS3000 units on the same network.

20 Replacing Units in Service (“Hot-Swapping”)

VS3000 Specifications

Hardware Operating Conditions

The following table illustrates InterChangeVS 3000 operating
conditions.

Table 4. VS3000 Operating Conditions

Condition Value

Heat output 36.8
Air temperature:

System on

System off
Altitude 0 to 10,000 feet
Mean Time between Failures 9.7 years
Humidity (non-condensing):

System on

System off

BTU/Hr

o

0 to 40

-20 to 85

8% to 80%

20% to 80%

C

o

C

Hardware Specifications

The following table illustrates the specifications.

Table 5. VS3000 Specifications

Topic Specification

ISDN lines/VS3000 From 1 to 4
Baud Rate Up to
Line Voltage 100 - 240 VAC
Current Consumption 90 mA (at 120 VAC)
Power Consumption 10.8 W
Ethernet Host Interface 10Base-T or AUI
Dimensions (without feet) 16.75” x 11” x 1.75” (without brackets)
Weight 5 lbs

512 Kbps

Hardware Operating Conditions 21

VS3000 Specifications

Electromagnetic Compliance

The following tables illustrate electromagnetic Compliance for the
VS3000U (“U” interface) and VS3000S (“S/T” interface).

Table 6. VS3000U Electromagnetic Compliance

Topic Specification

Canadian EMC requirements Yes
FCC Class A certification Yes
FCC Part 68 certification Yes

UL and CUL

Surge protection Meets standard ISDN requirements.

Table 7. VS3000S Electromagnetic Compliance

EU ISDN Compliance: I-CTR 3 (94/797/EC) Yes

Emissions: EN55022
Immunity: EN50082

and 801-4

Safety: EN60950 Yes

FCC

Class A certification Yes

Surge protection

Recognized Yes

Topic Specification

Class A Yes

ESD

(801-2

FT)

, 801-3 RF,

Meets standard ISDN

Yes

requirements.

Power Supply Requirements

All VS3000 models include an auto-switching power supply that
automatically senses the line voltage and cycle rate and sets itself
accordingly. No manual switching is required. However, depending on
the model you purchase you may receive one or more AC power cords,
and it may be necessary to determine and select the appropriate power
cord for use in your area.

22 Electromagnetic Compliance

Building Cables

This section contains information on how to build VS3000 cables.

Note: ISDN and Ethernet cables may appear to be identical, but they

are not
work in place of ISDN cables, but ISDN cables will not
Ethernet. Depending on the model of VS3000 you purchase, you
may receive one or more ISDN cables with the unit. DO NOT
attempt to use one of these cables as an Ethernet cable.

ISDN Cable Specifications

If building your own ISDN cables, make sure that you use Category 3
(or better), unshielded twisted-pair cable.

ISDN (Port) Connector Pinouts

Use the following table and figures for pinout information for the RJ45
connectors on the VS3000.

interchangeable. Ethernet cables may in some cases

work for

18

Plug

Top View

Cable

Pin 1

Table 8. ISDN Port RJ45 Connector Pinouts

Pins VS3000U VS3000S NT1 Signals

1 and 2 Not Used Not Used Not Used

3 Not Used Tx+ Rx+
4 U Connection Rx+ Tx+
5 U Connection Rx- Tx­6 Not Used Tx- Rx-

7 and 8 Not Used Not Used Not Used

ISDN Cable Specifications 23

Receptacle

Pin 1

Building Cables

Ethernet Cable Specifications

For Ethernet, use an unshielded twisted-pair (

) cable with a

UTP

maximum length of 100 meters or approximately 328 feet. The
following table illustrates

cable specifications.

UTP

Table 9. Ethernet Cabling Specifications

Cable Specification

Type 100¾ UTP with two pairs
Maximum length 100 meters or 328 feet
Minimum length 0.6 meters or 23 feet

Ethernet 10Base-T Connector Pinout

Table 10. Ethernet Port RJ45 Connector Pinouts

Pins VS3000 10Base-T

1TxD+
2TxD­3RxD+

4 and 5 Not Used

6RxD-

7 and 8 Not Used

24 Ethernet Cable Specifications

Ethernet AUI Connector Pinout

Building Cables

This section shows an illustration of the female, high-density
connector and a listing of its different signals.

Table 11.

DB15 Connector Pinouts

Pin

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

9

10
11
12
13
14
15

Ethernet Port

Signals

GND
CI1+

DO+

DGND

DI+

DGND

Not Connected

DGND

CI-

DO-

DGND

DI-

+12V

DGND

Not Connected

Pin 8

Pin 15

DB15

Female Connector

Remote Connector

DB15

Pin 1

Pin 9

The DB9 port labeled “Remote” is reserved for Comtrol Corporation
repair and maintenance use. No user-accessible signals are present on
this port.

Remote Connector 25

Building Cables

26 Remote Connector

Troubleshooting

This section discusses the following topics:

• Isolating and resolving problems

• Understanding the LED displays

• Obtaining software and/or document updates

• Placing a call to Comtrol Technical Support

Problem Resolution Checklist

If installation fails or the VS3000 does not operate as expected, try the
following before calling the Comtrol technical support line:

• Check for proper cable connections. In particular, check to make
sure that you have an Ethernet cable on the Ethernet port and
ISDN cables on the ISDN ports. The two types of cables are easy to
swap by accident.

• Turn the VS3000 on and off and watch for errors on the LEDs using
the Understanding the LEDs subsections. (These are found on the
following pages.)

• Check the VS-Link software to make sure that the Network
Address (MAC) in the software matches the Network Address on
the VS3000.

• Verify that you have the correct model (VS3000U
your locale. The VS3000U is for North American use only. The
VS3000S is for international use, but requires an NT1 terminating
unit. For more information see Installing the Hardware.

• If you are operating in a multiple-server environment, check to
make sure that you are controlling the VS3000 from its primary
server, that there is only one primary server assigned to this
particular VS3000, and that no backup server has pre-empted the
primary server.

Note: Backup-to-primary switching is not automatic. Once a

backup server takes over control of a VS3000, you must
follow a manual procedure to restore control to the primary
server. This procedure differs depending on your network
operating system. See the chapter for your operating system
for more information.

or VS3000S) for

Problem Resolution Checklist 27

Troubleshooting

• If you are operating in a multiple-server environment and a backup
server has taken over control of the VS3000, check (if possible) to
make sure the backup server has the same Port, SPID, Directory
Number, and MAC configuration as the primary server.

• If this is a Windows NT installation, use the ISDN Monitor program
to trace and log the messages being passed between the NT server
and the VS3000. Use the ISDN Cause Codes section of this manual
to interpret the results. Also note that other error messages may be
displayed in the Event Log.

• If this is a Novell installation, use the vs3kcfg.nlm utility to trace
and log the messages between passed between the server and the
VS3000. Use the ISDN Cause Codes section of this manual to
interpret the results. Also note that other error messages may be
displayed in the Console Log.

• If you have more than one VS3000, follow the Replacing Units in
Service procedure for your operating system to “hot-swap” VS3000
units. If this corrects the problem, the VS3000 you have removed
from service may be defective or need repair.

• When all else fails, remove and reinstall the VS-Link software.

Understanding the Ethernet LEDs

The following table describes Ethernet LED activity for the VS3000.

Table 12. Ethernet LED Descriptions

LED Indicator Description

10Base-T

(Upper)

10Base-T

(Lower)

10Base-T

(Lower)

28 Problem Resolution Checklist

Flashing

On

Off

Flashes briefly during transmissions from the
unit as a general indicator of activity.

VS3000 is correctly attached to the LAN by the
RJ45 10Base-T connector.

Connected to the AUI connector or the 10Base-T
connection is not connected to the LAN properly.

Troubleshooting

Understanding the Port LEDs

The following table describes PORT LED activity after:

• VS-Link is installed and configured.

• Operating system configuration is completed for the VS3000.

Table 13. Port LED Descriptions

Port LEDs Status Description

Normal standby state - no calls pending or
established.

B1 or B2 selected for a call, but not yet connected.
A call has been initiated and the CO has assigned
the B1 or B2 channel as the channel that the call
will connect on. If the call connects normally, this
state may not even be seen because the
connection happens so fast.

Line disconnected or failed. Bad Line; layer 1 not
up. This can occur if the VS3000 is not connected
to the CO, or if there are hardware or software
problems preventing synchronization with the
CO.

Equipment failed or not configured properly. Bad
SPID; layer 1 is activated, but Layer 2 is not up
yet. Layer 2 is the LAPD layer that ensures a
reliable data path to the CO. In Layer 2 there is
polling going on between the CO and hardware
all the time. This state could indicate
configuration problems.

Normal activity. The VS3000 is ready for use;
layer 1 and 2 are up. In this state, both B
channels are available for use.

B1 or B2

D

Off

Flashing

On Call connected on B1 or B2.

Off

Flashing

On

Problem Resolution Checklist 29

Troubleshooting

Obtaining Software and Document Updates

For information that is not in this guide, see

README

and/or Help files
on the installation media. In particular, the Windows NT version of
VS-Link and the Windows NT ISDN Monitor program include
significant online help.

Comtrol manuals are available in electronic form on the Comtrol web
site. VS-Link software and manual updates can be downloaded at no
charge from the Comtrol ftp site. Always check the web and ftp sites to
make sure that you have the current software and documentation.

The current released version of the software is stored in the VS3000
directory. If a newer version has reached the beta testing stage, it can
be found in the BETA directory. Beta software is made available on an

“as-is”

basis and users of beta software assume all risks and liabilities

relating thereto.

Note: Downloadable driver software files are stored in either zipped

(filename.zip) or self-extracting zip (filename.exe) format. You
must extract the zipped files and create an installation diskette
before installing a downloaded file. For more information, see
the appropriate section for your network operating system.

Placing a Support Call

Before you call Comtrol technical support, please have the following
information available. (Much of this information should already be in
the ISDN Software Installation Information table in the Working With
The Phone Company section of this guide.)

Table 14. Support Call Information

Item Value

Operating System
type and release number

VS-Link release number
Computer make and model

o EZ-ISDN1

ISDN Installation Type

ISDN Line Type o BRI
ISDN Help Desk Phone Number
Circuit ID

o 2B+D (without EKTS)
o Other____________________

30 Obtaining Software and Document Updates

Table 14. Support Call Information

Item Value

Switch Vendor (hardware type)

Network Type (software)

Windows NT Novell

Primary SPID* SPID 1*
Primary

Directory
Number**

Secondary SPID SPID 2

Port 1

Secondary
Directory Number

Directory
Number** 1

Directory

Number 2
Primary SPID SPID 3
Primary

Directory Number
Secondary SPID SPID 4

Port 2

Secondary
Directory Number

Directory

Number 3

Directory

Number 4
Primary SPID SPID 5
Primary

Directory Number
Secondary SPID SPID 6

Port 3

Secondary
Directory Number

Directory

Number 5

Directory

Number 6
Primary SPID SPID 7
Primary

Directory Number
Secondary SPID SPID 8

Port 4

Secondary
Directory Number

Directory

Number 7

Directory

Number 8

Troubleshooting

o ATT 5ESS
o Nortel DMS-100
o Siemens (EuroISDN)

o National ISDN1 (NI-1)
o ATT Custom
o DMS-100 Proprietary (NI-1)
o EuroISDN (NET3)

Placing a Support Call 31

Troubleshooting

* The SPID (Service Provide Identifier) is an up-to-14-digit number

resembling a telephone number and consisting of the SPID, SPID
suffix, and TID. In some cases, your phone company may also
provide you with an ISDN sub-address for each SPID. SPIDs are
required for North American installations only.

** The Directory Number (also known as the ISDN directory number or

ISDN address) is the 7-digit “local phone number” portion of the
SPID.

After you have gathered this information, contact Comtrol:

Comtrol Corporate Headquarters

Internet URL:
email:

[e-mail]

FTP site:

www.comtrol.com

ftp.comtrol.com

FAX: [phone]
Phone: [phone]

Comtrol Europe

Internet URL:
email:

[e-mail]

www.comtrol.co.uk

FAX: [phone]
Phone: [phone]

32 Placing a Support Call

Notices

This section contains information about the following topics:

• Part 15 FCC

• RFI & CISPR-22

• Canadian guidelines

• Underwriters Laboratory

• Safety issues

• Return Procedures (Canada)

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) (FCC 15.105)

The InterChangeVS 3000U virtual server has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for Class A digital devices pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC Rules.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) (CISPR-22)

The InterChangeVS 3000S virtual server has been tested and found to
comply with the limits for Class A digital devices. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential environment.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction

Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) (FCC 15.105) 33

Notices

manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful
interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Labeling Requirements (FCC 15.19)

The virtual servers comply with part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions:

• This device may not cause harmful interference, and

• This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

Modifications (FCC 15.21)

Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by
Comtrol Corporation may void the user's authority to operate this
equipment.

Cables (FCC 15.27)

This equipment is certified for Class A operation when used with
unshielded cables.

InterChangeVS 3000U - Canada

The InterChangeVS 3000U virtual server connects directly to off­premise Common Carrier facilities using the two-wire ISDN “U”
interface.

Before installing the VS3000U, you should ensure that it is permissible
to be connected to the facilities of the local telecommunications
company. The equipment must also be installed using an acceptable
method of connection. In some case, the buildings inside wiring
associated with a single line individual server may be extended by

34 Labeling Requirements (FCC 15.19)

Notices

means of a certified connector assembly (telephone extension card).
The customer should be aware that compliance with the above
conditions may not prevent degradation of service in some situations.

Repairs to certified equipment should be made by an authorized
Canadian maintenance facility designated by the supplier. Any
repairs, or alterations made by the user to this equipment, or
equipment malfunctions, may give the telecommunications company
cause to request the user to disconnect the equipment.

Users should be aware for their own protection that the electrical
ground connections of the power utility, telephone lines, and internal
metallic water pipe system, if present, are connected together. This
precaution may be particularly important in rural areas.

Users should not attempt to make such connections themselves, but
should contact the appropriate electric inspections authority, or
electrician, as appropriate.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise
for digital apparatus set out in the interference-causing equipment
standard entitled: “Digital Apparatus,” ICES-003 of Industry Canada.

InterChangeVS 3000S - Canada

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio
noise for digital apparatus set out in the interference-causing
equipment standard entitled: “Digital Apparatus,” ICES-003 of
Industry Canada.

The InterChangeVS 3000S virtual server is intended to be connected to
the ISDN “S” or “T bus, and not directly to any off-premise Common
Carrier facilities. As a result of this restriction, the InterChangeVS
3000S is exempt from certification under the Canadian DOC CP-03,
Part VI as per DOC CP-01 Issue 7, Section 4.15.2.

When connecting the InterChangeVS 3000S virtual server to the
network, avoid contact with the telecommunications lead wire. Grasp
the insulated part of the jack, and do not contact the back of the circuit
board. Telephone wiring can carry dangerous voltages from electrical
faults or lightning.

The InterChangeVS 3000S virtual server is equipped with a standard
8-pin RJ45 jack for connection to the ISDN network. If you need to add
wiring to your facility, refer to the National ISDN Users Forum
document NIUF 433-94 ISDN Wiring and Powering Guidelines
(Residence and Small Business).

Note: The Industry Canada label identifies certified equipment. This

certification means that the equipment meets
telecommunications network protective, operational, and safety
requirements as prescribed in the appropriate Terminal
Equipment Technical Requirements documents. The

InterChangeVS 3000S - Canada 35

Notices

Department does not guarantee the equipment will operate to
the user’s satisfaction.

Underwriters Laboratory

The VS3000 is Underwriters Laboratory “UL” listed.

Important Safety Information

To avoid contact with electrical current:

• Never install electrical wiring during an electrical storm.

• Never install telephone jacks in wet locations unless that jack is
specifically designed for wet locations.

• Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines.

• Use a screwdriver and other tools with insulated handles.

• You and those around you should wear safety glasses or goggles.

• Do not place telephone wiring or connections in any conduit, outlet
or junction box containing electrical wiring.

Note: Do not work on your telephone wiring at all if you wear a

pacemaker. Telephone lines carry electrical current.

Installation of inside wire may bring you close to electrical wire,
conduit, terminals and other electrical facilities. Extreme caution must
be used to avoid electrical shock from such facilities. You must avoid
contact with all such facilities.

• Telephone wiring must be at least 6 feet from bare power wiring or
lightning rods and associated wires, and at least 6 inches from
other wire (antenna wires, doorbell wires, wires from transformers
to neon signs), steam or hot water pipes, and heating ducts.

• Before working with existing inside wiring, check all electrical
outlets for a square telephone dial light transformer and unplug it
from the electrical outlet. Failure to unplug all telephone
transformers can cause electrical shock.

• Do not place a jack where it would allow a person to use the
telephone while in a bathtub, shower, swimming pool, or similar
hazardous location.

• Protectors and grounding wire placed by the service provider must
not be connected to, removed, or modified by the customer.

Warning: Do not touch un-insulated telephone wiring if lightning is

present!

36 Underwriters Laboratory

Notices

External Wiring

Any external communications wiring you may install needs to be
constructed to all relevant electrical codes. In the United States this is
the National Electrical Code Article 800. Contact a licensed electrician
for details.

The InterChangeVS 3000 virtual server is equipped with one standard
8-pin RJ45 cable for connection to the ISDN jack; check with your
service provider if you need pinout information.

Return Procedures

To qualify for the warranty, the original purchaser must follow the
procedure outlined below:

1. Comtrol must be notified in writing within thirty (30) days of the
date that the defect is discovered or contacted for an RMA number.
Comtrol will then issue a Return Material Authorization (RMA)
Number which the purchaser must include with all correspondence
and display on the outside of the shipping container when
returning the card.

2. All Comtrol cards must be shipped freight and insurance prepaid,
in the original shipping container, or in a container providing equal
or better protection, with the Return Material Authorization
(RMA) Number displayed on the outside of the container in a
prominent manner.

3. A written description of the defect together with a copy of your
receipt or other proof of purchase, and the name of the dealer which
sold you the Comtrol product, must be shipped with the card. All
defects must be reproducible at the Comtrol repair center to qualify
for the limited warranty. Ship the card to the appropriate shipping
address:

Comtrol Corporation
Distribution/Repair
1791 Buerkle Circle
White Bear Lake, MN 55110

or
Gandacar Consulting, Limited

189 Lake Avenue East
Carlton Place, Ontario Canada
K7C 1J7
Phone: [phone]

Comtrol will return a card which qualifies under this warranty
freight and insurance prepaid. Comtrol will repair or replace the
cards that do not qualify under the terms of this warranty at the

External Wiring 37

Notices

option of the purchaser, in which case the purchaser will pay the
cost of repair or replacement, and return freight and insurance.

This limited warranty is in lieu of all other warranties and conditions
expressed, implied or statutory including merchantability, fitness for
purpose, non-infringement, course of dealing, trade or performance and
all other liabilities of Comtrol all of which are hereby disclaimed.

In no event will Comtrol be liable for damages, including lost profits,
lost savings or other special, punitive, incidental, or consequential
damages arising out of the use of or inability to use the Comtrol card,
even if Comtrol or an authorized dealer has been advised of the
possibility of such damages, or for any claim by any other party. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other
rights that vary from state to state (U.S.) or in your home country.

38 Return Procedures

Index

Numerics

10Base-T

connector19,

LEDs explanation of
220-volt operation18,
2B+D
5ESS8,

13

13

28

22

A

AC voltage
address

MAC (network)
air temperature
altitude
AT&T Custom
AUI port LEDs

22

17

21

21

13

28

B

B channel

description of
backup server7, 10–11,
baud rate
bonding channels

Novell NetWare

7

21

8

C

cables

Ethernet and ISDN9,

FCC 15.27

needed for installation

shipped with VS3000
Canada

DOC CP-03

EMC requirements

ICES-003

NIUF 433-94

Notices

34

35

22

35

35

34

28

8

20

18

8

return procedures

channel

B description of
D description of

channels

bonding (Novell)
circuit ID
CISPR-22
Citrix
Comtrol

how to contact
configuring

ISDN service
connectors

Ethernet AUI

Ethernet RJ4519,

ISDN RJ45

Remote
consumer instructions
current consumption

13

33

8

23

25

37

7

7

8

32

13

25

24

15

21

D

D channel

description of
diagnostics

LEDs
dimensions
directory number
DMS-1008,

19

7

21

14

13

E

Easy ISDN
electronic key touch service

errors

LEDs20, 28,
Ethernet

13

(EKTS)

28

13

29

39

Index

10Base-T connector
connector18, 24,
host interface
LEDs

link polarity
ETSI NET-3
EuroISDN
Europe

how to contact Comtrol

power supply18,

technical support

VS3000S
external wiring
EZ-ISDN

28

19

8

8

15

13

19

25

21

22

12

37

F

FCC

15.19

15.21

15.27

Class A certification

FIC

Notice

Part 68 certification

registration number

SIC

USOC jack

34
34
34

22

15

15

22

15

15

15

H

hardware

installation overview9,
heat output
help files

ISDN Monitor

Novell

Windows NT
hot-swapping7,
hot-swapping VS3000 units
humidity

21

30

30

30

28

21

32

15

20

I

installation

backup server
Ethernet requirements
flowchart
hardware overview
ISDN requirements
operating system

requirements
overview of
rack mounting
warnings and guidelines

ISDN

ISDN Monitor program
ITU-T Q.921
ITU-T Q.931

29

connector23,
hardware types
help desk phone number
Line Type
lines per unit
ordering the line
software types
standards supported

20

9

15

8

8

9

17

29

13

13

21

13

13

8

28
7
7

L

labeling requirements

34

FCC

LEDs

errors
Ethernet explanation of
explanation of
ISDN explanation of
PORT
PORT explanation of
power up sequence (without

legal notices
line type
line voltage
line voltage requirements

20

19

VS-Link)

13

21

28

29

29

19

33

8

16

13

28

22

40

Index

link polarity

19

M

MAC address
mean time between failures
modifications
MTBF
multilink PPP

21

Novell NetWare
Windows NT 4.0

17

21

34

8

8

N

National ISDN-1

13

Net3
network address (MAC)
NI-18,
NIUF generic U package
Nortel
Northern Telcom Proprietary
notices

NT1 terminating unit8, 15,
NTI, EuroISDN

13

8

34

legal4,
trademark

33

13

17

13

13

4

27

13

P

polarity

10Base-T
PORT LEDs19,
power consumption
power-on diagnostics18, 19, 20,

Primary Directory Number
Primary SPID
problems

resolving27–
procedures

for returning product
product

overview

19

29

21

28, 29

14

14

32

37

7

RMAs

37

R

rack

mounting into

radio frequency interference

(RFI)

FCC

15.105
registration number
Remote connector
return procedures
RJ45 pinouts

37

RMA

17

33

15

25

37

23

S

safety information
Secondary Directory Number
Secondary SPID
serial number location
Service Provider ID
shielding cables

15

SIC
Siemens8,
software

how to get updates

installation overview
SPID
surge protection

13

14

36

14

17

14

23

12

9

22

T

technical support

contacting4, 12,

downloading driver files

electronic user guide

information required

ISDN Help Desk

obtaining software updates
troubleshooting27–

backup servers20,

30

30

30

17

13

32

27

14

30

41

Index

checklist
downloaded driver files
Ethernet and ISDN cables23,

Ethernet cables
extracting the installation

hot-swapping
hot-swapping VS3000 units
ISDN cables
ISDN help desk phone

ISDN Monitor program
network address (MAC)
Novell NetWare
obtaining software updates
returning control to primary

vs3kcfg.nlm
Windows NT

27

27

files12,

number

server

12

18

30

20

18

13

28

27

28

11

28

28

U

U.K.

how to contact Comtrol
power supply18,
technical support
VS3000S

U.S.A.

technical support
VS3000U

36

UL
UL recognized
Underwriters Laboratory
updates

how to obtain

user guide

electronic
USOC Jack
UTP cable specifications

15

15

22

12

12
15

32

22

12

12

36

24

28

12

V

VS3000

Canada
Ethernet connection to
hot-swapping
identifying models
mounting in a rack
product overview
requirement for operation
specifications

vs3kcfg.nlm

34

20

15

17

7

21

28

W

WinFrame
wiring

external

8

37

18

18

42

Part Number: 6620D March 3, 1998