Digi Rapidport Installation Manual
®
Rapidport
USB TO 4-PORT
MODEM MODULE
Installation
Guide
www.digi.com
Table of Contents
Cabling Rapidport ........................................................................................1
Installing Rapidport Drivers ........................................................................2
Installing the Rapidport Modems.................................................................3
Interpreting the Status Lights .......................................................................3
The Edgeport Utility Program .....................................................................4
Regulatory & Other Information ...............................................................10
Rapidport
Rapidport offers an easy solution for remote access via Plug-and-Play USB connectivity. This external, userinstallable solution plugs into the USB port of a PC, thin client or server and provides four 56K V.90 modems.
EdgeUSB technology, shipping with Rapidport since 1998, adds Plug-and-Play USB compatibility to Microsoft
Windows NT and Windows NT Embedded system users. The Rapidport gives network users access to Internet
Service Providers (ISP), fax, and other group dial-up applications supported by Windows NT RAS.
Rapidport is a scalable solution – its onboard USB port enables additional units to be stacked and daisy-chained as
modem requirements increase. The downstream port may be used to connect and power any 500mA USB peripheral
device, including Edgeport USB-to-serial converters for instant I/O expansion. Its feature-rich design, extensive
operating system support and reliable performance make Rapidport/4 ideal for mission critical enterprise
applications.
Cabling Rapidport
To connect the cables included with your Rapidport:
1) Connect one end of the power supply* into the back of your Rapidport and the other end into an AC outlet.
2) Connect one end of the phone cord** to Port 1 on the back of the Rapidport and the other end to an analog
phone jack. Repeat for up to four connections (Ports 1-4).
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger telecommunication line cord.
3a) For a downstream connection, plug the Type A end of the USB cable into the USB port located in the back of
your PC or into an available USB port on a standard hub or into a Digi International Hubport. Plug the Type B
end of the USB cable into the back of the Rapidport.
3b) For an upstream connection, plug the Type A end of the USB cable into Rapidport’s USB Type A slot and
the Type B end of the USB cable into the upstream device (e.g. a Hubport or another Rapidport).
The cabling diagrams on page 10 show both Type A and Type B plugs and receptacles.
To install the necessary drivers, go to the ―Installing Rapidport Drivers‖ section, which starts on this page.
*Power to this product may be supplied by a UL Listed Direct Plug-In Power Unit marked ―Class 2‖ with a
minimum rating of 5 V dc, 2.1 A if used in the U.S. and Canada or a power supply with similar rating and approved
by your local safety code if it is used elsewhere. For polarity, use the following:
**Safety Warning: 1) Never install telephone wiring during a lightning storm. 2) Never install telephone jacks in
wet locations unless the jack is specifically designed for wet locations. 3) This product is to be used with UL and
cUL listed computers. 4) Never touch uninsulated telephone wires or terminals unless the telephone line has been
disconnected at the network interface. 5) Use caution when installing or modifying telephone lines. 6) Avoid using a
telephone (other than a cordless type) during an electrical storm. There may be a remote risk of electrical shock from
lightning. 7) Do not use the telephone to report a gas leak in the vicinity of the leak.
Rapidport Installation Guide (90000665 Rev. C) – Page 1
Installing Rapidport Drivers
For Windows XP, Server 2003, Server 2008, and Vista
Note: You must be logged into an account with administrator privileges before proceeding.
Note: Please go to www.digi.com to download software for older Operating Systems.
1. Connect the USB cable. (Refer to the Table of Contents to locate the cabling instructions for your
specific Edgeport model.) If your computer is connected to the internet, the latest Microsoft certified
drivers will be automatically downloaded from the Microsoft driver update server. If not, continue with
step 3.
2. Insert the ―Edgeport Driver‖ CD into your CD-ROM drive. In most cases the drivers will be
automatically installed from the CD. If not, proceed with step 4.
3. When the Found New Hardware Wizard appears, select Install from a list or specific location
(Advanced) and click Next.
4. Select Search for a suitable driver for my device and click Next.
5. Select Specify a location and click Next.
6. Type in <CD drive letter>:\drivers and click OK.
7. Confirm that Windows is pointing to <CD drive letter>:\drivers. Then click Next
8. Wait while Windows finishes installing the driver files and click Finish to complete the installation.
Your new COM port(s), numbered sequentially following the existing ports in your system, is/are ready.
Rapidport Installation Guide (90000665 Rev. C) – Page 2
Installing the Rapidport Modems
Before installing a Rapidport modem, ensure that it is connected to your PC and has power.
For Windows XP, Server 2003 Server 2008, and Vista
1) From the Control Panel, open Modems. (If the Modems Properties dialog appears, click Add in order to view
the Install New Modems dialog.)
2) While in the Install New Modem dialog, click Next and wait while your system searches for new modems.
3) Follow the recommended on-screen instructions.
4) Click Finish to complete installation and return to the Modems Properties dialog.
Interpreting the Status Lights
Interpreting the System Status Light
Red This light signifies a loss of USB communication with the host. If the loss is due to unplugging the unit,
when it is reconnected the light will blink red a few moments before turning green. Otherwise, the light
indicates a problem with the drivers, which may need to be reinstalled. The red light will also blink during
installation until the installation is complete.
Amber This light signifies serial port activity on the Rapidport. The yellow light may also flash briefly during
installation.
Green This light indicates that the serial ports have been successfully set up and the Rapidport is operating
normally.
Interpreting the HUB Port Status Light
Green When on, this light indicates that the downstream connection has power.
Interpreting the Modem Status Lights
RD Receive Data. This light flashes when data is sent to your computer from the modem. At high speeds light
may appear continuously on.
TD Transmit Data. This light flashes whenever data or commands are sent to the modem from your computer.
CD Carrier Detect. This light indicates that the Data Carrier Detect (DCD) signal from the modem to your
computer is on.
TR Terminal Ready. This light indicates that your computer is ready to send or receive data. It also shows the
Data Terminal Ready (DTR) signal status from your computer.
Rapidport Installation Guide (90000665 Rev. C) – Page 3
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