Multitech MultiVOIP MVPGK1 Gatekeeper User Manual

MultiVOIP Gatekeeper

Model MVPGK1

Hardware User Guide

User Guide

S0000122, Revision B

MultiVOIP Gatekeeper (Model MVPGK1)

This publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior expressed written permission
from Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2001, by Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. makes no representations or warranties with respect to the contents hereof
and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose. Furthermore, Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. reserves the right to revise this publication and to
make changes from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. to
notify any person or organization of such revisions or changes.

Record of Revisions

RevisionDescription

A Manual released. All pages at revision A.
(1/21/00)

B Update of Regulatory Info.
(4/15/00)

Patents

This product is covered by one or more of the following U.S. Patent Numbers: 5.301.274;

5.309.562; 5.355.365; 5.355.653; 5.452.289; 5.453.986. Other Patents Pending.

Trademarks

Multi-Tech and the rademarks of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. are as follows: MultiVOIP, RASExpress,
MultiExpressFax, and the Multi-Tech logo.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.

2205 Woodale Drive

Mounds View, Minnesota 55112

[phone] or [phone]

Fax [phone]

Tech Support [phone]

Internet Address: http://www.multitech.com

2 MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide

Contents

1 Introduction/Description 5

System Overview .................................................................................................................................... 6

Introduction...................................................................................................................................... 6

Technical Specifications ........................................................................................................................... 7

Chassis ............................................................................................................................................ 7

Power Supply ................................................................................................................................... 7

SBC (Single Board Computer) ............................................................................................................. 8

Display: ........................................................................................................................................... 9

NIC Board (EN10100 PCI Card) ......................................................................................................... 10

2 Installation and Setup 13

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 14

Unpacking ............................................................................................................................................ 14

Safety Warning AC Power ...................................................................................................................... 14

Lithium Battery Caution.......................................................................................................................... 14

Laser Safety Caution ............................................................................................................................. 14

Safety Warnings Telecom ...................................................................................................................... 14

Rack Mounting ...................................................................................................................................... 15

Cable Connections ................................................................................................................................15

SBC Board Cabling .......................................................................................................................... 16

NIC Cabling .................................................................................................................................... 16

Powering Up ........................................................................................................................................ 17

3 Single Board Computer 19

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 20

About the SBC ................................................................................................................................20

Component Locations ...................................................................................................................... 21

4 PCI NIC Board 23

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 24

About Fast Ethernet ......................................................................................................................... 24

About Auto-negotiation .................................................................................................................... 24

About PCI Bus................................................................................................................................. 25

Features ........................................................................................................................................ 25

5 Hardware Removal/Replacement 27

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 28

Disconnecting Cables and Removal from Enclosure ................................................................................... 28

Card Cage Removal/Replacement ........................................................................................................... 29

Board Removal and Replacement ............................................................................................................ 31

Removing SBC Board....................................................................................................................... 31

Removing NIC Board ....................................................................................................................... 32

Hard Drive Removal/Replacement ........................................................................................................... 32

Floppy Disk Drive Removal/Replacement .................................................................................................. 33

CD ROM Drive Removal/Replacement ...................................................................................................... 33

Power Supply Removal/Replacement....................................................................................................... 34

MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide 3

6 Troubleshooting 35

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 36

Hardware Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................... 36

Diagnostic Tests .............................................................................................................................. 38

Troubleshooting with Error Messages ...................................................................................................... 38

Calling Technical Support ....................................................................................................................... 39

7 Service, Warranty, and Technical Support 41

Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 42

Limited Warranty .................................................................................................................................. 42

Addendum for North American Products ............................................................................................ 42

Addendum for International Products ................................................................................................. 42

Service ................................................................................................................................................ 43

Ordering Accessories ............................................................................................................................ 43

Tech Support ....................................................................................................................................... 44

Recording Gatekeeper Information .................................................................................................... 44

About the Internet................................................................................................................................. 44

Appendices 45

Appendix A Connector Pinouts ............................................................................................................. 46

SBC Connectors .............................................................................................................................. 46

NIC Board Connector ....................................................................................................................... 48

SBC Onboard Connectors ................................................................................................................. 49

Expansion Slots .............................................................................................................................. 54

How to Set Jumpers ........................................................................................................................ 57

Appendix B: SBC Mapping Parameters ..................................................................................................... 63

Appendix C - SBC Configuration Details.................................................................................................... 63

Flash BIOS Update .......................................................................................................................... 63

Watchdog Timer Configuration ......................................................................................................... 63

Green PC Function ................................................................................................................................63

Power Saving Block Diagram ............................................................................................................ 64

CPU Doze Mode .............................................................................................................................. 64

System Standby Mode ..................................................................................................................... 64

System Suspend Mode .................................................................................................................... 64

Award BIOS Setup .......................................................................................................................... 65

Entering Setup ...................................................................................................................................... 66

Setup Keyboard Commands ............................................................................................................. 66

The Standard CMOS Setup Menu ...................................................................................................... 67

Memory Installation ......................................................................................................................... 67

SBC Configuration ................................................................................................................................. 67

VGA Driver Utilities ................................................................................................................................68

VGA Drivers .................................................................................................................................... 68

The BIOS Features Setup Menu ........................................................................................................ 70

Chipset Features Setup.................................................................................................................... 73

DRAM Settings ................................................................................................................................74

Cache Features .............................................................................................................................. 74

PCI and IDE Configuration ................................................................................................................ 74

Power Management Setup ..................................................................................................................... 75

Power Management ....................................................................................................................... 75

Doze Mode ..................................................................................................................................... 76

Standby Mode ................................................................................................................................76

IDE HDD Auto Detection ................................................................................................................... 79

Appendix D  Regulatory Information ..................................................................................................... 83

4 MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide

Chapter

1 Introduction/Description

System Overview

Introduction

Welcome to Multi-Techs new MultiVOIP Gatekeeper, Model MVPGK1, a turnkey hardware and
software solution that enables network managers and intranet managers to define and control how
H.323 voice traffic is managed over IP networks. The MultiVOIP Gatekeeper is a complementary product
to the MultiVOIP 200 (MVP200), the 2-Voice/Fax channel product and the MultiVOIP 400/800 (MVP400),
4-Voice/Fax channel product, and the MVP800, the 8-Voice/Fax channel product. The MultiVOIP
GateKeeper is an industry-standard mechanism for call control and routing, basic telephony services,
H.323 bandwidth usage control, total network usage control, and overall system administration and
security policies. It includes fast, easy-to-use interfaces that network managers can use to modify or
update zone configurations when an individual on the network needs additional services. And, it
provides call centers with the capability to perform needs-based call routing as well as providing a
variety of other automatic call distribution features.

The MultiVOIP GateKeeper is a ruggedized, expandable, 19-inch rack mount unit that includes a built-in
hard drive, a 3.5-inch floppy drive, and a CD-ROM drive. Its removable card cage has six circuit board
slots: one slot on the lower left side of the card cage is dedicated to the single-board computer (SBC);
also, there is one combo slot (PCI or ISA) and four PCI slots.

The IPC-551 SBC is a full size plug-in PC board with PCI bus architecture, a 233 MHz processor, 256 MB
of DRAM, Award BIOS, and Green PC functions that enable the computer to operate at a decreased
power level after it senses a period of idleness. In one of the PCI slots is an EN10100PCI Ethernet
adapter card that is a Plug and Play device with data transfer rates of either 10 Mbps (Ethernet) or 100
Mbps (Fast Ethernet), selected via auto-negotiation.

6 MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide

Technical Specifications

Figure 1-1. MultiVOIP Gatekeeper

The Gatekeeper conforms to the following technical specifications.

Chassis

 6-slot PCI/ISA backplane
 SBC
 10/100Mb PCI EtherNet NIC
 One half-height 1.44Mb 3½-inch floppy disk drive
 One half-height IDE hard drive

Chapter 1 - System Overview

 One 250-watt power supply
 One 32x CD-ROM Drive
 Power on/off switch on front panel with built in power LED.
 Full security locking

Power Supply

AC Input

 Power requirement: 115/230V; 7A/4A (RMS) selectable by slide switch
 Frequency: 50-60 Hz
 Efficiency: >65% @ full load, nominal line

DC Output

 Outputs: +5 @ 25A, +12 @ 10A, -5 @ 0.5A, -12 @ 0.5A
 Inrush current: <30A peak @ 115VAC, cold start at 25o C
 Line regulation: +/- 5% at full load for +/-5V, +/-12V, +/-10% for -12V
 Hold Time: 12ms at full load @ 115VAC

Note: 3.3 volts, DC, is available at PCI expansion slots on one side of the backplane only,
because PCI expansion cards made by some other manufacturers may require 3.3 volts. Any
such boards must be installed in the Gatekeeper on the side of the chassis where the Single­Board Computer is located. Since there is no 3.3-volt supply on the other side of the backplane,
such PCI expansion cards will not operate properly in those positions.

Dimensions and Weight

 Height: 5.25 inches
 Width: 19 inches

MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide 7

 Depth: 17 inches
 Weight: 28 lbs. (12.7 kg)

Environmental

 Temperature: 040o C
 Humidity: 1090% RH noncondensing
 Fan Rating: 25 cfm

SBC (Single Board Computer)

Intel 54C/55C.
320/321 pin PGA socket.
233 MHz clock generator.

2.8V - 3.5V voltage regulator.

Memory:

Up to 256MB, EDO/Fast Page Mode DRAM.
Four 72-pin SIMM sockets on board.

Cache:

L1 Cache: 32k.
L2 Cache on board: 512k.

Real-Time Clock/Calendar:

CMOS data backup from BIOS setting or BIOS default.
Dallas DS 12887 Real Time Clock.

BIOS:

Award Flash BIOS with plug & play functionality.
Easily updated 128/256KB flash EEPROM.
Supports Green power-saving function .
Supports System IO Setup.

Keyboard Connector:

PC/AT type miniature DIN connector.
Supports PC/AT, PS/2 Keyboard or PS/2 Mouse; determined by jumper selection.

Bus Support and Speed:

External ISA bus at 8 MHz.
External PCI bus at 33 MHz.
Internal PCI bus, for VGA & IDE at 33 MHz.
PC-104 bus at 8 MHz.

8 MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide

Chapter 1 - System Overview

Display:

Supports SVGA for CRT.
Supports 32-bit PCI Local Bus.
VGA BIOS combines 128/256KB flash ROM with system BIOS.
Supports 15 pin connector 1024 x 768 resolution (256 colors) on SVGA Monitor.
Supports 2 MB video memory.

Watchdog Timer:

The watchdog timer is controlled by software. Once enabled, the system will reboot, unless the timer is
re-enabled before the specified timeout duration expires. Timeout durations range from zero to 30
seconds in two-second increments (+/- 25%).

To enable watchdog timer: use I / O port 0443H
To disable watchdog timer: use I / O port 0441H

IDE Interface:

Two IDE ports. Supports up to four Enhanced IDE devices.

Floppy Disk Driver Interface:

Supports up to two floppy disk drives: 3.5" and 5.25" (360K / 720K / 1.2M / 1.44M / 2.88M).

Serial Port:

Two high-speed 16550-compatible UARTs with Send / Receive 16-byte FIFOs.
MIDI Compatible.
Programmable Band Rate Generator.

Parallel Port:

Bi-directional parallel port, supports SPP, ECP, and EPP.

Green Power-Saving Function:

Software support determined by BIOS setup.

LED Indicators

System power (at jumper KBL1 on board).
Hard Disk access (at jumper HDL1 on board).

DMA Controller:

82C37 x 2

DMA Channels:

7

Interrupt Controllers:

82C59 x 2
15 levels

MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide 9

Operating Temperature:

0 to60°C (32 to 140°F).

System Power Requirements :

DC Voltage: +5V; minimum +4.75V, maximum 5.25V.
DC Ampere: 15A.

Board Dimensions:

338.5 mm x 122 mm (13.33 in. x 4.80 in.)

Board Net Weight:

0.4 Kg. (14.1 oz.)

NIC Board (EN10100 PCI Card)

The EN10100PCI card was designed to meet the following specifications:
Network Type:

· Fast Ethernet 100Base-TX (IEEE 802.3u standard for 100 Mbps baseband CSMA/CD LAN)

· Ethernet 10BASE-T (IEEE 802.3 standard for 10 Mbps baseband CSMA/CD local area network)
Jumperless Hardware, with auto-negotiation functionality
Media interface: RJ-45
LAN Chip Set:

· Interface controller: D-Link DL10030

· Transceiver interface: Davicom DM9101
EMI Compatibility:

· FCC Class B

· VCCI Class B

· CISPR B

· SMA Certification

· CE Certification, Class B
Host interface: PCI 2.1 Bus (Bus Master)
I/O & IRQ base address: assigned by Plug and Play system
Physical Dimensions: 13.9 cm x 7.3 cm
Environment:

· Storage: -20° to 80°C, (-4° to 176° F)

· Operating: 0° to 55° C, (32° to 131° F)

· Humidity: 10% to 90% non-condensing

10 MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide

Chapter 1 - System Overview

Power Consumption: 2W (400mA @ 5V) max
Check

http://www.multitech.com for drivers not listed and for the latest release of drivers.

1

Software drivers

for:

· Microsoft Windows NT4.0

· Banyan VINES v4.00 (2)

· DECnet PathWorks v4.0

· FTP PC/TCP

· IBM Communication Manager v1.0

· IBM LAN Server v4.0, v3.0, v2.0

· IBM LAN Support Program v1.3x

· Microsoft LAN Manager v2.1

· Microsoft Windows for Workgroups 3.11

· Novell Netware 3.x, 4.x ODI driver

· Win/TCP PathWay Access for DOS v1.1

MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide 11

12 MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide

Chapter

2 Installation and Setup

Introduction

This chapter explains how to set up and connect cables for the Gatekeeper. This product includes the
Windows operating system and Gatekeeper software, and is ready to be connected to an Ethernet
concentrator. The operator needs only to connect a VGA (or SVGA) monitor, keyboard, Ethernet cable,
and mouse, boot the system, and enter some basic information. To connect the cables to a monitor and
keyboard, see the Cable Connections section of this chapter.

Unpacking

Check the items on the Gatekeeper shipping list to ensure that you have received the correct options
and accessories. Unpack the unit and inspect it for visible shipping damage. If damage is observed, do
not power-on the unit; contact Multi-Tech's Tech Support for advice. If no damage is observed, place
the Gatekeeper in its final location.

Safety Warning AC Power

Locate the AC outlet near the communication equipment. The AC power cord is your main AC
disconnecting device and must be easily accessible at all times. For your safety, the power cord
provided with your system has a grounding plug. Always use the power cord with a properly grounded
wall outlet to avoid the risk of electrical shock.

Lithium Battery Caution

A lithium battery on the product provides backup power for the devices timekeeping capability. The
battery has an estimated life expectancy of ten years.

When the battery starts to weaken, the date and time may be incorrect. If the battery fails, the unit
must be sent back to Multi-Tech Systems for battery replacement.

Warning: There is danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced.

Laser Safety Caution

Class 1 LED Product.

The CD-ROM drive contains a laser system and is classified as a Class 1 Laser Product under a U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Radiation Performance standard according to the
Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968.

If the unit ever requires maintenance, contact an authorized repair location.

Safety Warnings Telecom

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.

14 MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide

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.

8. To reduce the risk of fire, use only No. 26 AWG or larger Telecommunications line cord.

Rack Mounting

Caution: To prevent personal injury or damage to the unit, two people should mount the
Gatekeeper into the rack enclosure.

The Gatekeeper fits in a standard 19-inch rack enclosure. Attach it securely to the rack enclosure with
the four mounting screws included in your Gatekeeper kit.

When mounting the equipment in the rack, make sure the mechanical loading is even. Uneven
mechanical loading creates the risk that the equipment rack may tip or fall or present other related
hazards. The rack should safely support the combined weight of all the equipment that it holds.

Note: To keep the server cool enough, you need at least one inch of clearance behind the unit
to allow air flow. If mounted in a rack enclosure or as a desktop unit, there must be a
minimum of one inch between the back of the Gatekeeper and any wall or barrier.

Chapter 2 - Installation & Setup

Cable Connections

The operator need only connect the Network Interface Card to the local area network.

The SBC board has cable connectors for adding a keyboard, a monitor, and a mouse or other serial
device (on COM1). Cable connectors and boards are shown in Figure 2-1.

Cover

Cover Mounting
Screws

120

Power Supply

100M

LINK

ACT

Network
Interface

SBC Backplane

Card

Figure 2-1. Back Panel Connectors

Printer Port
(DB25)

COM 2
(DB15)

MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide 15

SBC Board Cabling

The SBC board is located in the Gatekeeper as shown in Figure 2-1. The SBC board cabling may involve
connection to three back panel connectors (see Figure 2-2). The back panel connectors are:

 Keyboard connector
 Video connector
 COM 1 connector

120

100M

LINK

ACT

SBC

Backplane

15-Pin Video
Connector
(to External

6-Pin Circular Jack
(To External Keyboard)

Display Monitor)

Fig. 2-2. SBC Backplane Connections

The left round connector is for a keyboard. The middle receptacle connects the video cable to a
monitor. The right connector (COM 1) on the SBCs backplane typically accommodates a mouse or
other pointing device. The SBC connector pinouts are shown and defined in Appendix A.

Note: Any cables connected to the Gatekeeper should be shielded to reduce interference.

COM 1 Connector

(DB9 male)

Connect RS-232C

Serial Cable (female end)

here

NIC Cabling

The 10/100Mb PCI EtherNet Network Interface Card is located as shown in Figure 2-4. The NIC has a
single RJ-45 connector and three LEDs.

120

100M

LINK

ACT

Network
Interface
Card

100M

Fig. 2-4. NIC Board Connectors

Connect the appropriate network cable to the NIC in the Gatekeeper. The RJ-45 NIC connector is shown
and defined in Appendix A.

Note: Any cables connected to the Gatekeeper should be shielded to reduce interference.

LINK

ACT

RJ-45 UTP
Connector

16 MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide

Powering Up

Note: This is pluggable equipment; the socket outlet must be installed near the equipment and must
be easily accessible.

When connecting the equipment to the power-supply circuit, be sure to check equipment nameplate
ratings to avoid overloading circuits. Overloaded circuits may cause damage to over-current protection
devices and to power-supply wiring.

Make sure that the voltage selector on the power supply is set to the proper voltage prior to connecting
this equipment to the main power. If the voltage selector needs to be changed, an ordinary pencil can
be used to change the switch to the position which best correlates with the known input voltage. If the
voltage selector is in the "115" position, input voltages from 100-120VAC may be applied to the
equipment. If the voltage selector is in the "230" position, input voltages from 200-240 VAC may be
applied to the equipment.

Connect the power cord supplied with the CommPlete 4000 to the power cord connector on the back of
the cabinet and to an AC outlet. Press the power switch on the front of the cabinet to the ON position.
The power switch contains an LED which should light when power is applied.

Chapter 2 - Installation & Setup

120

100M

LINK

ACT

Power Supply

Voltage Selector

Fig. 2-5. Power Supply Connectors

120

Monitor Power
Outlet

Power Cord
Input

MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide 17

18 MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide

Chapter

3 Single Board Computer

Introduction

This chapter introduces some of the features of the Multi-Tech Single Board Computer (or SBC), Model
IPC-551, used in the Gatekeeper. Further details can be found in Appendixes A, B, and C.

About the SBC

The IPC-551 SBC is a full size plug-in PC board with PCI bus architecture, a 233 MHz Intel Pentium
processor with MMX, 256 MB of dynamic random access memory (DRAM), Award PnP flash ROM BIOS,
a watchdog timer, and a Green PC function that enables the system to operate at a decreased power
level after it senses a period of inactivity.

The memory interface on the SBC consists of four 72-pin single in-line memory module (SIMM) sockets
(two double DRAM banks) that can be used to configure memories ranging from 8MB to 256 MB.
(Details are provided in Appendix C.) The 256 MB memory supplied with each Gatekeeper consists of
four 64 MB memory modules.

The system BIOS and VGA BIOS on the SBC can be updated as necessary using the Awdflash.exe
program provided on the system CD-ROM. (Details are provided in Appendix C.)

A watchdog timer (WDT) is provided on the SBC in case your system configuration requires that the
Gatekeeper be remotely rebooted from time to time. Setup instructions for the WDT are also provided
in Appendix C.)

The default condition for the Green PC function on the SBC board is Off. When activated, however,
the green function slows down the Gatekeeper and shuts down certain computer functions in order to
reduce power consumption. The three reduced-power operating modes built into the green function
are: CPU Doze mode, System Standby mode, and System Suspend mode. See Appendix C for further
details concerning the Green PC function.

20 MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide

Component Locations

Figure 3-1 displays component locations on the SBC board.

BIOS

JP13

KB

Flash

BIOS

KBL

Flash

Disk

Real Time

Clock

Chipset

VGA

JP6

VRAM

EXKB

VRAM

GND

RST

PRT

FDD

PWR

JP11

JP12

2

COM

JP14

IDE 2

HDL

COM 1

JP7

SIO

Panel

SPK

JP10

USB

JP4

KB/

Mouse

PC-104

Chapter 3 - Single Board Computer

IDE 1

JP

9

JP2

JP

3

6xx86

CPU

JP

8

JP1

Chipset

SIMM 1

SIMM 2
SIMM 3
SIMM 4

Figure 3-1: Connector, Jumper and Component Locations on the SBC Board

MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide 21

22 MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide

Chapter

4 PCI NIC Board

Introduction

This chapter documents the features and specifications for the Multi-Tech EN10100PCI (NIC board), a
10/100Mb Ethernet PCI bus NIC with Auto-negotiation (Figure 4-1).

Figure 4-1. NIC Board

About Fast Ethernet

Fast Ethernet is a network technology specified by IEEE Standard 802.3u. It extends the traditional
10Mbps Ethernet technology to achieve 100Mbps transmission and reception, while retaining the same
CSMA/CA Ethernet protocol. Thus while Fast Ethernet provides a tenfold increase in network capacity,
it is wholly compatible with traditional 10Mbps Ethernet network facilities. This compatibility is the key
to easy and efficient upgrades to 100Mbps in your network areas needing greater bandwidth.
Upgrading selected areas to Fast Ethernet does not require hardware or software changes in network
areas where traditional 10Mbps Ethernet is providing good service. For upgrading existing Ethernet
installations to 100Mbps, and especially for selectively upgrading areas needing upgrade, Fast Ethernet
is the clear choice in terms of cost-effectiveness, as well as convenience and smoothness in transition.

Fast Ethernet comprises two subtypes: 100Base-T4 and 100Base-TX. 100Base-T4 Fast Ethernet can
use existing Category 3 or Category 4 UTP network cabling, but does not provide full duplex operation.
100Base-TX requires Category 5 cabling, but does provide full duplex operation. Full duplex 100Base­TX operation enables simultaneous transmission and reception, both at 100Mbps, thus providing
service potentially equivalent to 200Mbps half-duplex service. The EN10100PCI Adapter does not
support the 100Base-T4 subtype. To provide compatibility in traditional 10Mbps Ethernet environments
(where, for example, EN10100PCI adapters are installed anticipating upgrade of supporting hub
equipment to Fast Ethernet), the EN10100PCI also supports traditional 10 Mbps Ethernet operation, in
full-duplex as well as half-duplex modes. Selection of the best operation mode in any given installation
is automatically governed by auto-negotiation.

About Auto-negotiation

You have probably had the experience of making a dialup connection through a modem, and have
heard the gravelly-sounding exchanges between your modem and the modem at the other end of the
telephone line (these exchanges are ordinarily played out through a speaker in your local modem). As
irritating as those few seconds of noise may be, they do let you know that your modem and the remote
modem are on the job, preparing for your intended communication with the remote computer. The
preparatory work of the two modems during those few seconds before you see the Connect message
is to negotiate the best data communication scheme which is supported by both modems, and which is

24 MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide

Chapter 4 - PCI NIC Board

suitable for the quality of the telephone line linkage between them. The parameters to be settled
between the two modems include best baud rate, compression method, and error correction method.
When the two modems have tested the phoneline quality and settled on the combination of shared
options and parameters which will provide the best data communication over the connecting phone
line, then you are given the Connect message which signals the end of the intermodem negotiation
and the beginning of your intended communication with the remote computer.

Auto-negotiation between devices within an Ethernet LAN is similar in concept, but much briefer. The
two devices involved in the auto-negotiation will be the EN10100PCI Adapter serving your station and
the hub through which it is connected into the LAN. The options to be negotiated between the
EN10100PCI and its supporting hub include Ethernet type (100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet or 10BASE-T
Ethernet) and duplex mode (half-duplex, being one-way-at-a-time, or full duplex, being simultaneous
transmit-and-receive). Startup communication between the two devices occurs when both devices are
power-on, the cable connection between them is good, and the Network Operating System software is
running. As soon as those conditions are satisfied, the preparatory process of auto-negotiation between
the EN10100PCI and its supporting hub proceeds automatically. If the hub has auto-negotiation
functionality, then it and the EN10100PCI exchange a series of messages in which each device signals
its capabilities and listens for corresponding information about the other. The auto-negotiation process
requires only a few milliseconds, and the two devices select the best communication parameters
supported by both devices. If the hub does not have auto-engotiation functionality, then its monotone
(single capability) message will be recognized by the EN10100PCIs auto-negotiation facility, and the
EN10100PCI will simply switch to one of its own capabilities which matches that of the hub.

When the preparatory procedure of auto-negotiation is completed, then the line is ready and will
provide a data channel which is optimal for the two devices. The line will remain ready without further
auto-negotiation action until the linkage is broken. Auto-negotiation then reoccurs at any time that the
linkage is restored, again making the line ready for optimal data communications.

About PCI Bus

Your EN10100PCI Adapter delivers outstanding performance by fully exploiting the advanced features of
your computers PCI bus. EN10100PCI Adapters utilize the Bus Master Mode of the PCI bus, enableing
direct transfers of Ethernet packet content between computer memory and the adapters controller,
thus minimizing network demand on the CPU. The adapters controller function provides the additional
benefit of reduced command processing overhead. The working relationship between a EN10100PCI
adapter and main memory working in Bus Master mode is powered by the Bridge/Memory Controller of
the PCI bus. This reduces the CPU role in network operations, thus freeing the CPU to service other
tasks, with resulting improvement in overall computing (multitasking) performance. At the same time, it
produces superior network throughput by reducing latency (waiting for CPU service) during
transmissions and receptions.

Features

Designed for versatility and performance, the EN10100PCI Adapter provides the following features:

· Operates in a PCI Bus Master slot of a Pentium computer, independent of CPU speed.

· PCI Bus Master memory access, for high throughput and low CPU demand.

· 32-bit Intelligent Ethernet controller.

· Complies with IEEE 802.3 100Base-TX and 10Base-T Ethernet standards.

· Plug and Play installation.

· RJ-45 connector for network cable connection.

· 100Mbps Fast Ethernet or 10Mbps Ethernet data transfer, selected via auto-negotiation.

MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide 25

· Full duplex or half-duplex operation, selected by auto-negotiation.

· Built-in FIFO buffers reduce overhead of memory transfers.

· Three LED indicators: 10Mbps/100Mbps, Link, Activity.

· Drivers for all leading Network Operating Systems.

LED Indicators

The EN10100PCI Adapter features three LED indicators to assist in the resolving of network diagnostics:

· 10Mbps/100Mbps SPEED Indicator

This LED shows steady green (on) when 100Mbps speed is selected. It is dark (off)

when10Mbps is negotiated.

· LINK Indicator

Steady green indicates good linkage between the EN10100PCI and its supporting hub.

· ACTIVITY Indicator

Flashing green indicates that the adapter is sending or receiving.

26 MultiVOIP Gatekeeper User Guide

Chapter

5 Hardware Removal/

Replacement