Multitech ProxyServer MTPSR3-100 User Manual

Internet Access for

LAN-Based Users

Model MTPSR3-100

User Guide

User Guide

S0000000 Revision B

Serial ProxyServer (Model No MTPSR3-100)

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 © 1999, 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

Revision Description
A Preliminary Revision. All pages subject to change prior to release.

4/14/99
B Appendix A updated to show WAN cable diagram; all pages at Rev B.
1 1/23/99

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.

TRADEMARK

The Multi-Tech logo is a trademark of Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.

2205 Woodale Drive

Mounds View , Minnesota 55112

[phone] or [phone]

Fax [phone]

Tech Support [phone]

BBS [phone] or [phone]

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

Contents

Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description

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

Preview of This User Guide............................................................................................................................... 6

Front Panel Description.....................................................................................................................................8

Back and Side Panel Descriptions ....................................................................................................................9

Power Connector ........................................................................................................................................ 9

Command Port Connector ..........................................................................................................................9

Ethernet 10BaseT Connector .....................................................................................................................9

WAN Link Connectors.................................................................................................................................9

Power Switch ..............................................................................................................................................9

Specifications ..................................................................................................................................................10

A Typical Internet Application .......................................................................................................................... 11

Chapter 2 - Installation

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

Unpacking Y our ProxyServer ..........................................................................................................................14

Cabling Y our ProxyServer...............................................................................................................................15

Chapter 3 - Software Loading and Configuration

Loading Your ProxyServer Software ...............................................................................................................18

Wizard Setup...................................................................................................................................................20

IP Wizard Setup........................................................................................................................................2 1

WAN Link(s) Wizard Setup .......................................................................................................................22

Chapter 4 - ProxyServer Software

Introduction .....................................................................................................................................................26

Before Y ou Begin......................................................................................................................................26

Proxy Setup..................................................................................................................................................... 27

Changing IP Parameters ................................................................................................................................. 28

Changing WAN Port Parameters ....................................................................................................................29

Changing Internet Parameters ........................................................................................................................ 30

Enabling the DHCP Server..............................................................................................................................32

Adding Proxy Applications............................................................................................................................... 33

Enabling the Virtual Server..............................................................................................................................34

Viewing Statistics ............................................................................................................................................35

Running Diagnostics ....................................................................................................................................... 36

Chapter 5 - Client Setup

Introduction .....................................................................................................................................................38

Before you Begin.............................................................................................................................................3 8

Configuring in Windows 95/98.........................................................................................................................39

Installing TCP/IP (Win95/98) .......................................................................................................................... 46

Configuring in Windows NT.............................................................................................................................47

Installing TCP/IP (WinNT) ..............................................................................................................................53

iii

Chapter 6 - Warranty, Service and Tech Support

Introduction .....................................................................................................................................................56

Limited Warranty .............................................................................................................................................56

Online Warranty Registration.................................................................................................................... 56

Tech Support ................................................................................................................................................... 57

Recording ProxyServer Information.......................................................................................................... 57

Contacting Tech Support via E-mail..........................................................................................................57

Service ............................................................................................................................................................ 58

The Multi-Tech BBS ........................................................................................................................................59

About Multi-Tech’s Internet Presence..............................................................................................................60

About Ordering Accessories............................................................................................................................ 60

About the Multi-Tech Fax-Back Service ..........................................................................................................60

Appendixes

Appendix A - Cabling Diagrams.......................................................................................................................62

Appendix B - Script Commands ......................................................................................................................63

Appendix C - Regulatory Information ..............................................................................................................65

Appendix D - Modifying Command and Response Strings .............................................................................66

Glossary of Terms
Index

iv

Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description

MTPSR3-100 User Guide

Introduction

Welcome to Multi-Tech’s new Serial ProxyServer, model MTPSR3-100, a single, secure gateway that

provides multiple LAN users with high performance Internet access. The ProxyServer functions as a

TCP/IP proxy server that resides on the outer edge of your firewall. It features a 10BaseT port for

your local LAN connection, command port for local console configuration and management, and

three serial ports for connection to external Data Communications Equipment (DCE), such as

modems or ISDN. The serial ports are capable of being bonded together using MultiLink Point-to-

Point Protocol (MLPPP). MLPPP allows the bandwidth of each DCE device to be multiplied by the

number of devices connected to the serial ports. System management is provided by an easy to use

Windows® CD based install wizard.

Figure 1-1. ProxyServer

Preview of This User Guide

This guide describes the ProxyServer and tells you how to install and configure the unit. The

information contained in each chapter is as follows:

Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description

Chapter 1 describes the ProxyServer 100-Series. A description of the front panel indicators, back

panel connectors are provided. A list of relevant specifications is provided at the end of the chapter.

Chapter 2 - Installation

Chapter 2 provides information on unpacking and cabling your ProxyServer. The installation

procedure describes each cable connection.

Chapter 3 - Software Loading and Configuration

Chapter 3 details the software loading and initial configuration. The ProxyServer software CD is

Windows® based. Later chapters, as well as your online Help describe the software in more detail.

6

Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description

Chapter 4 - ProxyServer Software

Chapter 4 describes the ProxyServer software with the approach of how to make changes to the

configuration of your ProxyServer. The major configuration parameters were established during the
loading of the software (Chapter 3), and the ProxyServer software and configuration utilities allow
you to make changes to that initial configuration. For explanations and parameters of each field within
a dialog box, please refer to the online Help provided with the software.

Chapter 5 - Client Setup

Chapter 5 provides information for enabling and configuring multiple Windows 95/98 and NT® PC

users for Internet access via the ProxyServer.

Chapter 6 - Service, Warranty and Tech Support

Chapter 6 provides instructions on getting service for your ProxyServer at the factory, a statement of

the limited warranty, information about our Internet presence, and space for recording information
about your ProxyServer prior to calling Multi-Tech’s Technical Support.

7

MTPSR3-100 User Guide

Front Panel Description

The front panel contains LEDs that provide the status of the three channels, receive and transmit

data indicators that define transmission of data to and from the channels and the LAN. The Collision

and Link indicators provide status of the LAN, and the Boot indicator lights when the unit is rebooting.

An On/Off switch is provided on the right side near the rear of the unit.

C2 C1 RD TD CL LK BT

C3

Figure 1-2. Front Panel

C

x

The Channel indicators light indicating activity on the associated serial channel (i.e., C3 for
channel 3, C2 for channel 2, and C1 for channel 1).

RD Receive Data indicator blinks when packets are being received from either the local area

network or one of the serial channels.

TD Transmit Data indicator blinks when packets are being transmitted to either the local area

network or one of the serial channels.

CL Collision indicator lights when a collision is in progress; that is, when two nodes are

transmitting packets at the same time.

LK Link indicator lights indicating that the ProxyServer is connected to the local area network.

BT Boot indicator lights when the ProxyServer is loading configuration data either from an initial

power on or a download setup was initiated.

8

Back and Side Panel Descriptions

The cable connections for the ProxyServer are made at the back panel. In addition to the Power
(PWR) connector, three groups of connectors are used on the ProxyServer: the Command Port
(CMD), Ethernet (LAN) and WAN Links (WAN1, 2 and 3). The connectors are shown in Figure 1-3
and then described.

Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description

USB

PWR CMD LAN WAN1 WAN2 WAN3

Power

Connector

Figure 1-3. Back and Side Panels

Power Connector

The Power connector (PWR) is used to connect the external power supply to the ProxyServer.

Command Port Connector

The Command connector (CMD) is used to configure the ProxyServer using a PC with a serial port
and running Windows® software. The Command connector is an RJ-45 jack and is used with the RJ­45 to DB-9 command port cable provided with your ProxyServer. The command port is only used to
connect the ProxyServer directly to the PC for local configuration and management.

Command

Port (RJ-45)

Connector

Ethernet

(10BaseT)

Connector

PHONE LINE

WAN Link

(RJ-45)

Connectors

OFF ON

Power
Switch

Note: If your PC has a DB-25 (25-pin) serial port connector, you will need to obtain a DB-9 (9-pin,
male) to DB-25 adapter. Connect the DB-25 end of this adapter to the serial port on your PC, and
then connect the DB-9 (9-pin, female) end of the Command Port cable to the adapter.

Ethernet 10BaseT Connector

The Ethernet 10BaseT connector (LAN) is used to connect the ProxyServer to a LAN using
unshielded twisted cable. This connector is an RJ-45 connector .

WAN Link Connectors

The WAN Link connectors (W AN1, WAN2, WAN3) are used to connect the ProxyServer to a WAN.
These connectors are RJ-45 connectors.

Power Switch

The Power switch is located on the right side of the chassis. Settings are ON (switch moved toward
the rear of the unit) and OFF (switch moved toward the front of the unit).

9

MTPSR3-100 User Guide

Specifications

Protocols

Ethernet Lan Interface
WAN Interface
Command Port

WAN Links

Electrical/Physical Voltage

Requirement

Point-To-Point Protocol (PPP), MultiLink Point-To-Point Protocol
(MLPPP), and Serial Line Internet Protocol (SLIP)

10BaseT (twisted pair) RJ-45 connector
3 asynchronous Links (RJ-45 connectors)
Single 19.2K bps asynchronous Command Port (uses a short

RJ-45 to DB-9 cable to connect directly to PC)
Three asynchronous serial ports support up to 230K per port,

and MultiLink Point-to-Point Protocol (MLPPP)

Frequency
Power

Consumption
Dimensions

Weight

PC with Windows 3.1, 95/98 or NT

- 1 15 V AC (Standard)
240 V AC (Optional)

- 47 to 63 Hz

- 700 mA

- 1.625" high x 6" wide x 9" deep

5.63cm high x 22.34cm wide x 33.51cm deep

- 2 pounds
.92 kg

10

A Typical Internet Application

A typical Internet application is shown in Figure 1-4. In this example, the workstations are tied to the
HUB (LAN) and the ProxyServer is connected to the HUB via an unregistered IP Address. The WAN
ports were all configured to connect to an external Data Communications Equipment (DCE) device
that was connected to the ISP during the loading of the software.

Dial-Up ISP Accounts

to the Internet

LAN Connection
IP Address 192.168.0.101
Mask 255.255.255.0

TM

Novell Server

IP Address

192.168.0.102

TM

Windows NT Server
IP Address

192.168.0.103
Mail Server

IP Address

192.168.0.104

Hub

Chapter 1 - Introduction and Description

Modem/DSUModem/DSU Modem/DSU

Serial ProxyServer

Workstation
IP Address

192.168.0.107

Workstation
IP Address

192.168.0.106

Workstation
IP Address

192.168.0.105

Figure 1-4. T ypical Internet Application

Now, let’ s talk about some of the specifics that make this application work. Before the workstations
can access the Internet, they have to have an IP stack loaded on the workstation and pointed toward
the Proxy Server. The procedures for loading the IP stack are provided in the Chapter 5 - Client
Setup.

When the ProxyServer software is loaded and the ProxyServer configured, two approaches can be
considered for the IP address of the WAN ports that connect to the ISP. The ISP can dynamically
assign the IP address to the ProxyServer or the ISP can assign a fixed IP address for the
ProxyServer. Probably, the most common approach would be for the ISP to dynamically assign the IP
address, since registered IP addresses are becoming a premium. Since the IP addressing is
established during the loading and configuring of the ProxyServer, it is recommended that you
determine the desired addressing scheme prior to installing the software (see Chapter 3).

After initial configuration (e.g., Wizard Setup) you can view or change the IP Setup parameters for
the LAN and WAN ports by selecting the IP button on the Proxy Setup dialog box (see Chapter 4 ­ProxyServer Software for a full description of software features).

11

MTPSR3-100 User Guide

The ProxyServer supports scripting on any WAN ports that are configured as asynchronous. This
feature can be very useful when some special handling has to be done on the WAN port (e.g., extra
authentication, special communications equipment, etc.). On the WAN Setup dialog box, click on the
Script button to create or edit a script for the WAN port.

A list of the Script commands by function, and an example of a typical script is provided in Appendix
B - Script Commands. You can click on the
WAN port. You can also enable
on the WAN Setup dialog box.

Script Enabl

e option to activate a script for the selected

Restart a Script On Communication Failure

by clicking on this option

Refer to Chapter 4 - ProxyServer Software for more details on configuring your ProxyServer.

12

Chapter 2 - Installation

MTPSR3-100 User Guide

Introduction

This chapter is organized to guide you through the unpacking and installation of your ProxyServer.
The unpacking section describes the contents of the shipping box and shows how the ProxyServer is
packaged. The cabling section describes each cable connection and shows where that cable is
connected to the ProxyServer. Software loading and installation will be covered in Chapter 3.

Unpacking Your ProxyServer

The shipping box contains:

• ProxyServer (1)

• Quick Start Guide (1)

• ProxyServer CD with the ProxyServer Software and User Guide in Adobe AcrobatTM format (1)

• RJ-45 to DB-25 cables (3)

• external power supply (1)

• RJ-45 to DB-9 Command Port cable (1)
Inspect the contents for signs of any shipping damage. If damage is observed, do not power up the

unit, contact Multi-Tech’s Technical Support for advice (refer to Chapter 6). If no damage is observed,
place the ProxyServer in its final location and perform the Cabling procedures that follow.

Save the shipping box in case reshipment is necessary .

www.multitech.com

14

MADE IN U.S.A

MADE IN U.S.A

Figure 2-1. Unpacking

Cabling Your ProxyServer

Cabling your ProxyServer involves making the proper Power (PWR), Ethernet (LAN), and WAN
(WAN1, 2, 3) connections. Figure 2-2 shows the back panel connectors and the associated cable
connections. The procedures that follow detail the process of making each connection.

Note: The Command (CMD) port connection is used to connect a PC directly to the ProxyServer for
local configuration and management. The CMD port does not need to be used to set up and
configure the unit.

Chapter 2 - Installation

PHONE LINE

Power
Connection

USB

PWR CMD LAN WAN1 WAN2 WAN3

PC

PC Connection

Hub

Ethernet Connection

Figure 2-2. Back Panel Connections

Step Procedure

1 Verify that the ON/OFF switch, located on the right side panel of the ProxyServer, is set to

the OFF position (toward the front of the unit).

2 Connect the external power supply (included with the ProxyServer) to a live AC outlet and to

the power connector (PWR) on the back panel of the ProxyServer. See Figure 2-2.

3 Make the network connection by connecting an RJ-45 (UTP) cable (you supply) to the LAN

connector on the back of the ProxyServer. Connect the other end of the cable to your LAN.

4 Connect the three short RJ-45 to DB-25 cables (included with the ProxyServer) between the

WAN ports on the ProxyServer and the serial port on the DCE devices (i.e., modem or DSU).
See Figure 2-2.

5 Turn on power to the ProxyServer by placing the ON/OFF switch to the ON position (toward

the back of the unit). Wait for the Boot LED (BT) to go off before proceeding. This may take a
couple of minutes.

At this time your ProxyServer is completely cabled. Proceed to Chapter 3 to load the ProxyServer
software and run the Wizard Setup.

WAN Connections

15

MTPSR3-100 User Guide

16

Chapter 3 - Software Loading and Configuration

MTPSR3-100 User Guide

Loading Your ProxyServer Software

The ProxyServer software and User Guide are contained on the ProxyServer CD. The CD is auto­detectable, so when you insert it into your CD ROM drive it will start up automatically . When you have
finished configuring your ProxyServer, you can view and print the User Guide by clicking on the
Install Manuals icon.

1 Before you begin installing the software, you need to determine how you are going to

configure your ProxyServer, via the LAN or connected directly to the command port. If you
are configuring your ProxyServer via your network, you need to have your PC configured for
network communications (i.e., TCP/IP stack loaded) and this PC and the ProxyServer must
be on the same physical LAN segment. If you need to load the TCP/IP stack, refer to the

Chapter 5 - Client Setup.

2 Insert the ProxyServer CD into your CD ROM drive. The CD is auto-detectable, so it starts

automatically . It may take 10 to 20 seconds for the Multi-Tech Installation CD screen to
appear.

Note: If your system is not configured to support autorun, you can start the Installation CD by
browsing the contents using My Computer (on your Windows desktop). Double click on My

Computer. Right click on the CD ROM drive icon and select Open. Double click on
Autorun.exe.

The Multi-Tech Installation CD screen appears.

3 Click Install Software. The Welcome screen is displayed.

18

Chapter 3 - Software Loading and Configuration

4 Press Enter or click Next> to continue.
5 Follow the on-screen instructions to install your ProxyServer software.
6 Once the software is loaded, the Serial Proxy Server dialog box asks if you are configuring

your ProxyServer over the LAN or directly connected to the Command port.

If you are configuring the ProxyServer via your network, click OK to continue.
If you need to configure your ProxyServer via the Command port, follow the instructions in

the dialog box for selecting the COM Port and click OK to continue.
The Setup Complete dialog box is displayed.

7 Click Finish to continue. The following dialog is displayed.

Proceed to the next section, Wizard Setup, to continue the software configuration

19

MTPSR3-100 User Guide

Wizard Setup

The Wizard Setup provides you with a process to input the basic configuration information needed to
configure your ProxyServer. The Wizard Setup will guide you through the configuration of your LAN
address and net mask information, and through the WAN, DHCP Server, and Domain Name Server
configuration. Once configured, all entries will also be shown in their respective dialog boxes, as
accessed through the Proxy Setup utility (see Chapter 4 - ProxyServer Software for a description of
the Proxy Setup utility). To proceed with the Wizard Setup:

8 Click Yes to run the Wizard Setup.

Clicking No takes you to the program group (icons) which allows you to choose a utility from
the program group.

9 If you are configuring your ProxyServer via the network, the IP Address Reconfiguration

dialog box is displayed showing the default IP and MAC addresses in the top window and a
Suggested IP Address in the lower window.

The Suggested IP Address is only a suggestion and you should verify that this address
does not conflict with any other device on your network. If this address conflicts, change it
to a unique address for your ProxyServer.

10 Click OK when you are ready to continue. The IP Wizard Setup dialog is displayed.

20

IP Wizard Setup

The IP Wizard Setup dialog guides you through the assignment of LAN and WAN IP address
information. In addition, this dialog aids in determining whether or not your LAN is already running a
DHCP Server (which automatically assigns client IP addresses). If not, and if you want to enable the
built-in DHCP Server in the ProxyServer , you do so through this dialog. If you enable the
ProxyServer’s DHCP server, you should also enable the Domain Name Server, as instructed in the
Wizard.

11 By default, the LAN port is highlighted. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure the IP

address and subnetwork mask for the LAN port.

Chapter 3 - Software Loading and Configuration

11 Highlight WAN 1 in the Select Port group.

12 The dialog box changes to guide you through setting up the WAN ports. Follow the on-screen

instructions to configure the WAN 1 port IP parameters. Then Highlight WAN 2 and then
WAN 3 to configure the other WAN ports.

13 Click OK when you are satisfied with the IP configuration. The WAN Link(s) Wizard Setup

dialog is displayed.

21

MTPSR3-100 User Guide

WAN Link(s) Wizard Setup

The WAN Link(s) Wizard Setup guides you through two main processes. First you are instructed to
enable (if you choose) MultiLink Point to Point Protocol (MLPPP), which binds the WAN ports
together. And second, you are guided through the configuration of each WAN link, including the
determination of the Data Communications Equipment (DCE) device type attached to each link
(modem, DSU, etc.), and the configuration of the User Name, Password and Dial Number (all
negotiated with the ISP providing the Internet access).

Note: As noted in the Wizard, in order to use MLPPP, the User Name and Password for all WAN
ports must be identical.

14 Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your WAN ports.

15 Click OK to finish installing the software. The following dialog box is displayed.

16 Click OK to download load the new configuration. The following dialog box is displayed as

the configuration is written to the ProxyServer.

22

Chapter 3 - Software Loading and Configuration

17 During the reboot, the BT (Boot) LED will be on. Wait for the BT LED to go off before

proceeding. Once the configuration has been written to the ProxyServer, you are returned to
the Multi-Tech Installation CD screen.

At this time your ProxyServer is fully operational. It is recommended that you verify that each client
PC has an IP stack loaded, workstation IP address assigned, gateway pointed to the ProxyServer,
and that the DNS name(s) supplied by the ISP are entered. Refer to Chapter 5 - Client Setup for
more details. Once verified, your clients are ready to access the Internet.

23

MTPSR3-100 User Guide

24