NTI
NETWORK
R
TECHNOLOGIES
INCORPORATED
1275 Danner Dr
Aurora, OH 44202
www.networktechinc.com
Tel:330-562-7070
Fax:330-562-1999
SERIMUX®Series
Console Switch
Installation and Operation Manual
MAN075 Rev 1/11/ 07
TRADEMARK
SERIMUX is a registered trademark of Network Technologies Inc in the U.S. and other countries.
COPYRIGHT
Copyright © 2004-2007 by Network Technologies Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored
in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise,
without the prior written consent of Network Technologies Inc, 1275 Danner Drive, Aurora, Ohio 44202.
CHANGES
The material in this guide is for information only and is subject to change without notice. Network Technologies Inc reserves the
right to make changes in the product design without reservation and without notification to its users.
i MAN075 Rev 1/11/07
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction......................................................................................................................................................................1
Materials..........................................................................................................................................................................1
Serial Interface Specifications.........................................................................................................................................2
Definitions........................................................................................................................................................................2
Features and Functions...................................................................................................................................................3
Installation .......................................................................................................................................................................4
Rack mounting Instructions .........................................................................................................................................4
Cable Connections ......................................................................................................................................................4
Initial Startup ...................................................................................................................................................................5
SERIMUX Quick Start..................................................................................................................................................5
Using the SERIMUX Console Switch..............................................................................................................................6
Serial Control............................................................................................................................................................6
Administrator Controls.....................................................................................................................................................7
Login as the administrator ........................................................................................................................................7
Port List........................................................................................................................................................................8
Port Settings ................................................................................................................................................................9
Port serial settings ..................................................................................................................................................11
Baud rate.............................................................................................................................................................11
Data bit ................................................................................................................................................................11
Stop Bit................................................................................................................................................................11
Parity....................................................................................................................................................................11
Flow Control.........................................................................................................................................................11
Xon or Xoff Characters........................................................................................................................................12
DTR line behavior................................................................................................................................................12
Inter-character delay............................................................................................................................................12
Line-break receive or transmit.............................................................................................................................12
Copy Port Serial Settings ....................................................................................................................................13
Display serial settings for different port number..................................................................................................13
Modem settings.......................................................................................................................................................13
Port data buffer.......................................................................................................................................................14
User List.....................................................................................................................................................................15
User Settings.............................................................................................................................................................16
Port access.............................................................................................................................................................17
Copy User Settings.................................................................................................................................................17
Advanced Settings.....................................................................................................................................................18
Change administrator password.............................................................................................................................18
Firmware.................................................................................................................................................................19
Load new firmware..............................................................................................................................................19
Save current firmware .........................................................................................................................................19
User Controls ................................................................................................................................................................20
User "Accessible host list" screen .............................................................................................................................20
User main menu ........................................................................................................................................................21
Port List screen..........................................................................................................................................................22
User Terse mode.......................................................................................................................................................23
Terse mode commands..........................................................................................................................................23
Keypad Control..............................................................................................................................................................24
Functions of the Keypad.........................................................................................................................................24
Initialize SERIMUX Console Switch to default settings.............................................................................................27
Using the Keypad....................................................................................................................................................27
Using The "RESET" Button ....................................................................................................................................28
Firmware Upgrade.........................................................................................................................................................28
Interconnection Cable Wiring Method...........................................................................................................................30
Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................................................................30
Specifications ................................................................................................................................................................34
Index..............................................................................................................................................................................34
Warranty Information.....................................................................................................................................................34
ii MAN075 Rev 1/11/07
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1- Mount switch to a rack........................................................................................................................................................4
Figure 2- Connect terminals and devices to SERIMUX Console Switch............................................................................................4
Figure 3- Startup- Accessible host list ...............................................................................................................................................5
Figure 4- Administrator main menu....................................................................................................................................................7
Figure 5- The Port list displays the status of all ports ........................................................................................................................8
Figure 6- The Port settings menu ......................................................................................................................................................9
Figure 7- Control Codes for in-band disconnect sequence..............................................................................................................10
Figure 8- Port serial settings menu..................................................................................................................................................11
Figure 9- Modem settings menu......................................................................................................................................................13
Figure 10- Port data buffer...............................................................................................................................................................14
Figure 11- User List .........................................................................................................................................................................15
Figure 12- User settings menu.........................................................................................................................................................16
Figure 13- Port access list for User 01.............................................................................................................................................17
Figure 14- Administrator's Advanced settings menu........................................................................................................................18
Figure 15- Firmware menu...............................................................................................................................................................19
Figure 16- The SERIMUX is waiting to save its firmware.................................................................................................................20
Figure 17- A user with limited host port access ...............................................................................................................................21
Figure 18- User main menu............................................................................................................................................................. 21
Figure 19- A limited user accessible Port list...................................................................................................................................22
Figure 20- User port in Terse mode.................................................................................................................................................23
Figure 21- Keypad and LEDs...........................................................................................................................................................24
Figure 22- Location of RESET button..............................................................................................................................................28
Figure 23- Location of write-protection jumper JP3 .........................................................................................................................28
Figure 23- New firmware upload window.........................................................................................................................................29
Figure 24- SERIMUX waiting for firmware file to be sent.................................................................................................................29
Figure 25- View looking into RJ45 female........................................................................................................................................30
APPENDICES
Appendix A - SERIMUX Port Characteristics...................................................................................................................................31
Appendix B - SERIMUX User and Administrator Characteristics.....................................................................................................31
Appendix C- Cable Adapters ...........................................................................................................................................................32
iii MAN075 Rev 1/11/07
NTI SERIMUX SERIES CONSOLE SWITCH
INTRODUCTION
The NTI SERIMUX Console Switch is a serial port router that allows links (or connections) between multiple pairs of RS-232
asynchronous serial ports. The main purpose of the switch is to enable users to manage several serial devices from local or
remote locations (using external modems). Devices include routers, DSU's, servers, switches or any other equipment allowing
serial operation using RS232 interface. Users can work locally using a VT100 or ANSI serial console or a CPU with a terminal
program (i.e. HyperTerminal)) or from remote locations.
Each SERIMUX port has to be configured for serial communication (baud rate, parity, etc) within the specifications of the attached
serial device, but the configurations of the two devices linked by the SERIMUX do not need to match. Various parameters
(communication speed, hardware and/or software flow control, timeout, etc) can be selected for each SERIMUX port. Devices
may be either locally connected or connected through attached modems.
Each SERIMUX port can be configured as either a host or user port. Serial hosts (such as servers, switches etc.) are connected to
host ports, while serial user devices (such as a terminal or serial console) are connected to user ports.
The SERIMUX Console Switch supports two operator levels: user and administrator. Users login at user ports and connect to
serial devices attached at host ports. The administrator (logged in at any user port) and users with administrative privil eges can
see and/or modify various port or user parameters.
MATERIALS
Materials Supplied with this kit:
• SERIMUX Console Switch
• 100-240VAC, 50 or 60Hz / 9VDC 1.5A AC Adapter
• CD with a pdf file of this manual
• 10-32 x 3/4" pan head screws and 10-32 cagenuts (server cabinet mounting hardware)
Also supplied with units having RJ45 connectors:
• DB25F-RJ45F Console Adapter RJ45-DB25 Female
• DB25M-RJ45F-T Console Adapter RJ45-DB25 Male
• DB25M-RJ45F-C Modem Adapter RJ45- DB25 Male
• DB9F-RJ45F Serial Adapter RJ45-DB9 Female
Note: The power socket on the SERIMUX is marked "12VDC". The SERIMUX operating range is 9-12VDC.
Materials Required but not supplied:
Serial cable with at least one RJ45 male end for connection to the Console Switch from each device to be connected. See
Interconnection Cable Wiring Method on page 30 for cable pinout.
1
NTI SERIMUX SERIES CONSOLE SWITCH
SERIAL INTERFACE SPECIFICATIONS
• Number of ports: 9, 17, 25 or 33 RS232 ports;
• Connectors: RJ45 male
• Data: asynchronous, 5, 6, 7, or 8 bits per character,
• Parity: even, odd, or none
• Stop Bits: 1, 1 , 2, or 2 bits
• Flow Control: Xon/Xoff, RTS/CTS, Both, or None
• Baud Rate: 50 bps to 128,000 bps
DEFINITIONS
device equipment that can transmit and/or receive data using RS232 interface
inactivity when a port is not receiving data from the device connected to it
terminal program a terminal emulation program- computer program that communicates via RS23 2 interface
(i.e. HyperTerminal)
"dumb" terminal Serial terminal device or CPU terminal program that emulates a serial terminal
timeout time period of inactivity after which a port will be disconnected (the inter-port connection will be broken)
Baud rate serial device or port receiver and transmitter speed; measured in "bps" (bits per second)
Flow control a method to temporarily stop and restart serial data transfer (flow). It can be
- Hardware (out-band)- usually using the RTS and CTS physical handshaki ng signals;
- Software (in-band)- using special characters, usually named Xon and Xoff, inserted
in data being transferred;
- Both
Disconnect sequence 1 or 3 char sequence inserted in the serial data flow, to disconnect the user from the
attached serial device and to return to the initial user menu.
[CR] "Carriage Return" character, ASCII code 13
[LF] "Line Feed" character, ASCII code 10
[FF] "Form Feed" character, ASCII code 09
+ (i.e. [ Shift ] + [ < ] ) press the keys simultaneously
- (i.e. [ P ] - [ 0 ] ) press the P and 0 keys consecutively
2
NTI SERIMUX SERIES CONSOLE SWITCH
NTI
Network Technologie s In c
PWR
1
R
3587109121114131615 Port Admin User Discon
0246
2 3
141516
13
5 798
Front View of SERIMUX
Rear View of SERIMUX
9101112
5678
4
ESC
PORT 6
ADMIN USER
123
12345ENTER
41
CONSOLE
RESET
6
DISCON7890
NTI
Aurora, OH 442 02
SERIMUX
NETWORK
TECHNOLOGIES
INCORPOR ATED
Tel:330-5 62-70701275 Danner Dr
www.nti1.com
12VDC
2A
-
R
+
FEA TURES AND FUNCTIONS
1. PWR LED- LED will illuminate to indicate the SERIMUX is ON
2. Port LEDs- LEDs will illuminate to indicate active administrator port and data traffic; also used to indicate port or user number
when entering commands from the keypad.
3. Command LEDs- LEDs will illuminate to indicate functions being performed
4. Keypad- for manual control of switch functions
5. Port connectors- RJ45 female serial connectors- for connecting serial cables from Terminals or CPUs
6. Console Port- RJ45 female serial connector- for connecting serial cable from a terminal console
7. Reset button- to manually reset SERIMUX firmware to factory default settings
8. Power Switch- for turning the SERIMUX ON or OFF
9. 12VDC 2A- connection jack for the AC adapter (acceptable operating voltage is 9-12VDC)
3
NTI SERIMUX SERIES CONSOLE SWITCH
INSTALLATION
Rack mounting Instructions
The NTI switch was designed to be directly mounted to a rack and includes a mounting flange to make attachment easy.
Install 4 cage nuts (supplied) to the rack in locations that line up with the holes (or slots) in the mounting flange on the NTI switch.
Then secure the NTI switch to the rack using four #10-32 screws (supplied). Be sure to tighten all mounting screws securely.
Do not block power supply vents in the NTI switch chassis (if provided) . Be sure to enable adequate airflow in front of and
behind the NTI switch.
Attach all cables securely to the switch and where necessary supply adequate means of strain relief for cables.
10-32
Rack Screws
(supplied)
Figure 1- Mount switch to a rack
Rack
Cage Nuts
(supplied)
Cable Connections
1. Connect a serial device to the port labeled "CONSOLE" on the SERIMUX using a serial cable with an RJ45 male connector
(see cable specification on page 30). This will be the default administrator device. (Fig. 1)
2. Connect each additional serial device or host to be connected by the SERIMUX to any remaining port (1-16/24/32) using a
DTE or DCE type serial cable. It may be necessary to add one of the cable adapters (supplied) detailed in Appendix C (page
31) between the device port on the serial device or host and the RJ45 connector.
3. Follow the "Initial Startup" instructions that follow.
141516
13
Note: There are two types of
serial devices, data
communication equipment
(DCE)(i.e. modem) and data
terminal equipment (DTE) (i.e.
CPU), each having different
connector pin assignments.
The cable adapters (see
Appendix C on page 32) make
the proper connections.
Figure 2- Connect terminals and devices to SERIMUX Console Switch
Rear View of SERIMUX
9101112
IC CHIP
PROGRAMMER
CNC
PUNCHPRESS
12345678
USER DEVICE
(VT100, ANSI serial console,
PC w/ Terminal Emulation
Program)
SERVER
CONSOLE
RESET
RJ45 Male Connector
NETWORK
TECHNOLOGIES
INCORPORATED
NTI
Tel:330-5 62-70701275 Danner D r
Aurora, OH 44202 www.nti1.com
12VDC
2A
-
+
4
NTI SERIMUX SERIES CONSOLE SWITCH
INITIAL STARTUP
SERIMUX Quick Start
1. Make sure the SERIMUX is turned OFF.
2. Using the serial device connected to the port labeled "CONSOLE", start the terminal program (e.g. Windows HyperTerminal)
and configure it as follows:
• direct connection (using the appropriate CPU local serial Com port)
• 9600 bps
• 8 bits
• no parity
• 1 stop bit
• no flow control
• ANSI or VT100 terminal mode.
Within the SERIMUX firmware, the "CONSOLE" port is identified as Port 0. For consistency, when Port 0 is
mentioned within this manual, it refers to the terminal connected at "CONSOLE".
3. Power ON the SERIMUX. Wait 2 seconds.
4. Press [ Enter ] on the keyboard and wait 3 seconds to be recognized as the default SERIMUX user. The "Accessible host list"
for "User01", logged in at "Port00" will be displayed (see Fig 3). By default, all ports are configured as Host ports and all are
accessible.
NOTE: If the user menu does not display re-initialize the SERIMUX following the "Initialize SERIMUX Console Switch to
default settings" instructions on page 27.
5. To connect to an attached CPU, enter the number of the port the CPU is connected to and press [Enter].
Figure 3- Startup- Accessible host list
5
NTI SERIMUX SERIES CONSOLE SWITCH
USING THE SERIMUX CONSOLE SWITCH
The SERIMUX Console Switch is controlled using
• Serial Control- from a "dumb" terminal- locally connected
- through an external modem from a remote location
• Keypad Control (reduced set of commands)
Serial Control
The SERIMUX Console Switch can be easily configured using seri al communications with a keyboard-controlled menu to modify
various parameters and options for each port to be connected to a device. The administrator menu can be accessed by the
administrator for full feature control, or the user menu, by any user, for more restricted control of port connections.
Keypad Control
The keypad has direct control over basic SERIMUX functions. The keypad can be used to make changes to port connections
regardless of any menu control taking place. Command LEDs on the front panel of the SERIMUX Console Switch indicate the
status of the switch and what function is being performed. For more on Keypad Control, see page 24.
Serial Control
Using serial control, the SERIMUX supports 2 operator levels, administrator and user, each with separate password protection for
security.
administrator name : ADMINISTRATOR or ROOT (all capital letters)
administrator password : NTI (default)
FYI: Users may be granted administrative access rights by the administrator.
The administrator and any user with administrative rights can:
• The administrator logs in using an administrator password
• Users login using a password set by the administrator
• view / modify port parameters;
• view / modify user parameters and user access rights to ports;
• disconnect ports, logout users etc.
The administrator name cannot be
changed.
To change the administrator
password, see page 18.
6
NTI SERIMUX SERIES CONSOLE SWITCH
ADMINISTRATOR CONTROLS
Login as the administrator
1. From the user terminal connected to port 0, open the terminal program (configured as described on page 5 under "SE RIMUX
Quick Start").
2. Press [ Enter ] on the keyboard, wait three (3) seconds, and the port will open to the "Accessible host list" for "User01",
logged in at "Port00".
3. Press [Esc] to logout, and [Y] to confirm. A message will be displayed "Disconnecting user now"
4. Press [Spacebar] or [Enter]. A prompt requesting a Username will appear.
5. Enter ADMINISTRATOR or ROOT (all capital letters) and press [Enter]. A prompt requesting a password will appear.
6. Enter NTI (all capital letters) and press [Enter]. The Administrator main menu will appear for user ROOT on port 0.
Note: This will only enter the administrator mode if the administrator password has no t yet been changed from "NTI".
FYI: If SERIMUX is not at initial power-ON, omit steps 2 and 3 above to login.
Figure 4- Administrator main menu
FYI: The Administrator main menu will also appear if a user with administrative privileges presses [4] from the User main
menu.
From the Administrator main menu, the following options are possible
Function Description Keystroke
Port List Display the port list [1]
Port settings View or modify any port settings [2]
Port disconnect Disconnect any port and logout the user logged in or connected to the port [3] + [port
User list Display the user list [4]
User settings View or modify user settings [5]
User disconnect/logout Disconnect and logout any user connected to a port [6]
Advanced settings View or modify advanced administrative settings (pg 17) [7]
Return to user menu Leave the administrative menu and return to the User main menu [9]
Logout Logout from SERIMUX [0]
:
number]
7
NTI SERIMUX SERIES CONSOLE SWITCH
Port List
From the Administrator main menu, press [1] to display the Port List.
Figure 5- The Port list displays the status of all ports
The Port list displays the following information:
Column Heading Description
Port Port number and name
Log Index number of the user logged in at the port
Con The number of another port (Pxx) connected to that port . If the administrator is
logged in, "Adm" will be displayed
U/H Port type- User or Host
Mdm Modem connection status: Y if modem is connected , - if not
BaudRate Port transmitter and receiver speed
Serial Character size, parity, and stop bit number
Flow Flow control method- hard (RTS/CTS), soft (Xon/Xoff), both, or none
Xon/Xoff Special characters used as soft flow control sequence
Discon In-band disconnect sequence (1 character, 3 character, or none)
DscTime Remaining time until self-disconnection due to port receiver inactivity (see
below)
8
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