TROY Group MAN-EXT2000 User Manual

TROY XCD External

Print Servers

for Ethernet Networks

Administrator's Guide

Part No. MAN-EXT2000 Revision 99-2

August 21, 1999 Printed in U.S.A.

TROY XCD

A TROY Group, Inc. Company

TROY XCD, Inc.
1692 Browning
Irvine, CA 92606-4809
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
[e-mail]

Notice

TROY XCD, INC. SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS OF THIS
PRODUCT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. TROY XCD shall not be
liable for any errors contained in this manual or for any damages resulting from
loss of use, data profits, or any incidental or consequential damages arising
from the use of TROY XCD products or services.

Warning

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class
A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed
to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operating in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with this
guide, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference
in which case the user, at his or her own expense, will be required to take
whatever measures will be required to correct the interference.

Trademarks

HP, HP/UX, LaserJet, DesignJet, DeskJet, PaintJet, JetDirect, and JetAdmin
are trademarks of Hewlett-Packard Company. DEC, DECserver, VMS, LAT,
and ULTRIX are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation. UNIX is a
trademark of UNIX Systems Laboratories. Ethernet is a trademark of Xerox
Corporation. PostScript is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
NetWare is a trademark of Novell, Inc. Apple, Macintosh, LaserWriter, and
AppleTalk are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. IBM, LAN Server, and
AIX are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. LAN
Manager, Windows, and MS-DOS are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
VINES is a trademark of Banyan Systems Inc. PrintKit is a trademark of
Northlake Software. QADD is a trademark of Network Compatibility Group.
LAN Attached and UNIX Printing for VINES is a trademark of Incognito
Software Inc. XJet, XMark, XConnect, and XAdmin are trademarks of TROY
XCD, Inc.

© Copyright 1992-1999 TROY XCD, Inc. All rights reserved.

Contents

1. Introduction

Overview .................................................................................. 1-1

2. Installing the Hardware

Overview .................................................................................. 2-1

Before You Start....................................................................... 2-1

Unpacking and Handling.......................................................... 2-2

Step 1-a Setting the Switches (XConnect II/II Lite) ............... 2-3

Step 1-b Setting the Switches (XConnect 100 and Pony) ....... 2-5

Step 2 Connecting to the Printer.............................................. 2-6

Step 3 Connecting to the Ethernet ......................................... 2-12

Step 4 Connecting to a LocalTalk Network (XConnect II)... 2-15

Step 5 Verifying Successful Hardware Installation .............. 2-16

Step 6 Changing the Printer Reset......................................... 2-20

Changing the Print Server Configuration ............................... 2-22

3. TROY XCD Print Server Management Methods

Overview .................................................................................. 3-1

TROY XCD XAdmin32 and XAdmin ..................................... 3-1

TROY XCD WebXAdmin ....................................................... 3-4

TROY XCD Print Server Console ........................................... 3-5

HP JetAdmin ............................................................................ 3-7

HP Web JetAdmin.................................................................... 3-8

4. TCP/IP Network Configuration

Overview .................................................................................. 4-1

TCP/IP Concepts ...................................................................... 4-1

TCP/IP UNIX Host Configuration ........................................... 4-2

IP Security .............................................................................. 4-23

Raw TCP Ports ....................................................................... 4-23

Changing the Configuration (Optional) ................................. 4-26

5. Novell Network Configuration

Overview .................................................................................. 5-1

NetWare Concepts.................................................................... 5-1

General Information ................................................................. 5-3

Before You Begin..................................................................... 5-4

Default Print Server Names...................................................... 5-4

Configuring the Print Server and Adding the Print Queue

in Queue Server Mode.............................................................. 5-6

Configuring the Print Queue and Adding the Print Queue

in Remote Printer Mode ......................................................... 5-18

Configuring the Worksation ................................................... 5-26

Changing the Print Server Configuration ............................... 5-30

6. AppleTalk Network Configuration

Overview .................................................................................. 6-1

AppleTalk Concepts ................................................................. 6-1

Step 1 Macintosh Configuration............................................... 6-2

Step 2 Printing .......................................................................... 6-2

Printing Binary Graphics.......................................................... 6-3

Changing the Configuration ..................................................... 6-4

7. Windows NT Network and LAN Server Configuration

Overview .................................................................................. 7-1

Windows NT IP Configuration ................................................ 7-2

Windows NT 4.xx Configuration ............................................. 7-4

Windows NT 3.5x Configuration ............................................. 7-6

IBM LAN Server Installation................................................... 7-7

8. Windows 95/98 Peer-to-Peer Configuration

Overview .................................................................................. 8-1

Configuring the Windows 95/98 PC ........................................ 8-1

9. Microsoft Network Configuration (NetBEUI/NetBIOS)

Overview .................................................................................. 9-1

Print Server Configuration ....................................................... 9-1

Windows 95/98 and Windows NT Port Monitor Installation .. 9-3

LAN Server/Warp Server Configuration ................................. 9-5

10. DLC/LLC Configuration

Overview ................................................................................ 10-1

Configuring DLC/LLC on Windows NT ............................... 10-1

Configuring DLC/LLC on Other Systems ............................. 10-4

11. LAT Network Configuration

Overview ................................................................................ 11-1

LAT Concepts ........................................................................ 11-1

VMS LAT Host Configuration............................................... 11-2

Eliminating Blank Pages (Optional)....................................... 11-5

PATHWORKS for DOS Configuration ................................. 11-6

PATHWORKS for Macintosh Configuration ........................ 11-9

DECprint Supervisor Configuration Notes ............................ 11-9

Installation on Other Host Computers.................................. 11-10

Changing the Configuration (Optional) ............................... 11-11

12. Banyan VINES Configuration (Optional)

Overview ................................................................................ 12-1

File Server User Configuration .............................................. 12-2

File Server Queue Configuration ........................................... 12-3

Print Server Configuration Using XAdmin............................ 12-6

Print Server Configuration Using the Console....................... 12-8

Testing the Print Queue ........................................................ 12-10

13. PrintraNet Remote Internet Printing

Overview ................................................................................ 13-1

PrintraNet Concepts ............................................................... 13-1

Installing the Software on a Windows 95/98 PC ................... 13-3

Configuring the Remote TROY XCD Print Server................ 13-8

Printing to the Remote TROY XCD Print Server ................ 13-12

Troubleshooting.................................................................... 13-13

Print Server Console Command Summary .......................... 13-13

14. Troubleshooting

Overview ................................................................................ 14-1

Installation Problems (Printer Not Ready) ............................. 14-1

Installation Problems (Printer Ready) .................................... 14-2

Intermittent Problems ............................................................. 14-7

TCP/IP Troubleshooting......................................................... 14-7

AppleTalk and PATHWORKS for Mac Troubleshooting ... 14-13

NetWare Troubleshooting .................................................... 14-13

Windows NT and LAN Server Troubleshooting ................. 14-16

Windows 95/98 Peer-to-Peer Troubleshooting .................... 14-17

LAT Troubleshooting........................................................... 14-18

Banyan VINES Troubleshooting.......................................... 14-22

15. Warranty and Service Information

Customer Support................................................................... 15-1

Whom to Call ......................................................................... 15-1

Returning Products ................................................................. 15-2

Advance Replacement and Extended Services ...................... 15-3

Warranty ................................................................................. 15-3

A. Command Summary ............................................................. A-1

B. Using Services (lpd-Plus) .......................................................B-1

C. Reloading the Firmware ........................................................C-1

D. Glossary/Index ....................................................................... D-1

1

Introduction

Overview

TROY XCD external print servers allow multiple host computers
to share virtually any type of printer or plotter on high-speed
local area network. The Pony Print Server Plus is an
ultracompact low-cost Ethernet print server for a single printer,
while the Pony 100, XConnect II and XConnect II Lite connect
up to two printers to an Ethernet network. The XConnect 100
handles up to four printers and works on both Ethernet (10baseT)
and Fast Ethernet (100baseT) networks.

Any user can print jobs on a printer or plotter connected to a
TROY XCD external print server as if it were directly attached
to his computer. No special software is required on the host
computers, and application programs run without any

LocalTalk

Printer with aTROY
XCD print server

Apple Macintosh Computers

NetWarePCLAN Manager

PC

UNIX Host

DEC Host

Figure 1-1

XCD External Print Server Concept

Banyan VINESPCApple

Introduction 1-1

Macintosh

modification. Because the TROY XCD external print servers
provide multiprotocol capabilities, users on DEC, UNIX, Novell,
AppleTalk, LAN Server, Windows NT, Windows 95, LAN
Manager, and Banyan VINES computers can simultaneously
access the same printer. With the optional XConnect II
LocalTalk feature, non-Ethernet Macintosh computers can also
access the same printer. Figure 1-1 shows how TROY XCD
external print servers are used in a typical network.

Features

TROY XCD external print servers offer the widest range of
features in the industry, including:

• TCP/IP, NetWare, AppleTalk, DLC/LLC, NetBEUI, LAT,

and VINES IP protocols (protocols supported depend on
model)

• Network Operating System compatibility:

- Digital Equipment Corporation networks, including
PATHWORKS and DECprint Supervisor ((not available
on XConnect II Lite)

- UNIX systems that support either the Berkeley lpr/lpd
printing protocol, the HP JetDirect card, or printing to a
raw TCP port

- Novell NetWare V2.15 or above, V3.xx, or V4.xx,
including support for bindery mode and Novell Directory
Services (NDS)*

- AppleTalk Phase 2 (XConnect II and XConnect 100 only)

- Windows NT and NTAS V3.5 or above

- IBM OS/2, LAN Server, Warp Server

- Windows 95 (Peer-to-Peer or client mode; not supported
on XConnect II Lite)

- Windows for Workgroups (Peer-to-Peer or client mode;
Peer-to-Peer requires DLC/LLC support on print server)

Introduction 1-2

*The NDS support on the XJet III (all models), XJet IV-2, XJet IV-T,
plus certain models of the XJet IV-Plus is limited to NPrinter mode
only.

• Very high performance DMA operation (XConnect 100 and
XConnect II only)

• High-speed Centronics parallel port compatible with IEEE
P1284 Bitronics bidirectional parallel interface standard

• Serial port for console terminal or second printer

• Optional LocalTalk support (XConnect II only)

• Superior network and printer management

- Compatible with Hewlett-Packard JetAdmin and Web

JetAdmin printer management software

- XAdmin Windows-based management utility (NetWare,

TCP/IP, or VINES)

- Web XAdmin browser-based management

- SNMP MIB I and MIB II over IP or IPX (XConnect II

and XConnect 100 only)

- Remote console management via DEC NCP, TELNET,

NetWare, or serial port

• PrintraNet software for transparently sending documents to
remote locations over the Internet

• lpd-Plus feature for providing multiple services with custom
setup and reset strings, text-to-PostScript conversion, and
character substitution

• Flash memory for easy updating of firmware via NetWare,
BOOTP, tftp (master or slave mode), DEC MOP, Banyan
VINES, or serial port

Introduction 1-3

• AppleTalk spoofing capabilities for support of non­bidirectional parallel printers

• AppleTalk binary support on printers that support the HP
Tagged Binary Communications Protocol

• IP address configuration via DHCP, BOOTP, rarp, arp,
serial port, XAdmin, or remote console.

- IP security to restrict printing based on IP address

• Optional DEC LN03 emulation (XConnect II and XConnect
100 only)

TROY XCD External Print Server Models

The TROY XCD External Print Server family includes the
following models:

• Pony Print Server The Pony Print Server is the industry's
smallest full-featured external print server. It plugs directly
into the parallel port of the printer, and supports a 10baseT
Ethernet interface. The Pony Print Server is available in the
following models:

PPS-8S IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, AppleTalk, DLC/LLC,

PPS-8 IPX/SPX*, TCP/IP, AppleTalk, Direct

PPS-8N IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, AppleTalk, DLC/LLC,

*PPS-8 NDS support is limited to NPRINTER remote printer mode only

NetBEUI, Direct Mode IPX/IP, http

Mode IPX/IP, LAT, http

NetBEUI, Direct Mode IPX/IP, LAT,
VINES IP, http

• XConnect II. The XConnect II is an external print server
that supports the LAT, TCP/IP, NetWare, and AppleTalk

Introduction 1-4

protocols. It features a high-speed parallel port, a serial port,
and both a thin Ethernet and UTP Ethernet connector. The
XConnect II is available in the following models:

XConnect II-8S IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, AppleTalk, DLC/LLC,

XConnect II-8 IPX/SPX*, TCP/IP, AppleTalk, Direct

XConnect II-8N IPX/SPX*, TCP/IP, AppleTalk, DLC/LLC,

XConnect II-8-LN03 XConnect II-8 with LN03 emulation option

*XConnect II-8 and XConnect II-8-LN03 NDS support is limited to
NPRINTER remote printer mode only

NetBEUI, Direct Mode IPX/IP, http

Mode IPX/IP, LAT, http

NetBEUI, Direct Mode IPX/IP, LAT,
VINES IP, http

• Pony 100 Print Server The Pony 100 Print Server is an

ultracompact print server that features both 100baseTX and
10baseT operation. It includes one parallel port and one
serial port and is available in the following models:

PPS100-8S IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, AppleTalk, DLC/LLC,

PPS100-8N IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, AppleTalk, DLC/LLC,

NetBEUI, Direct Mode IPX/IP, http

NetBEUI, Direct Mode IPX/IP, LAT,
VINES IP, http

• XConnect 100. The XConnect 100 features 100baseTX

capability for operation on 100 megabit/sec Fast Ethernet
networks. It can also work on 10baseT networks, so it is
ideal for users who plan to upgrade to 100baseTX in the
future. The XConnect 100 supports the same protocols as
the XConnect II, but has two high-speed parallel ports
instead of one. It is available in four models:

XConnect 100-8S IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, AppleTalk, DLC/LLC,

XConnect 100-8 IPX/SPX*, TCP/IP, AppleTalk, Direct

NetBEUI, Direct Mode IPX/IP, http

Mode IPX/IP, LAT, http

Introduction 1-5

XConnect 100-8N IPX/SPX, TCP/IP, AppleTalk, DLC/LLC,

XConnect 100-8-LN03 XConnect II-8 with LN03 emulation option

*XConnect 100-8 and XConnect 100-8-LN03 NDS support is limited to
NPRINTER remote printer mode only

• XConnect II Lite The XConnect II Lite is a low-cost single

NetBEUI, Direct Mode IPX/IP, LAT,
VINES IP, http

parallel port print server that offers the same features as the
standard XConnect II, but has a single Ethernet connector
and supports only the TCP/IP and NetWare protocols
(XConnect II Lite Banyan models support VINES and TCP/
IP only). Models include:

XConnect IIL-T 10baseT; TCP/IP and IPX/SPX*
XConnect IIL-2 10base2; TCP/IP and IPX/SPX*
XConnect IIL-T-B 10baseT; TCP/IP and VINES IP
XConnect IIL-2-B 10base2; TCP/IP and VINES IP

*XConnect II Lite NDS support is limited to NPRINTER remote printer mode
only

TROY XCD External Print Server Advantages

Compared to competing products, TROY XCD print servers
offer the advantages:

• Support for the most protocols and network operating systems
in the industry. This allows TROY XCD print servers to be
used on virtually any network.

• Network management. TROY XCD offers more ways to
manage the print server, including proprietary Windows and
DOS-based utilities, Web browser management, HP
JetAdmin compatibility, and a powerful remote console.

• High performance. The TROY XCD print server family has
the highest overall throughput capabilities in the industry.

Introduction 1-6

• More features. Capabilities like multiple services per port,
programmable setup/reset strings, IP security, and character
substitution allow TROY XCD print servers to handle
virtually any network printing situation.

Terminology

The term "TROY XCD external print server" in this manual
covers the Pony Print Server Plus, XConnect II, XConnect 100,
and XConnect II Lite. The term "XConnect II" is used to
represent either the XConnect II, II-LT, or II-LN03; the term
XConnect 100 means either an XConnect 100 or 100-LN03;
while the term "XConnect II Lite" designates either an
XConnect II Lite-T or XConnect II Lite-2 .

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device
must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.

The following information applies to the Pony Print Server Plus
(PPS-8S, PPS-8, and PPS-8N) only:

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance to the instructions, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the

Introduction 1-7

equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiver.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

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

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

Introduction 1-8

2

Installing the Hardware

Overview

This chapter describes:

• How to connect a TROY XCD print server to your printer

• How to connect a TROY XCD print server to the Ethernet
cable

Before You Start

Before attempting to install a TROY XCD print server, first
make sure that you have completed installing your printer or
plotter as described in the appropriate documentation for the
device.

Unpacking and Handling

The TROY XCD print server shipping box contains the
following items:

• Pony Print Server Plus, XConnect II, Pony 100,

XConnect 100, or XConnect II Lite print server

• AC Adapter

• TROY XCD External Print Servers Administrator's Guide

Installation 2-1

Although TROY XCD external print servers are designed to
withstand normal handling procedures, you should exercise
reasonable precautions when installing them, particularly
with regard to static discharge.

• Make sure that you are adequately grounded by touching a
bare metal part of the printer before starting the installation.

• Avoid moving around the work area in order to eliminate
static charge buildup.

• If possible, do not work on a carpeted area.

Step 1-a Setting the Switches
(XConnect II and XConnect II Lite)

Important Note: If you have an XConnect 100, Pony 100,

or Pony Print Server Plus, skip to Step 1-b below).

There are 4 DIP switches on one side of an XConnect II or
XConnect II Lite print server (see figure 2-1) that are used
for power-up options. As shipped, the two outside switches
are in the OFF (up) position and the two middle switches are
in the ON (down) position (OFF=0, ON=1) for operation on
either a 10baseT or 10base2 network with a printer attached
to the parallel port. If you want to configure the print server
in a different manner, use a small screwdriver or pen to
gently flip the switch as described in the following
paragraphs.

Switch 1 (Normal/Factory Default/Test)

Setting this switch ON allows you to restore the print server
parameter settings to their original factory settings. The next

2-2 Installation

OFF

Sw2Sw1

Sw4Sw3

ON

XConnect II Rear View

Figure 2-1

XConnect II Switches

time the print server is powered on, the print server
parameters (for example, node name, serial port speed, etc.)
will be returned to the factory defaults. If you use this

switch, don't forget to put it back to the OFF position after
the factory default settings have been restored.

After the print server is powered on and running, this switch
can be used to print out a self-test page. This is done by
moving the switch to the ON position and then quickly
putting it back to the OFF position.

Switches 2 and 3 (10baseT/10base2)

These switches do not need to be changed from the default
ON position with newer versions of the XConnect II or
XConnect II Lite print server firmware. However, if you are
using 10baseT Ethernet, putting the switches in the OFF

Installation 2-3

position will conserve energy by drawing less power from the
printer.

Note: With V3.22 or earlier firmware (included with
XConnect II and XConnect II Lite print servers shipped from
TROY XCD prior to September, 1995), switches 2 and 3
must both be in the OFF position for 10baseT operation or in
the ON position for 10base2 operation.

Switch 4 (Console/Serial Printer)

This switch defines whether the serial port will be used for a
console terminal or a serial printer. Leave switch 4 in the
default OFF position if you want to use the serial port for a
console terminal.

XConnect 100 Front View

Test LED

Test Switch

100baseTX/
10baseT
Connector

XConnect 100 Switch and LEDs

2-4 Installation

Link OK LED

XConnect 100 Rear View

Console/

Serial Port 1

Serial ports are 9-pin male D-connectors

Serial Port 2

Parallel Port 1

Figure 2-2

100baseTX LED

Parallel Port 2

Power Connector

Power connector

100baseTX/10baseT

connector

Test/Factory

switch

Pony Print Server

Plus

Test LED (Top)

Test/Factory
switch

Serial port

Power connector

TEST LED Link LED

Pony 100

Figure 2-3

Pony Print Server Plus and Pony 100 Switches and LEDs

Step 1-b XConnect 100, Pony 100, and
Pony Print Server Plus Switches

Important Note: Skip this step if you have an XConnect II

or XConnect II lite.

The XConnect 100, Pony 100, and Pony Print Server Plus
have a single pushbutton switch test switch (see figures 2-2
and 2-3). This switch does not need to be used during the
configuration process. It has the following functions:

• To print a self-test page, press the switch in for at least
one-eighth second but less than five seconds.

• To reset the unit back to factory default settings, press the
switch and hold it in for at least 5 seconds

Installation 2-5

Figure 2-4

Connecting the XConnect II or XConnect II Lite to the

parallel port (Pony Print Server Plus and Pony 100

procedure is similar)

Step 2 Connecting to the Printer

TROY XCD print servers can connect to any of the
following types of printers:

• Printers with Centronics-compatible parallel interfaces
(this interface is by far the most popular type of parallel
interface)

• Printers with the new IEEE P1284 bidirectional parallel
interface

• Printers with RS-232 compatible serial interfaces (except
Pony Print Server Plus)

2-6 Installation

Connecting the Print Server to a Centronics­compatible printer

The XConnect II, XConnect II Lite, and Pony Print Server
Plus have a 36-pin male connector that is compatible with the
36-pin female connectors found on most printers. Simply
plug the print server directly into the connector on the printer
as shown in figure 2-4. If necessary, set your printer for
parallel port operation. No cable is generally required, but
the optional CABLE-CEN2 Centronics male-to-female cable
is available as an option in the event you cannot connect the
print server directly to the printer's Centronics connector.

The XConnect 100 has two 25-pin female connectors that are
compatible with the IBM PC standard 25-to-36 pin
Centronics cable. This cable is available at any computer
store and most office supply stores, or it can be ordered from
TROY XCD (part number CABLE-CEN).

IMPORTANT NOTE: The XConnect II, XConnect II Lite,
and XConnect 100 support a maximum parallel cable length
of 1.75 meters (six feet). Exceeding this maximum may result
in printing problems.

NOTE: Some new printers, such as the HP LaserJet 8000,
have the IEEE 1284C miniature Centronics connector instead
of the normal 36-pin Centronics connector. TROY XCD
offers the CABLE-C/B adapter cable for the XConnect II,
XConnect II Lite, and Pony Print Server Plus, and the
CABLE-C/A for the XConnect 100 to accommodate such
printers.

Maximizing Performance (Recommended)

Some printers, such as most HP LaserJets, support a high­speed handshake mode on the parallel port. TROY XCD

Installation 2-7

print servers support this mode, which can result in up to 50
per cent higher performance. To enable this mode using
WebXAdmin, select Configure Port from the main menu,
select port P1 (or P2 for the second parallel port on the
XConnect 100), choose High Speed as the Output Method,
and click Submit. If you are using the print server console,
enter the command SET PORT P1 FSTB ENABLED.
WebXAdmin and the print server console are discussed in
Chapter 3 and Appendix B of this manual.

Connecting a TROY XCD Print Server to a
Serial Printer

The Pony 100, XConnect II and XConnect II Lite have an
RJ45 connector for connecting RS-232-compatible serial
printers, while the XConnect 100 has two standard PC­compatible 9-pin D-connectors (there is no serial port on the
Pony Print Server Plus). The XConnect II and XConnect II
Lite RJ45 connector is marked "Serial"; do not confuse it

with the 10baseT unshielded twisted pair connector, which
is also an RJ45.

Most printers use a DB25 connector for the serial
connection. Unfortunately, there are a number of variations
as to how this connector is implemented on different
printers. For example, some printers have male connectors
configured as a DTE (Receive Data on pin 3), while others
have DCE female connectors (Receive Data on pin 2).
Hewlett-Packard, Lexmark, and Apple printers generally
have female DTE connectors. You must consult the manual
for your printer in order to determine what type of adapter
cable you need. TROY XCD sells a variety of adapters for
connecting serial devices to the RJ45 connector. In the case
of the XConnect 100 9-pin connector, a null modem( a

2-8 Installation

device or cable that connects the input signals on one device
to the output signals on another device) is often required since
both the printer and the print server are usually DTE devices.

The pinouts for the Pony 100, XConnect, and XConnect II
Lite RJ45 connector are shown below:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Print Server (RJ45)

RJ45 DTE DCE

pin Signal Signal pin pin

1 RTS out* CTS in 5 4
2 DTR out* DSR in 6 20
3 Transmit Data Receive Data 3 2
4 Transmit return Signal Ground 7 7
5 Receive Return Signal Ground 7 7
6 Receive Data Transmit Data 2 3
7 DSR in* DTR out 20 6
8 CTS in* RTS out 4 5

*XConnect II models with serial numbers less than 40500 have RTS on pin
8, DTR on pin 7, DSR on pin 2, and CTS on pin 1.

Printer (DB25)

The XConnect 100 serial ports use PC-compatible 9-pin male
D-connectors. Note that the standard off-the-shelf 9-pin
female to 25-pin male PC cables will require a null modem in
order to connect to most printers or terminals. The pinouts
are as follows:

Installation 2-9

6 7 8 9

DE9 Male

(female pinouts are in

reverse order)

XConnect 100 (DE9) Printer (DB25)

DE9 DTE DCE

pin Signal Signal pin pin

1 Not used Not used - ­2 Receive Data Transmit Data 2 3
3 Transmit Data Receive Data 3 2
4 DTR out DSR in 6 20
5 Signal Ground Signal Ground 7 7
6 DSR in DTR out 20 6
7 RTS out CTS in 5 4
8 CTS in RTS out 4 5
9 Not used Not used - -

Basically, the cable must connect input signals (e.g., Receive
Data) on the TROY XCD print server to the equivalent
output signals (e.g., Transmit Data) on the device and vice­versa.

If you are connecting a printer to the second serial port (S2)
on the XConnect 100, you must first disable console mode on
that port. This is done by using the console command SET

PORT S2 CONSOLE DISABLED
EXIT to exit the console (refer to Chapter 3 and Appendix A

for information on using the console). To re-enable the
console function, you must either enter the command SET

PORT S2 CONSOLE ENABLED

the TROY XCD XCONFIG NetWare utility, or reset the unit
back to factory defaults.

and then typing the command

using TELNET, DEC MOP or

2-10 Installation

The serial ports are factory set at 9600bps, 8-bit data, XON/
XOFF flow control, and no parity. If your printer requires
different settings, you must use WebXAdmin or the console
terminal (refer to Chapter 2 and Appendix A for information
on how to use these utilities) to change the settings. With
WebXAdmin, select Configure Port from the main menu,
click on the serial port (S1 for first serial port or S2 for the
XConnect 100 second serial port), choose the desired
settings, and click Submit. With the console terminal, use
one or more of the following commands (use S2 instead of S1
if you are using the second serial port on the XConnect 100):

SET PORT S1 SPEED
SET PORT S1 PARITY
SET PORT S1 FLOW
SET PORT S1 CHARACTER

baudrate

parity_type

flowctrl

charsize

Note that the serial port always operates at 9600bps when in
console mode. Also, if you are using 115200bps on one port
of the XConnect 100, you cannot set the other port to 230400
bps (57600bps and 7200bps are not supported on either port).

Important: The serial ports do not support Direct Memory
Access (DMA). Therefore, sustained transfers at high baud
rates (115200 or greater) can lock out activity on other
ports.

Don't forget to set your serial port settings on your printer to
match the settings of the print server. Also, make sure that

the XConnect II or XConnect II Lite switch 4 (console/serial
printer) is in the proper position (OFF if you are using the
serial port for a console terminal or ON if you are using it to
connect a printer.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Early versions of the XConnect 100 do
not support the second serial port (the one marked "Console/

Installation 2-11

unshielded

To hub

Connecting the Print Server to a 10baseT UTP network

twisted pair cable

Figure 2-4

Serial 2) for use with serial printers. This limitation can be
fixed by upgrading to a newer version of the firmware.

Step 3 Ethernet Installation

The XConnect II can connect directly to either a 10baseT
unshielded twisted pair Ethernet or a 10base2 thin Ethernet.
The XConnect II Lite-2 can connect to a 10base2 thin
Ethernet, while the XConnect II Lite-T and the Pony Print
Server Plus can connect to a 10baseT Ethernet.

The Pony 100 and XConnect 100 connect to either a
100baseTX Fast Ethernet network or a 10baseT Ethernet
network. It automatically senses the type of network, so no
configuration is required.

2-12 Installation

Connecting the XConnect II, XConnect 100,
XConnect II Lite-T, Pony 100, or Pony Print
Server Plus to an Unshielded Twisted Pair
Network

To connect an XConnect II, Pony 100, XConnect 100, or
XConnect II Lite-T to a 10baseT unshielded twisted pair
(UTP) Ethernet network, you will need an unshielded twisted
pair Ethernet hub with at least one unused port installed on
your network, plus an appropriate length of RJ45 modular
cable.

To connect a Pony 100 or XConnect 100 to a 100baseTX
Fast Ethernet network, you will need a 100baseTX Fast
Ethernet hub with at least one unused port, plus an
appropriate length of Category 5 RJ45 modular jack cable.

1. Connect one end of the RJ45 cable to the print server
connector labelled "10baseT" on the XConnect II or
XConnect II Lite (not the one labelled "Serial"), or
"100baseTX/10baseT" on the XConnect 100 or Pony 100
and the other end to a port on the twisted pair Ethernet
hub as shown in figure 2-4. Note that the XConnect 100
automatically determines whether it is connected to a
10baseT or 100baseTX network.

Note: If you have an older XConnect II or XConnect II
Lite with V3.22 or earlier firmware, make sure that
switches 2 and 3 are in the OFF position (not required
for newer print servers).

You have now completed the unshielded twisted pair
Ethernet installation. Proceed to the Verifying Successful
Hardware Installation section below to confirm that you
have properly installed the print server.

Installation 2-13

Thin

Ethernet

Cable

Thin

Ethernet

Cable

A

"T"

50 ohm

Terminator

Thin

Ethernet

Cable

"T"

B

H1000

Figure 2-5

Connecting the Print Server to a 10base2 thin Ethernet network

Connecting the XConnect II or XConnect II Lite-2
to a Thin Ethernet Network

To connect an XConnect II or XConnect II Lite-2 to a thin
Ethernet network, first check to see that switches 2 and 3
(10baseT/10base2) are in the ON position.

If you are installing the print server onto an existing network,
the "T" connector may already be installed on the cable. If
this is the case, simply connect the "T" connector to the BNC
connector on the print server's BNC connector as shown in
figure 2-5A (if the connection is in the middle of the thin
Ethernet segment) or 2-5B (if the connection is at the end of
the thin Ethernet segment). This operation can be performed
without impacting the operation of the network.

If the "T" connector is not already installed, proceed as
follows (caution: if you are connecting to a live network,

2-14 Installation

perform the following steps as quickly as possible to
minimize disruption of the network):

1. Connect one section of the thin Ethernet cable to one end
of the "T" connector as shown in figure 2-5.

2. If you are connecting the print server in the middle of a
thin Ethernet segment, attach the second section of thin
Ethernet cable to the other end of the "T" connector as
shown in figure 2-5A. If you are connecting the print
server at the end of a thin Ethernet segment, attach a 50
ohm terminator to the other end of the "T" connector as
shown in 2-5B.

3. Connect the "T" connector to the BNC connector on the
transceiver.

You have now completed the thin Ethernet installation. Skip to
the Verifying Successful Hardware Installation section below to
confirm that you have correctly installed the print server.

Step 4 Connecting to the Optional
LocalTalk Port (XConnect II only)

If you have the LocalTalk option, you can connect the
XConnect II to an Apple LocalTalk network to allow
Macintosh computers on the LocalTalk network to print jobs
on a printer attached to the XConnect II. Both the LocalTalk
and Ethernet ports can be used simultaneously. To use the
LocalTalk feature, plug a LocalTalk-compatible connector
(such as the Apple LocalTalk connector or the Farallon
PhoneNet connector) into the XConnect II LocalTalk port as
shown in figure 2-6. Note this port can only be used for

Installation 2-15

LocalTalk
Connector
(must be
terminated
if end node)

Ethernet

XConnect II

LocalTalk
Connector

LocalTalk
Connector

LocalTalk
Connector

Figure 2-6

Connecting the XConnect II to a LocalTalk network

printing from computers on the LocalTalk to printers
attached to the parallel or serial port of the XConnect II; it
cannot be used to allow computers on the Ethernet to print to
printers connected to the LocalTalk network.

The LocalTalk port is enabled by default. If you are not
using this port, you should enter the command SET
LOCALTALK DISABLED for maximum performance.

Step 5 Verifying Successful Installation

You are now ready to apply power to the TROY XCD print
server. Plug the AC power adapter into a wall outlet and
insert the adapter cable into the print server connector
labelled "Power". If possible, connect a terminal to the serial
port (make sure that Switch 4 is OFF when using the console
terminal with the XConnect II or XConnect II Lite).

2-16 Installation