Western Telematic APS-16M, APS-8M User Manual

WTI Part No. 13511

Rev. B

APS-8M / APS-16M

Asynchronous Port Switches

with Internal Modem

Firmware Version 4.x

Models Covered:

APS-8M

APS-8M-DC

APS-16M

APS-16M-DC

User’s Guide

Warnings and Cautions:

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Secure Racking

If Secure Racked units are installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, they may require further evaluation by Certiﬁcation Agencies. The following items must be considered.

1. The ambient within the rack may be greater than room ambient. Installation should be such that the amount of air ﬂow required for safe operation is not compromised. The maximum temperature for the equipment in this environment is 45°C. Consideration should be given to the maximum rated ambient.

2. Installation should be such that a hazardous stability condition is not achieved due to uneven loading.

Input Supply

1. Check nameplate ratings to assure there is no overloading of supply circuits that could have an effect on overcurrent protection and supply wiring.

2. When installing 48 VDC rated equipment, it must be installed only per the following conditions:

A. Connect the equipment to a 48 VDC supply source that is electrically

isolated from the alternating current source. The 48 VDC source is to be connected to a 48 VDC SELV source.

B. Input wiring to terminal block must be routed and secured in such

a manner that it is protected from damage and stress. Do not route wiring past sharp edges or moving parts.

C. A readily accessible disconnect device, with a 3 mm minimum

contact gap, shall be incorporated in the ﬁxed wiring.

Grounding

Reliable earthing of this equipment must be maintained. Particular attention should be given to supply connections when connecting to power strips, rather than direct connections to the branch circuit.

APS-8M / APS-16M Asynchronous Port Switches; User’s Guide

No Serviceable Parts Inside; Authorized Service Personnel Only

Do not attempt to repair or service this device yourself. Internal components must be serviced by authorized personnel only.

• Shock Hazard - Do Not Enter

Disconnect Power

If any of the following events are noted, immediately disconnect the unit from the outlet and contact qualiﬁed service personnel:

1. If the power cord becomes frayed or damaged.

2. If liquid has been spilled into the device or if the device has been exposed to rain or water.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1

2. Unit Description

2.1. Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

2.2. Back Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

3. Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.1. Hardware Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

3.2. Connect your Equipment to the Serial Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

3.3. Communicating with the APS-8/16M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2

4. Hardware Installation

4.1. Connecting Power to the APS Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

4.1.1. AC Powered Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

4.1.2. DC Powered Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

4.2. Connect a Telco Line to the Modem Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

4.3. Connecting Devices to the APS Serial Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2

5. Conﬁguration

5.1. Access to the APS-8/16M Command Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1

5.2. System SetUp Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

5.3. Password Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-2

5.4. The System Parameters Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-3

5.4.1. The Password Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

5.4.2. The Dial Back Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-8

5.5. Port Conﬁguration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

5.5.1. Conﬁguration Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10

5.5.2. Port Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11

5.5.3. RS232 Port Conﬁguration Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12

5.5.4. The Invalid Access Lockout Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17

5.6. Copying Parameters to All Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

5.7. Save User Selected Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-19

6. The Internal Modem

6.1. Communicating with the Internal Modem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1

6.2. Common AT Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2

7. The Status Screens

7.1. The Port Status Screen (/S) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

7.2. The Port Diagnostics Screen (/SD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-2

7.3. The Port Parameters Screens (/W) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

7.4. The Password Directory Screen (/V) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

8. Operation

8.1. Any-to-Any Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

8.1.1. Port Connection and Disconnection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-1

8.1.2. Deﬁning Hunt Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4

8.2. Passive Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6

8.3. Buffer Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-6

8.3.1. Reading Data from Buffer Mode Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-7

8.3.2. Port Buffers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

8.4. Modem Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-8

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

3-1

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

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

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

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

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

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APS-8M / APS-16M Asynchronous Port Switches; User’s Guide

9. Saving and Restoring Conﬁguration Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

9.1. Sending Parameters to a File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-1

9.2. Restoring Saved Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-2

10. Upgrading APS-8/16M Firmware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11. Command Reference Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-

11.1. Command Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-1

11.2. Command Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-2

11.3. Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-3

11.4. Command Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-4

Appendices

A. RS232 Port Interface

B. Speciﬁcations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

C. Customer Service

D. Trademark and Copyright Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apx-4

E. Regulatory Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Index-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apx-1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apx-3

10-1

Apx-2

Apx-5

List of Figures

2.1.. . Instrument Front Panel (Model APS-8M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

2.2.. . Instrument Front Panel (Model APS-16M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1

2.3.. . Instrument Back Panel (Model APS-8M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

2.4.. . Instrument Back Panel (Model APS-16M) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2

3.1.. . The Port Status Screen (Model APS-8M Shown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

4.1.. . Terminal Block Assembly (DC Units Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

5.1.. . The System Parameters Menu (/F) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-4

5.2.. . The Edit Password Directory Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-5

5.3.. . The Add Name/Password Menu (Defaults Shown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

5.4.. . The Edit/Delete Name/Password Menu (Sample Values Shown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7

5.5.. . Port Conﬁguration Menu (Port 1 Shown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12

5.6.. . Port Parameters Menu; Modem Mode (Port 3 Shown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-14

5.7.. . The Copy Port Parameters Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18

7.1.. . The Port Status Screen (Model APS-8M Shown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-1

7.2.. . The Port Diagnostics Screen (Model APS-8M; Defaults Shown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3

7.3.. . The Port Parameters Screen (Port 1 Shown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-4

7.4.. . The Password Directory Screen (Sample Values Shown) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-5

A.1. . RS232 Port Hardware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apx-1

1. Introduction

WTI’s APS-8M and APS-16M Asynchronous Port Switches allow reliable, high-speed connections between PCs, modems, and other devices using dissimilar baud rates, parity, and ﬂow control. The APS-8M and APS-16M support communication at speeds up to 115.2 Kbps, and feature full RTS/CTS hardware handshaking and a 33.6K V.34 internal modem. Lightening-swift data throughput and full ﬂow control make the APS-8M and APS-16M the perfect data switches for today’s high speed communications applications.

Versatile Connectivity

Up to ﬁfteen different devices can be connected to the APS-16M without the need to select a common baud rate or parity; up to seven different devices can be connected to the APS-8M. Each port can be individually conﬁgured for speciﬁc baud rates, parity, handshaking, and various other parameters and options.

Easy Set-Up and Operation

Conﬁguration of the APS-8M and APS-16M is simple. A menu system is used to select communications parameters, and enable or disable options. The APS-8M and APS-16M can easily adapt to the requirements of almost any data communications application.

Password Protected Connection and Command Access

The APS-8M and APS-16M provide two levels of user security; the Supervisor level and the Non-Supervisor level. The Supervisor level, which is intended for use by system managers and other administrators, provides complete access to all port connection / disconnection functions, operating features and conﬁguration menus, and also allows access to any port on the switch. The Non-Supervisor level is ideal for collocation applications, since users are only permitted to view status and connect to the ports allowed by their password.

Internal Modem

The APS-8M and APS-16M feature 33.6K v.34 Internal modems; allowing easy, convenient out-of-band access to conﬁguration and control functions.

Non-Volatile Memory

If power to the unit is lost or interrupted, the units' non-volatile memory will retain user-deﬁned parameters and port connections.

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APS-8M / APS-16M Asynchronous Port Switches; User’s Guide

Modem Communication

The APS-8M and APS-16M can both be controlled by a local PC that communicates with the unit via cable, or controlled remotely via external modem. Hyperterminal (or another communications program) is used to send commands to connect ports or display status.

Configuration Backup

Once you have conﬁgured the APS-8M or APS-16M to ﬁt your application, parameters and options can be saved to an ASCII text ﬁle on your PC. This allows you to quickly restore user-selected parameters if the unit conﬁguration is accidentally altered or deleted. Saved parameters can also be uploaded to other APS-8M or APS-16M units. This allows rapid set-up when several units will be conﬁgured with identical or similar parameters.

APS-8M and APS-16M Units

This User's Guide discusses both the APS-8M and APS-16M. Throughout this User's Guide, both units are referred to as "APS-8/16M." The APS-8M includes seven RS232 ports and an internal modem, and the APS-16M includes sixteen RS232 ports and an internal modem. All other features function identically.

Typographic Conventions

Throughout this manual, typefaces and characters have been used to denote the following:

^ (e.g. ^X) Indicates a control character. For example, the text "

^X" (Control X) indicates the [Ctrl] key and the

[X] key must be pressed simultaneously.

COURIER FONT Indicates characters typed on the keyboard. For example,

/E or /P 02.

[Bold Font] Text set in bold face and enclosed in square brackets, indicates a speciﬁc key. For example,

[Enter] or [Esc].

< > Indicates required keyboard entries. For Example:

/P <n>.

[ ] Indicates optional keyboard entries.

For Example:

/W [n].

1-2

2. Unit Description

2.1. Front Panel

Figure 2.1: Instrument Front Panel (Model APS-8M)

Figure 2.2: Instrument Front Panel (Model APS-16M)

 CLEAR: Restarts the APS-8/16M operating program without changing

user-selected parameter settings or breaking port connections.

 ON: Lights when AC Power is applied.

 SET: Used to Initialize the APS-8/16M to factory defaults. To initialize,

press and hold both the SET and CLEAR buttons, release only the CLEAR button, and then release the SET button.

Notes:

• During initialization, all port LEDs will ﬂ ash ON for approximately one half second.

• During initialization, all command-selected parameters will be cleared, and the APS will revert to default parameters.

 RDY: Flashes when unit is ready to receive commands.

 DCD: (APS-16M Only) Lights when Data Carrier Detect signal is

present.

 ACTIVITY LEDs: Light when corresponding port is receiving data.

Note that the APS-8M includes eight Activity LEDs and the APS-16M includes sixteen Activity LEDs.

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APS-8M / APS-16M Asynchronous Port Switches; User’s Guide

2.2. Back Panel

Figure 2.3: Instrument Back Panel (Model APS-8M)

Figure 2.4: Instrument Back Panel (Model APS-16M)

 Power Cable Receptacle: AC powered units only. DC units include a

terminal block assembly as described in Section 4.1.2.

 Power Switch

 Modem Port (Line Port): For connection to your phone line. For

information regarding modem conﬁ guration, please refer to Section 6.

 RS232 PORTS: For connection to RS232 console ports on user devices.

The APS-8M includes seven RS232 Ports, and the APS-16M includes sixteen RS232 Ports. For more information, please refer to Section

4.3 (connection instructions), Appendix A (interface description), and Section 5.2 (Setup Ports).

2-2

3. Getting Started

This Quick Start Guide describes a simpliﬁed installation procedure for the APS-8M and APS-16M hardware, which will allow you to communicate with the unit in order to demonstrate basic features and check for proper operation.

Note that this Quick Start Guide does not provide a detailed description of unit conﬁguration, or discuss advanced operating features in detail. In order to take full advantage of the complete range of features provided by this unit, it is strongly recommended that you review the Installation and Conﬁguration sections of this User's Guide after completing this Quick Start procedure.

3.1. Hardware Installation

3.1.1. Apply Power to the APS-8/16M

Refer to the power rating nameplate on the APS-8/16M back panel, and then connect the unit to an appropriate power source. Set the Master Power Switch on the APS-8/16M back panel to the ON position.

3.1.2. Connect your Telco Line to the APS-8/16M

Connect your phone line to the Line Port (Modem Port), located on the APS-8/16M back panel. It is recommended to use a direct, dedicated POTS line for connection to the Modem Port. Note that the APS-8M sees the Modem Port as Port 8, and the APS-16M sees the Modem Port as Port 17.

3.1.3. Connect a PC to the APS-8/16M

Use a standard null modem cable (provided with the unit) to connect your PC COM port to the Port 1 connector on the APS-8/16M back panel.

3.2. Connect your Equipment to the Serial Ports

Use an appropriate DB9 cable to connect the RS232 Serial Port on your equipment to the desired Serial Port on the APS-8/16M

• PCs and other DTE Devices: Use a standard null modem cable.

• External Modems and other DCE devices: Use a standard serial modem cable.

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APS-8M / APS-16M Asynchronous Port Switches; User’s Guide

3.3. Communicating with the APS-8/16M

The APS-8/16M command mode allows you to check unit status, change conﬁguration parameters and connect and disconnect ports (including the Modem Port.)

1. Access Command Mode:

a) Via Local PC: Start your communications program and then

press [Enter]. The "APS>" command prompt should appear.

c) Via Modem: Use your communications program to dial the number

for the phone line which is connected to the internal modem. A Password Prompt will be displayed. If you have not previously deﬁned the Supervisor Password, just press password. The "APS>" command prompt should be displayed.

Notes:

• If a password that permits access to Supervisor Mode has been previously deﬁned, a prompt will be displayed. Key in a Supervisor Level password, and press [Enter]. If a Supervisor Level password has not yet been deﬁned, the prompt will not be displayed.

• When the APS-8/16M is shipped from the factory, communications parameters are set as follows: 9600 bps, RTS/CTS Handshaking, 8 Data Bits, One Stop Bit, No Parity. Although these parameters can be easily redeﬁned, for this Quick Start procedure, it is recommended to conﬁgure your communications program to accept the default parameters.

[Enter], without typing a

2. Review the Help Menu: At the "APS>" Command Prompt, type /H and press [Enter] to display the Help Menu, which provides a basic listing of all APS-8/16M commands.

3. Port Status Screen: Type /S and press [Enter] to display the Port Status Screen (Figure 3.1), which summarizes conditions at all APS-8/16M ports.

3-2

Getting Started

PORT STATUS: APS-M, Version 3.0, Site ID: (undeﬁned)

Enter /H for command menu. APS>

Figure 3.1: The Port Status Screen (Model APS-8M Shown)

4. Creating Connections Between Ports: The APS-8/16M can perform two different types of port connections; Resident Connections and Third Party Connections.

a) Resident Connection: Your resident port (e.g. Port 1) issues a /C

command to connect to a second port.

i. To connect Port 1 to Port 2, type /C 2 [Enter]. While Port 1

is connected, the APS-8/16M will not recognize commands issued at Port 1. However, the unit will recognize a Resident Disconnect Sequence issued at Port 1 or Port 2.

ii. Issue the Resident Disconnect Sequence (Logoff Sequence);

type ^X (press [Ctrl] and [X] at the same time).

b) Third Party Connection: Your resident port (e.g. Port 1) issues a

/C command to create a connection between two other ports.

i. To connect Port 2 to Port 3, type /C 2 3 [Enter].

ii. While Ports 2 and 3 are connected, Port 1 will still recognize

APS commands. Type

/S [Enter] to display the Port Status Screen. The "STATUS" column should now list Ports 2 and 3 as connected, and Port 1 as "Free".

iii. Issue a Third Party Disconnect command to disconnect Ports 2

and 3; type /D 2 [Enter]. The unit will display the "Are you Sure (y/n)?" prompt. Type

y and press [Enter] to disconnect.

iv. Type /S [Enter] to display the Port Status Screen. The

"STATUS" column should now list Ports 2 and 3 as "Free".

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APS-8M / APS-16M Asynchronous Port Switches; User’s Guide

5. Exit Command Mode: At the "APS>" command prompt, type /X and press [Enter]. The APS-8/16M will exit command mode.

This completes the Quick Start Guide for the APS-8/16M. Prior to placing the unit into operation, please proceed to Sections 4 and 5 for complete installation and conﬁguration procedures.

3-4

4. Hardware Installation

4.1. Connecting Power to the APS Unit

The APS-8/16M is available in both AC and DC powered versions. When connecting power, proceed as follows:

• Before attempting to install this unit, please review the warnings and cautions listed at the front of the user's guide.

• This device should only be operated with the type of power source indicated on the instrument nameplate. If you are not sure of the type of power service available, please contact your local power company.

4.1.1. AC Powered Units

Plug the power cable (supplied with the unit) into the receptacle on the back panel, and then connect the power cable to an appropriate, grounded outlet. The APS features a self adjusting power supply that automatically adapts to power supplies between 100 and 240 VAC. Press the Power Switch ON. The ON LED should light and the RDY LED should begin to ﬂ ash.

4.1.2. DC Powered Units

The DC terminal block features two bus inputs as shown in Figure 4.1. This allows the user to connect only one DC power source, or connect two DC power sources where the second source serves as a backup. When connecting the APS-8/16M to your DC power source, ﬁ rst remove the protective cover from the terminal block, attach the wires from the -48V DC power source to the screw terminals, connect your ground line to the labeled ground screw, and then replace the protective cover.

CAUTION:

Figure 4.1: Terminal Block Assembly (DC Units Only)

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APS-8M / APS-16M Asynchronous Port Switches; User’s Guide

4.2. Connect a Telco Line to the Modem Port

Use a standard RJ-11 cable to connect your Telco outlet to the Modem (Line) Port, located on the APS-8/16M back panel. Note that the APS-8M sees the internal modem as Port 8, and the APS-16M sees the internal modem as Port 17.

4.3. Connecting Devices to the APS Serial Ports

The serial RS232 Ports are standard DB9 connectors, conﬁgured as DTE Ports, and are similar to a standard serial port on a PC. The APS-8M includes seven serial RS232 ports, and the APS-16M includes sixteen serial RS232 ports. For a detailed description of the RS232 Port interface, please refer to Appendix A.

1. Access the APS-8/16M command mode.

2. Determine which RS232 port will be used for connection to the new device (e.g. Port 3).

3. Use an appropriate DB9 cable to connect the RS232 serial port on the device to the selected DB9 port on the APS-8/16M.

a) External Modems and other DCE Devices: Use a standard serial

modem cable.

b) PCs and other DTE Devices: Use a standard null modem cable.

5. Select communication parameters for the port as described in Section 5.

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5. Configuration

5.1. Access to the APS-8/16M Command Mode

When the APS-8/16M command mode is active, commands can be invoked to select parameters, and connect or disconnect ports.

Note:

• Command mode cannot be accessed from a Buffer Mode Port, Passive Mode Port, or any port that is currently connected to another APS-8/16M port.

• Conﬁguration commands are not available at any port where the Supervisor Mode has been disabled.

• Supervisor Mode commands can only be invoked by users who have logged in using a password that permits access to Supervisor Mode.

1. Start your communications program (e.g. HyperTerminal, TeraTerm, etc.). Make certain that the communications program is set to match the default APS-8/16M parameters: 9600 bps, 8-Data Bits, 1-Stop Bit, No Parity, RTS/CTS (hardware) handshaking.

2. Access command mode.

a) Local Access: To access command mode from a local PC that is

connected to the APS-8/16M via cable, press

i. There must be no other characters preceding [Enter]. If you

have already hit other keys, press [Enter] twice.

ii. If a password that permits Supervisor Mode has been previously

deﬁned, the password prompt will be displayed. Key in a password that permits Supervisor Mode and press [Enter].

[Enter].

b) Modem Access: To access the command mode via modem, proceed

as follows:

i. Dial the number for the APS-8/16M’s internal modem, or (if

present) an external modem connected to one of the APS-8/16M’s RS232 ports.

ii. If a password that permits Supervisor Mode has been previously

deﬁned, the password prompt will be displayed. Key in a password that permits Supervisor Mode and press [Enter].

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APS-8M / APS-16M Asynchronous Port Switches; User’s Guide

5.2. System SetUp Ports

Ports 1 and 2 are designated as System SetUp Ports, and will therefore, always permit password protected access to Supervisor Mode.

In order to ensure that access to command functions is always available, Ports 1 and 2 cannot be conﬁgured as Buffer Mode or Passive Mode Ports (Buffer Mode Ports and Passive Mode Ports are not able to access command mode.) In addition, Ports 1 and 2 always permit password protected access to Supervisor Mode; the Supervisor Mode cannot be disabled at either of these two ports.

5.3. Password Functions

The APS-8/16M’s password directory allows you to deﬁne up to 32 different passwords. These passwords are not only used to protect access to the APS-8/16M unit, but are also used to determine the type of commands that each user will be allowed to invoke, and the ports that each user will be allowed to connect. This is accomplished by either granting or denying each password’s access to Supervisor Mode and specifying permitted ports via the Password Directory.

Passwords that have been granted access to Supervisor Mode are allowed to change conﬁguration parameters and may connect to any APS-8/16M port. On the other hand, passwords which are denied access to Supervisor Mode are not allowed to change conﬁguration parameters, and are restricted to the ports speciﬁcally allowed by that password. Therefore, the password entered during login determines whether or not you will be able to invoke Supervisor Mode commands, and also determines which ports you will be allowed to connect to. Note that the password directory feature is described in greater detail in Section 5.4.1.

Note that once you have deﬁned at least one password that permits access to Supervisor Mode, the APS-8/16M will display a password prompt whenever you attempt to access command mode. If a valid password, which allows access to Supervisor Mode is entered, the APS-8/16M will then start up in Supervisor Mode. Supervisor Level commands are summarized in Section 11.3 of this User’s Guide.

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Conﬁ guration

Notes:

• If you do not deﬁne at least one password that permits access

to Supervisor Mode, then Supervisor Level commands will be available to all ports, and port access and conﬁguration functions will not be password protected.

• If you wish to restrict users from changing APS-8/16M

conﬁguration parameters or connecting to restricted ports, you must deﬁne at least one password that permits access to Supervisor Mode as described in Section 5.4.1.

• If the unit is reset to default parameters, all passwords will be

erased, and Supervisor Level commands will be available at all ports, without password protection.

Normally, passwords that permit access to Supervisor Mode can be entered at any port in order to gain access to Supervisor command functions. Note that if you wish to completely deny a port’s access to Supervisor Mode (even a Supervisor Password), the Port Parameters menus (/P) can be used to disable the Supervisor Mode at any RS232 Port except for ports 1 and 2 (the System SetUp Ports.) The Supervisor Mode Ports 1 and 2.

cannot be disabled at System SetUp

5.4. The System Parameters Menu

Before conﬁguring individual ports, the System Parameters should be deﬁned. The System Parameters Menu (/F) allows you to set the Site ID Message, enable/disable the Password on Dial Back Function, set the number of Dial Back Attempts, set the Dial Back Delay Value, and access the menus which are used to deﬁne passwords and access rights. All parameters that are deﬁned via the System Parameters Menu are global, and will be applied to all APS-8/16M ports.

with

Notes:

• The Site ID message cannot include double quotes.

• Both the Site ID and Password Directory will be cleared if the

APS-8/16M is initialized to default settings.

• The System Parameters Menu is only available in Supervisor Mode.

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APS-8M / APS-16M Asynchronous Port Switches; User’s Guide

SYSTEM PARAMETERS:

1. Site-ID: (undeﬁned)

2. Password on Dial Back: Off

3. Dial Back Attempts: 3

4. Dial Back Delay: 30 Secs

5. Edit Password Directory

Enter: #<CR> to change, <ESC> exit ...

Figure 5.1: The System Parameters Menu (/F)

To deﬁne System Parameters, you must ﬁrst access command mode, and then type /F [Enter] to display the System Parameters Menu (Figure 5.1.) The System Parameters Menu allows you to deﬁne the following:

1. Site ID: Type 1 and press [Enter], a prompt will appear. Key in the desired text and press [Enter]. The Site ID will be listed on the status and diagnostic screens. (Up to 32 chars.; Default = undeﬁned.)

2. Password on Dial Back: Enables/Disables the "Password on Dial Back" feature as described in Section 5.4.2. (Default = Off.)

3. Dial Back Attempts: Sets the number of times that the APS-8/16M will attempt to call the dial back number when the Dial Back feature is properly conﬁgured and enabled. For more information on the Dial Back feature, please refer to Section 5.4.2. (Default = 3.)

4. Dial Back Delay: Sets the amount of time that will elapse between Dial Back Attempts. For more information on the Dial Back Feature, please refer to Section 5.4.2. (Default = 30 Seconds.)

5. Edit Password Directory: Provides access to a series of menus that are used to create, edit, and delete APS-8/16M passwords as described in Section 5.4.1.

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Conﬁ guration

EDIT PASSWORD DIRECTORY:

1. Add Name/Password

2. Edit/Delete from List

3. Edit/Delete from Search

4. Delete Entire Directory

Enter: #<CR> to select, <ESC> for previous menu ...

Figure 5.2: The Edit Password Directory Menu

5.4.1. The Password Directory

APS-8/16M passwords are deﬁned using the "Edit Password Directory" menu, which is accessed via the System Parameters menu (/F). In addition to assigning command level privileges to each password, the Edit Password Directory function also allows you to determine which ports each password will be allowed to access, and includes prompts that are used to conﬁgure several Dial Back parameters. The Password Directory allows for the deﬁnition of up to 32 separate passwords.

Note:

• The Edit Password Directory menu is only available to users who have logged into command mode using a password that permits access to Supervisor Mode.

• The /V command can also be issued to view the Password Directory.

To activate the Edit Password Directory menu, you must ﬁrst access the command mode, and then type /F and press [Enter] to display the System Parameters Menu. At the System Parameters Menu, type

5 and press [Enter] to display the Edit Password Directory menu (Figure 5.2.) The Edit Password Directory Menu offers the following options:

1. Add Name/Password: Creates new passwords and assigns Supervisor

Mode access and port access rights as described in Section 5.4.1.1.

2. Edit/Delete from List: Edits/Deletes passwords. The desired password

is selected by scrolling through a list of all passwords as described in Section 5.4.1.2.

3. Edit/Delete from Search: Edits/Deletes passwords. The desired

password is selected using a search function as described in Section 5.4.1.2.

4. Delete Entire Directory: Clears the password directory, and deletes all

existing passwords as described in Section 5.4.1.3.

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APS-8M / APS-16M Asynchronous Port Switches; User’s Guide

ADD NAME/PASSWORD:

1. Name: (undeﬁned)

2. Password: (undeﬁned)

3. Dial Back #: (undeﬁned)

4. Dial Back Mode: Off

5. Supervisor Mode: Off

6. Port Access: None

7. Save Entry

Enter: #<CR> to select, <ESC> for previous menu ...

Figure 5.3: The Add Name/Password Menu (Defaults Shown)

5.4.1.1. Adding Passwords

The "Add Name/Password" menu is used to create new user accounts and add passwords to the password directory. To access the Add Name/ Passwords menu, activate the Edit Password Directory Menu as described in Section 5.4.2, then type 1 and press [Enter]. The Add Name/Password menu will be displayed as shown in Figure 5.3. The Add Name/Password Menu allows you to assign the following parameters:

1. Name: Assigns a username to the password. Note that usernames are not required when logging into command mode, and are used for descriptive purposes only.

2. Password: After keying in the password, the unit will prompt you to verify the password by re-keying it.

3. Dial Back #: Deﬁnes the number that the APS-8/16M will dial when the Dial Back feature is enabled and the unit is contacted via modem. For more information on the Dial Back Mode, please refer to Section 5.4.2.

4. Dial Back Mode: Enables/Disables the Dial Back Mode for this password. For more information on the Dial Back Mode, please refer to Section 5.4.2.

5. Supervisor Mode: Enables/Disables Supervisor Mode for this password. When Supervisor Mode is enabled, the password will provide access to all conﬁguration menus, and allow connections to all ports. When Supervisor Mode is disabled, the password will not permit access to conﬁguration menus, and will only allow access to ports speciﬁcally permitted by the password deﬁnition.

Note: In order to access Supervisor Mode from any given port, the port at which the password is issued must also permit Supervisor Commands.

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Conﬁ guration

EDIT/DELETE NAME/PASSWORD:

1. Name: test

2. Password: (deﬁned)

3. Dial Back #: 5556789

4. Dial Back Mode: On

5. Supervisor Mode: On

6. Port Access: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

7. Save Entry

8. Delete Entry

Type: “<”<Enter> previous entry, “>”<Enter> next entry, <number><Enter> to selection, <ESC> to abort ...

Figure 5.4: The Edit/Delete Name/Password Menu (Sample Values Shown)

6. Port Access: The ports that this password will be allowed to create connections with. Note that several passwords can provide access to the same port. To select ports, type

6, press [Enter] and follow the

instructions in the resulting submenu.

7. Save Entry: Note that if you exit from the menu without ﬁrst saving, the password will not be saved.

5.4.1.2. Editing and Deleting Passwords:

The Edit Password Directory Menu (Figure 5.2) provides two different methods for selecting the password you wish to edit or delete; passwords can either be selected by scrolling through the password list, or by using a search routine. To edit or delete existing passwords, access the Edit Password Directory menu and proceed as follows:

1. Select the account that you wish to edit or delete:

a) From List: To ﬁnd the desired password from a list of all

passwords, type 2, press [Enter], then follow the instructions in the resulting submenu.

b) From Search: To search for a speciﬁc password, type 3, press

[Enter], then follow the instructions in the resulting submenu.

2. Edit Password: After ﬁnding the desired password, the "Edit/Delete Name/Password" Menu (Figure 5.4) will be displayed. Items 1 through 6 are used to select and change parameters, and function identically to the corresponding items in the Add Name/Password menu. Item 7 is used to save the edited password and parameters. Note that if you exit from the menu without ﬁrst saving, newly selected parameters will be discarded.

3. Delete Password: After ﬁnding the desired password, the "Edit/Delete Name/Password" Menu will be displayed. To delete the password, type and press [Enter].

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APS-8M / APS-16M Asynchronous Port Switches; User’s Guide

5.4.1.3. Deleting the Entire Password Directory

The Edit Password Directory menu (Figure 5.2) also allows you to delete the entire password directory, rather than accessing each individual password and deleting them one at a time. To delete the Password Directory and clear all passwords, activate the "Edit Password Directory" Menu as describe in Section 5.4.1, type 4 and press [Enter]. The unit will then display a "Sure?" prompt and wait for conﬁrmation before proceeding.

Notes:

• Deleted passwords cannot be recovered.

• If the Password Directory is deleted, the password prompt will no longer be displayed, and users will be able to access Supervisor Mode without a password. In order to restrict access to Supervisor commands, you must deﬁne at least one password that permits access to Supervisor Mode.

5.4.2. The Dial Back Function

The Dial Back Function provides an additional layer of security when callers attempt to access command mode via modem. When this function is properly conﬁgured, callers will not be granted immediate access to command mode upon entering a valid password; instead, the unit will disconnect, and dial a user-deﬁned number before allowing access via that number. If desired, users may also be required to re-enter the password after the APS-8/16M dials back.

Note that a separate Dial Back Number can be deﬁned for each password, and the feature may also be independently enabled for each password. To enable this function, proceed as follows:

1. Access command mode using a port and password that permit Supervisor Mode. At the command prompt, type

/F and press [Enter] to display the

System Parameters menu.

2. System Parameters Menu: Note that dial back parameters selected via this menu are global, and will apply to all passwords. Deﬁne the following parameters:

• Item 2, Password on Dial Back: (Optional) Determines whether or

not the Dial Back Mode will require the answering party to re-enter their password after a Dial Back is performed.

• Item 3, Dial Back Attempts: The number of times the APS-8/16M

will attempt to call the dial back number.

• Item 4, Dial Back Delay: The amount of time the APS-8/16M will

wait between Dial Back attempts.

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Conﬁ guration

3. Edit Password Directory: From the System Parameters Menu, type 5 and press [Enter] to display the Edit Password Directory Menu. At this point, you may either deﬁne new passwords that use the Dial Back Function, or alter existing passwords to include the Dial Back Function. The following parameters should be deﬁned in the Add Name/Password Menu or Edit/Delete Password/Name Menu:

• Item 3, Dial Back #: The number that will be called when a Dial Back

is performed. This is the number for the password owner’s modem.

• Item 4, Dial Back Mode:

Enables/Disables the Dial Back function for this password. When enabled, this password will require a dial back to be performed whenever this password user attempts to access the unit via modem.

Note: In order for new parameters to be applied, you must save each password before leaving the menu.

Dial Back Example:

Assume that the unit is conﬁgured as follows:

System Parameters Menu:

• Item 2, Password on Dial Back:

• Item 3, Dial Back Attempts:

• Item 4, Dial Back Delay:

30 Seconds

Add Name/Password Menu:

• Item 1, Name: Test

• Item 2, Password:

• Item 3, Dial Back #:

• Item 4, Dial Back Mode:

test

5551234

Given this conﬁguration, the unit would behave as follows :

1. Password "test" Entered at Modem Port: Unit conﬁrms that password is valid, then disconnects.

2. Dial Back: Unit dials "555-1234" (the Dial Back Number for "test") and waits for the user’s remote modem to answer.

3. Password on Dialback: When the modem at the Dial Back Number answers, the APS-8/16M will prompt the user to enter the password before allowing access to command mode.

4. Dial Back Attempts and Delays: If the modem does not answer, the unit will then attempt to redial the number three times (Dial Back Attempts), and will pause for approximately 30 seconds (Dial Back Delay) between each redial.

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+ 57 hidden pages

Western Telematic APS-16M, APS-8M User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual