Linkswitch 1200 Installation Guide

• General Description
• Installation
• LS1200 FDDI Configuration
• Using Telnet
• Ripro Server FDDI Driver Configuration
• Connecting a Redundant Power System

General Description

The LS1200 (LinkSwitch 1200), manufactured by the 3Com Corporation, is a SNMP-managed (Simple Network Management Protocol) FDDI to Ethernet switching hub. It provides as a basic unit, six SW (switched) 10Base-T Ethernet ports, and one high speed FDDI Single or Dual Attach port.

The LS1200 can be used for connecting a Ripro Server with a Ripro FDDI Board (501R44011) and/or SciNet FDDI stations (Whisper with FDDI board) to six Ethernet segments.

Each Ethernet segment can be connected to a high end workstation in order to provide the station with full Ethernet bandwith (10Mbit/sec) or can be connected to a workgroup hub that will share the Ethernet bandwith between the workgroup stations. Ethernet clients can be SciNet clients (PTOP) and/or standard protocol clients (AppleTalk, TCP/IP, IPX, etc.)

For high-traffic local LANs, the LS1200 switching hub improves local network throughput and client/server performance, easily and affordably. The high-speed fiber FDDI port connects to a file server to provide 100Mb/sec (Mbit per second) connectivity (an optional module adds a dual attached FDDI connection

Benefits

1. The LS1200 enables a large pipeline to the server (100 Mb/sec for FDDI).
2. The LS1200 eliminates utilizing the server CPU power for establishing communication between clients on different segments (TCP/IP and AppleTalk routing).
3. Eliminates the need to split the network into several subnetworks and by this to achieve:
   1. Simple network configuration and management.
   2. Increase the network reliability. When the server is down for maintenance the network is still operable as one big network and not as compared to a server with a number of Ethernet boards that in this case are split into several isolated subnetworks.
4. The LS1200 creates segmentation of 6 physical segments that are logically the same subnet (i.e. all the stations will be in the same TCP/IP and AppleTalk subnet). When a station is being transfered from one port to another one, you do not need to change the addressing of the station.
5. The LS1200 increase the total network throughput.
   For example: When comparing a server with 2 Ethernet boards to a server with FDDI and a 6 port LS1200 you get 3 times the throughput (20 Mb/s for two Ethernet as compared to 60 Mb/s for six LS1200 ports).
6. Reliability and fault tolerance. Network reliability is improved by the LS1200 hub's store-and-forward error-checking features. The FDDI Fiber module offers redundant connectivity and an optional redundant power system provides a fault-tolerant system.
7. Easy to use and manage. The LS1200 hub delivers maximum compatibility with both FDDI and Ethernet resources, simple "plug and play" installation, and built-in SNMP management capabilities.
8. Port status indication enables to monitor the LS1200 as follows:
   Colored LEDs indicate the status of activity of each port, three LEDs for each Ethernet port (Status, Receive and Transmit) and six LEDs for the FDDI ports.
9. Statistics information can be directly obtained from the LS1200:
   1. Switch packet count
   2. Switch byte count
   3. FDDI statistics
   4. Ethernet statistics
   5. Ethernet error
   6. Collision table

LS1200 weaknesses

1. The LS1200 does not support IP package fragmentation, (i.e. when connecting an NFS client on Ethernet to an NFS server on FDDI, you must configure the server with the maximum packet size of the FDDI adapter to 1500 Bytes and this might reduce the server performance).
2. Any network traffic between two Ethernet ports on the same LS1200 will also be transmitted to the FDDI port on the LS1200 which in turn causes a reduction in the total throughput of the FDDI interface.
3. The LS1200 does not support customized filtering.

Logistics

The following kits are used when installing the LS1200 with an FDDI port in the Ripro Server:

Installation

Installation Flow Chart

Unpacking

Remove the LS1200 from its packaging, refer to How to Install and use The LinkBuilder FMS II Linkswitch Hub 3c16640, chapter 2, section 2.1 Unpacking for a list of items supplied. If any items are missing contact your supplier.

Locating the LS1200

• LS1200 can be either wall mounted, free standing or mounted in standard 19-inch rack equipment. Scitex recommends installing in a 19-inch rack.
• Ensure that there is adequate access for all maintenance purposes and free air flow.
• Make sure that the cabling is away from all sources of electrical noises, power lines and lighting fixtures.

Power up sequence-power LED

Power Led on the front panel indicates whether the LS1200 is functioning properly. The LED is dual color, red/green.

• Attach the LS1200 power cable to the main power supply, to power ON the LS1200.

LS1200 runs through Power On Self Test sequence. During this sequence the Power LED flashes green, at the end of the sequence the LED remains a steady green.

Installing a second FDDI port

In order to support a Dual Attached connection or a second Single Attached connection, a second FDDI port module can be fitted to the LS1200.

The FDDI MIC Media Module can transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) FDDI 100 Mbit/sec traffic over multi-mode Fiber Optic cable.

1. Ensure that the LS1200 is powered OFF, by disconnecting the power cable.
2. Remove the blanking plate on the back panel of the LS1200 to reveal the slot. (Save this panel in the event that you remove this MIC Media module).
   NOTE: Use an earthed wrist band when installing this module.
3. Slide the module carefully into the slot, edge connector end first and with the header pins side down.
4. Fix the mounting panel of the module using the two retaining screws from the blanking plate.

LS1200 Rear Panel:

Connecting to the FDDI Network

1. Remove launcher -protecting device from the MIC connector.

2. Push the MIC connector (from the server) firmly into the MIC Media Module connector on the LS1200.

3. Power ON the LS1200.
NOTE: For configurations involving more than one Ripro server and/or LS1200 refer to LS1200 Network Configurations

FDDI MIC Media Module:

FDDI Status LEDs

There are three rows of two LED indicators to display the status of the FDDI ring and ports.

FDDI Ring

The upper row of the FDDI LEDs represents the state of the ring. The left Led is a bi-color (red/green) and the right LED is only yellow.

Optional Port LEDs

Middle row of LEDS indicates status of optional FDDI port. If this port is not installed the LEDs are always Off. If installed they indicate as for the fixed port.

Fixed Port LEDs

Bottom row of LEDs. The left LED is a bi-color (red/green) and the right LED is only yellow.

Troubleshooting

If the FDDI Ring is not active after the LS1200 powers up, check the following:

• The remote FDDI station is powered ON.
• The fiber cable has no breaks.
• The connectors are clean
• The orientation of the MIC connectors is correct.«

Connecting to Ethernet

There are six Ethernet ports (1-6) with shielded RJ45 data sockets suitable for direct connection to a workstation using normal twisted pair cable, or connection to a number of stations via a HUB in a star configuration.

Ethernet Status LEDS

There are three rows of six LEDs on the front panel that indicate the status of the Ethernet ports.

LS1200 Front Panel

Link Status LEDs

The top row of LEDS indicates whether the port has a properly functioning link. The LEDs are bi-color (red/green).

Rx Leds

Middle row of LEDS indicates when packets are received at enabled ports. Each enabled port flashes yellow when packet received.

Tx LEDs

Bottom row of LEDS indicates when packets are transmitted at enabled ports. Each enabled port flashes yellow when a packet is transmitted.

Connecting the Terminal to a Serial Port

The Serial Port provides RS-232 connection to a local terminal, modem or workstation (laptop running terminal emulation program).

1. Use the RS-232 cable (#504G34023 or #504G34023A) to connect the serial port on the LS1200 to the serial port on your laptop (instead of your mouse).
2. Do not power ON the LS1200.
3. Power ON your laptop and at the prompt(C:>) type win and press Enter.
4. When the Windows main screen appears press ALT+W.
5. Use the arrow keys to select Accessories from the pull-down menu and press Enter.
6. Use the arrow keys to select Terminal from the items in the Accessories group and press Enter.
7. Press ALT+S to select Settings from the menu bar and use the arrow keys to select Terminal Emulation and press Enter.
8. Select VT100 and press Enter.

Terminal Emulation:

9. Press ALT+S to select Settings from the menu bar and use the arrow keys to select Communication and press Enter.
   The Communications window appears.
   
   
10. Use the arrow keys to navigate within a section and use the TAB key to move from section to section. The following settings must be completed:

11. When you have completed the settings press Enter.

Wake-up

After setting the local serial connection settings you can perform the wake-up procedure.

1. Power ON the LS1200 and wait till the Power LED stops blinking.
2. At the terminal press Enter, Enter and type go. The main menu is now displayed.
3. The Autobaud program detects and sets the baud rate, data bits, parity and stop bits the first time the LS1200 is powered up. This is only set-up once, to run again the LS1200 must be powered OFF and then powered ON again.
   If this menu is not displayed, check your settings and then repeat the wake-up procedure.

IP Addressing

The following is the recommended structure for Scitex IP addresses:

Examples

• Y-is determined by the Network communication board on the particular server. 192.9.110.25- is a Mac connected to the Second Ethernet board on Ripro1.
• 192.9.150.125- is a Whisper connected to FDDI through the Switching Hub.
• The first Mac connected to ent0 will have an address of 192.9.100.21.
• The first PS/2* connected to the Ripro Server via the FDDI adapter and Switching Hub will have an IP address of 192.9.150.75.
• The first Whisper connected to ent1 will have an address of 192.9.110.120

SNMP Configuration

Use this option to set the LS1200 IP address.

1. Type 5 on the main menu screen to access this option.
2. At General Configuration fill in:

3. Leave all others as default configuration.
4. After you have completed all the settings, press ESC to return to the main menu.
5. To exit the Accessories menu press ALT+F and select Exit.
6. To exit Windows press ALT+F and select Exit.
7. Disconnect the laptop from the LS1200.

NOTE: Where the IP addresses are set according to Scitex defaults use the above example. Where the IP addresses are set according to the site network configurations, use the site IP addresses for the LS1200 configuration. The site administrator should provide you the IP address, Network Mask and Gateway Address.

LS1200 FDDI Configuration

The default setting for the LS1200 FDDI ports is Slave for the fixed port and Master for the optional port. This configuration need only be changed if the LS1200 is to be connected into an FDDI dual attach Ring, where the optional port becomes A and the fixed port becomes B. Refer to Figures 8-10 for examples of LS1200-FDDI connection.

Configuring an FDDI port

The FDDI ports should only be configured as Dual Attach when the LS1200 is connected into a Dual Attach ring, refer to Figure 6. Connecting to FDDI.

To change the LS1200 configuration from Single Attach to Dual Attach follow these steps:

1. Install the optional FDDI port.
2. Open your terminal (refer to section 1.2.8 Connecting the Terminal to a Serial Port).
3. From the main menu type6 to select System Configuration.
4. At the System Configuration menu type 4 and then D to select Dual Attach.
5. Press ESC to return to the main menu.
6. To initialize the LS1200 type 8 Initialize the System.

LS1200 Network Configurations

The following diagrams illustrate the different configurations using the LS1200.

• Network with a single Ripro Server and two LS1200s:
• Connecting two Ripro Servers with FDDI to a LS12000 configuration:

Connecting an LS1200 to a Whisper on a FDDI Network

To connect a system of Whisper stations on an FDDI Dual Attach Ring to a LS1200, refer to part 1 of the following figure. In this figure the Whispers are connected into the FDDI dual ring configuration through ByPasses. The ByPass is responsible for connecting and disconnecting the station from the ring, and for closing the ring when the station is not active. When a station is inactive it is disconnected from the ring and only the active stations are connected together and thus leaving the ring intact.

In a Star configuration (part 2 of the following figure) the Whisper stations are connected to the FDDI ring through a concentrator, which electronically connects and disconnects the inactive station(s) from the FDDI ring and this improves ring reliability.

• FDDI Configurations:

Using Telnet

You can communicate with the LS1200 over the network using any Telnet facility that emulates a VT100 terminal (you can use any Mac on the network supporting this mode or any UNIX station).

• To open a Telnet session type telnet 192.9.150.200 (LS1200 IP address).
  When the connection is established the main menu screen appears.
  

Note: If the LS1200 does not have an IP address, see the SNMP configuration procedure to set an address.

Ageing Timer

The ageing timer implements a timeout filter mechanism which results in the removal of the stations MAC address (physical Ethernet address).from the address table if there has not been a packet transmission from that station within the timeout interval.

When there are SciNet stations connected to the Ethernet ports of the LS1200, you should disable the ageing timer mechanism by changing the timer value to 0. This prevents the MAC address table in the Switching Hub from being automatically refreshed. It is however recommended to refresh these tables on a regular basis every few months, depending on the number of stations in your network.
To refresh this table, change the timer from 0 to 1, wait five seconds and then change it back to 0. The LS1200 tables can contain upto 1000 MAC addresses.

1. Type 2 (Media Management) at the main menu and then type 1 (LS1200 Configuration) at the next screen. This screen allows you to set management parameters for the LS1200 .
   
2. Select Address Filter Ageing Timer (in seconds), the default value is 1800.
3. To disable the timer type in 0.
4. After you complete the settings, press ESC to return to the previous menu.«

Ripro Server FDDI Driver Configuration

Packet Size

To enable NFS connectivity between FDDI and Ethernet via the LS1200, you need to change the FDDI packet size on the Ripro.

To change the size of the packets transferred, proceed as follows:

1. At the command prompt type smit tcp/ip and press Enter.
2. Select Further Configuration and press Enter.
3. Select Network Interface and press [F4] to list all network interfaces.
4. Select F10 and press Enter.
   
5. Select Maximum IP Packet Size... and type in 1500.
6. Press Enter after making all the necessary changes.
7. Press [F10] to exit Smit.

Connecting a Redundant Power System

The Redundant Power System (RPS) supplies a DC power source providing redundant power to create a fault-tolerant environment.

The RPS contains two bulk power supplies, each of which is capable of powering all the attached components in the event of a failure of the other supply.

The RPS has two cooling fans for heat generated during operation. If the internal temperature of the RPS rises to an unsafe level a fault signal is sent to the LS1200 and the yellow OVERTEMP LED on the front panel illuminates.

Up to four LS1200 can be connected to a single RPS unit which can be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack.

The LS1200 attachs to one of the four DC connectors on the back panel, and the two AC input connectors supply power to the unit allowing for two separate AC power sources.

Installation

1. Disconnect AC power cables from each unit to be connected to the RPS. These cables are not used since the units receive their power from the RPS.
2. Attach each unit to a DC cable attached to one of the four RPS DC out ports on the back panel.
3. Plug each of the two AC power cables into a separate AC power source.
   Redundant Power Supply:
   

Front Panel LEDS

Input LEDs
Indicate the status of the corresponding AC input power ports on the back panel (A, B).

Output LEDs
Indicate the status of corresponding DC ports (1-4) on the back panel.

Overtemp LED
This yellow LED indicates when the internal operating temperature of the RPS rises above a safe level or when a fan failure occurs.

BackPanel
AC Power Inputs
Two standard connectors for AC power (A, B). Should be connected to separate mains cicrcuits.

DC Power Outputs
Four standard DC output connectors, one for each unit powered by the RPS.