® ® SuperStack II PS Hub User Guide 3C16405 — PS Hub 40 12-port 3C16406 — PS Hub 40 24-port 3C16450 — PS Hub 50 24-port http://www.3com.com/ Part No.
3Com Corporation 5400 Bayfront Plaza Santa Clara, California 95052-8145 © 3Com Technologies, 1997. All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as translation, transformation, or adaptation) without permission from 3Com Technologies.
CONTENTS IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION L’INFORMATION DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTE WICHTIGE SICHERHEITSHINWEISE ABOUT THIS GUIDE Introduction 1 How to Use This Guide Conventions 2 1 ABOUT THE 2 PS HUB Introduction 1-1 Features 1-2 How You Can Use the PS Hub 1-4 Building Up a Network 1-4 Expanding an Existing Network 1-5 Migrating to Higher Performance 1-6 Workgroups 1-7 What Are Workgroups? 1-7 Segments and Port Switching 1-8 Workgroup Example 1-11 2 HOW THE PS HUBS DIFFER Overview 2-1 PS Hub 40 2-2 PS
3 USING THE PS HUB LEDs and Ports 3-1 Before You Start 3-4 What Other Equipment Is Needed? 3-4 Positioning the PS Hub 3-6 Using the Rubber Feet 3-6 Using the Labels 3-7 Rack and Wall Mounting 3-8 Rack Mounting 3-8 Wall Mounting 3-9 Connecting Workstations to Your Hub 3-11 Using Transceiver Modules 3-12 Connecting PS Hubs Together (Stacking) 3-12 About Cascade Cables 3-13 Using Cascade Cables 3-14 Using Hot Swap Cascade Units 3-15 Connecting Different Hubs and Stacks to Your Hub Powering On the Units 3-1
Command Line Interface (CLI) 5-8 Through the Console Port 5-8 Over the Network 5-11 Web Interface 5-12 Through the Console Port 5-12 Over the Network 5-12 Which Web Browsers are Supported? Quick Config Manager 5-13 Through the Console Port 5-13 Over the Network 5-14 6 USING THE 5-12 COMMAND LINE INTERFACE Accessing the CLI 6-2 Initial Access 6-2 Logging On 6-2 Logging Off 6-3 Using the CLI Menus 6-4 CLI Menu Structure 6-4 Navigating the Menus and Entering Commands 6-5 Quick Guide to the Commands 6-6 C
Using the Web Interface 7-7 Unit View and Unit Pages 7-8 User Access Levels 7-9 Exiting the Web Interface 7-9 Online Help System and Documentation 7-9 Unit Pages 7-10 Unit View 7-10 Unit Status 7-11 Management Address 7-12 Port Setup 7-13 Console Port Configuration 7-14 Segment Configuration 7-15 Switch Configuration 7-16 Permanent Address Management 7-16 Management Settings Pages 7-17 Documentation 7-17 Getting Started 7-18 Password Setting 7-19 System Name 7-19 Configuration Pages 7-20 Initialize 7-20 Loa
A DIMENSIONS, STANDARDS AND CABLING Dimensions and Operating Environment A-1 BABT Approval (for U.K.
C SERIAL WEB UTILITY Introduction C-1 Installing the Serial Web Utility C-1 Using the Serial Web Utility C-3 Solving Problems With the Serial Web Utility D C-4 AGENT UPGRADE UTILITY Using the Upgrade Utility D-1 Solving Problems With the Agent Upgrade Utility E D-3 TECHNICAL SUPPORT Online Technical Services E-1 World Wide Web Site E-1 3Com Bulletin Board Service E-1 3ComFacts Automated Fax Service E-2 3ComForum on CompuServe Online Service Support from Your Network Supplier E-3 Support from 3Com E-4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION WARNING: Warnings contain directions that you must follow for your personal safety. Follow all instructions carefully. Please read the following safety information thoroughly before installing the PS Hub. ■ Installation and removal of the unit must be carried out by qualified personnel only. ■ Connect the unit to an earthed power supply to ensure compliance with European safety standards. ■ The power cord set must be approved for the country where it will be used.
■ For Switzerland: ■ The supply plug must comply with SEV/ASE 1011. ■ It is essential that the mains socket outlet is installed near to the unit and is accessible. You can only disconnect the unit by removing the appliance coupler from the unit. ■ This unit operates under SELV conditions (Safety Extra Low Voltage) according to IEC 950, the conditions of which are maintained only if the equipment to which it is connected is also operational under SELV.
L’INFORMATION DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTE AVERTISSEMENT: Les avertissements contiennent les directions que vous devez suivre pour votre sécurité personnelle. Suivez toutes les directives avec soin. Veuillez lire à fond l'information de la sécurité suivante avant d'installer le PS Hub. ■ L'installation et l'enlèvement de l'unité doivent être faits seulement par le personnel qualifié. ■ Brancher l'unité à une source de courant mise à la terre pour assurer la conformité aux normes de sécurité européennes.
■ C'est essentiel que le socle soit installé près de l'unité et soit accessible. Vous pouvez seulement débrancher l'unité en enlevant la fiche d'alimentation de la prise de courant. ■ Cette unité marche sous les conditions SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) conformément à IEC950, ces conditions sont maintenues seulement si le matériel auquel elle est branchée, est aussi en exploitation sous SELV.
WICHTIGE SICHERHEITSHINWEISE WARNUNG: Warnungen enthalten Anweisungen, die zur eigenen Sicherheit unbedingt zu beachten sind. Bitte befolgen Sie alle Anweisungen sorgfältig und genau. Bitte unbedingt vor dem Einbauen des PS Hub Einheit die folgenden Sicherheitsanweisungen durchlesen. ■ Ein- und Ausbau des Gerätes ist nur von Fachpersonal vorzunehmen. ■ Das Gerät an geerdete Stromversorgung anschließen, um eine Übereinstimmung mit den europäischen Sicherheitsbestimmungen zu gewährleisten.
■ Steckdose Für Redundant Power System: Nur ein 3Com Redundant Power System an diese Steckdose anschließen. Für weitere Angaben die genauen Einbauanweisungen im Handbuch zum Redundant Power System befolgen. Die Einheit ist unter keinen Umständen an einen Wechselstrom Netzstecker (A.C.) anzuschließen, wenn dieser keine Erdung hat.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE Introduction Audience Description This guide describes how to set up and manage these SuperStack® II PS Hubs: ■ 3C16405 — PS Hub 40 12-port ■ 3C16406 — PS Hub 40 24-port ■ 3C16450 — PS Hub 50 24-port This guide is intended for users who have networking experience. If you have used 3Com’s SuperStack II range of products, you may already be familiar with using this kind of hub.
2 ABOUT THIS GUIDE How to Use This Guide This table shows where to find specific information in this guide. If you are looking for... Turn to...
Conventions Table 2 3 Text Conventions Convention Description Syntax The word ‘syntax’ means you must evaluate the syntax provided and supply the appropriate values. Placeholders for values you must supply appear in angle brackets. Example: Change the password by using the following syntax: password In this example, you must supply a password string for . Commands The word ‘command’ means you must enter the command exactly as shown in text and press the Return or Enter key.
4 ABOUT THIS GUIDE
1 ABOUT THE PS HUB This chapter contains the following topics: Introduction ■ Features and benefits of the PS Hub ■ How the PS Hub can be used ■ Using workgroups ■ Description and example of the PS Hub segmentation ■ How the PS Hub works The SuperStack® II PS Hub, as shown in Figure 1-1, is a flexible managed Ethernet repeater which is very easy to set up and manage. It can be used to build a small network or to expand a larger, more established network.
1-2 CHAPTER 1: ABOUT THE PS HUB Features The PS Hub 40 and PS Hub 50 share many features: NOTE: These terms and features are described in this chapter and the following chapters. ■ 12 or 24 shielded twisted pair ports for easy connection to 10BASE-T networks. An MDI/MDIX switch allows you to cross-over one of these ports, for connection to other types of hubs and network equipment.
Introduction Management Features ■ Complete SmartAgent™ management which is built into each hub; no additional management cards are needed. When PS Hubs are stacked, the management is distributed between all hubs in the stack. ■ Easy to use built-in management interfaces for configuration of your hub or stack locally or over the network: ■ ■ DUA1640-5AAA02 1-3 A Command Line Interface for quick configuration of IP information for the hub.
1-4 CHAPTER 1: ABOUT THE PS HUB How You Can Use the PS Hub The flexibility of the PS Hub allows it to be used in a number of ways. You can build up a network or expand a large, established network. For information on connecting and using your equipment, refer to Chapter 3. The PS Hub can be used on its own or in a stack with other PS Hubs. All PS Hubs have a useful feature called port switching which allows you to create workgroups within your stack.
How You Can Use the PS Hub Figure 1-3 Expanding an Existing Network 1-5 Connecting to Other Stacks and Hubs You can add PS Hubs to your existing network to expand the number of user connections. Each PS Hub has its own built-in management which is distributed throughout the PS Hubs in the stack. This provides fault tolerance because there is no single point of failure; all hubs have management capability (should they become isolated).
1-6 CHAPTER 1: ABOUT THE PS HUB Migrating to Higher Performance The PS Hub is ideal for migrating your existing network to a higher performance network. Using its internal segments (each running at 10Mbps), you can build up separate workgroups within a PS Hub stack.
Workgroups Workgroups What Are Workgroups? 1-7 An important feature of the PS Hub is that you can create workgroups. A good way to organize your network is to neatly group your users in a logical way, called workgroups. For example, if your office consists of four departments, you can mirror this by having four workgroups, as shown in Figure 1-6.
1-8 CHAPTER 1: ABOUT THE PS HUB Segments and Port Switching The PS Hub has four separate internal repeaters (called segments) which you can use to create your workgroups. You can switch the hub’s ports to any of these segments (called port switching). With the segments and port switching, you can easily create your workgroups. How the PS Hub Segments Work In a stack of PS Hubs, four segments are carried between the hubs by the cascade cables.
Workgroups Figure 1-8 1-9 Internal Segments You use management software to configure the segments. You can: ■ Connect and isolate the segments from their associated cascaded segments. ■ Switch the ports between the segments (port switching). The ability to configure the segments allows you to create flexible workgroups, as shown in Figure 1-9, which can change and grow with your needs.
1-10 CHAPTER 1: ABOUT THE PS HUB Figure 1-9 Workgroups Benefits of Segments and Port Switching The key to port switching is that you are not restricted by physical connections, and can create location and technology independent networks. This has many benefits: ■ You can move users between segments easily — You simply switch the ports between the segments, as necessary, using management.
Workgroups DUA1640-5AAA02 1-11 ■ There is extra security — Hub segments can be isolated from the cascaded segments, so that only workstations on the same hub segment can communicate with each other. ■ Port switching enables you to extend any existing workgroups you may have, across the whole network infrastructure, including shared Ethernet workgroups.
1-12 CHAPTER 1: ABOUT THE PS HUB Workgroup Example This example shows how a stack of three PS Hubs can easily create a network with the desired workgroups. Table 1-1 shows how the users are grouped: Table 1-1 Hub Groupings Development Accounts Marketing Test Top Isolated A, B, C Middle D, E, F, G Bottom M, N, O H, I J P, Q K, L R, S, T Figure 1-10 shows how the required workgroups are created using a stack of PS Hubs.
Workgroups 1-13 Your workgroups are easy to change.
1-14 CHAPTER 1: ABOUT THE PS HUB If one of the PS Hubs in the example is a PS Hub 50, you can enable communication between the four cascaded segments in the stack, so that your workstations can communicate across the segments. For information on the PS Hub 50, refer to “PS Hub 50” on page 2-2. For information on the segment switch in the PS Hub 50, refer to “Segment Switch” on page 2-2. For information on load balancing, refer to Chapter 4.
2 HOW THE PS HUBS DIFFER This chapter contains the following topics: Overview ■ An overview of the differences between the PS Hub 40 and PS Hub 50 ■ How the PS Hub 50 segment switch and transceiver module slot work This chapter describes how the PS Hub 40 and PS Hub 50 are different. However, they are both part of the PS Hub family and have many similar features. For information on these common features, refer to “Features” on page 1-2.
2-2 CHAPTER 2: HOW THE PS HUBS DIFFER PS Hub 40 The PS Hub 40 has two 10Mbps transceiver module slots. When fitted with transceiver modules, these ports can be port switched to any of the hub’s four internal segments. For information on what transceiver modules you can use, refer to “Using Transceiver Modules” on page 3-12. PS Hub 50 Segment Switch The main feature of the PS Hub 50 over the PS Hub 40 is that it has an internal segment switch.
PS Hub 50 2-3 How Does the Segment Switch Work? Information is passed around the network in small units, called packets. These packets contain various Ethernet addresses called MAC addresses, which are unique addresses that are permanently stored within each piece of network equipment: ■ Source address — the MAC address of the equipment that sent the packet. ■ Destination address — the MAC address of the equipment that the packet is intended for.
2-4 CHAPTER 2: HOW THE PS HUBS DIFFER ■ If a 10Mbps transceiver module is fitted or no transceiver module is fitted, the segment switch is in 802.1d Bridge mode — All packets with an unknown destination address are forwarded to all ports. Default Settings The PS Hub 50 comes ready to use with all of the cascaded segments connected to its segment switch (the default configuration). To isolate and connect segments, and to control the way the hub’s segment switch works, you must manage the hub.
PS Hub 50 2-5 Fast Ethernet Resilience The process that chooses the active switch (when there are multiple PS Hub 50 units in a stack) enables you to have a Fast Ethernet resilient link in your stack. Figure 2-2 shows a stack of two PS Hub 50 units, both with 100Mbps transceiver modules. Both transceiver modules have a connection and appear to be equal, so the bottom unit’s segment is the active segment switch (and that transceiver module is used).
2-6 CHAPTER 2: HOW THE PS HUBS DIFFER PS Hub 50 Transceiver Module Slot The PS Hub 50 unit’s transceiver module can be fitted with a 3Com 10Mbps or 100Mbps transceiver module. The operation of the transceiver module slot differs when using either a 10Mbps or 100Mbps transceiver module: ■ Packets with an unknown destination address are dealt with differently by the segment switch, refer to “How Does the Segment Switch Work?” on page 2-3. ■ The configuration of the transceiver module port is different.
PS Hub 50 2-7 Using a 100Mbps Transceiver Module When a 100Mbps transceiver module is used, the PS Hub 50 automatically connects it to the hub’s internal segment switch, as shown in Figure 2-4. Figure 2-4 Using a 100Mbps Transceiver Module Using a 100Mbps transceiver module to provide a 100Mbps network connection, gives you several options: ■ You can have a fast downlink to a network server or the rest of your network.
2-8 CHAPTER 2: HOW THE PS HUBS DIFFER DUA1640-5AAA02
3 USING THE PS HUB This chapter contains the following topics: LEDs and Ports ■ Description of the hub’s LEDs and ports ■ Positioning the hub ■ Rack and wall mounting the hub ■ Connecting PS Hubs together ■ Connecting workstations and other equipment to the hub ■ Spot Checks Figure 3-1 (over the page) shows the hub’s diagnostic LEDs and easy to use ports. This diagram also appears on the Quick Reference Guide.
3-2 CHAPTER 3: USING THE PS HUB Figure 3-1 The LEDs and Ports (the PS Hub 40 is shown) DUA1640-5AAA02
LEDs and Ports DUA1640-5AAA02 3-3
3-4 CHAPTER 3: USING THE PS HUB Before You Start What Other Equipment Is Needed? Your PS Hub comes with: ■ One power cord for use with the PS Hub ■ Four standard height and two reduced height self-adhesive rubber feet ■ Two mounting brackets and four screws ■ Four self-adhesive labels ■ One CD-ROM featuring: ■ The 3Com serial web utility (SLIP driver for Windows ‘95) ■ An agent upgrade utility ■ Transcend® Quick Configuration Manager for Windows ■ Transcend® Load Balancing Tool ■ Onlin
Before You Start 3-5 Connecting PS Hubs (Stacking) To connect another PS Hub 40 or PS Hub 50 to your hub using the cascade ports, you need: ■ One cascade cable for each additional hub. Cascade cables have resilience built into them which protects the internal segments and management communication that is carried between the hubs in the stack.
3-6 CHAPTER 3: USING THE PS HUB Positioning the PS Hub Using the Rubber Feet When installing your PS Hub, ensure that: ■ It is accessible and cables can be connected easily. ■ It is out of direct sunlight and away from sources of heat. ■ Cabling is away from power lines, fluorescent lighting fixtures, and sources of electrical noise such as radios, transmitters and broadband amplifiers. ■ Water or moisture cannot enter the case of the unit.
Using the Labels Using the Labels 3-7 A sheet of four labels is supplied with the hub. Some labels have already been attached to the hub. The labels on the bottom of the hub show: ■ The product number, serial number and MAC (Ethernet) address of the hub. ■ The safety approvals to which the hub conforms. The labels on the rear of the hub show: ■ The product number of the hub. ■ The power safety information. The four labels left on the sheet are for you to use as necessary.
3-8 CHAPTER 3: USING THE PS HUB Rack and Wall Mounting Two mounting brackets and four screws are supplied with the hub. These are used for rack mounting and wall mounting the hub. CAUTION: Disconnect all cables from the hub(s) before continuing. Remove the self-adhesive rubber feet from the underside of the hub, if already fitted. Rack Mounting The hub is 1U high and fits a standard 19in. rack.
Rack and Wall Mounting Wall Mounting 3-9 You can wall mount up to two hubs. To fit the brackets to one hub, for wall mounting: 1 Place the hub the right way up on a hard, flat surface with the front facing towards you. 2 Locate a mounting bracket over the mounting holes on one side of the hub, as shown in Figure 3-3. Figure 3-3 Locating the Brackets for Wall Mounting One Hub 3 Insert the two screws and fully tighten with a suitable screwdriver.
3-10 CHAPTER 3: USING THE PS HUB Figure 3-4 Locating the Brackets for Wall Mounting Two Hubs 3 Insert the three screws and fully tighten with a suitable screwdriver. 4 Repeat the two previous steps for the other side of the hubs. To wall mount the hub(s): 1 Ensure that the wall you are going to use is smooth, flat, dry and sturdy. If necessary, attach a piece of plywood securely to your wall. Ensure that the plywood is large enough to mount the hub(s) on.
Connecting Workstations to Your Hub Connecting Workstations to Your Hub 3-11 This section describes how to connect workstations to the hub using the 10BASE-T RJ45 ports. WARNING: Ensure you have read the Important Safety Information section carefully before you start. ACHTUNG: Versichern Sie sich, daß Sie den Abschnitt mit den wichtigen Sicherheitshinweisen gelesen haben, bevor Sie das Gerät benutzen.
3-12 CHAPTER 3: USING THE PS HUB Using Transceiver Modules Depending on your hub, the PS Hub has one or two transceiver module slots, providing a choice of media options. PS Hub 40 The PS Hub 40 has two 10Mbps transceiver module slots that can be fitted with 3Com 10Mbps transceiver modules. CAUTION: The only transceiver modules that can be used in the PS Hub 40 unit’s transceiver module slots are 3Com 10Mbps transceiver modules.
Connecting PS Hubs Together (Stacking) About Cascade Cables 3-13 Cascade cables are used to connect the PS Hubs to form a stack. These cables carry the stack’s cascaded segments and distributed management information; the stack will not work with any other cables. Cascade cables are available from your supplier, and come in a variety of lengths, refer to “Cascade Connections” on page A-6. You can use a maximum of 6m (19.6ft) of cascade cabling between the top and bottom hubs in the stack.
3-14 CHAPTER 3: USING THE PS HUB Using Cascade Cables To connect PS Hubs together, using Cascade cables: 1 Position the units as required; rack mounting or wall mounting them as necessary. 2 Starting with the bottom unit, using a cascade cable: ■ Connect the cable’s connector marked UP to the UP port on the unit. ■ Connect the cable’s connector marked DOWN to the DOWN port on the unit directly above it. Secure the cable in place by tightening its captive screws as tight as possible by hand.
Connecting PS Hubs Together (Stacking) Using Hot Swap Cascade Units 3-15 To connect PS Hubs together, using Hot Swap Cascade Units: 1 Position the units as required; rack mounting or wall mounting them as necessary. 2 Connect the Hot Swap Cascade Units with cascade cables: ■ Connect the cables’ connectors marked UP to the UP ports on the Hot Swap Cascade Units. ■ Connect the cables’ connectors marked DOWN to the DOWN ports on the Hot Swap Cascade Units.
3-16 CHAPTER 3: USING THE PS HUB Connecting Different Hubs and Stacks to Your Hub You can connect the PS Hub to different hubs and stacks (for example a stack of SuperStack II Hub 10 units), giving you flexibility when creating a new network, or expanding an existing network. In order to conform with Ethernet rules, you can only have four repeaters in series. For a stack of more than one PS Hub, any path through the stack counts as going through two logical repeaters.
Powering On the Units Figure 3-7 Switch Powering On the Units 3-17 Correct Hub Connections Using the Port 24 and the MDI/MDIX When you have connected all of your equipment together, you are ready to use your network. You can power on the unit or the units in the stack in any order, and can make your port connections at any time. After powering on the hub, its Power/Self Test LED flashes for a few seconds while the hub performs its self test. Afterwards, the LED lights green.
3-18 CHAPTER 3: USING THE PS HUB DUA1640-5AAA02
4 LOAD BALANCING This chapter contains the following topics: Overview ■ An overview of load balancing ■ How load balancing works The PS Hub has a very useful feature called load balancing which can be used to configure segments in a stack of PS Hubs. The aim of load balancing is to increase total throughput across the segments in a stack, providing more efficient segments. As load balancing configures segments in a stack, you cannot perform workgrouping at the same time.
4-2 CHAPTER 4: LOAD BALANCING How Does Load Balancing Work? The load balancing feature monitors the traffic levels in the stack. At regular intervals or when it reaches a predefined traffic level (whichever you have configured), the stack starts load balancing. Here are the steps it performs: 1 The PS Hubs work out which internal segments and cascaded segments are connected by a switch (either through the PS Hub 50 unit’s segment switch or an external switch).
Performing Load Balancing 4-3 2 The load balancing feature notes: ■ Any ports or segments that have been fixed — Through management you can fix ports and segments that you do not want load balancing to move. ■ Any ports that are connected to external switches. These segments and ports will not be moved by load balancing. However, traffic generated by these ports and segments will still be considered by the load balancing feature, when it works out what other ports it will move.
4-4 CHAPTER 4: LOAD BALANCING DUA1640-5AAA02
5 MANAGING THE PS HUB This chapter contains the following topics: Introduction ■ The management tasks you can perform ■ What you can use to manage your stack ■ How you can make a management connection to your stack Network management is not required to make the PS Hub work, but allows you to change the way it works and to monitor what is happening to the segments and the rest of the network. There are many features that can improve the operation of the hub or stack.
5-2 CHAPTER 5: MANAGING THE PS HUB Why Manage Your Stack? With management, you can change and view the way the stack or network operates in the following way: ■ Display a graphical representation for the stack to quickly view the status of each hub and its ports. ■ Display general information for the stack or hubs. ■ Graphically display network information for the stack’s cascaded segments. ■ Enable and disable ports, and switch them between segments.
How You Can Manage Your Stack How You Can Manage Your Stack 5-3 A stack of PS Hubs is treated as a single manageable entity, and the management is distributed. Any network address information (IP information) that you configure for a hub, can be used to access the stack.
5-4 CHAPTER 5: MANAGING THE PS HUB SNMP Network Management The web interface and CLI built into your PS Hub allow you to manage the stack. However, as your network grows, you may need a more powerful SNMP network management application that will control all of your managed units and stacks. Whether your network is large or small, its ongoing performance, growth and security are only as good as its management system.
Methods of Management Methods of Management 5-5 There are many ways you can connect your management station to the stack, as shown in Figure 5-1.
5-6 CHAPTER 5: MANAGING THE PS HUB Requirements for Managing Over the Network When managing your stack over the network, you must remember that (regardless of your method of management): ■ The hub or stack must be correctly configured with IP information. You must make a direct management connection through the console port to do this (or use a BOOTP server). IP addresses are unique, no two hubs must have the same IP address. If you have no previous knowledge of IP, refer to “IP Addresses” on page 5-7.
Methods of Management IP Addresses 5-7 If you are uncertain about what IP addresses to assign your equipment, contact your network administrator. To operate correctly, each device on your network (for example a hub or management station) must have a unique IP address (if one is configured). IP addresses have the format n.n.n.n where n is a decimal number between 0 and 255. An example IP address is ‘191.1.1.8’. The IP address can be split into two parts: ■ The first part (‘191.
5-8 CHAPTER 5: MANAGING THE PS HUB Command Line Interface (CLI) The CLI allows you to configure a limited set of parameters for the hub. You can access the CLI: ■ Through the console port ■ Over the network This section has information on accessing the CLI. For more information on using the CLI, refer to Chapter 6. Through the Console Port Table E-1 shows the settings for the hub’s console port.
Command Line Interface (CLI) 5-9 To connect your equipment: 1 Connect the serial port on your terminal or management station to the console port on the PS Hub, using a null modem cable. 2 Ensure that the terminal or management station’s serial port settings match those of the console port on the PS Hub.
5-10 CHAPTER 5: MANAGING THE PS HUB Terminal Terminal can usually be found from the Main window, in the Accessories program group. To start a Terminal session (after connecting to the hub’s console port): 1 Double-click on the ‘Terminal’ icon to start the application. 2 If the Default Serial Port dialog box appears, select the serial port that you are using to connect to the hub and click OK. 3 From the Settings menu in the main Terminal window, select Terminal Emulation.
Command Line Interface (CLI) Over the Network 5-11 You can access the CLI over a TCP/IP network using Telnet. To run Telnet, you need a suitable terminal or management station running a terminal emulator. You can have multiple CLI management sessions at the same time. If a connection is lost inadvertently, the connection is closed by the hub after about 30 minutes of inactivity. You can manage the hub or stack over the network, through any of the ports.
5-12 CHAPTER 5: MANAGING THE PS HUB Web Interface You can manage the PS Hub using its web interface. You can access the web interface: ■ Through the console port ■ Over the network This section has information on accessing the web interface. For more information on using the web interface, refer to Chapter 7. Through the Console Port You can access the web interface through the hub’s console port, using a management station running SLIP (Serial Line Interface Protocol).
Quick Config Manager 5-13 To do this for Netscape Navigator: 1 Start Netscape Navigator. 2 From the Options menu, select Network Preferences. The preferences dialog box appears. 3 Check the ‘Every Time’ checkbox. 4 Click OK. To do this for Microsoft Internet Explorer: 1 Start Microsoft Internet Explorer. 2 From the View menu, select Options. The Options dialog box appears. 3 Select the Advanced tab, and in the Advanced property sheet click Settings. 4 Check the ‘Every visit to the page’ checkbox.
5-14 CHAPTER 5: MANAGING THE PS HUB When using Quick Config Manager with Windows ‘95 and managing through the console port, you must first disable FIFO buffers in the Advanced Port Settings window in Windows ‘95. To do this: 1 In the Windows ‘95 environment, select My Computer. 2 Select (in turn): Control Panel, System, Device Manager, Ports, COM1 (or whatever COM port you are using instead), Port Settings, and Advanced. The Advanced Port Settings window appears. 3 Uncheck the Use FIFO Buffers checkbox.
6 USING THE COMMAND LINE INTERFACE This chapter describes how to use the Command Line Interface (CLI). The CLI is a quick and simple interface that is built-in to the hub, which allows you to enter various IP address settings, reset it and initialize it. The web interface and Quick Config Manager can perform most of the tasks that the CLI can do.
6-2 CHAPTER 6: USING THE COMMAND LINE INTERFACE Accessing the CLI By default, the hub automatically configures the baud rate of its console port to operate with the connected management station or terminal, provided the parity, stop bits and character size are identical to the connected management station or terminal. You may need to perform the wake-up procedure to initiate the communication. To do this, press [Return] several times at the management station or terminal.
Accessing the CLI 6-3 Default User Names and Passwords Table 6-1 shows the default users that can access the hub and their level of access. We recommend that setting a password is the first task you carry out on the hub. Setting a password prevents unauthorized management access to the hub or stack.
6-4 CHAPTER 6: USING THE COMMAND LINE INTERFACE Using the CLI Menus When you log on to the CLI correctly, the top-level menu is displayed, as shown in Figure 6-1. The unit description, unit name and unit number are shown (PS Hub 50 and Marketing(1) in this example). Figure 6-1 Top-level menu Use the CLI by selecting options from this menu and from the others below it. Each menu option is accompanied by a brief description of what that option does.
Using the CLI Menus Navigating the Menus and Entering Commands 6-5 You can navigate the menus using any of the following methods: ■ Following the menu hierarchy — at the Select menu option: prompt, type your selected menu name and press [Return]. The screen changes to show the next level of menus available or the list of commands available within your selected menu.
6-6 CHAPTER 6: USING THE COMMAND LINE INTERFACE Quick Guide to the Commands Table 6-2 lists all of the commands available from the CLI and shows you briefly what each one does and the pages in this chapter that describes how to use the commands. Table 6-2 Commands Command What does it do? Description can be found on...
Commands Commands Changing the Password 6-7 The remaining sections in this chapter detail the management functions that can be carried out from the CLI. We recommend that setting a password is the first task you carry out on the hub. Setting a password prevents unauthorized management access to the hub or stack. If you forget your password while logged out of the hub, refer to “Solving Problems With the Command Line Interface” on page 8-3.
6-8 CHAPTER 6: USING THE COMMAND LINE INTERFACE Setting the IP Configuration Before you can manage the hub over the network, you must assign it an IP address and subnet mask. You may also need to enter a default router (sometimes known as the default gateway) address. The default router is the router (if you have one) which is used by the stack to communicate with other networks. For serial management, you may need to configure the SLIP address and SLIP subnet mask.
Commands Viewing the Configuration 6-9 You can use the display command to show current configuration information for your hub or stack. Displaying the Hub Configuration At the top-level menu, enter: system display The CLI displays information similar to this example: 3Com PS Hub 50 (3C16450) Unit Name: Marketing Location: Top floor Contact: James Time since reset: 2 days, 3 hours, 10 minutes Operational Version: 1.00 Boot Version: 1.00 Hardware Version: 1.
6-10 CHAPTER 6: USING THE COMMAND LINE INTERFACE Displaying the Stack Configuration The inventory commands allows you to list the units in the stack.
Commands Initializing the Stack 6-11 Initializing the stack causes it to return to its factory default settings. You may want to do this if the stack has been previously used in a different part of your network, and its settings are incorrect for its new environment. CAUTION: Initializing the stack removes all configuration information including security, resilient links and passwords.
6-12 CHAPTER 6: USING THE COMMAND LINE INTERFACE Enabling and Disabling RMON Filter Capture You can enable or disable RMON Filter capture. By default this is enabled. You may wish to disable this if you have no requirement to perform RMON packet monitoring and wish to increase the security of your network. To configure RMON Filter capture: 1 At the top-level menu, enter: system capture 2 Enable or disable RMON Filter capture as required.
7 MANAGEMENT USING WEB INTERFACE THE This chapter describes how to use the web interface. If you have any problems using the web interface, refer to “Solving Problems With the Web Interface” on page 8-4. Accessing the Web Interface You can access the web interface for the stack either through the console port or over the network.
7-2 CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT USING THE WEB INTERFACE 3 In the browser’s open location window or area, enter the web address URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for the stack. The web address URL for a stack is in the format: http://nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn/ Where nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn is: ■ The SLIP address for the stack, which is ‘192.168.101.1’ by default, if managing through the console port ■ The IP address for the stack, if managing over the network For example, to access a stack with an IP address of ‘191.1.1.
Accessing the Web Interface 7-3 When the correct user name and password have been entered, the front page of the web interface may be displayed, as shown in Figure 7-2. If this is the first time that the stack has been accessed using the web interface, the first page of the Getting Started pages is displayed. For information on how to use the Getting Started pages, refer to “Getting Started” on page 7-18. Figure 7-2 The Web Interface’s Front Page You are now ready to manage the stack.
7-4 CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT USING THE WEB INTERFACE About the Web Interface The web interface has been designed so that it is easy to use. It is made up of three areas, as shown in Figure 7-3; the banner, side bar (always displayed) and page (changes to show the different information about the stack).
About the Web Interface 7-5 Management Categories Table 7-1 shows the management categories that are on the side bar. Table 7-1 Management Categories Management Settings — Displays information about the stack’s management settings. Configuration — Displays information about the configuration of some of the stack’s features. Health — Displays statistics for the stack’s segments (only available if there is a PS Hub 50 in the stack).
7-6 CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT USING THE WEB INTERFACE Page Components Web Interface Map When you click on the management categories or stack icon, the page area changes to show various kinds of information. A page can consist of these components: ■ Fields — Display current values and allow you to enter new values if required. ■ Checkboxes — Show whether options are enabled (checked) or disabled (unchecked). Click on the checkboxes to change them.
Using the Web Interface Using the Web Interface 7-7 To display management category pages: 1 Click on the management category (on the side bar) that you require. The page area changes to show a row of page links and the first page in that category, as shown in Figure 7-5. You can make changes to the information on the current page and click Apply when finished. Figure 7-5 Management Category Page 2 To display another page in that management category, click on the link in the row of links.
7-8 CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT USING THE WEB INTERFACE Unit View and Unit Pages To display the Unit View and the Unit pages: 1 Click on the unit in the stack icon. The page area changes to show the Unit View and the Unit Status page. You can make changes to the information on the current page and click Apply when finished. 2 To display another page, click on part of the Unit View or the links underneath it, as shown in Figure 7-6.
Online Help System and Documentation User Access Levels Exiting the Web Interface Online Help System and Documentation 7-9 For information on what the different user levels can manage, refer to “Default User Names and Passwords” on page 6-3. You can exit from the web interface at any time by closing your web browser.
7-10 CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT USING THE WEB INTERFACE Unit Pages This section describes the fields that appear on the pages in the Unit category. The first page displayed is the Unit Status page. Unit View The Unit View is a graphical version of the unit, as shown in Figure 7-7. Figure 7-7 Unit View To refresh the Unit View (to show any new changes), click REFRESH.
Unit Pages Unit Status 7-11 This page provides detailed information about the unit: Unit Name The name configured for the stack. Location Where the stack is located. Contact The person to contact if there is a problem with the stack. The Unit Name can be configured using the System Name page (in the Management Settings category), refer to “System Name” on page 7-19. The Location and Contact can be configured using Quick Config Manager or an SNMP network management application.
7-12 CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT USING THE WEB INTERFACE Management Address This page specifies a unique IP address for the stack, as shown in Figure 7-8. If you have no previous knowledge of IP, refer to “IP Addresses” on page 5-7. If you change any of these values, you may need to re-access the hub using the new values. Figure 7-8 Management Address Page The fields are: IP Address Provides a box for you to type the IP address of the stack.
Unit Pages Port Setup 7-13 This page specifies the port state (enable or disable), link state, partition state and the segment to which the port is attached, as shown in Figure 7-9. Figure 7-9 Port Setup Page The fields are: Connector Type Shows the type of cable connected to the port. Link State Shows the state of the link for a twisted pair (10BASE-T) port. If the port is a transceiver module port, this field may be blank.
7-14 CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT USING THE WEB INTERFACE Console Port Configuration This page configures the console port. The PS Hub’s console port is already correctly configured by default, for direct connection to a management station. Only alter these default settings if you are connecting a modem to the console port. CAUTION: Do not change any of these settings unless you fully understand what you are doing.
Unit Pages Segment Configuration 7-15 This page configures the segments in the hub, as shown in Figure 7-10. You can: ■ Connect or isolate the segments from their associated cascaded segments. ■ Name the segments. Figure 7-10 Segment Configuration To view which ports belong to a segment, click on the segment button on the Unit View. The graphic changes and ports that are members of that segment are highlighted with a dark blue surround.
7-16 CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT USING THE WEB INTERFACE Switch Configuration This page is used to select which cascaded segments the active segment switch is attached to. Click on the checkboxes to connect or isolate the switch as necessary. This functionality is only available for the PS Hub 50. For information on the segment switch, refer to “How Does the Segment Switch Work?” on page 2-3.
Management Settings Pages Management Settings Pages Documentation 7-17 This section describes the fields that appear on the pages in the Management Settings category. The first page displayed is the Documentation page. This page specifies the directories or URL’s that are used to access the online help system and documentation, as shown in Figure 7-12. For more information on how to set up the online help system and online documentation, refer to “Online Help System and Documentation” on page 7-9.
7-18 CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT USING THE WEB INTERFACE Getting Started The Getting Started pages are a series of pages which set up basic information for the stack. You are asked: ■ For a descriptive name for the stack. ■ If you want to allocate the stack IP information or leave the allocation to a BOOTP server on your network (if you have one). A BOOTP server automatically allocates IP addresses to all equipment on your network.
Management Settings Pages Password Setting 7-19 This page changes the password for the user level that you are using, as shown in Figure 7-13. The passwords that you type do not appear on the screen. Figure 7-13 Password Setting Page The fields are: New Password Type the new password you want to use. Confirm Password Retype the password for confirmation. System Name This page allows you to enter a name for the stack. Use a descriptive name, for example ‘First floor stack’.
7-20 CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT USING THE WEB INTERFACE Configuration Pages This section describes the fields that appear on the pages in the Configuration category. The first page displayed is the Initialization page. Initialize This page is used to initialize the stack. Initializing the stack causes it to return to its factory default settings. You may want to do this if the stack has been previously used in a different part of your network, and its settings are incorrect for its new environment.
Configuration Pages Resilient Links 7-21 This page shows the resilient links that have been set up for the stack, as shown in Figure 7-14. This page is only available if there is a PS Hub 50 in the stack. Only 10BASE-T and fiber optic ports (if there are fiber optic transceiver modules fitted to hubs in the stack) can be part of a resilient link. However, you can have Fast Ethernet Resilience in your stack with multiple PS Hub 50 units.
7-22 CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT USING THE WEB INTERFACE What are Resilient Links? You can make the network more robust by adding resilience to it. When a link fails all communication between equipment on each side of the link is lost. To ensure important communication is not lost, the network needs to be reinstated immediately which could be very inconvenient for the network manager.
Configuration Pages 7-23 Resilient Link Rules Always follow these rules when setting up a resilient link pair: ■ Only 10BASE-T and fiber optic ports (if the hub has a fiber optic transceiver module fitted) can be part of a resilient link. ■ Configure the resilient link pair at only one end of the link. In other words, only one stack controls each resilient link pair you set up.
7-24 CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT USING THE WEB INTERFACE Software Upgrade This page is used to upgrade the management software on the hubs in the stack with a new agent software upgrade, as shown in Figure 7-15. You must copy the new software upgrade into the appropriate directory on the TFTP server that the server has been configured to look in. For information on how to use your TFTP server, refer to the documentation that accompanies it.
Health Pages Health Pages Segment Graph 7-25 This section describes the fields that appear on the Segment Graph page in the Health category. This page shows two graphs for a segment in a unit in the stack. The first graph shows information for the last hour, the second graph shows information for the last 48 hours, as shown in Figure 7-16. This page is only available if there is a PS Hub 50 in the stack. Figure 7-16 Segment Graphs Page The fields are: Unit Specifies the unit that has the segment.
7-26 CHAPTER 7: MANAGEMENT USING THE WEB INTERFACE DUA1640-5AAA02
8 PROBLEM SOLVING The PS Hub has been designed to aid you when detecting and solving possible problems with your network. These problems are rarely serious, the cause is usually a disconnected or damaged cable, or incorrect configuration. If this chapter does not solve your problem, contact your supplier for information on what to do next. Perform these actions first: ■ Ensure all equipment is powered on. ■ Power each hub off, wait about 5 seconds and then power them on so they perform a self test.
8-2 CHAPTER 8: PROBLEM SOLVING Solving Problems With the Hub Power LED not lit. Check your power cord connection. If the connection is secure and there is still no power, you may have a faulty power cord which needs replacing with another PS Hub power cord. If you have another PS Hub, try that hub’s power cord with this hub to isolate whether the fault is with the power cord or the hub. Power LED yellow. The hub has failed its self-test due to an internal problem, you need to contact your supplier.
Solving Problems With the Command Line Interface 8-3 To remove this loop, either disable some of the ports that connect the external switch to the segments, or isolate the active segment switch in the PS Hub 50 from the cascaded segments. Transceiver module not working. Check the Status LED for the transceiver module slot. There is a problem if the LED is yellow (PS Hub 40) or flashing green (PS Hub 50 10Mbps transceiver module).
8-4 CHAPTER 8: PROBLEM SOLVING Solving Problems With the Web Interface The web browser cannot access the stack. Check that: ■ The stack’s IP address, subnet mask and default router are correctly configured, refer to “Giving the Stack an IP Address” on page B-9. ■ The stack has been reset. ■ Web Access has not been disabled for the access level you are using to manage the stack. Use the Access Information panel of the General Info dialog box in Quick Config Manager, refer to Appendix B.
Solving Problems With an SNMP Network Management Application Solving Problems With an SNMP Network Management Application 8-5 The SNMP network management application cannot access the stack. Check that: ■ The stack’s IP address, subnet mask and default router are correctly configured, refer to “Giving the Stack an IP Address” on page B-9. ■ The stack has been reset. ■ The stack’s IP address is correctly recorded by the management application.
8-6 CHAPTER 8: PROBLEM SOLVING DUA1640-5AAA02
A Dimensions and Operating Environment DIMENSIONS, STANDARDS CABLING Table A-1 and Table A-2 show the specifications for the PS Hub. Table A-1 Dimensions, Power and Operating Environment For All PS Hubs Height 43.6mm 1.7in. Width 440mm 17.4in. Depth 168.5mm 6.7in. Operating temperature 0 – 50° C 32 – 122 ° F Humidity 0 – 90% (non-condensing) AC line frequency 50/60 Hz Input voltage 100 – 240V AC Current rating 1A (maximum) Table A-2 BABT Approval (for U.K.
A-2 APPENDIX A: DIMENSIONS, STANDARDS AND CABLING Standards Table A-3 shows the standards the PS Hub conforms to. Table A-3 Standards Functional ISO 8802/3 IEEE 802.3 Safety EN 60950 UL 1950 CSA 22.
Cabling Cabling This section shows the pin-outs for the various cables that are used with the PS Hub. These cables are available from your supplier.
A-4 APPENDIX A: DIMENSIONS, STANDARDS AND CABLING Console Cable Figure A-4 Pin Numbering for Console Examples of Null Modem Cables You Can Use Figure A-5 Example of Null Modem Cabling for 9-pin Management Station DUA1640-5AAA02
Cabling Figure A-6 Example of Null Modem Cabling for 25-pin Management Station Figure A-7 Example of Modem Cabling for 25-pin Management Station Modem Cable DUA1640-5AAA02 A-5
A-6 APPENDIX A: DIMENSIONS, STANDARDS AND CABLING Cascade Connections Cascade cables are available in a range of lengths from your supplier. Hot Swap Cascade Units are also available. Table A-4 shows the product numbers and the lengths of these items. Table A-4 Management Settings Cascade Cables and Units Number Cable Length 3C16420 Cascade cable 0.3m 11.8in. 3C16421 Cascade cable 1m 39.5in. 3C16422 Cascade cable 3m 118.6in.
B MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER This appendix describes how to install and use Quick Config Manager. For an overview of what you can do when managing the stack, refer to “Why Manage Your Stack?” on page 5-2. Quick Config Manager has a comprehensive help system that has the same useful information as this appendix. Many of the features in Quick Config Manager are also available using the web interface, and they work in a similar way.
B-2 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER What’s new There are some new and updated windows and dialog boxes in Quick Config Manager since the previous version (3.00).
Installing Quick Config Manager and the Load Balancing Tool Installation Procedure B-3 Quick Config Manager can be installed on its own or onto a workstation that already has other Transcend management applications installed. CAUTION: Do not install Quick Config Manager in the same directory as any previously installed Transcend management applications. Quick Config Manager and the Load Balancing Tool are installed in subdirectories (QCM and LOADBAL) under the default directory of C:\TRANSCND.
B-4 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER Running Quick Config Manager Whenever you want to start the Quick Config Manager application, double-click on the Quick Configuration Manager icon. CAUTION: Do not run Quick Config Manager in parallel with any other Transcend management application. Before you can manage the stack, you must make a management connection to the stack.
Selecting Your Management Access Method (Windows ‘95 and Windows NT only) Selecting Your Management Access Method (Windows ‘95 and Windows NT only) B-5 Windows ‘95 and Windows NT allow you to manage the stack over the network (in-band) using Quick Config Manager. To manage the stack over the network, the stack must have an IP address and IP must be configured on your management station. Refer to the Windows ‘95 or Windows NT documentation for information on configuring IP for your management station.
B-6 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER Figure B-2 Quick Config Manager Window Map DUA1640-5AAA02
Quick Config Manager Window Map DUA1640-5AAA02 B-7
B-8 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER Accessing the Stack The PS Hub uses community strings as a security measure, to check management access to the stack. The community string you use must match one of the community strings configured for the stack. Quick Config Manager remembers the last community string used. The default community string is security which allows you to view and configure the stack’s information.
Giving the Stack an IP Address Giving the Stack an IP Address B-9 You can configure the stack with an IP address and other address information, enabling it to communicate over (become part of) an IP network. The stack does not need an IP address to make Quick Config Manager work with it over a serial connection. You need to give the stack an IP address if you want to manage it over the network using: ■ An SNMP network manager, for example Transcend Enterprise Manager.
B-10 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER To display the IP Setup dialog box and view or configure the hub’s address settings: 1 From the Configure menu, select IP Setup. Quick Config Manager displays either the IP Setup dialog box or the Easy Setup Option, as shown in Figure B-4, depending on the IP information currently configured for the hub: ■ If an IP address has been configured for the hub, and it is not 0.0.0.0, the IP Setup dialog box is displayed.
Giving the Stack an IP Address B-11 2 Enter the relevant information into the IP Setup dialog box or Easy Setup dialog boxes and click OK to exit the dialog boxes. 3 Reset the hub for any changes to take effect. After resetting the hub, you may need to select Reset View from the File menu to restart communication using the new information. CAUTION: Always make a note of any changes that you make to the settings on this dialog box.
B-12 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER Viewing the Stack Quick Config Manager can display a graphical representation of the stack you are managing, with: ■ The ports color coded to show their condition. ■ Buttons showing the names of the segments, which can be used to show which ports are connected to the segments. ■ Buttons showing whether the segments are connected or isolated from their respective cascade segments.
Viewing the Stack B-13 Port Colors and Icons Port colors Segment Switch icon RPS icon The port color coding shows these conditions: ■ Green — Port enabled and capable of repeating traffic to and from the network (link present). ■ Red — Port enabled but unable to repeat traffic to and from the network (link lost or port partitioned). ■ Blue — Port disabled by management. If you have a PS Hub 50 in the stack, its Segment Switch icon is: ■ Blue and white — Active. ■ Gray — Inactive.
B-14 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER Connecting or Isolating Segments from Their Cascade Segments Next to each segment name button, is another button that shows if the segment is connected or isolated from its associated cascade segment: ■ Green with a solid line through it — the segment is connected. ■ Blue with a broken line — the segment is isolated. Double-click the button to connect or disconnect the segment from the cascade segment.
Configuring Segments B-15 For management communication to work over the network, the port through which your communication reaches the stack must be connected to segment 1 of the hub with the IP address configured. You can configure the segments for any of the hubs in the stack, regardless of the hub through which your management reaches the stack. To configure the segments: 1 Do one of the following: ■ Double-click on the graphical representation of the stack (but not on a port).
B-16 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER 4 Using the Segment pull down list box, select the segment to which you want to move ports. 5 Highlight the ports in the Port Segment list and click Add >> to add them to the Segment Member Ports list. 6 Click Apply to confirm your changes before choosing any other hubs or segments for which you want to move ports. 7 Click OK.
Configuring the Segment Switch Configuring the Segment Switch B-17 All PS Hub 50 units have a segment switch. If you have multiple PS Hub 50 units in a stack, only one of the units has its segment switch enabled, called the active segment switch. You can use Quick Config Manager to connect or isolate the stack’s active segment switch from the cascaded segments. For information on the PS Hub 50 unit’s segment switch, refer to “Segment Switch” on page 2-2.
B-18 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER Load Balancing The PS Hub has a load balancing feature which you can use to move the ports between the segments in the stack for you. The aim of load balancing is to reduce total traffic across the segments. It does this by distributing the traffic between the segments, and keeping the stations that frequently communicate with each other on the same cascaded segment, which provides more efficient segments.
Load Balancing Figure B-8 B-19 Load Balancing Window Because load balancing is part of the PS Hub, when you exit from the Load Balancing Tool, the load balancing feature continues to work as configured. Menus The Load Balancing window has five menu items along the top. There is also a pull right menu that can be obtained by clicking on the right mouse button while the mouse pointer is over one of the segments. These menu options are described in the rest of this section.
B-20 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER Viewing Current Utilization When the Load Balancing window is first displayed, the window shows the Current Utilization page, as shown in Figure B-9. Figure B-9 Current Utilization Page This page shows the current utilization both across the stack and on individual segments. Utilization refers to how much of the bandwidth is being used.
Load Balancing Viewing Utilization History B-21 If you click the History tab to the top of the panel, the Utilization History page is displayed, as shown in Figure B-11. Figure B-11 Utilization History Page This page shows a graph of the utilization history for: ■ The total traffic that is being produced across all the segments in the stack — The utilization is the percentage of the total available bandwidth used to transmit valid and errored packets.
B-22 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER How the Utilization History Graph Can Be Used The Utilization History graph is very useful for showing you the positive changes in utilization of load balancing. You can view the utilization before and after load balancing was performed, as shown in Figure B-12. The total traffic utilization will go down but segment utilization may not be distributed evenly.
Load Balancing Fixing and Unfixing Segments and Ports B-23 You can fix segments and ports so that they are not moved by load balancing: ■ Fixing a segment prevents any ports being moved to or from that segment. ■ Fixing a port prevents that port from being moved to another segment. Fixing ports or segments does not prevent you from moving the ports between segments yourself, using the web interface or Quick Config Manager. It just prevents the load balancing feature from doing it automatically.
B-24 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER Ports To fix or unfix a port or multiple ports: 1 Right-click on the segment’s name or utilization bar for the segment that contains the port(s). A pull right menu appears next to the mouse pointer. 2 Select Fixed Ports. Quick Config Manager displays a Port Configuration dialog box for the segment, as shown in Figure B-13.
Load Balancing Performing Load Balancing B-25 You can control many areas of the load balancing feature, including: ■ Invoking the load balancing feature manually. ■ Enabling or disable the automatic load balancing feature. ■ Changing how often the automatic load balancing feature occurs (if enabled). ■ Changing the reactive threshold for the load balancing process — if this level is exceeded on any segment, the load balancing feature is automatically invoked (if enabled).
B-26 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER Enabling or Disabling the Automatic Load Balancing Feature To enable or disable the automatic load balancing feature: 1 From the Configure menu, select Load Balancing. Quick Config Manager displays the Load Balancing dialog box. 2 Use the Enable Load Balancing check box to enable or disable the automatic load balancing feature. If the check box is unchecked, the feature is disabled and the Frequency and Balance At fields are disabled.
Changing the Console Port Settings Changing the Console Port Settings B-27 The PS Hub’s console port is already correctly configured by default, for direct connection to a management station (terminal). Only alter these default settings if you are connecting a modem to the console port. CAUTION: Do not change any of these settings unless you fully understand what you are doing.
B-28 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER Upgrading a Stack In the future, an upgrade may be issued which enhances the functionality of the PS Hub. Any such upgrade will be available on the 3Com Bulletin Board Service, refer to “3Com Bulletin Board Service” on page E-1. Quick Config Manager allows you to upgrade a whole stack at a time, with any such upgrade. When a hub is upgraded, any configurations that have been made to it are maintained.
Solving Problems With Quick Config Manager B-29 2 Specify the IP address of the TFTP server that has the upgrade file on it. 3 Specify the file name. Do not enter a path. The upgrade file must be in the appropriate directory on the TFTP server that the server has been configured to look in. The file name format is: ■ PS Hub 40 software upgrade — pshxx_yy.bin ■ PS Hub 50 software upgrade — psfxx_yy.bin Where xx_yy is the version of agent software.
B-30 APPENDIX B: MANAGEMENT USING QUICK CONFIG MANAGER You cannot access the hub over the network for the first time. Check that: ■ Your management station is correctly configured for IP. ■ The port through which your communication reaches the stack must be connected to segment 1 (either directly or indirectly) of the hub with the IP address configured. For more information, refer to “Requirements for Managing Over the Network” on page 5-6. You lose your management connection while managing the stack.
C Introduction SERIAL WEB UTILITY If you are using a management station running Microsoft Windows® ‘95 and want to access the web interface through the PS Hub’s console port, you must use the 3Com serial web utility (SLIP Driver) supplied on the CD-ROM that accompanies the hub. Every time you want to access the web interface, use the serial web utility to set up the connection to the web interface; it launches your web browser and accesses the web interface using SLIP for you.
C-2 APPENDIX C: SERIAL WEB UTILITY 4 In the Run dialog box, type drive:\Win95\Drivers\Slip\SETUP (where drive is the letter of your CD-ROM drive) and click OK. The installation program starts and checks your system configuration; enter any information that’s requested. If the setup program cannot find specific files on your management station, it asks you to insert you Windows ‘95 CD-ROM. If it still cannot find the files, you must obtain them directly from Microsoft.
Using the Serial Web Utility C-3 6 When you have finished, the final installation dialog box is displayed informing you that the serial web utility has been installed on your management station. Click Finish to close the dialog box. 7 You are asked if you want to restart Windows ‘95 so that it can use the new settings you have configured. You must restart Windows ‘95 before running the serial web utility.
C-4 APPENDIX C: SERIAL WEB UTILITY 4 The connection is successful if the web interface’s password panel is displayed. You are now ready to manage the hub or stack; refer to Chapter 7. Solving Problems With the Serial Web Utility If you are unable to connect to the hub’s web interface, it may be that: ■ The hub is not turned on. ■ You are not using a proper null modem cable, refer to “Examples of Null Modem Cables You Can Use” on page A-4.
D AGENT UPGRADE UTILITY The CD-ROM supplied with the hub has an agent upgrade utility on it that can be used for upgrading the new version of agent software to the PS Hub. NOTE: You would only use this utility if a previous software upgrade has failed and you are unable to communicate with your hubs using the web interface or Quick Config Manager. At all other times you should use the web interface or Quick Config Manager to upgrade your hubs.
D-2 APPENDIX D: AGENT UPGRADE UTILITY 4 Enter the upgrade command: ■ PS Hub 40 software upgrade — update pshxx_yy.bin ■ PS Hub 50 software upgrade — update psfxx_yy.bin Where xx_yy is the version of agent software. The version of agent software on the CD-ROM is the current version that was in the hub originally. View the contents of the CD-ROM to see the filename for this version of agent software.
Solving Problems With the Agent Upgrade Utility Solving Problems With the Agent Upgrade Utility D-3 If you have any problems using the upgrade utility, use the following actions to solve your problems. An error occurred when the utility tried to connect through the PC’s serial port. The serial port being used is not the same as the serial port specified in the upgrade command. Retry the command ensuring that you specify a value of ‘1’ or ‘2’ for the serial port.
D-4 APPENDIX D: AGENT UPGRADE UTILITY An error occurred when the utility tried to transfer the file. There could be a number of reason for this: ■ The null modem cable has become disconnected from the hub or the PC during the file transfer. Reconnect the cable and start again. ■ Power to the hub has been disrupted during the file transfer. Check the power connection to the hub and start again. ■ An incorrect file has been specified and transferred to the hub. Check the filenames and start again.
E TECHNICAL SUPPORT 3Com provides easy access to technical support information through a variety of services. This appendix describes these services. Information contained in this appendix is correct at time of publication. For the very latest, we recommend that you access 3Com Corporation’s World Wide Web site.
E-2 APPENDIX E: TECHNICAL SUPPORT Access by Analog Modem To reach the service by modem, set your modem to 8 data bits, no parity, and 1 stop bit.
Support from Your Network Supplier E-3 Local access numbers are available within the following countries: 3ComForum on CompuServe Online Service Country Telephone Number Country Telephone Number Australia 1800 678 515 Netherlands 06 0228049 Belgium 0800 71279 New Zealand 0800 446 398 Denmark 800 17319 Norway 800 11062 Finland 98 001 4444 Portugal 0505 442 607 France 05 90 81 58 Russia (Moscow only) 956 0815 Germany 0130 81 80 63 Singapore 800 6161 463 Hong Kong 800 933 486
E-4 APPENDIX E: TECHNICAL SUPPORT Support from 3Com If you are unable to receive support from your network supplier, technical support contracts are available from 3Com. Contact your local 3Com sales office to find your authorized service provider using one of these numbers: Regional Sales Office 3Com Corporation P.O. Box 58145 5400 Bayfront Plaza Santa Clara, California 95052-8145 U.S.A. 3Com Asia Limited Australia P.R.
Returning Products for Repair Returning Products for Repair E-5 Before you send a product directly to 3Com for repair, you must first obtain a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Products sent to 3Com without RMA numbers will be returned to the sender unopened, at the sender’s expense. To obtain an RMA number, call or fax: 04/22/97 DUA1640-5AAA02 Country Telephone Number Fax Number U.S.A.
GLOSSARY 10BASE-T The IEEE 802.3 specification for Ethernet over Twisted Pair (TP) cabling. active segment switch In a stack with multiple PS Hub 50 units, only one segment switch can be active (called the active segment switch), the other segment switches are disabled. See segment switch. ageing The process of removing unused learnt (non-permanent) addresses from the switch database. bandwidth Information capacity, measured in bits per second (bps), that a channel can transmit.
2 GLOSSARY Ethernet HTTP A LAN specification developed jointly by Xerox, Intel and Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC). Ethernet networks operate at 10Mbps using CSMA/CD to run over cabling. HyperText Transfer Protocol. The client/server protocol used to connect servers on the World Wide Web. Internet The name given to a public network which spans the world and consists of thousands of pieces of network equipment.
3 LOI mode Local Office Interconnect. One of the segment switch’s operating modes. Refers to the process of forwarding all packets with unknown addresses to the 100Mbps port (the 100Mbps transceiver module). main port The port in a resilient link that carries data traffic in normal operating conditions. MIB Management Information Base. Stores a device’s management characteristics and parameters. MIBs are used by Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to contain attributes of their managed systems.
4 GLOSSARY segment switch The internal switch in a PS Hub 50. It connects the four cascaded segments so that devices connected to the cascaded segments can communicate through the segment switch. The segment switch works by learning addresses and storing them in a switch database, which it can refer to and selectively forward on information. The PS Hub 50 unit’s segment switch has two operating modes; LOI and bridge. segments The separate networks within a PS Hub to which the ports can be switched.
5 Telnet TFTP Transcend® A TCP/IP application protocol that provides a virtual terminal service, letting the user log in to another computer system and access a host as if the user were connected directly to the host. Trivial File Transfer Protocol. Allows you to transfer files (for example software upgrades) from a remote device. 3Com’s management system used to manage all of 3Com’s networking solutions. UDP User Datagram Protocol.
6 GLOSSARY
INDEX Numerics B 100Mbps transceiver module 2-6 10BASE-T cable 3-4, 3-5, A-3 ports 3-2 using cables 3-11 3Com Bulletin Board Service (3ComBBS) E-1 3Com sales offices E-4 3Com URL E-1 3ComFacts E-2 3ComForum E-3 802.
2 INDEX CLI 5-3, 5-8, 6-1 commands 6-7 colors, ports 7-10, B-13 COM port of the management station B-4 Command Line Interface 5-3, 5-8, 6-1 problems 8-3 commands, entering 6-5 community string B-8 Community/Polling dialog box B-8 components of the web interface 7-4 CompuServe E-3 Configuration pages 7-20 configuration, displaying 6-9 Configure menu Community/Polling B-8 General Info B-15, B-17 IP Setup B-10 Load Balance B-18 Upgrade B-28 configuring console port 7-14, B-27 IP 6-8, 7-12, B-9 load balancing
INDEX hub F factory defaults, returning to 6-11, 7-20 fast configuration of the stack 7-18 Fast Ethernet resilience 2-5 fault tolerance 1-5 fax service.
4 INDEX IP information 7-12 configuring 6-8 displaying 6-9 IP Setup dialog box B-10 IP/IPX-based network management 5-5 application problems 8-5 isolating problems 8-1 segment switch 7-16 segments 7-15, B-14 items that come with the hub 3-4 L labels 3-7 learnt addresses 2-3 LEDs 3-1 lights 3-1 line speed 5-8, 7-14 link external 7-5 main and standby 7-22 state 7-13 load balancing 1-10, 4-1, 7-20 how it works 4-2 Load Balancing Tool B-18 installing B-2 Local Office Interconnect mode 2-3 logging off from th
INDEX O obtaining an IP address 5-7 online help B-1 help system and documentation 7-9, 7-17 technical services E-1 operating environment A-1 order numbers, cables A-6 other hubs, connecting 3-16 other stacks and hubs 1-6 out-of-band management 5-5 overview 1-1 P page components 7-6 panel Segment Configuration B-15 Switch Configuration B-17 parity 5-8 part number of the hub 3-7 partition state 7-13 parts of the web interface 7-4 password 6-2, 7-2 changing 6-7 default 6-3 Password Setting page 7-19 performi
6 INDEX RMON B-21 Filter capture 6-12 router, default 6-8, 7-12 RPS icon B-13 socket 3-1, 3-2 rubber feet 3-6 rules Ethernet 3-16 resilient links 7-23 rules for managing over the network 5-6 running Quick Config Manager B-4 S scalable 1-4 screen map B-5 seeing how the hub is operating 3-1 Segment Configuration page 7-15 Segment Configuration panel B-15 Segment Graph page 7-25 segment switch 2-2 active 2-4 colors 7-10 configuration 7-16 configuring B-17 icon B-13 segmentation benefits 1-10 how it works 1-
INDEX switching 1-8, 2-2 benefits 1-10 features 2-3 how it works 1-8 identifying ports B-13 System Name page 7-19 T tasks, management 5-2 technical support 3Com URL E-1 Bulletin Board Service E-1 fax service E-2 network suppliers E-3 product repair E-5 using CompuServe E-3 Telnet 5-5, 5-11 terminal 5-5 Terminal application 5-10 terminal emulator 5-5, 5-9 TFTP server 7-24, B-29 tolerance to faults 1-5 transceiver module 1-6, 3-12 blanking plate 3-1 slots 3-2 transceiver module ports 3-12 PS Hub 40 2-2 PS H
8 INDEX workgroups 1-4, 1-7 building up 1-8 example 1-11 workstation connections 3-4 World Wide Web (WWW) E-1 Z Zoom View B-8, B-12, B-16
3Com Corporation For first five years LIMITED WARRANTY +5 Lifetime Limited Warranty The SuperStack II PS Hub 40 (3C16405 and 3C16450) and PS Hub 50 (3C16450) benefit from 3Com’s enhanced +5 Lifetime Limited Warranty. This provides a full 5 years of advanced hardware exchange from your date of purchase in accordance with 3Com’s standard terms and conditions. To qualify, you must submit your warranty registration card to 3Com.
WARRANTIES EXCLUSIVE IF A 3COM PRODUCT DOES NOT OPERATE AS WARRANTED ABOVE, CUSTOMER'S SOLE REMEDY FOR BREACH OF THAT WARRANTY SHALL BE REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, OR REFUND OF THE PURCHASE PRICE PAID, AT 3COM'S OPTION.
EMC STATEMENTS FCC STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
