Multitech MT5634HD16 Datasheet

Brand: Multitech

Model: MT5634HD16

Category: Networking

Type: Datasheet

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

P/N 82092502, Revision C

without prior expressed written permission from Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc. makes no representation or warranties with respect to

the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of

merchantability or fitness for any particular purpose. Furthermore, Multi-Tech

Systems, Inc. reserves the right to revise this publication and to make changes

from time to time in the content hereof without obligation of Multi-Tech Systems,

Inc., to notify any person or organization of such revisions or changes.

Revision Date Description

10/15/98

11/30/98

7/22/03

Manual released.

Manual Revised.

Manual Revised. Removed discussion group url.

Multi-Tech, CommPlete, and the Multi-Tech logo are trademarks of Multi-Tech

Systems, Inc. Other trademarks and trade names mentioned in this publication

belong to their respective owners.

Multi-Tech Systems, Inc.

2205 Woodale Drive

Mounds View, Minnesota 55112

(612) 785-3500 or (800) 328-9717

U.S. Fax (612) 785-9874

Technical Support (800) 972-2439

BBS (612) 785-3702 or (800) 392-2432

Fax Back (612) 717-5888

Internet Address: http://www.multitech.com

Contents

Frequently-Asked Questions.........................................................................4

General CommPlete System FAQs.........................................................5

Party Authentication and Accounting Software FAQs...........................7

Upgrade (Hardware/Software/Firmware) FAQs ........................................9

RASExpress FAQs ..............................................................................14

Digital Modem (MT3334HD8, MT5634HD8, MT5634HD16) FAQs...........15

ISDN PRI (MTPRI-HD23B and MTPRI-HD30B) FAQs............................16

T1 Interface (RAS96xx/T1) FAQs..........................................................17

Troubleshooting FAQs .........................................................................17

Dial-in Access FAQs............................................................................20

Additional Questions ............................................................................24

For More Information............................................................................30

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently-Asked Questions

This document lists many of the most frequently-asked questions that our

Engineering and Tech Support groups have to answer. They are posted here to

help you more fully understand the CommPlete in general, and several related

topics as well, so as to help you avoid making a support call. The FAQs have

been categorized as follows:

• General CommPlete System FAQs (page 5)

• Third Party Authentication and Accounting Software FAQs (page7)

• Hardware/Software/Firmware Upgrade FAQs (page 9)

• RASExpress Software FAQs (page 14)

• Digital Modem (MT5634HD8, MT5634HD16) FAQs (page 15)

• ISDN BRI and PRI (MTPRI-HD23B and MTPRI-HD30B) FAQs (page 16)

• T1 Interface (RAS96xx/T1) FAQs (page 17)

• Troubleshooting FAQs (page 17)

• Dial-in Access FAQs (page 20)

• Additional Questions (page 24)

• For More Information (page 30)

General CommPlete System FAQs

Q1. What are the main applications for the CommPlete?

A1. The CommPlete is ideal for Internet Service Providers, enterprise LANs, and

corporate intranet remote access applications requiring remote access solutions

for up to 192 users. The CommPlete provides dial-in/dial-out operation, V.90/56K

modem technology with digital channelized T1, and Primary Rate ISDN access,

all in one system.

Q2. Are all of the components of the CommPlete Server hot

swappable (removed/inserted with power applied)?

A2. NO! RASCARDS AND MODEM CARDS ARE NOT HOT SWAPPABLE. To

remove these cards, you must first turn off the RASCard in the segment. If you

have a CC9600 chassis with more than one segment, you may leave the two

power supplies turned on to keep the other segments running. (A segment

consists of a RASCard and the three cards to its right.) You can hot-swap only

the Controller module and the CC9600’s redundant power supplies.

Q3. My CommPlete Server is up and running; which files should I

back up in case a file gets corrupted in the future?

A3. When you have configured your RASExpress server and have it fully functioning,

back up two files from the RAS directory on the RAS Server:

Backup the CONFIG.RN file. This file contains all of the configuration information

for the RASExpress server.

Backup the SERVER.CFG file. This file contains all local security usernames and

passwords. You may want to back this file up on a regular basis if you have a

large user base that continues to grow.

Q4. Can the CommPlete terminate asynchronous PPP (dial-up

from a TA) over ISDN, or synchronous PPP dial-up, or

dedicated from LAN-to-LAN (using a router) over ISDN?

A4. The CommPlete supports async-sync PPP. It also supports synchronous PPP for

leased line connections.

Q5. Can the PRI/T1 ports be configured to support either T1 or

PRI?

A5. No. A single CommPlete RAS segment can support only T1 or PRI, but not both,

because T1 segments use different hardware than PRI segments. We provide

RAS segment starter kits, which are individual RAS segments pre-configured to

use a single PRI line (PRI-Starter), a single T1 line (T1-Starter), or two T1 lines

(2T1-Starter). For more information, contact our Sales department at 800-328-

9717.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q6. How do I dial out or fax with a CommPlete modem?

A6. There are two ways that you can dial out or fax with a CommPlete modem

through a T1 or PRI line. The first option for dialing out, Telnet Dial-Out, is a

feature of the RASExpress software that comes pre-installed on each RASCard.

To use it, simply telnet to the RASCard, and choose the first menu item, which is

“Dial out.” If your RASCard authenticates users with a RADIUS or TACACS+

server, you must provide dial-out permission in the authentication server. Refer

to your authentication server’s operation manual for how to set these

permissions.

The second dial-out option, which works for faxing as well, requires the use of a

software redirector, such as our WinMCSI software for Windows 95 and for

Windows NT. This software allows users on your LAN to map virtual COM ports

on their PCs or workstations to the modems in the CommPlete Server and use

them as if they were connected to the modems with a serial cable. With the

software installed and configured, a user at a workstation can use Dial-Up

Networking to open a PPP connection with another RAS server, HyperTerminal

to manually dial into a terminal server, or fax software to send or receive faxes.

For more information about WinMCSI software, contact Technical Support at

800-972-2439, and talk to either a Networking technician or a CommPlete Server

technician.

Q7. Are the modems flash-upgradeable?

A7. Yes. See Q14 on how to upgrade the modems in your CommPlete Server.

Q8. Is there a Windows NT driver released for the CommPlete?

A8. Yes – there is a preliminary version of the CommPlete driver for Windows NT in a

self-extracting file named NT9600.EXE at

ftp://ftp.multitech.com/commplete/MISC. This file contains the drivers for the 8-

and 16-modem cards for use in an NT 4.0 environment.

Party Authentication and Accounting Software FAQs

Q9. RADIUS authentication is not working. How can I troubleshoot

RASExpress and RADIUS problems?

A9. If you are dialing into the CommPlete Server using a PPP dialer (such as Win95

Dial-Up Networking) try to dial in using a terminal program.

Dial into the rack using HyperTerminal (or any other terminal program). Log into

the RASExpress Server manually. If you can log in and get to a RASExpress

menu, the RASExpress Server is communicating with RADIUS. There could be

an incorrect setting in RADIUS that is not allowing the remote user to connect via

PPP, or possibly PAP authentication is turned off in RADIUS.

If dialing from a terminal program works, try to dial in using the Win95 dialer.

Before dialing in, change the Connection Settings so the Terminal Window will

appear after connection. Dial out using the Win95 dialer, but then type the

Username and Password manually. Then choose Option #1 (PPP Session) and

click the Continue button. If this works, there is a problem with PAP

authentication and RADIUS.

If this doesn't work, you may have an IP assignment problem. If you are using

DHCP IP addressing, try setting a static group of IP addresses in the

RASExpress Server. Telnet into the RASExpress Server and change the IP

assignment type to Address Pool. Configure the RASExpress pool to use 24 IP's

that are available on your network.

Make sure that you have RADIUS as the security type on your RASExpress

Server. Also be sure the Primary Server IP address is pointing to your RADIUS

server. The Secret password must match the password you have configured in

the RADIUS server. Also, make sure the IP address of the RASExpress Server

and the Key are in the RADIUS Clients file. The Client Name must be the IP

address of the RASExpress Server (not the server name). The Key must be the

Secret Password that you have set in the RASExpress Server security section

(case sensitive).

See also Q59.

Q10. My TACACS+ server is not authenticating. What could be the

problem?

A10. Make sure that TACACS+ is set as the Security Type in RASExpress. Also make

sure that TACACS+ Encryption is Enabled and the IP address of the Primary

Server is pointed towards your TACACS+ server.

If you are dialing into the CommPlete Server using a PPP dialer (such as Win95

Dial-Up Networking), try to dial in using a terminal program.

Dial into the rack using HyperTerminal (or any other terminal program). Log into

the RASExpress Server manually. If you can log in and get to a RASExpress

menu, the RASExpress

Server is communicating with TACACS+. There could be an incorrect setting in

TACACS+ that is not allowing the remote user to connect via PPP, or PAP

authentication may be turned off in TACACS+.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

If dialing from a terminal program works, make one minor change before you dial

in using the Win95 dialer. Change the connection settings so that the Terminal

Window will appear after connection. Dial out using the Win95 dialer, but type the

Username and Password manually. Then choose Option #1 (PPP Session) and

click the Continue button. If this works, there is a problem with PAP

authentication and TACACS+.

If this doesn't work, you may have an IP address assignment problem. If you are

using DHCP IP addressing, try setting a static group of IP addresses in the

RASExpress Server. Telnet into

the RASExpress Server and change the IP assignment type to Address Pool.

Configure the RASExpress pool to use the 24 IP addresses that are available on

your network.

Current versions of TACACS+ do support PAP authentication; however, there is

an older version of TACACS+ that may not support PAP authentication.

Q11. Q11: I have RADIUS (or TACACS+) Accounting enabled, but

I'm not getting any information sent to my authentication

server from RASExpress. How can I be sure that Accounting is

working in RASExpress?

A11. Perform the following steps:

1. Telnet to the RAS Server.

2. Select option 3, Configuration of RASExpress Server.

3. Enter the Supervisor password.

4. Select option 1, Server Setup.

5. Select option 11, Security.

6. Set option 1, Security Protocol to the correct protocol (either RADIUS or

TACACS+).

7. Set option 2, Accounting to Enabled.

Upgrade (Hardware/Software/Firmware) FAQs

Q12. How can I determine the versions of the firmware and the boot

code in my CommPlete modems?

A12. Perform the following steps:

8. Telnet to the controller and log in as supervisor.

9. At the # prompt, type ONLINE modem, where modem is the alphanumeric

identifier of a modem in the chassis. (Ex. ONLINE 3A for Slot 3, Modem A)

The controller will give you a “window” in which you can type commands

directly to the modem.

10. Type ATI3. The modem will respond with its firmware version.

11. Type ATI8. The modem will respond with the size of its PROM. This is

required information when updating its boot code.

12. Type AT*FS. Although the modem will not respond to this, the command will

put the modem into boot mode.

13. Type ATI1. The modem will respond with its boot code version if the boot

code is later than version 2.00. Otherwise, the modem will respond only with

OK.

14. Press ESC twice to exit the online session.

15. Reset the modem you queried by typing RS modem, where modem is the

identifier of the modem you went online with.

Q13. How do I determine the boot code revision level of my

CommPlete modem?

A13. On the modem card there is a label on the Flash PROM that indicates the boot

code level and firmware level flashed into the modem at the factory.

1. Type the command ONLINE xx (where xx is the modem number, e.g. 4A)

2. Type the command ATI3 to display the modem model and firmware version.

3. Type the command ATI8 to display the boot code flash prom size (PROM

SIZE: 4 MEG). A response of 2 meg indicates a modem that is not

upgradeable.

4. Type the command AT*FS to force the modem into boot code.

5. Type the command ATI1 to display the boot code version (i.e. 2.00)

6. Hit ESC twice to exit the online window.

7. Type the command RS xx to reset the modem to clear the AT*FS command.

For information on updating bootcode, refer to Q60.

Note: Boot code is primarily for faster flashing. 2 meg modems will still accept

and run all firmwaare that the 4 meg modems use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q14. How do I update the firmware code of the modems in my

CommPlete Server?

A14. The instructions in this file use the scenario of updating the MT5634HD8

modems in slots 2-4. The steps below use this scenario to provide you with

examples of the commands to enter. The instructions also assume that you are

using a controller running 2.40 firmware or later.

1. Using an FTP client program, such as the one that comes with 95/98, delete

from the controller at least half of the files in directory "B:\MMM\MR.LOG\".

These files are event files that controller generates hourly, and they usually

take up all the space the B drive

2. Transfer the firmware file to the root directory of the controller's drive.

CAUTION: Do NOT transfer the firmware file to the controller's A The A

drive does not have enough space for the Transferring the file to the A drive

will cause errors in file and, perhaps, errors in the system.

3. Close your FTP session. Then open a Telnet session with the controller.

(Note: A terminal attached to the controller with a null-modem serial cable

will perform the same function that the Telnet session perform.)

4. Log in as the supervisor. The default username and password are

"supervisor".

5. At the # prompt, type B: to change to the B drive.

6. Type DIR or LS to display the contents of the root directory. Compare the

size of the original firmware file to the size of the copied file on the controller.

If the sizes do not match, then delete the copy from the controller and re-

transfer the original file to the controller. The copy MUST be the same size

as the original for the update to work properly.

7. If the controller's copy of the firmware file is the correct size, type UPDATE

HD8_104C.HEX modems, where "modems" is the specifier(s) of the modems

you wish to update. (For example, 2A:2H identifies the first eight modems

on the modem card in slot #2.) The controller will display the conditions of

the update—-the number of devices and the name of the firmware file—-and

it will ask you if they are correct.

8. Press ENTER to confirm the conditions, or type n to abort the update process.

If you confirm the conditions, the controller will check the file for errors. DO

NOT PRESS ANY KEYS DURING THE FILE CHECK. Doing so will abort

the file check and start the update of the firmware, which risks flashing

damaged code into the modems.

9. If the controller finds no errors in the file, it will start updating the modems.

The # prompt will reappear, and the modems will reset. During the update,

the CD LED on each of the modems will flash each time its modem receives

a packet of boot code from the controller.

10. To find out how much of the update that the controller has performed, type

UPDATE. The controller will respond with "No Update in Progress" when the

update is complete. In addition, the controller will reset the modems after

flashing them, causing the modems' LEDs to flash brightly for about twenty-

five seconds.

11. When the update is finished, use the ONLINE command to go online with

one modem from each of the cards that you updated. Example: "ONLINE

2A,3A,4A" starts an online session with the first modem of each card

12. Type ATI. The modem will respond with its new firmware version. Example:

[0] A:\ # ONLINE 2A

==== Online with device: Slot 02 Device A ====

==== type "<esc> and ?" to display help information ====

ATI

Lucent kfd254 MT5634HD8 Central Site Data Modem Version 1.04C

13. Repeat step 12 for each modem you specified in the ONLINE command in

step 11. Press Esc-N to go online with the next modem you specified.

14. Press Esc twice to exit the ONLINE session.

Q15. How do I update the firmware code of my CommPlete

Controller module?

A15. The instructions in this file use the scenario of updating the CommPlete controller

module. The steps below use this scenario to provide you with examples of the

commands to enter. The instructions also assume that you are updating a

controller currently running 2.40 firmware or later.

1. Using an FTP client program, such as the one that comes with Windows

95/98, delete from the controller at least half of the files in the directory

B:\MMM\MR.LOG\. These files are event files that the controller generates

hourly, and they usually take up all the space on the B drive.

2. Transfer the firmware file to the root directory of the controller's B drive.

CAUTION: Do NOT transfer the firmware file to the controller's A drive. The

A drive does not have enough space for the file. Transferring the file to the A

drive will cause errors in the file and, perhaps, errors in the system.

3. Close your FTP session. Then open a Telnet session with the controller.

(Note: A terminal attached to the controller with a null-modem serial cable

will perform the same function that the Telnet session will perform.)

4. Log in as the supervisor. The default username and password are both

supervisor.

5. At the # prompt, type B: to change to the B drive.

6. Type DIR or LS to display the contents of the root directory. Compare the

size of the original firmware file to the size of the copied file on the controller.

If the sizes do not match, then delete the copy from the controller and re-

transfer the original file to the controller. The copy MUST be the same size

as the original for the update to work properly.

7. If the controller's copy of the firmware file is the correct size, type UPDATE

REL241.HXC. The controller will display the conditions of the update—-the

device it will update and the name of the firmware fileit will use—-and it will

ask you if they are correct.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

8. Press ENTER to confirm the conditions, or type n to abort the update process.

If you confirm the conditions, the controller will check the file for errors. DO

NOT PRESS ANY KEYS DURING THE FILE CHECK. Doing so will abort

the file check and start the update of the firmware, which risks flashing

damaged code into the controller.

9. If the controller finds no errors in the file, it will start updating itself. A

continuous progress percentage will appear throughout the update.

10. When the update is finished, controller will ask you if you want to reboot it.

Type y. The controller will drop your Telnet session and reboot, starting up

with the new firmware.

Q16. How do I update the firmware code of my T1 card?

A16. The instructions in this file use the scenario of updating the T1 card in slot 1. The

steps below use this scenario to provide you with examples of the commands to

enter. The instructions also assume that you are using a controller running 2.40

firmware or later.

1. Using an FTP client program, such as the one that comes with Windows

95/98, delete from the controller at least half of the files in the directory

"B:\MMM\MR.LOG\". These files are event files that the controller generates