After installing the MENET/MSER option board, you need to configure the software and install the cables.
The following topics are covered in this chapter:
The I/O panel has four Ethernet ports labeled 0, 1, 2, 3 and six asynchronous serial ports labeled 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Sticky labels can be placed on the panel plates to indicate the specific network interface or peripheral device that has been assigned to each port.
Two square LEDs are immediately adjacent to each RJ-45 Ethernet connector: one yellow and one green. When the yellow LED is ON, the port is receiving data. When the green LED is ON, the port is transmitting data.
The MENET/MSER option board's female mini-DIN8 connectors are exactly like the ones used on Silicon Graphics Indigo2, Indigo, Origin200, and Indy chassis. The serial ports on the OCTANE chassis are male DB9. Should you need a mini-DIN8 to DB9 adapter cable, see “Asynchronous Serial Cable Requirements and Port Pinouts”.
For more information on serial ports, see the serial man pages. To access man pages from the Toolchest, choose Help > Man Pages and enter 7 serial in the search window. From a UNIX shell, enter man 7 serial.
This section lists cable requirements and includes the descriptions of external cables for the IRIS MENET/MSER XIO board.
The MENET/MSER XIO board provides four RJ-45 receptacles in the board's I/O panel plate. To activate Ethernet functionality on a port, the port must be connected to one of the following: an Ethernet switch, an Ethernet hub, or an Ethernet endpoint (host). (In all these scenarios, operation also depends on appropriate IP address and netmask configuration.) Each port can be connected to either a 10-Base-T (10 Mbps) or 100-Base-TX (100 Mbps) network; each port independently auto-negotiates for operation at the correct speed for its physical attachment.
The site's connectors, splices, cabling, and the installation of the cabling must conform to the guidelines described in the physical layer standard for the speed used on the local area network. For example, the physical layer specification for 10-Base-T specifies category 3 unshielded twisted pair cable or better (CAT 3 UTP), while the standard for 100-Base-TX specifies either 2-pair category 5 (also known as CAT 5 UTP) unshielded twisted pair or 2-pair shielded twisted pair cabling. The relevant standards documents are Document #802.3u: MAC Parameters, Physical Layer, Medium Attachment Units and Repeater for 100Mb/s Operation, Supplement to 1993 version of ANSI/IEEE Standard 802.3 and Document #802.3: ANSI/IEEE 802.3 Standard.
The MENET/MSER XIO board provides six mini–DIN8 female serial connectors. To use an asynchronous serial port, the port must be connected to a serial device (for example, an RS-232 or RS-422 device, such as a terminal, a printer, or a modem) with an appropriate cable. For testing, the port can be connected to another serial port or looped back to itself with a null-modem cable. Figure 2-2 illustrates the pinout for the mini–DIN8 receptacles; Table 2-1 describes the function/signal assigned to each pin.
Table 2-1. Signal Assignment for Serial Ports on MENET/MSER XIO Board
Pin | RS-232-Style Signals |
| AppleTalk-Style (RS-422) Signals |
| Flow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | DTR | data terminal ready | HSKo | handshake output | output |
2 | CTS | clear to send | HSKi | handshake input | input |
3 | TXD | transmit data | TXDA- | transmit data | output |
4 | GND | signal ground | GND | signal ground | n.a. |
5 | RXD | receive data | RXDA- | receive data | input |
6 | RTS | request to send | TXDA+ | transmit data | output |
7 | DCD | data carrier detect | not used[a] |
| input |
8 | not used[b] |
| RXDA+ | receive data | input |
[a] The general purpose input (GPI) or ring indicator (RI) signal is not supported. [b] The data set ready (DSR) signal is not supported. | |||||
To convert the mini–DIN8 connectors on the board to DB–9 connectors (with MAC-style or PC/AT-style pinouts), straight-through and crossed (null-modem) adapter cables can be ordered directly from Silicon Graphics. Contact your local sales representative.
6-inch male mini-DIN8 to male DB9 adapter cable assembly
This cable converts a MSER port to a male DB9 connector with PC/AT-style and MAC-style DTE pinout and signal assignment. When attached to an MSER port, this cable presents a point of attachment that is exactly like the DB9 serial ports on the Silicon Graphics OCTANE system module, O2, and Origin200 chassis. This adapter cable is intended for attaching data communications equipment (DCE) devices that have a female DB9 connector. See Figure 2-3.10-foot null-modem male mini-DIN8 to female DB9 cable assembly
This cable presents a female DB9 connector with crossed (null-modem) PC/AT-style or MAC-style signals. This adapter cable is used to attach data terminal equipment (DTE) devices that have a male DB9 connector.
The IP network interface for the MENET 10-Base T and 100-Base-TX ports is ef#. The Ethernet driver and configuration files are included in the eoe.sw.unix and eoe.sw.tcp images. Interface identification numbers are assigned by ioconfig during bootup. See the ioconfig(1) man page.
Follow the configuration instructions in Chapter 3 of the Personal System Administration Guide to configure the software (IRIX drivers) and the IP network interface for each IRIS Ethernet port (ef#).
 | Note: A system with two or more network connections is automatically considered a router (for example, routed automatically operates) and IP network interfaces are created; however, configuration of these interfaces does not occur automatically. |
Ethernet and Fast Ethernet IP network interfaces (that is, ef0, ef1, and so on) are assigned to Ethernet ports in the following manner:
ef0 is assigned to the Ethernet port on the OCTANE system module.
Subsequent Ethernet ports are assigned numbers during the boot phase by the ioconfig utility. The numbers assigned to the ports on the MENET board are usually, but not always, sequential; see the ioconfig(1) man page.
For information about using and configuring the various serial communication signaling styles for the ports on this board, see the online serial(7) man page, or the Personal System Administration Guide, Chapter 3.
The ioconfig.conf file records and saves option board and port information after the board is installed in the OCTANE workstation. However, the file reserves the board and port spaces if the option board is removed, and begins assigning new ID numbers when a new board is inserted. For example, if a board was in quadrant B (11) then removed, and another MENET/MSER board placed in quadrant C (9), the file would begin numbering for the new board beginning with the next number after the last used for the previous board in quadrant B (11). This reporting pattern is desirable under some circumstances.
However, if you wish to have a listing of only what is currently installed, remove the ioconfig.conf file and restart your system. The file is rebuilt with information about the current hardware configuration reflecting what is currently installed.
Before you can connect cables, you need to map the logical ports numbers to the physical port locations.
To view the ioconfig.conf file, follow these steps:
From the Toolchest > Desktop, open a UNIX shell.
At the prompt, enter: cat /etc/ioconfig.conf
You see a listing similar to the example in Table 2-2. The columns are described in the sections following the table.
Table 2-2. Identification of Information in the ioconfig.conf File
Logical
Controller NumberHardware
Node
XIO (xtalk) Bus Type
Physical ID
PCI Bus Type
Bus ID
Port Type (Abbre viation)
Serial Port ID
2
/hw
/node
/xtalk
/10
/pci
/0
/ef
3
/hw
/node
/xtalk
/10
/pci
/1
/ef
4
/hw
/node
/xtalk
/10
/pci
/2
/ef
5
/hw
/node
/xtalk
/10
/pci
/3
/ef
3
/hw
/node
/xtalk
/10
/pci
/4
/tty
/1
4
/hw
/node
/xtalk
/10
/pci
/4
/tty
/2
5
/hw
/node
/xtalk
/10
/pci
/5
/tty
/1
6
/hw
/node
/xtalk
/10
/pci
/5
/tty
/2
7
/hw
/node
/xtalk
/10
/pci
/6
/tty
/1
8
/hw
/node
/xtalk
/10
/pci
/6
/tty
/2
The Logical Controller Number refers to the number assigned to a port on an optional board by the operating system. These numbers are always higher than that of a port on the system module. Ports of the same type are assigned incrementing port numbers. For example, because there is one Ethernet port on the system module, the logical number assigned to the first optional Ethernet port the software identifies 2. Because there are two serial ports on the system module, the first logical number assigned to an optional serial port is 3. Subsequent optional serial ports are labeled 4, 5, 6, and so on.
Ignore the Hardware, Node, and XIO (xtalk) Bus Type columns when looking for information in the ioconfig.conf file. They appear in the file to report that hardware is being probed, on one node, using crosstalk as the communication tool within the workstation.
Use Figure 2-4 to determine the physical XIO ID number. If the board is in the XIO module, determine the physical ID number by the following rule: XIO module, quadrant A = 12, quadrant B = 11, quadrant D = 10, and quadrant C = 9.
| Note: Physical port numbers are assigned in descending XIO probing order. Example: an Ethernet board in the PCI module (13) is assigned logical port 2 before an Ethernet port in quadrant C (9) of the XIO module because 13 is probed before 9. |
This column is read only in conjunction with the Physical ID column that comes before it (see Table 2-3). If the Physical ID number is 13, the board is in the PCI module.
The Bus ID column refers to the number of the physical port on the option board.
In Table 2-3, the shaded line, logical controller number 4 (XIO module quadrant D, Physical ID 10), is an option board (with multiple Ethernet and serial ports) specifying port number 2, labeled on the option board as port 2. The abbreviation in the Port Type column identifies this port as an Ethernet (ef) port.
Table 2-3. Example of an ioconfig.conf File
Logical Controller Number | Hardware | Node | XIO (xtalk) Bus Type | Physical ID | PCI Bus Type | Bus ID | Port Type (Abbre viation) | Serial Port ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2 | /hw | /node | /xtalk | /10 | /pci | /0 | /ef |
|
3 | /hw | /node | /xtalk | /10 | /pci | /1 | /ef |
|
4 | /hw | /node | /xtalk | /10 | /pci | /2 | /ef |
|
5 | /hw | /node | /xtalk | /10 | /pci | /3 | /ef |
|
3 | /hw | /node | /xtalk | /10 | /pci | /4 | /tty | /1 |
4 | /hw | /node | /xtalk | /10 | /pci | /4 | /tty | /2 |
5 | /hw | /node | /xtalk | /10 | /pci | /5 | /tty | /1 |
6 | /hw | /node | /xtalk | /10 | /pci | /5 | /tty | /2 |
Table 2-4 explains the abbreviations you might find in the Port Type Column of the ioconfig.conf file.
Table 2-4. Abbreviations and Definitions
Abbreviation | Definition |
|---|---|
ef | Ethernet |
rns | FDDI or CDDI |
pckb | keyboard |
pcms | mouse |
tty | serial |
scsi_ctlr | SCSI controller |
Because each pair of serial ports share a bus, the Serial Port ID column identifies which serial port is on which bus. Use Figure 2-5 to identify the serial port number.
Determine your logical controller ID number.
Use the logical controller number to determine the port number on the option board.
Use the abbreviation in the Port Type Abbreviation column of Table 2-3 to help you determine the type of port.
Find the logical controller number (x) for the port you have located (first column).
For instructions on installing cables, go to the next section.
Before installing the cables, read the previous sections beginning with “About the ioconfig.conf File”. Then go to “Ethernet Cables” or “Serial Cables” .
Use the information in the hardware inventory (hinv) file to find the port you are interested in. Look for the Integral (SCSI or Fast Ethernet) Controller number (x) that matches the Logical Controller number in the ioconfig.conf file (first column.)
Under the Integral (SCSI or Fast Ethernet) Controller information, find the port you are interested in. If you have connected a cable, the device should appear in the hardware inventory. If you have not connected a cable, a device should not be recognized as being attached to that port.
For each configured IP network interface, identify the port on the MENET board that services that subnetwork. If you have not already done so, see “About the ioconfig.conf File”.
For each configured interface, locate the site's Ethernet cable for that subnetwork.
Note: External Ethernet cables are customer supplied. External cables and all cabling must conform to either the 10-Base-T or 100-Base-TX specification. Optional: Put labels on the I/O panel and the cables.
Note: Label carefully. An Ethernet connection does not function if its configured IP address does not match the subnetwork address used by other systems on that cable. Insert the cable's RJ-45 connector into the IRIS Fast Ethernet port.
Proceed to “After Installing the Board and Cables”.
Use the resulting information in the hardware inventory (hinv) file to find the port you are interested in. Look for the IOC3 serial port number (x) that matches the logical controller number in the ioconfig.conf file (first column.)
For each serial peripheral device that you wish to attach, identify which port has been configured to service that device.
Select an appropriate cable for attaching the peripheral device to the mini–DIN8 serial port on the MSER XIO board. See Table 2-1 for details.
Attach the cable.
Proceed to “After Installing the Board and Cables”.
When the board is installed and connected, and the OCTANE workstation is powered on, follow the instructions in this section to start operation.
| Note: The Ethernet connections cannot function unless the software and hardware have been configured, as described in the Personal System Administration Guide or IRIX Admin: Networking and Mail. |
Log on to the workstation.
If you have not installed and configured the IRIX TCP/IP and router software, do so now by following the instructions in the IRIX Admin: Networking and Mail online document. The Ethernet connections do not function until their network interfaces (ef#) have been configured.
After you finish configuring the software, reboot the system (or run the autoconfig command) to build a new operating system (kernel) that includes the new driver. Then, reboot the system again to start running this new operating system.
If you have not installed and configured the IRIX serial (tty) software, do so now by following the instructions in the Personal System Administration Guide or IRIX Admin: Peripheral Devices online document. The serial connections do not function until they have been configured.
Verify that the board's LEDs (only for Ethernet) indicate normal operation.
Verify that the board has been located by the operating system during the boot phase, with either of the following commands:
For the Ethernet ports use:
%hinv -c ethernet Integral Fast Ethernet: ef0, version # Integral Fast Ethernet: ef1, version # Integral Fast Ethernet: ef2, version # Integral Fast Ethernet: ef3, version # Integral Fast Ethernet: ef4, version #
In the above example, the ef0 entry belongs to the OCTANE system module.
For the serial ports use:
%hinv -c serial IOC3 serial port: tty1 IOC3 serial port: tty2 IOC3 serial port: tty3 IOC3 serial port: tty4 IOC3 serial port: tty5 IOC3 serial port: tty6 IOC3 serial port: tty7 IOC3 serial port: tty8
In this example, the tty1 and tty2 entries belong to the serial ports on the OCTANE system module.The subsequent six entries (tty3 through tty8) are the ports on the MENET/MSER option board. There are other lines in this display, but you can ignore all but the ones listed here.
If you have two or three MENET/MSER boards installed in the OCTANE workstation, remember that the polling begins with the system module, then polls the XIO slots in the order discussed in the section “Physical ID Column”.