How cascade connections operate

The method for cascading AdderView CATx units is straightforward and requires no hardware settings or lengthy configuration process. This is due to the Adder Port Direct communication system that allows them to locate each other and share information.

The method of linking AdderView CATx units is the same regardless of the cascade level, or number of devices attached. Put simply:

•A single cascade link is made by connecting a computer

connections socket of one unit to a CATx user portS socket of the unit below it.

Such a single link would allow just one user from the higher AdderView CATx unit to access any of the computer systems attached to the lower one. However, a single link can cause a bottleneck for multi-user systems so you are strongly recommended to use a minimum of two or three links. Ideally quad links should be used wherever possible as these allow four users to simultaneously access computer systems situated anywhere within the cascade tree.

When cascade links are made between units, each AdderView CATx will automatically recognise the links and treat them accordingly. The connections within dual, triple or quad cascade links will then be allocated to users according to their general availability in that group, not as specific individual lines. The diagram here summarises the groups into which the ports are arranged ð

When connecting links, ensure that you use the lowest numbered ports in each group. For example, to create a triple cascade link in group A, use ports 1, 2 and 3; for a double cascade link in group B, use ports 5 and 6, etc. Unused ports in a group can be utilised to connect directly to normal computers. The Adder Port Direct system will automatically distinguish between the different types of connections.

The central purpose of the link group system is that each user can use a unique address to locate a particular computer. However, as with the Internet, the route to get there could be slightly different each time. This avoids any route blocking that could easily be caused by other users occupying any specific link lines.

Note: Single, dual, triple and quad link groups may be mixed on one unit providing the differing link groups lie within the appropriate group boundaries shown opposite - see Tips for successful cascading for more details.

Port groups for cascade links

(sixteen port models use groups A to D only)

		GROUP F				GROUP D				GROUP B
COM2 / MODEM	COMPUTER CONNECTIONS				COMPUTER CONNECTIONS				8	COMPUTER CONNECTIONS		5
	24	23	22	21	16	15	14	13	8	7	6	5

KM	20	19	18	17	12	11	10	9	4	3	2	1
		GROUP E				GROUP C				GROUP A

Adder Technology X200A/R, X200AS/R, X100R, RS232, X100A/R, CATX-PS2A How cascade connections operate

How cascade connections operate

See also