Black Box 5000 manual Bench Configuration and Testing, Overview

Multiserver 5000

7. Bench Configuration and Testing

7.1 Overview

This chapter discusses setting up your Multiserver network before it is installed in remote locations. Configuring and testing your network in one location before its final installation will alleviate many problems that would result from not having a Network Manager at each of your remote sites.

The term “Bench Configuration” means setting up your Multiserver network in one location (a bench in a lab, for instance), then configuring and testing the components to make sure they are operating as they should.

If you are able to complete the configuration process at your local site, the only responsibilities for the technician at the remote site will be attaching cables and plugging in the Multiserver.

KEY TO EXAMPLES AND ILLUSTRATIONS:

This chapter has a number of illustrations of the Multiserver’s back-panel and cables that attach to it. Figure 7-1shows how the RJ-style and DB25 connectors are illustrated throughout this chapter.

In each illustration the local node is named “Local.” Each remote node is named “Remote.” (Exception: Figure 7-2 has three remote nodes named “Remote_1,” “Remote_2,” and “Remote_3.”)

Important

You should configure a node number and ID for each of your Multiservers and substitute those names in the directions as appropriate.

For most illustrations, the local and remote nodes are shown connected back-to-back using crossover cable (EZ423). This is only to show that the Multiservers are able to communicate with each other via an interconnect link.

You should set up your hardware to match your actual installation as closely as possible. Start by setting up your Multiserver-to-Multiserver links (interconnect links). Section 7.2, Using CSU/DSUs with the Interconnect Link, should cover most Multiserver applications. Links are explained fully in Chapter 8.0, Link Configuration. For each subsequent part of your bench configuration, your interconnect link will already be up and running.

Use this chapter as an outline. During each step of the Bench Configuration, refer to other relevant chapters and sections of this manual to fully configure your network.

					E
RJ-style connectors					D
					C
					B
1	2	3	4	5	6
					A

DB25 connectors

Figure 7-1. Representations of cable connectors.

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