Black Box SW927C Using the Modular Smart Switch, Port Indicators 1 to, Buffer Status Indicators

MODULAR SMART SWITCH

5.7 Using the Modular Smart Switch

Printer and Plotter Sharing Applications

The Modular Smart Switch is now ready for use as a printer sharer for the printer attached to port 1. Data sent in from any computer will automatically be sent to this port.

Users can print simultaneously, and the Modular Smart Switch will buffer the information until it can be sent to the default printer/plotter. All data from one source is treated as a single printable file until there has been a break in the transmission for more than the timeout period (see Section 4.1).

If two or more printers/plotters are connected to the Modular Smart Switch, you will need the software (see Chapter 6) or software commands (see Chapter 9) to select between them. Other options and facilities are also detailed in these two sections.

General Datacomm Applications

Once you are communicating correctly with the Modular Smart Switch, you can select between ports by sending ASCII command strings. In addition to the data destination, these ASCII command strings can be used to select the timeout period, “broadcast” data to several ports, and make/break permanent (no timeout) connections. The serial ports on the Modular Smart Switch are bidirectional. Refer to Chapter 7 for details on how to use the command strings and the connection options available.

5.8 Port Indicators (1 to 12)

The port indicators can be off, on, or flashing.

•Off—When a port indicator is off, nothing is being transferred into or out of that port and no data is available.

•On—The port indicator is on when data is available. If data has been sent in on a port, the activity light will remain on until the port has timed out (after no data has been sent for the timeout period).

•Flashing—While data is being transferred either into or out of the Modular Smart Switch, the activity indicator will flash.

MODULAR SMART SWITCH

5.9 Buffer Status Indicators

The buffer status indicators show the state of the internal buffer memory in the form of a bar graph:

•1⁄4 Indicator—Buffer is over 1/4 full

•1⁄2 Indicator—Buffer is over 1/2 full

•3⁄4 Indicator—Buffer is over 3/4 full

•F (full) Indicator—Buffer is completely full

If the buffer often fills to the 3⁄4 level, consider purchasing additional memory for increased performance.

NOTE

The Modular Smart Switch will always operate correctly even if the buffer becomes full. If you have any problems when the buffer memory is full, check the handshaking settings on your equipment and your cabling.

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