Compaq 281862-002 manual Internal ISA Plug-n-Play Modems, Windows Modems

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Internal ISA Plug-n-Play Modems

Internal ISA Plug-n-Play modems, designed for the PC consumer industry, are designed to be easy to install and configure. Such modems rely on the operating system for resource configuration, eliminating the need for the user to set pre- determined jumpers. The modem’s COM port and interrupt settings are automatically configured by the operating system and can be adjusted at run- time to resolve resource conflicts when new hardware is installed. Although these modems greatly simplify the hardware configuration process, they require the operating system for proper operation.

IRC must be able to access the communications device, regardless of the state or health of the server operating system. If the managed server is unable to load the operating system, IRC is unable to access the communications device. In addition, the operating system may readjust the modem resources at run-time. For IRC to function correctly the modem configuration must be fixed and it must be available regardless of the state of the managed server.

Fortunately, however, most ISA internal Plug-n-Play modems contain jumpers that allow the modem to be configured in “legacy” mode. These jumpers ensure that the modem can be used whether or not the operating system loads. For proper operating with Integrated Remote Console, internal plug-n-play modems must be jumpered for “legacy” mode, with the resources manually configured using methods described in Chapter 2.

“Windows” Modems

Since these modems require the operating system and a proprietary driver to function correctly, they cannot be used with IRC. “Windows” modems, offered by some modem manufacturers, attempt to reduce the hardware complexity and cost of internal modems by replacing the industry standard controller interface with a proprietary one. Functions that would normally be performed on the modem in hardware are shifted to the main CPU. These modems require a specific driver and considerable CPU resources to function correctly. These modems are usually a poor choice in a server environment.

“Windows” modems were not designed to be accessible from anywhere except through the operating system. As mentioned above, IRC must be able to access the communications device regardless of the state or health of the server operating system.

Compaq Integrated Remote Console User Guide