Table of Contents

Introduction

FastPadmp
FastPadmp12
FastPadmpr
FastPadmp6

Description of the Files

Generation of Default Configuration
Starting of Default Configuration
Generation of Fixed Operational Configuration
Starting of Configuration present in EEPROM

Configuration Operations

Network Management System (i.e. APS)
OPALE, a Management Tool
The Configuration Management Function

Structure of Configuration File

Basic Principles

Introduction

The FastPad is a multiprotocol data-switching terminal concentrator. It can be used in a multiservice data-switching network. It belongs to the FastPad equipment range. It can connect from 6 up to 36 lines depending on the hardware configuration.

FastPadmp

The FastPad consists of a single module; 6 or 12 lines can be connected. There are two versions available: a stand-alone version and a rack version which can be inserted in a VLSI 19" frame.

FastPadmp12

The rack version contains 1, 2 or 3 modules, 6 (for only FastPadmp6) to 12 lines each; 6 up to 36 lines can be connected.

FastPadmpr

This rack version can contain 2 or 3 modules and has a backup facility. It connects 12 lines (2 modules) or 24 lines (3 modules).

In the backup mode, one of the modules of a unit can be backed up (in case of a failure) by another module of the unit. The responsibility of the backup module is taken over from the backed up module.

Caution Before starting the configuration of the FastPad, be sure to read the information about backup, as described in the FastPAD Installation Guide.

FastPadmp6

The FastPadmp6 is the smallest of the multiprotocol products. It is a single-board device (one motherboard, no daughterboard), designed for use as an inexpensive concentrator at branch office banking sites. It is designed to be stand-alone but can be rack-mounted (up to six mp6) if required, and in that case, each mp6 works as a single node. It can connect up to six multi-protocol lines, each line can be configured independently with any protocol available among the standard software, and handles speeds up to T1.

The FastPadmp6 offers three low-speed data ports (V.24/V.28), two high-speed data ports (V.24/V.28 or V.11), and one multi-purpose, high-speed trunk port. No distinction has been made between the different hardware configurations. Differences that could exist between the Start Up, Configuration or Management operations are indicated in this manual.

Description of the Files

The software of the FastPad consists of:

• an operating system,

• an operational configuration file.

The operational configuration file contains all the special parameters to enable the user to adapt the program file to his particular situation.

There are three configuration files available:

• The default configuration file: is delivered with the program file and is resident in the FLASH PROM. It can not be modified by the user.

• The fixed operational configuration file: it is used when the FastPad is operational. This file is resident:

  • In EEPROM (compressed)

  • In RAM (not compressed)

• The removable configuration file (FastPad) used as a backup operational configuration file. It is resident in the START CARD.

Figure 1-1: Location of Program and Configuration Files

1. Writing of default parameters CONFIG RAM (decompression)

2. Archiving of CONFIG RAM parameters in EEPROM (compression)

3. Restoral of EEPROM parameters in CONFIG RAM (decompression)

4. Expansion of CONFIG RAM parameters in operational RAM (decompression)

5. Writing of EEPROM configuration in START CARD (copy)

6. Reading of START CARD configuration in EEPROM (copy)

7. Restoral of START CARD parameters in CONFIG RAM (decompression)

The configuration operation for the FastPad software consists in creating the fixed operational configuration file. Using commands (see Chapter 2, "Display of the Welcome Menu of the Configurator", the operator can obtain the following transfers:

Generation of Default Configuration

Generation of default configuration requires the updating of the following supports:

• Operational RAM

• CONFIG RAM

• EEPROM

Initialization consists in performing the following operations (automatically on start-up according to preceding diagram):

• Copy of default configuration present in Flash PROM into CONFIG RAM,

• expansion of parameters of classes 12, 24 and 30 of configuration present in CONFIG RAM and copy into operational RAM,

• compression of configuration present in CONFIG RAM and archiving it in EEPROM.

Starting of Default Configuration

This type of starting requires the generation of only the default configuration in operational RAM.

Initialization consists in performing the following operations:

• Copy of default configuration present in Flash PROM into operational RAM after expansion of parameters of classes 12, 24 and 30.

• Generation of configuration present in CONFIG RAM from configuration compressed in EEPROM.

When the configuration is inconsistent (content or structure), the system starts with the default configuration after three reset attempts.

Generation of Fixed Operational Configuration

The fixed operational configuration is created by the user by means of the commands of the configurator and an external tool.

It is archived in EEPROM and on the START CARD and is generated systematically in operational RAM when the equipment is turned on.

Starting of Configuration present in EEPROM

This type of starting requires the generation of the configurations present in CONFIG RAM and in operational RAM from the compressed configuration of the EEPROM.

This generation is carried out as follows:

• Decompression of configuration present in EEPROM and its copy into CONFIG RAM,

• Expansion of configuration present in CONFIG RAM and its copy into operational RAM.

Configuration Operations

There are three ways to make a configuration file.

Network Management System (i.e. APS)

This NMS has a configuration service. The configuration files are made and stored in the NMS and then downloaded to the FastPad. This service is described in the Reference Manual of the APS.

OPALE, a Management Tool

The OPALE software can be used on a personal computer under MS-DOS or windows. Among other things the following services can be executed:

• Display license information.

• Install or modify the configuration parameters,

• Create the configuration file,

• Save the Configuration file,

• Download a configuration file to the FastPad

• Upload a binary configuration file.

• Reset the device.

The remaining services offered by OPALE are described in the OPALE User's Manual.

The Configuration Management Function

Each FastPad contains (software) "Management Functions", one of them being the "Configuration Function". This function behaves as an internal subscriber and can be accessed locally or remotely from any asynchronous FastPad-port.

However the access to this internal subscriber is protected by a password and also by a CUG (Closed User Group), if need be.

Both can be modified by the network manager.

Structure of Configuration File

The configuration file of the FastPad consists of a hierarchical structure, allowing direct access to the parameters. There are three levels:

• Class

• Recurrence

• Parameter

Figure 1-2: Structure of a Configuration File

• A CLASS contains a group of recurrences which are used for a certain service.

  Example: Class 12 = parameters for connection profiles. See below: List of classes.

• A RECURRENCE contains a subgroup of parameters within a certain class.

  Example: Class 12, recurrence 1 contains the parameters for synchronous connection of line 1.

• A PARAMETER is the lowest configurable element level in a certain recurrence.

  Example: Class 12, recurrence 1, parameter (C12R1P1)1 determines the type of synchronous connection of line 1.

This tree structure provides direct access to each parameter.

The available classes are the following:

Each of these classes includes several recurrences, which in turn include a certain number of parameters. One or more values can be assigned to each parameter.

Posted: Thu Jan 25 13:55:58 PST 2001
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