The following sections list the features of the 7318 hardware and software, illustrate some possible network configurations, and outline the functions of the front and rear panels.
The 7318 is a multiprotocol communications server providing serial and parallel connectivity to Ethernet networks. Highlights of the P10 and S20 models include:
The 7318 attaches to a network or host system, using a 10BaseT port or an AUI Ethernet port. The 10BaseT connections include both a hub port and a host system port. The hub port permits you to use twisted-pair cable to directly attach the 7318 to a host, bypassing the need for a separate hub.
The front panel of the 7318 provides 16 easily accessible serial ports. All 16 ports can operate simultaneously at data rates up to 115.2 Kbps. The serial ports support EIA 232, RS-423, and EIA 422 devices. RS-423 and EIA 422 devices allow greater cabling distances (up to 2300 ft at 9600 baud). The 7318 is also EIA 422 interoperable with restrictions. Refer to "Wiring and Interconnection".
The 7318 provides two parallel ports for network printing. These ports use standard DB-25 connectors, making it possible to attach most industry-standard printers to your network.
The following figures depict five different configurations, each illustrating some aspect of 7318 connectivity. The 7318s may be either Model P10s or Model S20s.
The Single 7318 figure depicts a direct-connect 7318. In this case, the RJ-45 Ethernet cable would attach to the T-X port on the back of the 7318 and to the 10BaseT Ethernet port on the host. This is the simplest configuration and does not require an Ethernet transceiver or an Ethernet hub. However, no other devices can share the Ethernet in this configuration.
The Daisy-Chained 7318s figure depicts a direct-connect stack of 7318s daisy-chained to each other using the I and O ports. In this case, the RJ-45 Ethernet cable would attach to the T-X port on the back of the first (top) 7318 and to the 10BaseT Ethernet port on the host. This configuration is like the configuration shown in the Single 7318 figure, except that up to 64 asynchronous ports can be attached on a single Ethernet connection. Each 7318 still maintains its own Ethernet address and acts independently. No other device types can share the Ethernet in this configuration.
The 7318s with 10BaseT Hub figure depicts a single 7318 and four daisy-chained 7318s connected to a 10BaseT hub. In this case, the RJ-45 Ethernet cable attaches to the T port on the back of the single 7318 and on the first (top) daisy-chained 7318. Using a 10BaseT hub allows the full flexibility of Ethernet 10BaseT wiring.
Note: The four daisy-chained units are addressed and act as if they are four separately connected units.
The Daisy-Chained 7318s Connected to Ethernet figure depicts four daisy-chained 7318s connected to an Ethernet network. In this case, the cable connects to the AUI port or the T port on the back of the 7318. Only one transceiver is necessary when 7318s are daisy-chained. With 10Base2 or 10Base5 Ethernet, longer distances can be used. Again, this arrangement allows for full flexibility in network layout and implementation.
The Network Resource for Sharing Parallel and Serial Devices figure depicts a 10Base2 or 10Base5 network with several systems and devices attached to the Ethernet. The devices attached to the 7318 are resources available to the network and are configured and used by the various network hosts.
The protocol software package running on the 7318 enables users to connect terminals, printers, and modems to an AIX host. The software features are as follows:
With the P10 package, all 16 terminals and the parallel printers appear to be attached directly to an AIX host (or hosts). The P10 package requires minimal setup and configuration and requires fewer CPU resources than the standard TCP/IP protocols running on the host.
Refer to "7318 Feature Codes and Part Number Information" for feature codes and order numbers of 7318 accessories.
The 7318 must be attached to your network in one of three ways:
For AIX Version 3.2 systems, you must install AIX Version 3.2.5. The optionally installable component of AIX, bosnet, must be installed, in addition to the licensed program.
Note: If Netware V3.11x will be concurrently operating on a system with the Async Terminal Server-Accelerator/6000 licensed programming product, it is strongly recommended that the most current PTF for Netware V3.11 be installed. If this is not done, client users may likely experience a degradation in network performance.
For AIX Version 4.1 systems, you must install AIX Version 4.1.4 and the devices.7318.p10 package. (No separate licensed program is required.)
For AIX Version 4.2 systems, you must install AIX Version 4.2 (or later) and the ipx.rte 4.2.0.0 package.
The front panel of the 7318 contains four indicator lights to show the status of the 7318 and 16 serial ports for interfacing with serial devices. The Front Panel figure illustrates the layout of the front panel.
The front panel components and their functions are:
| Serial ports | Connect EIA 232, EIA 422, or RS-423 serial devices to the 7318. These 16 RS-423 serial ports are numbered from left to right, 0 to 15, and are described more fully in "Connector Pinouts". |
| Status lights | Show the status of the 7318. From left to right, the lights correspond to Power, Ready, AUI or Daisy Chain in Use (A), and 10BaseT in Use (T).
Refer to "Powering Up the 7318" for additional information about the four status lights. |
The back panel contains the AC socket, fan, parallel ports, Ethernet AUI port, daisy-chain port, and 10BaseT ports. The Back Panel figure illustrates the layout of the back panel.
The back panel components and their functions are:
| Universal AC Socket (IEC-320) | Provides the connection point for the power cord supplied with the 7318. |
| Fan | Provides ventilation to the internal components of the 7318. When installing your 7318, do not block the fan or the front vents. |
| Parallel ports | Connect parallel printers. These two industry-standard parallel ports, P1 and P2, are compatible with those on a PC. For pinout information, refer to "Connector Pinouts". |
| Daisy-chain ports | Connect one 7318 to another. These two ports, I and O, allow connection of up to four 7318s, using a single Ethernet transceiver or 10BaseT connection. |
| Ethernet number | Specifies the 7318's Ethernet hardware address. This address applies to all of the Ethernet ports. Administrators should make a note of this address because they will need to refer to it during the installation process. |
| Ethernet AUI port | Connects to an Ethernet transceiver. Use this port and/or one of the 10BaseT ports to connect the 7318 to a network. For pinout information, refer to "Connector Pinouts". |
| 10BaseT ports | Specify two 10BaseT RJ-45 ports. Both ports (labeled T-X and T) connect to the same interface, but the wiring for each port is different. The T-X port is wired as a hub connection, allowing for direct connection to a host. The T port is wired as a client connection. Use either of these ports or the AUI port to connect the 7318 to a network. For pinout information, refer to "Connector Pinouts". |
| Daisy-chain diagram | Illustrates the correct configuration for daisy-chaining four 7318s to a host system. |
| Serial number | Specifies the 7318's serial number. |
There is a product summary label affixed to the base panel on the bottom of the 7318. The Product Summary Label figure illustrates the information contained in the product summary.
Additional details on the connector and cable pinouts can be found in "Connector Pinouts".
