Using CPECFG to Configure Modem and DCE Devices

CPECFG is a NetWare Loadable Module^TM (NLM^TM ) file that can be used to configure modems and data circuit-terminating equipment (DCE), such as DSU/CSUs, DTR-controlled dialers, and V.25bis dialers. You can perform the configuration from anywhere on the network by using RCONSOLE, XCONSOLE, or ACONSOLE in conjunction with CPECFG.

CPECFG communicates with modems and DCE devices through the existing serial port on the server or standalone router. It is a terminal emulator that uses the COM1 port. You use a standard modem cable to connect from the COM1 port to your modem or DSU/CSU. For more information about cable connections, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

You can use CPECFG to perform the following tasks:

• Configure the COM port to match the characteristics of the modem or DCE device you want to program.
• Communicate directly with the modem or DCE device.
• Send a configuration file to your modem or DCE device. You can create a text file with the commands and have CPECFG send the file to your modem or DCE device.

How to Use CPECFG to Configure Modems and DCE Devices

If you are configuring DTR-controlled dialing for a modem or DSU, the following requirements exist:

• The modem or DSU should hold the configuration for the automatic dialing of stored numbers in nonvolatile memory. With an asynchronous terminal in asynchronous mode, you can program the configuration for the modem offline using the front panel keypad, if available, or CPECFG.
• The modem or DSU should dial the stored number when the DTR off-to-on transition occurs, connect to the remote modem, and switch to synchronous mode. The modem or DSU should terminate the connection if DTR is turned off by the router.
• Both modems or DSUs should be programmed to establish the connection at the user-defined rate rather than at the asynchronous speed used to program the modem.
• The answering modem or DSU should be programmed to answer the call only if DTR is on. Even if the modem is turned on, the modem should ignore the call even if the router has not turned on DTR. The answering modem should not be enabled for DTR dialing; it should be programmed for Dialing Mode = None.
• After the modems or DSUs are programmed, both modems should be disabled from recognizing synchronous data as modem control commands. Do this by forcing the modem into dumb mode.

For more information, refer to the manufacturer's instructions. For a modem programming example, refer to Using Modem Description Files in the NetWare Link/PPP documentation.

To use CPECFG to configure a modem or DCE device, complete the following steps from the remote workstation or directly from the server or router console.

WARNING:  If an incorrect interrupt value has been set for AIOCOMX, it can cause unpredictable and sometimes serious results. CPECFG uses only COM1, which generally uses interrupt 4. CPECFG automatically loads AIOCOMX. If you are prompted for an interrupt value by AIOCOMX, the prompt indicates that the correct interrupt is currently being used by another device. Halt the loading of AIOCOMX by pressing Esc . Then determine which device is using the interrupt and disable it.

1. Load CPECFG and perform one of the following configuration actions from the CPECFG menu:

   To configure the COM port, do the following:

   • Select Configure Async Port .
   • Set the appropriate configuration for the device, as shown in the following table.
   • To save the settings, press Esc and save your changes when prompted.

   Parameter	Range	Default
   Baud Rate	300, 1,200, 2,400, 4,800, 9,600, 19,200	Maximum supported by UART, as discovered by AIOCOMX. (AIOCOMX is automatically loaded when CPECFG loads.)
   Word Length (bits)	5, 6, 7, 8	8
   Parity	Even, Mark, None, Odd, Space	None
   Stop Bits	1, 1.5, 2	1
   Flow	Hardware, X-On/X-Off, Both, None	X-On/X-Off
   VT100* Emulation	Off, On	On

   To communicate with the modem or DCE device directly, do the following:

   • Select CPE Communications Screen .

     In this mode, CPECFG is acting as an asynchronous terminal. You can configure and monitor your modem or DCE device remotely through this connection, and enter any commands that you can use from the local modem or DCE device console. For example, you can enter the command that will set your V.25bis dialer to V.25bis dialing mode. For the appropriate commands for your modem or DCE device, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

   • Press Shift+F10 to exit the CPE Communications screen and return to the CPECFG menu.

   To upload a configuration file to the device, do the following:

   • Create a file using a text editor, then type in the commands you want to send to CPE.
   • From the CPECFG main menu, select Upload Command File .
   • Enter the path and name of the text file you created.
   • After you review the results of the command file sent back from CPE, press Enter to return to the main menu.

2. Press Esc to exit CPECFG.