NCS Dial-Out Connections

This section contains configuration tips for dial-out problems related toDial-out connections:NCS NASI^TM Connection Services (NCS) connections.

Configuration Tips

Use NIASCFG to configure NCS on the Novell Internet Access Server 4.1 server (parameter path: Select Configure NIAS > Remote Access > Configure Services > NCS). Use the following information to determine your use of the Modem-Independent Group option.

The NCS Configuration Options menu contains the Modem-Independent Group option. This option is used to configure a group of ports to be modem-independent so that modems from different vendors can be added to a single modem-independent group. The advantages are that third-party applications can use the dial-out modem pool more easily and that you can restrict dial-out numbers.

Unfortunately, improper use or misunderstanding of this option's limited capabilities can cause problems. If you do use this option, use the following guidelines:

• When configuring NCS, do not select ANY_PORT in the Modem-Independent field.

  The default value is None. Selecting ANY_PORT means that all the modems are limited to a small set of industry-standard AT commands. For a list of the commands, refer to Modem Commands in the Remote Access References documentation in the Connectivity Services section of the NetWare 5.1 online documentation.

• If you create and configure a port group name using the Configure Port Group option, and then select the name in the Modem-Independent Group field, modems will still be limited to a small set of industry-standard AT commands.

  Symptoms you might encounter when you configure and use a port group name in the Modem-Independent Group field are as follows:

  • Applications are unable to dial out.
  • Applications can communicate at only 300 bps.
  • Applications are unable to connect to an NCS port.
  • Applications are unable to identify the modem correctly.
  • Applications (such as pcANYWHERE*) might encounter a General Network Error.
  • Applications receive errors when initializing the modem.
  • Applications are unable to dial out using 7,E,1.