Pre-Installation Considerations

This section lists information you should review before you begin the installation of your EXNET® multi-node system.

In addition to the hardware required to set up a single-node system, the following hardware is required to set up a CSP system:

• Receives packets from the ring addressed to the node and transfers timeslots to the local bus

For a CSP with Host Control messaging, you must supply a 10/100Base-T Ethernet cable interconnecting each node with the host or hosts.

The EXNET® ring is Duplex Zipcord fiber optic cable with the following specifications:

The EXNET® ring cable is available in the following lengths, as measured from tip to tip:

For cabling guidelines and sample EXNET® network configurations, refer to Establishing Communication Links below.

Important! Follow these guidelines closely when handling the ring fiber optic cable:

The fiber optic cable and connectors are fragile, therefore, handle them with care to prevent damage

• Carefully secure the fiber optic cable where it cannot be jostled or stepped on. Loosely bundle it or secure it to the rack by using a tie wrap or a similar mechanism.

• When inserting the cable into the EXNET-ONE card ports, make sure that the connector remains stable. Applying pressure to the cable can disrupt the positioning of the connector affecting the connection.

Important! Follow these guidelines when handling the fiber optic cable’s ferrules:

• To avoid transmission problems, make sure that the ferrule remains free of foreign particles. Place the black dust caps on the ends of the cable whenever it is not attached to the EXNET-ONE card and insert the large black plastic plug in the card’s I/O ports. (Ferrule)

Before beginning CSP system configuration, you should clearly map your configuration and record important information about each node. This information assists you in the initialization and configuration process. Complete the Node Information Form below.

• Physical Node ID (found in decimal form on the label on the back of the chassis)

• Logical Span IDs (the range of Logical Span IDs that you assign to the node)

Excel's open architecture, proprietary, 1.3 Gbps fiber optic network using a packet-based protocol.

The protocol used in most local area PC networks. Typically, most Ethernet networks support data transmission speeds up to 10 Mbps, but 100 Mbps is also possible.

PCM. Common technique of encoding analog voice into a digital bit stream where samples are taken 8000 times per second.

See Pulse Code Modulation.

A computer, attached to the Excel platform through an RS-232 or Ethernet link, from which you run the telecommunications application that controls the Excel platform.

Remote Access Dial-In User Service

Internet Protocol. Part of the TCP/IP family of protocols used to route messages and tracks the addresses of nodes.

The Matrix Controller Series 3 card is based on Motorola’s 750 PowerPC processor (68750). It is often referred to as the Matrix Controller.

Range of channels provided by T1 or E1 transmission service. A physical span is a group of channels taking up a single physical wire. A logical span is a group of channels taking up less than a single logical wire, or carried over more than one physical wire.