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Compaq Integrated Remote Console User Guide
Writer: Caroline Juszczak Project: Compaq Integrated Remote Console User Guide Comments: 281862-002
File Name: G-CH06.DOC Last Saved On: 11/20/98 4:17 PM
COMPAQ CONFIDENTIAL - NEED TO KNOW REQUIRED
Internal ISA Plug-n-Play Modems
Internal ISA Plug-n-Play modems, designed for the PC consumer industry, are
designed to be easy to install and configure. Such modems rely on the operating
system for resource configuration, eliminating the need for the user to set pre-
determined jumpers. The modem’s COM port and interrupt settings are
automatically configured by the operating system and can be adjusted at run-
time to resolve resource conflicts when new hardware is installed. Although
these modems greatly simplify the hardware configuration process, they require
the operating system for proper operation.
IRC must be able to access the communications device, regardless of the state
or health of the server operating system. If the managed server is unable to load
the operating system, IRC is unable to access the communications device. In
addition, the operating system may readjust the modem resources at run-time.
For IRC to function correctly the modem configuration must be fixed and it
must be available regardless of the state of the managed server.
Fortunately, however, most ISA internal Plug-n-Play modems contain jumpers
that allow the modem to be configured in “legacy” mode. These jumpers ensure
that the modem can be used whether or not the operating system loads. For
proper operating with Integrated Remote Console, internal plug-n-play modems
must be jumpered for “legacy” mode, with the resources manually configured
using methods described in Chapter 2.
“Windows” Modems
Since these modems require the operating system and a proprietary driver to
function correctly, they cannot be used with IRC. “Windows” modems, offered
by some modem manufacturers, attempt to reduce the hardware complexity and
cost of internal modems by replacing the industry standard controller interface
with a proprietary one. Functions that would normally be performed on the
modem in hardware are shifted to the main CPU. These modems require a
specific driver and considerable CPU resources to function correctly. These
modems are usually a poor choice in a server environment.
“Windows” modems were not designed to be accessible from anywhere except
through the operating system. As mentioned above, IRC must be able to access
the communications device regardless of the state or health of the server
operating system.
