Introduction
168
IPLink Software Configuration Guide
15 • Serial port configuration
Introduction
This chapter provides an overview of the serial port and describes the tasks involved in its configuration
through the IPLink software, it includes the following sections:
•
Serial port configuration task list
•
Configuration tasks
•
Examples
The IPLink 2835 and 2821 Series support V.35 and X.21 serial interfaces. In this chapter, both products will
be collectively referred to as IPLink devices. The V.35 standard is recommended for speeds up to 48 kbps,
although in practice it is used successfully at 4 Mbps. The X.21 standard is recommended for data interfaces
transmitting at rates up to 2 Mbps and is used primarily in Europe and Japan.
The synchronous serial interface supports full-duplex operation and allows interconnection to various serial
network interface cards or equipment. Refer to the getting started guide included with your IPLink software
for specific information regarding the connector pinout and the selection of cables to connect with third-party
equipment.
The IPLink device supports the Frame Relay protocol on the synchronous serial interface. Frame Relay is an
example of a packet-switched technology. Packet-switched networks enable end stations to dynamically share
the network medium and the available bandwidth. Variable-length packets are used for more efficient and flex-
ible transfers. These packets are then switched between the various network segments until the destination is
reached. Statistical multiplexing techniques control network access in a packet-switched network. The advan-
tage of this technique is that it provides more flexibility and more efficient use of bandwidth.
Serial port configuration task list
Perform the tasks in the following sections to configure a synchronous serial interface:
•
Disabling an interface (see
page 169
)
•
Enabling an interface (see
page 169
)
•
Configuring the serial encapsulation type (see
page 170
)
•
Configuring the active clock edge (see
page 171
)
•
Entering Frame Relay mode (see
page 173
)
•
Configuring the LMI type (see
page 173
)
•
Configuring the keep-alive interval (see
page 174
)
•
Enabling fragmentation (see
page 174
)
•
Entering Frame Relay PVC configuration mode (see
page 176
)
•
Configuring the PVC encapsulation type (see
page 177
)
•
Binding the Frame Relay PVC to IP interface (see
page 177
)
•
Disabling a Frame Relay PVC (see
page 179
)
•
Displaying Frame Relay information (see
page 181
)