TD000200-0MB
4
2 History
2/1/2005 Initial Release
7/1/2006 Expanded LED and Proxy functionality
3 Introduction
The AI-SRVR employs a CPU (running the Linux operating system) to perform as an
ARCNET Server to an Ethernet Client. There are several models which offer different
transceiver options. The AI-SRVR-1/CXB accommodates coaxial cabling at a data rate
of 2.5 Mbps. The AI-SRVR-1/TB5 has an RJ-45 port for dipulse signals at a rate of 2.5
Mbps. Two other models are designed for EIA-485 signaling — the AI-SRVR-1/485D
accepts DC-coupled signals at all of the common data rates while the AI-SRVR-1/485X
passes AC-coupled signals at three popular data rates.
On the ARCNET side, the unit operates transparently. No changes or protocol overhead
are needed. The unit will appear as just another node within an ARCNET network.
The Ethernet port accepts 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX signals, continuously monitors
connectivity and supports TCP/IP and UDP protocols. This port supports the PAUSE
function for full-duplex operation and the backpressure scheme for half-duplex data. It
auto-negotiates the port parameters of data rate, duplex mode and flow control.
With the help of incoming packet buffering, multiple Ethernet users can send messages
to any ARCNET node. Complete ARCNET frames are encapsulated.
When communicating from ARCNET to Ethernet, frames are sorted by Source ID and
buffered in 255 FIFO mailboxes. Mailbox “0” is used for broadcast messages. Ethernet
users can receive packets from specific nodes or poll mailbox buffers of specific nodes.
An included function called AI-PROXY allows one ARCNET node to communicate via
an Ethernet backbone link (either wired or wireless) to another ARCNET node in a
completely different LAN. This arrangement requires
two
units — one in each LAN.
Each unit acts as a
local proxy
for the represented node situated in the remote LAN.
When using the AI-SRVR function, the unit can be set to accept
only
messages addressed
to it or
all
messages from
any
ARCNET node, regardless of the intended destination.
Configuration can be accomplished in two ways — through an EIA-232 console port
(COM1) connected to a Windows
®
-based terminal emulation application such as
HyperTerminal
®
— or through a Telnet session where simple password protection is
provided. A second serial port (COM2) is for factory service only.
The unit is powered from a wide-range, low-voltage AC or DC source — and redundant
power connections are present for backup considerations. It comes with all that is
needed for either DIN-rail or panel mounting. The switch front panel features a general
status LED and there are LEDs for link status, activity, and data rate of each port.
