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CubixConnect
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Overview
Contents of CubixConnect
CubixConnect is an integrated hardware and software system solution designed to provide remote access to Novell networks. Each installation of CubixConnect has unique configuration requirements. This guide provides an overview of the steps to be performed by the system installer. The system installer should have a working knowledge of NetWare installation, configuration, and administration techniques, as well as familiarity with asynchronous modem communications.
CubixConnect integrates Novell's Connect software into any one of the following Cubix hardware platforms:
. ERS II - The ERS II subsystem contains a sixteen slot ISA style backplane that can be divided into eight separate bus groups. By installing a single board computer in each group, the maximum density of eight complete PCs within a single ERS II is obtained.
. ERS/FT II - A fault tolerant version of the ERS II that supports both ISA and EISA backplane configurations.
. BOS - A desktop enclosure containing a six slot ISA style backplane that can be divided into five separate bus groups.
CubixConnect allows users to dial into and out of NetWare networks. All communications are managed by the CubixConnect Server, which is a Cubix PC running the NetWare operating system and the Connect NLM (NetWare Loadable Module). In the CubixConnect Server may reside optional intelligent multiport boards (the Cubix MP 2008 boards) which provide eight to thirty-two asynchronous ports for remote communications. Two dial in methodologies are supported: remote control and remote node.
Remote Control (NCS)
In remote control sessions, a user dials in from a remote PC or laptop to the CubixConnect Server, which uses NASI Connection Services (NCS) to allocate a host workstation to the remote user. The host workstation may be any PC on the network that has been configured with NASI support.
The remote user takes control of the host workstation, running applications on the host and accessing network resources as if the remote user were physically located at the host workstation. Video output displayed by the application is directed over the asynchronous link to the screen of the remote PC, and keyboard or mouse input is transferred from the remote PC to the host workstation. A remote control package, such as Stac Electronic's ReachOut, is used to perform the video and keyboard redirection. The remote PC runs the ReachOut Viewer, and the host PC runs the ReachOut NASI Host. Contact a Cubix sales representative for more information on ReachOut. A remote control session is illustrated in Figure 1-1.
The CubixConnect Server is an ideal platform for remote control configurations, since multiple PCs can reside in a single Cubix enclosure. One of the PCs can be configured as the CubixConnect Server, and the remaining PCs can serve as hosts for remote control sessions, thus providing a complete remote control solution in a single unit.
Remote Node (PPPRNS)
Remote node sessions do not require dedication of a workstation to host the remote application. In remote node communications, when a remote user dials in from a PC to the CubixConnect Server, the remote PC becomes a node on the network. Network packets are transferred across the asynchronous link just as they are passed across an ethernet or token ring link. Both IPX and IP packet support is provided. The applications run by the remote user are executed on the remote PC.
CubixConnect uses the industry standard Point-to-Point Protocol to communicate with remote nodes. Each remote node must be configured with PPP dialer support. The PPP dialer PPPRNS (Point-to-Point Protocol Remote Node Service) is provided with CubixConnect. Compatible third party PPP dialers are also supported. Remote node technology is illustrated in Figure 1-2.
CubixConnect consists of several components. This section describes each component and provides a road map through the start up procedure.
. Chassis - CubixConnect is installed in one of the subsystems listed in the previous section (ERS II, ERS/FT II, or BOS). Each subsystem is a chassis containing an EISA or ISA passive backplane divided into groups of slots. An integrated multiplexor allows one monitor, keyboard, mouse and floppy diskette drive to monitor and control the computer that may be installed in each group.
. CubixConnect Server - One group in the subsystem is configured as the CubixConnect Server. It contains the following hardware and software:
' BC Series Processor (single board computer)
' IDE Hard Disk Drive and NetWare Drivers - a description of the software installed on this disk drive is provided under Software.
' Network Interface Controller and NetWare Drivers
' Cubix MP 2008 Multiport Board(s) - (Optional) The Cubix MP 2008 is a stateoftheart combination of high speed controller and UARTs that provides fast and reliable serial communications for "port controlled" networks. Each board contains eight serial ports, each with the capability of running up to 115 kilobaud at full duplex. Multiple boards can be installed in the CubixConnect Server group to provide up to the maximum number of licensed NetWare Connect ports.
. Cubix Hosts - Additional groups in the CubixConnect subsystem may contain Cubix BC or QL Series computers, available in single processor per board or dual processor per board configurations. Cubix Hosts provide all of the functionality of a standard PC/AT, including RAM, VGA, serial ports, parallel port, keyboard, mouse, floppy and IDE hard drive support. These Cubix Hosts boot as ReachOut NASI Hosts for CubixConnect. When a remote user dials into CubixConnect with the ReachOut Viewer, CubixConnect gives the user control of one of the Cubix Hosts.
Cubix Hosts can be preconfigured with the following software and hardware:
' IDE Hard Disk Drive
' NIC and NetWare Drivers
' Microsoft DOS 6.x
' Stac Electronic's ReachOut Host Communications Software
. Software - The hard disk drive of the CubixConnect Server has been divided into two partitions: a DOS partition and a NetWare partition. The software installed on the DOS partition is listed below:
' Novell DOS
' NetWare Runtime diskette images
' NetWare Connect diskette images
' Cubix Installation program and utilities
The software installed on the NetWare partition is listed below:
' NIC Drivers & NetWare Shell files
' NetWare Runtime
' NetWare Connect
' AIOCUBIX.NLM
. Novell NetWare Connect 2 CD ROM - Contains NetWare Connect and all online documentation, including the NetWare Connect 2.0 Administration Guide required to setup Connect security
. Diskettes - The following diskettes are provided:
' NetWare SYSTEM_1 Diskette
' NetWare Connect License Diskette
. Manuals - The following manuals are provided with CubixConnect:
' Series II Subsystem Installation Guide or Branch Office System Hardware Installation Guide Documents the Subsystem hardware (ERS II, ERS/FT II, or BOS)
' BC Series Hardware Installation Guide Provides hardware and software information on BC Series processors
' BC Series Remote Control Host Installation Guide - If BC processors are installed as Cubix Hosts, this manual is included to provide configuration instructions
' QL Series Installation Guide - If QL processors are installed as Cubix Hosts, the QL manual will be included to provide hardware and software information on the QL processors
' NetWare Connect 2.0 Installation and Basic Configuration Guide Provides installation and configuration instructions for the Connect NLM and PPP remote Dialer
' NetWare Connect 2.0 User's Guide - Describes how to establish connections for remote control and remote node sessions
' Installing and Using NetWare and NetWare Connect 2.0 Online Documentation - Explains how to use the Novell online documentation services
' MP 2008 Hardware Installation Guide - If MP 2008 boards are installed in the CubixConnect Server, this manual provides hardware and software information on the MP 2008 board
. Optional Item - The following is available at additional cost:
' NetWare Connect Documentation Kit - Contains the full set of manuals for NetWare Runtime and Connect and a complete set of NetWare Runtime and Connect diskettes
If optional features are included in the system, additional manuals and software may accompany CubixConnect.
This document, and all Web contents, Copyright © 1997
by Cubix Corp., Carson City, NV, USA.
