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WorldDesk
Commuter
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Overview
WorldDesk Commuter is Cubix’s communication-server solution for small offices, branch locations, and corporate headquarters.
Functioning as a standalone remote-node server for network dial-in and dial-out access, the WorldDesk Commuter comes equipped with up to twelve serial connections to external modems or internal modem PC Cards. (The six-port version is expandable to twelve ports.)
WorldDesk Commuter’s built-in Ethernet 10BASE-T interface makes it easy for remote clients running DOS, Windows 3.x, Windows for Workgroups, or Windows 95 to access LANs such as Novell NetWare 3.x or 4.x and Microsoft Window’s networking software. Additionally, local clients can dial out via shared modems to access information services such bulletin boards and the Internet. See Figure 1 - 1.
WorldDesk Commuter comes packaged with WorldDesk Manager, a graphical management software enabling you to configure Commuters, domains, and ports for network security and monitoring. Also included is WorldDesk client software with an unlimited user license. All software components include comprehensive on-line help screens. For information on how to install and use WorldDesk software, refer to the Cubix documents listed in the Associated Documents section.
Figure 1-1, Sample Dial-in and Dial-out Access
Associated Documentation
| Number | Document Title |
| DOC0814 | WorldDesk Quick Start Guide for DOS Clients |
| DOC0815 | WorldDesk Quick Start Guide for Windows 3.x Clients |
| DOC0816 | WorldDesk Quick Start Guide for WorldDesk Commuter Servers |
| DOC0817 | WorldDesk System Administrator’s Guide |
| DOC0820 | WorldDesk Quick Start Guide for WorldDesk Manager |
| DOC0821 | WorldDesk Quick Start Guide for Windows 95 Clients |
Front Panel View
Used to aid in system monitoring, front panel LEDs determine WorldDesk Commuter activity and operating status. See Figure 1 - 2 for LED locations. Table 1 -1 defines the purpose of each LED.
Activity LEDS
On the front panel of each WorldDesk Commuter activity LEDs for ports 0 through 11 are labeled "Transmit," "Receive," and "Data Carrier."
Operation LEDS
In addition, three LEDs are grouped to the right of the port activity LEDs. These LEDs are "Power," "Ready," and "LAN Attached" and indicate status for WorldDesk Commuter as a unit rather than individual ports.
Frame Type Indicator
During initial boot up, WorldDesk Commuter automatically detects the frame type in use on the network. Once detected, the frame type is locked in as default and displayed via one of the first four front panel LEDs (see Figure 1 - 2). Each time WorldDesk Commuter is booted, the frame type displays via these LEDS. The LED/Frame Type association is shown below:
| If this LED lights | The Frame Type is. . . |
| 0 | Ethernet 802.2 |
| 1 | Ethernet SNAP |
| 2 | Ethernet 802.3 |
| 3 | Ethernet II |
The frame type may be changed at any time via WorldDesk Manager’s "Server/Configuration" menu options. Refer to the WorldDesk System Administrator’s Guide for information on how to use WorldDesk Manager software.
Figure 1-2, Front Panel View
Table 1 - 1, Front Panel LEDs
| LED | Definition |
| Transmit | A green LED indicates the corresponding port is sending data. |
| Receive | A green LED indicates the corresponding port is receiving data. |
| Carrier | A green LED indicates an active modem connection on the corresponding port. |
| Power | A green LED indicates power is applied to WorldDesk Commuter. |
| Ready | A green LED flashes at one second intervals during WorldDesk Commuter operation. If no LED activity occurs when Power LED is lit, refer to Troubleshooting. |
| LAN Attached | A steady green LED indicates the 10BASE-T network link is good. |
| Note: If after power on, a LED does not light when appropriate, refer to Chapter 4, Troubleshooting (in this manual) or the WorldDesk System Administrator’s Guide for corrective action. If the problem persists, contact Cubix for technical support. | |
Rear Panel View
Figure 1 - 3 illustrates the external modem version of WorldDesk Commuter. Rear panel components include the AC power cord connector, power supply fan, Ethernet LAN interface, and serial (COM) port connections 0-5. Internal PC Card modem connections are shown in Figure 1 - 4.
Port Locations and Numbering
When viewing serial or PC Card modem connections at the rear of WorldDesk Commuter, note that the top module is "first" and the bottom module is "second." Port numbering for the serial module begins with the top module where Port 0 is the left-most port and Port 5 the right-most port. If a second module is installed, it is always the bottom module and numbered 6 through 11 with the left-most port being Port 6.
When viewing the PC Card modem module note that there are two PC Card modems per panel cutout. For the first PC Card modem module, PC Card modem connectors are numbered 0 through 5. Connectors 0 and 1 are located at the left panel cutout, 2 and 3 at the center cutout, and 4 and 5 at the right cutout. If a second PC Card module is installed, numbering begins with 6 and 7 for the left cutout and ends with 10 and 11 for the right cutout.
Figure 1-3, Rear Panel Components and Serial Port Module
Figure 1-4, Rear Panel Components and PC Card Modem Module
Package Contents
Standard Contents
If RETMA Mounting Kit Was Ordered:
WorldDesk Commuter with PC Card Modems
Figure 1-5, PC Card Modem Cable
If Six-port Line Busy Module Was Ordered:
Cables are shown in "Connecting the Six-port Line Busy Module," Chapter 3.
Customer Supplied Cables
In addition to the standard package contents, the following cables are required for WorldDesk Commuter installation. All cables may be ordered from Cubix Corporation by contacting our sales department.
Serial Cables
If installing WorldDesk Commuter with serial ports, supply one serial cable for each serial port to be connected to an external modem. In most cases, this cable will be a female DB-9 to male DB-25 unless the external modem’s RS-232 serial connection requires a different type of connector. The female DB-9 connector connects to WorldDesk Commuter. See Table 1 - 2 for cable pin-outs.
Ethernet LAN Cable
Supply one standard 10BASE-T twisted-pair cable for each WorldDesk Commuter.
Line Busy and Telco Cables
One "line busy" and one "telco" cable is required for each line busy module ordered. Both cables are standard RJ-11-to-RJ-11.
This document, and all Web contents, Copyright © 1997 by Cubix Corp., Carson City, NV, USA.
