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Microcom Modem Cards

Microcom Modem Cards

This chapter describes the analog Microcom modem modules and cards used in the Cisco  AS5300 universal access servers. This chapter includes the following sections:

Microcom Card

You can install up to two Microcom cards (see Figure 4-1) in any two slots of the access server chassis. Each Microcom card includes two slots in which you can install any combination of 12-port modem modules, as described below.


Figure 4-1: Microcom Carrier Card


The modules connect through the Microcom card and the system backplane to a Quad or Octal T1/PRI or E1/PRI card installed in the access server chassis. Data is transmitted or received on T1 or E1 lines connected to the Quad or Octal T1/PRI or E1/PRI card and then routed to the modules installed in the Microcom card.

12-Port Microcom Modem Modules

The access server supports any combination of the following 12-port modules:

Note The 12-port modem modules can also be used in the Cisco AS5200 universal access server. The modular design of the Cisco  AS5300 universal access server allows you to use those cards you may have already purchased for use with the Cisco AS5200 universal access server.

The 12-port modem modules are not included unless specified in your order. You can order the modem modules separately.

You must install the 12-port modules in the Microcom carrier card. The 12-port modules cannot be used as standalone cards and they cannot be installed in MICA carrier cards.


Figure 4-2: V.34 12-Port Modem Module



Figure 4-3: 56K 12-Port Modem Module


Requirements for Using the 56K Modem Module

The 56K modem module uses Rockwell's K56flex technology. The modem can send data at up to 56  kbps and receive data at up to 33.6  kbps. However, the actual speed that you can achieve with the modem depends on the condition of your local telephone network.

Note Actual speeds vary depending on line conditions. Due to FCC limitations, speeds in the U.S. are less than 56 kbps.

The following requirements apply to using the 56K 12-port modem module:

Cisco IOS Software Requirements

The modem modules require Cisco IOS Release 11.2 (9)XA, 11.2 (10)P, or higher.

Installing Modem Modules

Caution If you skipped the chapter, "Safety Warnings, Recommendations, and Tools Required," (in the beginning of this guide), go back to that chapter and read it now. This chapter provides important safety information and a list of tools you need to successfully remove and install cards without damaging your access server.
Note To use the modems, you must first install the modem code file into the Cisco AS5300 system Flash memory.

To install the modem module, refer to Figure 4-5 and take these steps:

Step 1 Attach an ESD-preventive wrist strap.

Warning Do not work on the system or connect or disconnect cables during periods of lightning activity.
Caution The modem modules are not hot-swappable (that is, you cannot remove or install them when the power to the access server is ON). Be sure to turn OFF the power to the access server before installing or removing modem modules. Failure to do so can damage the access server.

Step 2 Power OFF the access server. If using a DC-powered unit, refer to Figure 4-4 and complete steps a to d.

Warning Before performing any of the following procedures, ensure that power is removed from the DC circuit. To ensure that all power is OFF, locate the circuit breaker on the panel board that services the DC circuit, switch the circuit breaker to the OFF position, and tape the switch handle of the circuit breaker in the OFF position.

Figure 4-4: DC Power Supply Connections


Step 3 Remove all interface cables from the back panel of the access server.

Step 4 Remove the blank cover or modem module installed in the carrier card.

Note If the carrier card is already installed in the access server, you can install modem modules in the card without removing the carrier card from the access server chassis.

Step 5 Remove the modem module from the ESD-preventive shipping material.

Step 6 Slide the modem module into the card slot until it is seated completely.

Step 7 Tighten the two captive screws on the modem module to secure it to the card.


Figure 4-5: 56K 12-Port Modem Module Installation


Step 8 Reconnect the AC power cord. Or, if using DC power, refer to Figure 4-6, and then complete steps a to d.

Warning The illustration shows the DC power supply terminal block. Wire the DC power supply using the appropriate wire terminations at the wiring end, as illustrated. The proper wiring sequence is ground to ground, positive to positive, and negative to negative. Note that the ground wire should always be connected first and disconnected last.

Figure 4-6: DC Power Supply Connections


Caution Do not overtorque the terminal block contact screws. The recommended torque is 8.2 ± 0.4 inch-lb.
Warning After wiring the DC power supply, remove the tape from the circuit breaker switch handle and reinstate power by moving the handle of the circuit breaker to the ON position.

Step 9 Power ON the access server.

The internal power supply fan should power on.

Step 10 Proceed to the following section, "Upgrading Modem Code."

Upgrading Modem Code

The 12-port modem module uses the following modem code images in a single-file format:

Modem code also resides on the access server: one version is bundled with Cisco IOS software, and another version can exist in system Flash memory. This modem code residing in the access server is a single file comprised of the modem firmware image combined with the DSP software image.

After power on, Cisco IOS software uses its bundled modem code file or the existing modem code file in system Flash memory to automatically update the DSP software and modem firmware on a specific modem.

When you install a new 12-port module, Cisco IOS software examines the following versions of modem code:

Then, Cisco IOS software ensures that the system uses matching DSP software and modem firmware---which may include overriding the current firmware on the modem. In some circumstances you may decide to manually update the modem code after the automatic download process completes.

Deciding on an Update Strategy

Because of the possibility of multiple versions of modem code and the way Cisco IOS software process these versions, Cisco suggests that you decide between the following two strategies:

To help with the decision, Figure 4-7 shows a hypothetical release process. We recommend that you use the modem code bundled with Cisco IOS software because it is the easier strategy and enables you to take advantage of new modem code whenever you upgrade your Cisco IOS software. You can also control the modem code by reverting to previous versions by using the copy command as discussed later.


Figure 4-7: Release Timeline for Cisco IOS Software and Modem Code


Modem Code Scenarios

Table 4-1 provides some typical scenarios that occur when you add or replace a 12-port module. Table 4-2 provides scenarios that occur when you upgrade Cisco IOS software or modem code.


Table 4-1: Modem Code Scenarios---Hardware Installation
Scenario Update Process

You replace an existing 56K 12-port module with a module that contains newer modem code.1

Option 1---Accept the version of modem code selected by Cisco  IOS software.

Option 2---Upgrade modem code to a different version.

Option 1---No action needed.

Option 2---Copy the desired version of the modem code file to system Flash memory, then copy that file to the integrated modems on the 12-port module. See "Using the Modem Code from an External File" later in this section for details.

You replace a V.34 12-port module with a 56K 12-port module.2

Option 1---Accept the version of modem code selected by Cisco  IOS software (this is the bundled version).

Option 2---Upgrade the modem code to a different version.

Option 1---No action needed.

Option 2---Copy the desired version of modem code file to system Flash memory, then copy that file to the integrated modems on the 12-port module. See "Using the Modem Code from an External File" later in this section for details.

1Because Cisco IOS software maps modem code (either the bundled Cisco  IOS version or a system Flash memory version) to a given slot/port and not the physical modem, Cisco  IOS software will automatically load the modem code mapped to the previous module. For more information, see the description of mapping in Table 4-4.
2Cisco  IOS software recognizes that the modem code (which is mapped to the previous module) is invalid, so it uses the bundled version.


Table 4-2: Modem Code Scenarios---Cisco IOS Software or Modem Code Upgrades
No. Scenario Update Process

1

You update Cisco IOS software, and you decide to use the version of modem code selected by Cisco  IOS software.

  • Update Cisco IOS software.

  • No further action needed---Cisco IOS software automatically downloads either its bundled version or a mapped version from system Flash memory.1

2

You update Cisco IOS software, and you decide not to use the modem code selected by Cisco IOS software.

  • Update Cisco IOS software.

  • Copy the desired version of modem code file to system Flash memory, then copy that file to the integrated modems on the 12-port module.

See "Using the Modem Code from an External File" later in this section for details.

3

The modems are running a version of modem code from system Flash memory that is different than the version bundled with Cisco  IOS software. You decide to revert to the bundled version.

  • Use the Cisco IOS command, copy ios-bundled modem.

See "Using the Modem Code Bundled with Cisco IOS Software" later in this section for details.

4

Cisco releases new modem code, which is a later version than the version currently running on the modems. You decide to use Cisco's newest modem code.2

  • Copy the desired version of modem code file to system Flash memory, then copy that file to the integrated modems on the 12-port module.

See "Using the Modem Code from an External File" later in this section for details.
1In part, Cisco IOS software bases this decision on the last copy command issued. For more details about mapping, see Table 4-4.
2Cisco ships new modem code on a disk packed with the 12-port module.

Figure 4-8 shows a location on the release timeline where updates might take place, and Table 4-3 explains the resulting versions of Cisco IOS software and modem code.


Figure 4-8: Release Timeline for Cisco IOS Software and Modem Code



Table 4-3: Resulting Versions of Cisco IOS Software and Modem Code
Update
Event Time 		Update Event Resulting Version of
Cisco  IOS Software
and Modem Code

1

You upgrade Cisco IOS software to Release B.

  • If there is no previous copy command (Cisco IOS software uses the bundled version).

  • If invalid mapping (Cisco IOS software uses the bundled version).

  • If last copy command was copy ios-bundled modem (Cisco IOS software uses the bundled version).

  • If last copy command was copy flash modem and Modem Code Version 1 was specified.

  • Cisco  IOS Release B
    Modem Code Version 2

  • Cisco  IOS Release B
    Modem Code Version 2

  • Cisco  IOS Release B
    Modem Code Version 2

  • Cisco  IOS Release B
    Modem Code Version 1

2

You upgrade Cisco IOS software to Release C. (Cisco IOS software uses mapping from last copy command at Time 1).1

Cisco  IOS Release C
Modem Code Version 1

You enter copy ios-bundled modem command.

Cisco  IOS Release C
Modem Code Version 3

3

New Modem Code Version 4 is released, you copy the file to system Flash memory, enter copy flash modem, and specify Modem Code Version 4.

Cisco  IOS Release C
Modem Code Version 4

4

You upgrade Cisco IOS software to Release D.

Cisco  IOS Release D
Modem Code Version 4

You enter copy ios-bundled modem.

Cisco  IOS Release D
Modem Code Version 3

1This example assumes the last copy command was copy flash modem, and Modem Code Version 1 was specified.

Table 4-4 provides a list of terms and commands and a description of how they are used in the modem code update process.


Table 4-4: Modem Code Terminology
Term Description

Modem firmware

Modem controller firmware that resides in modem Flash memory.

DSP software

DSP controller software that resides in modem RAM. Cisco IOS software transfers a version of DSP software to modem RAM on each reboot.

Modem code

Two images:

  • Modem controller firmware

  • DSP software

These images reside separately in the modems and as a single-file version in the access server's system Flash memory.

System Flash memory can contain several versions of modem code: a version bundled with Cisco IOS software and multiple versions that resulted from previous copy tftp flash commands.

copy tftp flash mcom-modem-code-x.x.x.bin
command

Places a copy of the modem code in system Flash memory.

copy flash modem command

Transfers the copy tftp flash version of modem code to the modems. This command transfers the modem firmware file to modem Flash memory and the DSP software file to modem RAM.

Maps the system Flash memory version to the modems.

copy ios-bundled command

Instructs the modems to use the version of modem code bundled with Cisco IOS software. This command does not affect any existing versions of modem code that reside in system Flash memory.

After one copy ios-bundled modem command, future Cisco IOS upgrades will potentially result in the downloading of new Cisco IOS bundled firmware to the modems. (If the new Cisco IOS image contains the same modem code as the old one, no new code will be downloaded to the modems.)

Maps the bundled Cisco IOS software version to the modems.

Mapping

The copy commands map a specific version of modem code to a group of modem slots/ports. The copy ios-bundled modem command maps the slots/ports to the bundled version, and the copy  flash  modem command maps the slots/ports to a specific modem code file located in system Flash memory. Cisco IOS software uses the mapping to determine which version of modem code should be downloaded to the modems. If Cisco IOS software finds no mapping or invalid mapping, it downloads the bundled version.

Using the Modem Code from an External File

Use the procedures in this section to transfer modem code from Cisco Connection Online (CCO) to the integrated modems on the 12-port module. The procedure consists of the following tasks:

Downloading Modem Code to a TFTP Server

You can download the single file (mcom-modem-code-x.x.x.bin) to a TFTP server on your LAN two ways:

Download Modem Code to a TFTP Server---Method 1, Use an Internet Browser

Log in to Cisco's Software Center at the following URL to download the modem code file:

http://www.cisco.com/kobayashi/sw-center/

You must log in as a Cisco registered user. (If you are not a registered user, note that Cisco provides modem code on a disk when are updates are necessary. This disk is shipped with the 12-port module.)

After downloading to your desktop computer, you must transfer it to a TFTP server on your network using an FTP application. 

http://www.cisco.com/cgi-bin/tablebuild.pl/56K

Alternatively, you can access Cisco at http://www.cisco.com, login, and take the following path to the file:

Download Modem Code to a TFTP Server --- Method 2, Use a Traditional FTP Application

Take the following steps to download the modem code file from Cisco's FTP server using an FTP client application. These steps assume that you want to download both the modem firmware and the DSP software.

Note The directory path leading to the 56K images on cco.cisco.com is subject to change without notice. If you cannot access the files using an FTP application, use Download Method 1 earlier in this section.

Step 1 Log in to Cisco System's CCO FTP server, which is called cco.cisco.com:

Step 2 Enter your CCO registered username and password (for example, harry and letmein):

Step 3 Specify the directory that holds the Modem Code file, which is /cisco/access/5300:

Step 4 View the contents of the directory with the ls command:

Step 5 Specify a binary image transfer:

Step 6 Copy the modem code file from the server to your local environment with the get command. The filename is mcom-modem-code-3.1.30.bin.

The following example downloads the modem code file:

Step 7 Quit your terminal session:

Step 8 Verify that you successfully transferred the modem code file to your local directory:

Step 9 If you have not already done so, transfer this file to a local TFTP server that your Cisco  AS5300 can access.

Note In some cases, Cisco ships modem software on a disk. To use this software, first upload the software to your TFTP server, then download the software to the modem using the method described in the next section "Copying the Modem Code File from a Local TFTP Server to the Modems."

If you loaded Cisco IOS software from a feature pack CD using Router Software Loader (RSL), note that the CD contains a TFTP server program for PCs using Windows 95. Run the server program from the directory where you installed the RSL program. Remember to set the Root directory to the directory where the Cisco AS5300 modem code is located. RSL is also available on CCO in the software library in the Access Products section.

Copying the Modem Code File from a Local TFTP Server to the Modems

The procedure for copying the modem code file from your local TFTP server to the access server system Flash memory is a two-step process. First, transfer the code to the access server. Then, transfer the code to the modems.

These two steps are performed only once. After you copy the modem code file into system Flash memory for the first time and map that file to a specific modem using the copy flash modem command, you do not have to perform these steps again. Because the DSP software runs from modem RAM, the Cisco  IOS software must automatically copy the DSP software to each modem each time the access server power cycles.

Note A list of download failure reasons and recommended actions is provided in Table 4-5.

Step 1 Copy the modem code file from your TFTP server to the access server's system Flash memory using the copy tftp flash command. Cisco IOS software prompts you with a sequence of questions such as name/address of the TFTP server and the filename to be copied. Answer all of the prompts according to your configuration. The following example shows a typical download.

Step 2 Copy the modem code file to the modems by entering the copy flash modem Privileged EXEC command.

Note On the display, notice that the command copies the concatenated modem code file, mcom-modem-code-3.1.30.bin. When the DSP software and modem firmware download is complete, the display reports the modem firmware component, MNPClass10K56flexModemRev3.1.30/85, was downloaded to the modems.

If you want to verify that the DSP software and modem firmware copied to the modems, use the show modem version command. In this example, modems 2/12 through 2/23 are loaded with the 56K modem controller firmware and DSP software:

Now the modems are equipped with code. The modems are configured to transmit at speeds up to 56 kbps. Each time the access server is power cycled, Cisco IOS software automatically loads the modems with the modem code in system Flash memory. If you erase the modem code file from system Flash memory, the Cisco IOS default modem code (that is, the bundled modem code) will be automatically downloaded to the modem.

Using the Modem Code Bundled with Cisco IOS Software

If you already have a version of modem code in the Flash memory on your access server, and you upgrade to a Cisco IOS release that includes newer modem firmware, only the modems that are mapped to the bundled Cisco  IOS version are updated. In order to set the modem firmware mapping to the firmware version bundled with Cisco  IOS software, enter the following command:

5300# copy ios-bundled modem
Note This command does not affect any existing modem code that resides in system Flash memory in case you later want to revert to it. If you decide to delete the code from system Flash memory, remember that all files in system Flash memory will be deleted, therefore save and restore any important files (for example, the Cisco IOS software image).

As a result of the copy ios-bundled modem command, future Cisco IOS upgrades will potentially result in the mapping of new Cisco IOS bundled firmware to the modems. (If the new Cisco IOS image contains the same modem code as the old one, no new code will be downloaded to the modems.)

Note To determine the version of modem code bundled with your Cisco IOS software, refer to the Cisco IOS release notes shipped with the chassis.

Download Failure Reasons and Recommended Actions

During the modem code download process, you may receive an error message if the download fails.

Table 4-5: Download Failure Reasons and Recommended Actions
Error Message Description Recommended Action

%%ERROR: Modem <slot/port>, Modem Firmware file is not valid for modem type.

The specified modem firmware is not compatible with the target modem. For example, V.34 modems cannot be upgraded with 56K firmware. If you have a bank of non-56K modems in the access server and specify the all option in the copy tftp modem command, this error message will appear and not download 56K firmware where appropriate.

Verify that you are copying 56K modem firmware to 56K modems. Also use the show modem command to verify that you specified the correct slot/port or range.

%%ERROR: Modem <slot/port> currently being downloaded.

The modem code is currently downloading to the 56K modems.

The first download will containue without interruption, and the second download is aborted.

%%ERROR: Modem <slot/port>, download functions not initialized.

The modem code cannot be downloaded to the specified modem.

Use the show modem command to verify that you are downloading to a supported 56K modem.

%%ERROR: Modem <slot/port> is held in reset.

The specified modem is held in reset mode. The DSP software will not download to this modem.

Take the modem out of reset mode, then copy the DSP software again.

%%ERROR: NVRAM write for DSP download filename entry failed.

There is an NVRAM table problem.

Reissue the copy tftp flash command and copy the DSP file again.

Configuring Modem Modules

This section lists the procedures you need to complete the following configuration tasks to configure the modem modules:

    1. Configure the asynchronous group interface

    2. Configure the controller

    3. Configure the modems

    4. Configure the serial interface

See the Cisco AS5300 Universal Access Server Software Configuration Guide for details. You can find the most up-to-date version of this manual online from either CCO or the CD-ROM.

Products & Ordering: Documentation: Cisco Documentation: Cisco Product Documentation: Access Servers and Access Routers: Access Servers: Cisco AS5300: Cisco AS5300 Universal Access Server Software Configuration Guide
Cisco Product Documentation: Access Servers and Access Routers: Access Servers: Cisco AS5300: Cisco AS5300 Universal Access Server Software Configuration Guide

Monitoring, Polling, and Troubleshooting Modems

See the Cisco AS5300 Universal Access Server Software Configuration Guide publication for details.


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