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The Common Interface Module (CIM) is a small unit mounted above or below some MGX 8240 chassis. The CIM serves as the gateway into the MGX 8240 system. It supports Network Address Translation (NAT) in translating multiple IP addresses assigned to individual PSM cards to a single IP address to the router. It also allows multiple entries and translations for each internal IP Address.
This chapter covers the following elements of installing a CIM:
Install the CIM in a clean, dry, well-ventilated area. Verify that a -48 VDC source is close to where the Common Interface Module will be mounted. Also make sure that an accessible site ground is available to connect to the equipment rack.
The physical dimensions of the Common Interface Module are shown in Table E-1.
Height | 1.75 inches |
|---|---|
Width | 24.75 inches |
Depth | Less than 24.5 inches |
Weight | 15 pounds |
Cooling | Convection |
Do not place the unit in direct sunlight or where it could be subject to vibration. The unit must reside in 20% to 80% humidity, noncondensing, and in 0
C to 40
C (32
F to 113
F).
The Common Interface Module supports chassis ground (protective earth ground) for optimum performance as well as personal safety. All accessible surfaces that may become energized under a fault condition are connected to the ground.
Chassis ground points must be connected to the appropriate building ground points according to local wiring practices. Ground wires require a minimum diameter of 1.85 mm or 6 AWG (American Wire Gauge). If local codes allow grounding to the equipment rack only, ground wires are not required; use ground straps.
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Caution Before attempting to handle any electronic parts, put on an antistatic wrist strap and connect it to the grounded equipment. |
The Common Interface Module has been tested against all relevant standards of EMI. However, Cisco recommends that users avoid placing the rack close to very strong EMI sources such as elevators, air-conditioners, photocopiers, and fax machines.
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Warning The Common Interface Module contains DC power and radiation hazards, which can cause bodily injury if proper safety procedures are not followed. |
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Warning Wear an antistatic wrist strap during installation to prevent electrostatic damage to the Common Interface Module. |
To install the Common Interface Module, you need the following:
Unpack the box(es) and check contents against the Common Interface Module shipping list (see Appendix B). Save the packaging. If the box has been damaged or if some parts are missing or defective, call Cisco and the package carrier to report the damage. Obtain a Returned Material Authorization (RMA) number from Cisco and include the RMA number with the return shipment. Return the unit in its original packaging to Cisco.
Perform the following step to mount the Common Interface Module with an MGX 8240:
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Note Bolt the Common Interface Module to the rack directly under the MGX 8240. |
The following cables are required:
| Cable Type | Connector Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
Power | Lug 6 AWG | Supplies -48 VDC power to MGX 8240 |
Power | Lug 14 AWG | Supplies -48 VDC power to Common Interface Module |
Bits Clocks A and B | Wire wrap post | Supplies timing to MGX 8240 |
External Alarm | DB15 Female Pinout:
Pins 5, 8, 11, and 14 are the negative side of the pair. | Supplies normally open alarm status to user. Provides 3 levels of alarms---Critical, Major, Minor. |
Ethernet 10Base-T between Common Interface Module and MGX 8240 | 64-pin Amphenol to 64-pin Amphenol Female | Supplies Ethernet connection to each MGX 8240 module from Common Interface Module |
Ethernet 10Base-T from external Ethernet connection to Common Interface Module | RJ 45 at each end | Connects existing Ethernet to each MGX 8240 slot |
RS232 connection from terminal to Common Interface Module | RJ 45 at each end | Provides Craft Interface connectivity |
Craft RS232 | 64-pin Amphenol to RJ 45 on each end | Supplies craft interface RS232 connectivity from Common Interface Module to MGX 8240 modules |
Channelized DS3 | BNC | Supplies DS3/DS1 connectivity to customer equipment |
OC3 | SC | Supplies OC3 connectivity to network equipment |
Channelized OC3 | SC | Supplies OC3 connectivity to customer equipment |
Perform the following steps to attach the RS232 serial cable:
Step 2 Attach the other end to theCEM on the MGX 8240. Each of the 15 RJ 45s on the octopus is labeled with a number. Put each of the 15 RJ 45 connectors into the serial port on the appropriate I/O card. For example, insert RJ 45 connector 2 into the serial port on I/O card 2 (see Figure E-2 and Table E-3).

| Cable Type | Connector Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
Craft RS232 | 64-pin Amphenol to RJ 45s on each card | Supplies craft interface RS232 connectivity from Common Interface Module to MGX 8240 modules |
Perform the following steps to attach the 10Base-T cable:
Step 2 Attach the other Amphenol connector to the MGX 8240.

| Cable Type | Connector Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
Ethernet 10Base-T between the Common Interface Module and MGX 8240 | 64-pin Amphenol to 64-pin Amphenol | Supplies Ethernet connection to each MGX 8240 module from the Common Interface Module |
Perform the following steps to attach the 10Base-T Ethernet cable:
Step 2 Attach the other end of the 10Base-T Ethernet cable into your LAN (see Figure E-4 and Table E-5).

| Cable Type | Connector Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
Ethernet 10Base-T from external Ethernet connection to the Common Interface Module | RJ 45 at each end | Connects existing Ethernet to each MGX 8240 slot |
The Common Interface Module requires -36VDC to -56VDC power at approximately 3 Amps for a fully loaded shelf.
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Note Make sure the power is turned off. |
Perform the following steps to connect power:
Step 2 The Common Interface Module supports dual DC feeds. Determine if you want two separate feeds or one. Connect one end from the DC power into the Common Interface Module connector block.
Perform the following steps to connect a VT-100 terminal:
Step 2 The default settings are---9600 bps, no parity, 8-bit data, and 1 stop bit.
The Common Interface Module serial interface configuration is preset at the factory. The settings are---9600bps, no parity, 8-bit data, and 1 stop bit.
Follow the steps below to perform FDOS on the CIM.
Before you start, you will need the following information:
Make sure that you have the following five files on the floppy disk:
Step 2 Attach the cable from the laptop to the CIM. The connection on the CIM is a RJ-45 marked "T-Serv."
Step 3 Start the configuration process by double clicking on xplxCnvrt. The program asks a series of questions. Enter the information in the format described by each question. (Data entered in the incorrect format will be rejected.)
The option format is as follows:
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Note For MAC addresses, if your pan lists only three sets of hex pairs (i.e., 0F-0B-40), use the first three hex pairs that are standard for MAC addresses 08-00-87. Thus the complete address for this example is 0800870F0B40. |
Once all data has been entered, three configuration scripts are generated. The configuration application automatically applies these scripts to terminal server A, terminal server B, and the router, respectively. This process takes approximately ten minutes.
During the configuration process, each line displays as it is applied. When the process ends, a summary of the results of each script is printed. The summary indicates whether or not parameters were set on each of the three devices. If parameters were not set on a particular device, an Error condition exists.
Modules 2 through 16 of the MGX 8240 have a command line interface (CLI) and can be accessed two ways: directly through a serial port or via telnet through the IP network. To access a CLI through a serial port, perform the following steps:
Step 2 Press <Enter>.
Step 3 Log in. At the `username' prompt, enter any string of characters.
Step 4 Enter the following:
connect p<slotid>-<chassisID>For example, if you were logging in to slot 14 on chassis 10, you would enter connect p14-10.
Step 5 That module's CLI presents its login prompt. Enter your username and password.
You are now communicating with the CLI of that module.
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Note It is possible for the operator to access the modules by connecting a terminal directly into the craft port on the back of an individual I/O module. This method is for backup situations only; it has the obvious disadvantage of not allowing simultaneous access to multiple switches. |
The Common Interface Module connects to the MGX 8240 chassis by two forms, a 10Base-T Ethernet and one RS232. Single IP address connectivity is managed through Network Address Translation (NAT) so that MGX 8240 appears as a single IP address.
Telnet, FTP, and Network Management traffic are accomplished by communication to a single address, which is managed by the Common Interface Module.
Address translation is handled by NAT software residing on the Common Interface Module. NAT software allows Cisco to present a single IP address while translating independent slot addresses as required for network service and troubleshooting.
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Posted: Thu Jul 27 12:58:19 PDT 2000
Copyright 1989-2000©Cisco Systems Inc.