Understanding 16- and 32-Port Async Network Modules

Available Languages

Download Options

  • PDF     (50.4 KB)
    View with Adobe Reader on a variety of devices
  • ePub     (82.6 KB)
    View in various apps on iPhone, iPad, Android, Sony Reader, or Windows Phone
  • Mobi (Kindle)     (69.8 KB)
    View on Kindle device or Kindle app on multiple devices
Updated:January 25, 2008
Document ID:7258

Bias-Free Language

The documentation set for this product strives to use bias-free language. For the purposes of this documentation set, bias-free is defined as language that does not imply discrimination based on age, disability, gender, racial identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality. Exceptions may be present in the documentation due to language that is hardcoded in the user interfaces of the product software, language used based on RFP documentation, or language that is used by a referenced third-party product. Learn more about how Cisco is using Inclusive Language.

    Introduction

    The 16-port (NM-16A) and 32-port (NM-32A) asynchronous (async) network modules provide 16 or 32 EIA/TIA-232 (formerly know as RS-232) data terminal equipment (DTE) serial interfaces at speeds up to 134.4 kbps. These modules use the 68-pin OCTAL Cables such as the CAB-OCTAL-ASYNC= and CAB-OCTAL-MODEM=. The NM-16A and NM-32A modules are often used to provide out of band connectivity to the console ports of other devices in a comm/terminal server setup.

    hw_async1.gif

    Prerequisites

    Requirements

    Please refer to the Platform Support section.

    Components Used

    Please refer to the Platform Support section.

    The information in this document was created from the devices in a specific lab environment. All of the devices used in this document started with a cleared (default) configuration. If your network is live, make sure that you understand the potential impact of any command.

    Conventions

    Refer to Cisco Technical Tips Conventions for more information on document conventions.

    Product Numbers

    NM-16A - Sixteen Port Async Network Module

    NM-32A - Thirty-two Port Async Network Module

    Features

    • 16 or 32 async ports.

    • Uses 68-pin connectors: CAB-OCTAL-ASYNC= or CAB-OCTAL-MODEM=

    • Supports 134 kbps async on all ports simultaneously.

    • Supports a maximum of three modules per Cisco 3640, one per Cisco 3620, and one per Cisco 2600.

    Platform Support

    Platform Cisco 2600 Cisco 2600XM Cisco 3620 Cisco 3631 Cisco 3640 Cisco 3660 Cisco 2691, 3725, 3745
    NM-16A 11.3(3)T, 12.0(1), 12.0(1)T, 12.1(1), 12.1(1)T, 12.2(1), 12.2(2)T, 12.3(1) 12.1(14), 12.2(12), 12.2(8)T1, 12.2(11)YT, 12.3(1), 12.3(2)T 11.2(7)P, 11.3(1), 11.3(1)T, 12.0(1), 12.0(1)T, 12.1(1), 12.1(1)T, 12.2(1), 12.2(2)T, 12.3(1) 12.2(8)T1, 12.3(1), 12.3(2)T 11.2(7)P, 11.3(1), 11.3(1)T, 12.0(1), 12.0(1)T, 12.1(1), 12.1(1)T, 12.2(1), 12.2(2)T, 12.3(1), 12.3(2)T 12.0(5)T, 12.1(1), 12.1(1)T, 12.2(1), 12.2(2)T, 12.2(11)YT, 12.3(1), 12.3(2)T 12.2(13)T, 12.2(11)YT, 12.3(1), 12.3(2)T
    NM-32A 11.3(3)T, 12.0(1), 12.0(1)T, 12.1(1), 12.1(1)T, 12.2(1), 12.2(2)T, 12.3(1) 12.1(14), 12.2(12), 12.2(8)T1, 12.2(11)YT, 12.3(1), 12.3(2)T 11.2(7)P, 11.3(1), 11.3(1)T, 12.0(1), 12.0(1)T, 12.1(1), 12.1(1)T, 12.2(1), 12.2(2)T, 12.3(1) 12.2(8)T1, 12.3(1), 12.3(2)T 11.2(7)P, 11.3(1), 11.3(1)T, 12.0(1), 12.0(1)T, 12.1(1), 12.1(1)T, 12.2(1), 12.2(2)T, 12.3(1), 12.3(2)T 12.0(5)T, 12.1(1), 12.1(1)T, 12.2(1), 12.2(2)T, 12.2(11)YT, 12.3(1), 12.3(2)T 12.2(13)T, 12.2(11)YT, 12.3(1), 12.3(2)T

    Note: The Cisco IOS® software releases provided are typically the minimum version required to support the platform, module, or feature in question. Use the Software Advisor (registered customers only) to choose appropriate software for your network device: match software features to Cisco IOS and CatOS releases, compare IOS releases, or find out which software releases support your hardware.

    Configuration

    The NM-16A and NM-32A modules are often used to provide out of band connectivity to the console ports of other devices. In order to configure the router as a comm server, refer to these documents:

    For information on general modem configuration, refer to Configuring Dialout with the NM-8AM or NM-16AM Analog Modem Module. This document does not mention the NM-16A and NM-32A modules, however, the configuration concepts are applicable.

    For more information, refer to the Access-Dial Technology Support Page.

    On the 16- and 32-port async network modules, the interfaces are addressed as interface async <line number>.

    Line Numbers

    Previous releases of Cisco IOS software reserved 16 async line numbers per network module slot. This causes problems for a 32-port async network module. Thus, when the NM-16A or NM-32A module is installed in the Cisco 3600, Cisco IOS software will reserve 32 line numbers per slot. This will cause a problem if the NM-16A or NM-32A module is installed into a system that already had an async configuration based on 16 line numbers per slot. The aux port will now be line 65 on the Cisco 2600 and Cisco 3620, and line 129 on the Cisco 3640. You can use the show line command to check the line numbering on the chassis. 

    line number = (<slot> * 32) + <unit> + 1

    For more information, refer to How Async Lines are Numbered in Cisco 3600 Series Routers.

    Field Notice

    Related Information

    Was this Document Helpful?

    FeedbackFeedback

    Contact Cisco