Table of Contents

Composite Link

Composite Link

Speed and Requirements

The FastPAD composite link is synchronous and can be configured to operate at the following data rates:

The composite link has a DCE interface with a DB25 female connector. Interface kits include a plug-in interface card and an adapter cable. Several interface card kits are also available for other interfaces.

For FastPADs that are not connected to an IPX, a synchronous, full-duplex clear data circuit is required to carry the multiplexed voice, data, and fax information to the remote unit. This circuit can be supplied via satellite modem, microwave modem, line driver, DSU/CSU, multiplexed channel, or any device which can provide a full-duplex, clear synchronous connection at the desired data rate.

Control Signals

The composite link RS-232( with a DB25 connector) interface always keeps RTS (pin 4) and DTR (pin 20) high as long as the FastPAD is powered on. The state of CD (Carrier Detect) on pin 8 is monitored and displayed on the TRK LED as well as reported via system events. No other control signals are required for operation, and no others are passed.

Cabling

Several different electrical interfaces are available. They are as follows: V.24/RS-232, V.11/X.21, V.35, V.36, and RS-449. Each interface card type includes an interface cable to permit connectivity to attached devices. If custom cables are required, refer to the pin-outs in Appendix D, Cabling. If you need additional assistance, consult StrataCom ISC personnel for proper pinouts and recommendations.

Network Topologies

The composite link always connects to a DCE device, such as a modem, satellite modem, DSU, NTU, or another multiplexer. A FastPAD unit can also be connected to StrataCom's IPXs to support more complex networking as shown in Figure 4-1. (Note that the FastPAD StrataView application provides a summary of the IPX commands used to interconnect FastPADs to StrataCom networks.)

Figure 4-1: Example Star Topology Network

Figure 4-2 illustrates IPXs and FastPADs in conjunction with a Public Frame Relay Network:

Figure 4-2: Example Mesh Topology Network

Frame Relay Networking

The FastPAD FRAM-01 module provides three frame relay ports for input. One port can be used as a trunk. The other two are available for ingress traffic. All three ports can be used for frame relay ingress traffic, providing that the composite port of the base unit is used as a trunk. The composite port operates at a maximum of 128K and might impact the performance of your applications.

Figure 4-3 illustrates a hybrid of Frame Relay and IPX networking.

Figure 4-3: Hybrid Frame Relay and IPX Networking

The FASTPADs will not be manageable from StrataView Plus Network Management System.