Cell232 Plus User Guide Doc. No. 16-CML000210 Revision date: 14 JUL 03 rev.1.2 www.precidia.com...
Page 2
The content of this document is furnished for informational use only, is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as a commitment by Precidia Technologies Inc. (Precidia). Precidia assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or inaccuracies that may appear in this document.
Installation and Configuration ..................6 Reconfiguration 1.5 Software Requirements ................6 1.6 Configuration Requirements ..............6 2 Setting up the Cell232Plus ..............9 2.1 Installing the Hardware ................9 ..................9 After Configuration 2.2 Setting Up the Terminal................10 2.3 Understanding the Configuration Screen ...........11 2.4 Timeout During Configuration..............12...
Page 4
Table of Contents Cell232Plus User Guide 4 Configuring the Serial Port Settings ..........23 4.1 Protocol ....................24 4.2 Port Setting..................27 4.3 Port Mode .................... 29 4.4 Connection Control ................30 4.5 Terminal Type (Telnet Protocol Only) ............31 4.6 Local Port.....................
Page 5
Cell232Plus User Guide Table of Contents 6.7 Perform Self Test...................54 6.8 Reset Unit ....................55 7 Accessing System Information ............57 7.1 System Status..................57 ...............57 Accessing the System Status Page ............58 Understanding the System Status Page 7.2 System Log ..................60 ................60 Accessing the System Log ..............61...
Page 6
Table of Contents Cell232Plus User Guide Precidia Technologies Inc. 16-CML000210 rev.1.1...
Precidia unit: 1 Before You Start Familiarize yourself with the features and installation requirements of the unit. 2 Setting up the Cell232Plus Set up the hardware and configure the unit via terminal software. 3 Configuring the PPP Dial-Up Settings Configure the modem settings and login information.
Serial Port Settings, then transferred to the modem side of the Cell232Plus. The Cell232Plus converts the information to IP format and sends it out through the MODEM port to the receiver or handset according to the parameters set in the Network Port Settings.
- Connection recovery to ensure the session remains active - COM Port Redirector Software compatibility using the Com Port Control protocol option - Modem Connection Control that allows the Precidia unit to appear as a Hayes- compatible modem to your serial device •...
1 Before You Start Cell232Plus User Guide Table 1.1 describes the function of each indicator lamp. Table 1.1: Front Panel Indicator Lamps Indicator Lamp Description Illuminates constantly when power is applied to the unit. CARRIER Illuminates when the unit has a connection to the cellular phone, will stay illuminated when the cellular phone has a valid connection to the service provider.
(1) standard PC-to-cell phone data cable with DB-9 connector from your cellular phone manufacturer • If you are connecting the Precidia unit to a DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) device: - one (1) null modem serial cable for configuration and for connecting your DTE...
PC or dumb terminal to locally reconfigure the unit. If you know the IP address of the Precidia unit and have set the Remote Pass- word, you can reconfigure remotely using telnet. See the Help Guide Connecting with Telnet at http://www.precidia.com/technical_support/manuals.html.
Page 13
Cell232Plus User Guide 1 Before You Start Serial Port Settings • Protocol: the protocol used by the attached device • Port Setting: port settings of the attached device • Local Port: port number on the unit (as required) • Remote Port and Remote IP: port number and IP address of remote host (as required) •...
Page 14
1 Before You Start Cell232Plus User Guide Precidia Technologies Inc. 16-CML000210 rev.1.1...
Setting up the Cell232Plus 2.1 Installing the Hardware Use the 9V power adapter supplied by Precidia. Use of AUTION alternate power adapters can result in hardware damage and will render the warranty null and void! 1 Connect the power adapter to the port of the unit.
STATUS 2.2 Setting Up the Terminal Once the Precidia unit is connected to your PC, you can access the Configuration screen using terminal software. If you do not have terminal software you can use HyperTerminal, which comes stan- dard with every Windows PC.
Cell232Plus User Guide 2 Setting up the Cell232Plus 4 Using a ballpoint pen or similar item, press and hold the recessed CONFIGURE button on the rear of the unit for several seconds, until the initial Configuration screen appears (as shown below).
2 Setting up the Cell232Plus Cell232Plus User Guide Table 2.1: Device Settings Menu Options Menu Menu Item Description PPP Dial-Up Configure the dial-up information including modem initialization, the number the modem will call, login ID and password, and modem chatscript.
Cell232Plus User Guide 2 Setting up the Cell232Plus 2.5 Resetting to Factory (Default) Configuration You may need to reset to “factory” settings if you have configured and subsequently lost a Console Password, or if you wish to completely reconfigure the unit. The proce- dure below will delete your previous configuration and revert all settings to factory default.
Page 20
2 Setting up the Cell232Plus Cell232Plus User Guide Precidia Technologies Inc. 16-CML000210 rev.1.1...
Device Settings sub-menu appears on the right side of the Configuration PPP Dial-Up Settings screen, as shown below. ,-----------------------------------------------------------------------------. | Precidia Cell232Plus Configuration v4.00.00 | |-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| Device Settings: PPP Dial-Up Settings: | 1) PPP Dial-Up: direct | A) IP Address:...
Modem Init (initialization) is a string of commands sent to the modem or cell phone connected to the Precidia unit to prepare it for a connection. The init string can configure settings such as speed, and define how information should be reported.
Page 23
Include an “at” sign (@) after the phone number to enable the Cell232Plus to differentiate between no answer and voice answer. If the @ sign is not included, the Cell232Plus will log voice answer as the reason a connection was not made even if the dialed number never answers. In compliance with FCC requirements, after two successive voice answers the Cell232Plus will perma- nently disable dialing.
Enter 3.5 Login Userid Login Userid identifies the Cell232Plus to your ISP. Obtain a PPP Login Userid from your ISP or VPN provider. The Login Userid can be up to 64 characters long. To enter or change the Login Userid...
Cell232Plus User Guide 3 Configuring the PPP Dial-Up Settings 2 Choose from the sub-menu. Login Password PPP Dial-up Settings You are prompted to enter the login password. 3 Type the password (appears as a series of *** asterisks) and press...
\x?? 3.8 Auto-Answer and Call-Back Auto-Answer allows you to configure the Cell232Plus to answer an incoming call or to hang up and call-back the primary host after receiving an incoming call. Unless Auto-Answer is configured, the unit automatically dials out on reset or power-up.
3 Type the desired number of rings and press Enter 3.9 Auto-Connect Auto-Connect allows you to configure the Cell232Plus to automatically dial-out and connect to the host on a schedule. The schedule is defined by the number of minutes between connection attempts.
Idle is defined as no significant (greater than 41 bytes) packets being transmitted or received. The default is 0, which means the Cell232Plus will always remain connected to the remote host, or immediately try to reconnect once disconnected. If you do not wish to...
Once you choose a protocol, different options appear in the sub-menu. Set the option first. Protocol ,-----------------------------------------------------------------------------. | Precidia Cell232Plus Configuration v4.00.00 | |-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| Device Settings: Serial Port Settings: | 1) PPP Dial-Up:...
DTR signal (often used to disconnect a call), and flow control. Once the serial port is set, the Cell232Plus forwards the data to the serial device unchanged. If any changes to the Com Port or modem line occur, the Cell232Plus will automatically send a notification packet to the host.
Page 31
Telnet Turns the Cell232Plus into either a telnet client (most common use) or a telnet server and allows the user to telnet out of the Cell232Plus to a remote server, such as a UNIX workstation. The standard connection control options are supported. By leaving the Connection Control parameter at Automatic (default setting), the user can initiate the telnet session by pressing any alphanumeric key.
Page 32
Cell232Plus must be able to initiate TCP connections and accept TCP connections from the host. In this configuration, the Cell232Plus can communicate with the TCP/IP host as if it were vir- tually connected. Local Port, Remote Port, and Remote IP must be configured.
This makes for slightly faster data flow. Setting the Remote IP address to all zeros puts UDP into "reply mode" and the Cell232Plus will send data to the last address it received data from. For peer-to-peer communication, the host address must match the Remote IP defined in configuration.
Page 34
(xon/xoff) asserted and obeyed on the COM port. XON is used by either the Cell232Plus or the remote host to signal the other end to start send- ing data. XOFF can also be used by either the Cell232Plus or the remote host to signal the other to stop sending data.
13-bit transfers. 4.3 Port Mode Port Mode specifies the type of serial connection the Precidia unit has with the serial device. You can choose from RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485, according to the type of connector on the attached serial device.
3 Type the letter that corresponds to the desired mode, and press Enter 4.4 Connection Control Connection Control specifies the method of connection between the Cell232Plus and the remote serial device. The options are described in Table 4.4. Table 4.4: Connection Control Options...
CTS is currently asserted. Modem Enables the Cell232Plus to act as modem to a device connected to its serial port. The Cell232Plus processes a superset of the standard Hayes command set, including the ability to answer, dial, and origi- nate a connection.
4.6 Local Port Local Port is the port number that listens for incoming connections. This option must be set if the Cell232Plus will ever receive a session initiated from an outside source (in , and modes). If the Cell232Plus will only be used to...
You are prompted to enter the IP address of the remote system. 3 Type the remote IP address and press Enter 4.8 Remote Port Remote Port is the port address on the remote device to which the Cell232Plus sends incoming data. Remote Port must be set in , and modes.
4 Configuring the Serial Port Settings Cell232Plus User Guide Table 4.5: Fallback IP Configurations Fallback IP Setting Result 255.255.255.255 Incoming connections are accepted from any source as long as the unit is not already connected. Any host can establish a connection if the primary host connection is lost.
Change which option? Setting the Terminators The Cell232Plus continues to capture data from the serial port into the receive buffer until any one of six specific terminators is identified. Once this character is marked, the Cell232Plus continues to capture a configurable number of characters (tail bytes), then terminates the frame and transmits it to the host.
Page 42
4 Configuring the Serial Port Settings Cell232Plus User Guide 2 Choose a from through Terminator Terminator #1 You are prompted to enter a terminator character in decimal. 3 Type in a terminator and press Enter You are prompted to enter the number of tail bytes in decimal.
60 000 ms. This option accumulates the data before sending it and therefore tends to group related data together and reduce network over- head. If left at zero (0), the Precidia unit determines a reasonable delay based on the config- ured Port Settings. To enter or change the...
Initial String allows you to insert a string of characters that are prepended to the initial data packet at the beginning of every established connection between the Cell232Plus and your serial device. The string can be a unique identifier for each device, a maximum of 16 characters long, and can include the special characters listed in Table 4.7.
Settings sub-menu allows you to implement SNMP (Simple Network Security Settings Management Protocol) and IPsec (Internet Protocol security), and restrict access to the Cell232Plus by specifying passwords and user IDs. To configure or change the , choose from the Security Settings...
Cell232Plus User Guide 5.1 Console Password The Console Password allows you to restrict local access to the Cell232Plus configu- ration mode. After creating a Console Password, anyone accessing the Cell232Plus locally through the COM port must enter the password before the Configuration screen appears.
See the Help Guide Connecting with Telnet at http://www.precidia.com/ technical_support/manuals.html. You will not be able to telnet to the Cell232Plus for configuration, or perform remote firmware and Web page downloads, unless you set a remote password. Setting the Remote Password Passwords are case sensitive and can consist of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, or symbols.
5 Configuring the Security Settings Cell232Plus User Guide 2 Choose from the sub-menu. Remote Password Security Settings 3 Do not type any characters. Press to clear the password. Enter The password is displayed as in the sub-menu. (not set) Security Settings 5.3 Web Server...
Cell232Plus User Guide 5 Configuring the Security Settings 5.4 Access Userid Along with Access Password, Access Userid provides security against unauthorized access to the Precidia unit’s dynamic Web pages. 1 Choose from the menu. Security Settings Device Settings 2 Choose from the sub-menu.
The password is displayed as in the sub-menu. (not set) Security Settings 5.6 SNMP Server The SNMP Server enables or disables the SNMP function in the Precidia unit. The default setting is “enabled”. To enable or disable the SNMP Server 1 Choose from the menu.
IP protocol that encrypt both the payload data and the packet header. Encapsulated Secure Payload (ESP) for IP is defined in RFC1827. You can define up to two tunnels to securely connect the Precidia unit to two separate networks.
5 Configuring the Security Settings Cell232Plus User Guide Protocol The IPsec protocol defines the method of encryption and authentication to use through the IPsec tunnel. You can choose between two modes: DES-MD5-96 or 3DES-MD5- 96. Encoding is provided by DES (Data Encryption Standard), a secret key cryptog- raphy method.
Secure Address Secure Address is an optional parameter to configure a “private” IP address for the Precidia unit on the network. This IP address can be the same or different from the IP address configured in the PPP Dial-Up Settings.
5 Configuring the Security Settings Cell232Plus User Guide SPI (Security Parameters Index) is a 32-bit hexadecimal number used to identify the security association of an IP packet. The SPI is used to look up the Encode and Authenticate Keys, and must be the same at both ends of the tunnel. The first 256 SPI values are reserved, but you can use any number from 100 hex up to FFFFFFFF hex as the SPI.
Enter Encode/Authenticate Keys Encode and Authenticate Keys are manually keyed in the Precidia unit by the user to provide IP packet security. Encode and Authenticate Keys must be the same on both ends of the IPsec tunnel. You must manually configure the remote end, a gateway or device, with the same encode and authentication keys as you configured in the Precidia unit.
Page 56
5 Configuring the Security Settings Cell232Plus User Guide 2 Type the first half of the authentication key (16 characters) in hexadecimal format at the prompt, and press Enter 3 Choose from the sub-menu. Secure IP Association Auth (Pt2) You are prompted to enter bits 65–128 of the authentication key in hex.
Remember to save your changes by typing "*" to exit configuration! 6.1 Unit ID Value Unit ID Value is the unique hardware address of the Cell232Plus and cannot be changed. It is assigned at the factory and printed below the barcode on the bottom of the Precidia unit.
Use Web Page Download to change or upgrade the internal static web page in the Precidia unit. You can access this page by obtaining the IP address of the unit and typing it in the address bar of your browser like this:...
6.5 Dump System Log Dump System Log allows you to review all activity that has occurred on the Cell232Plus since it was configured, or since the Delete System Log option was used. The dump may require a few minutes to complete.
Cell232Plus User Guide 6.6 Delete System Log Delete System Log erases the system log in the Cell232Plus. When diagnosing a problem, you can clear the System Log to start capturing relevant information. For a complete explanation of the information on the log refer to Section 7.2, System Log‚...
The Configuration screen is not changed nor is the System Log cleared, however, the message “===== Cell232Plus Started =====” is appended to the System Log. Reset Unit allows you to reset the Cell232Plus from a telnet session without saving any changes to the configuration menu. 16-CML000210 Precidia Technologies Inc.
Page 62
6 System Settings Cell232Plus User Guide Precidia Technologies Inc. 16-CML000210 rev.1.1...
Accessing System Information The Cell232Plus stores information that can be used for management, diagnostics, and troubleshooting. There are three types of information pages available: • the System Status page • the System Log page • the static Web page(s) All the information pages in the Cell232Plus are accessible through a Web browser.
System Uptime This section reveals how long the system has been operating, the loading on the Precidia device's CPU, and the firmware version in the Precidia unit. Table 7.1 describes each parameter. Table 7.1: System Uptime on the System Status Page...
Page 65
7 Accessing System Information Port #1 This section describes the configured serial port in the Cell232Plus. It consists of a header line and a table showing the data received and transmitted. If the serial port is not configured, or incorrectly configured, this section does not appear on the System Status page.
2 Open your browser. 3 Type IPaddressOfUnit in the address bar. http:// /log.html To access the System Log in configuration mode: 1 Access the Cell232Plus Configuration screen either locally or remotely. 2 Choose from the menu. System Settings Device Settings 3 Choose from the sub-menu.
Timestamp will start counting from zero (0) after this message. Cell232Plus Log Deleted The Cell232Plus had its log deleted. If present, this message will always be the first entry in the log. CONSOLE: login accepted...
Page 68
7 Accessing System Information Cell232Plus User Guide Table 7.3: System Log Messages Message Description TELNET: login from The unit went into telnet configuration xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx rejected (timeout) mode, a password prompt was given, and the correct password was entered, but no response was input within the 30 second tim- eout period.
Page 69
Cell232Plus User Guide 7 Accessing System Information Table 7.3: System Log Messages Message Description HTTP: host at xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx The remote host attempted unsuccessfully to failed to authenticate properly. access the userid/password protected HTTP pages. Internet Explorer may attempt access using old data from previous connections, resulting in this error.
Page 70
7 Accessing System Information Cell232Plus User Guide Table 7.3: System Log Messages Message Description PPP: userid/password not accepted The userid and password were not accepted.* PPP: network connection estab- The network connection was established. lished PPP: connection has been idle for...
Page 71
Cell232Plus User Guide 7 Accessing System Information The following table lists all possible error codes that may appear in the system log. Table 7.5: System Log Error Messages Error Error the i/o request has been scheduled but not completed no more i/o paths are available...
* most common errors 7.3 Static Web Page You can host a static Web page or pages in the Precidia unit to display information such as help desk telephone numbers or updates on the latest software downloads. The Precidia unit comes loaded with a default static Web page that includes specifications and product information.
DTE. The RS-232 standard defines the two ends of the communications chan- nel as being a DTE and a DCE. A modem is the most common type of DCE, and a terminal or PC (UART chip) is the most common type of DTE. 16-CML000210 Precidia Technologies Inc. rev.1.1...
Page 74
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms and Acronyms Cell232Plus User Guide DES, Data Encryption Standard. A standard cryptography method that uses a 56-bit private 3DES key. DES performs encryption operations on 64-bit blocks of data in 16 rounds. DES was developed by IBM in 1977 and was considered “strong” encryption. 3DES or “tri- pleDES”...
Page 75
Cell232Plus User Guide Appendix A: Glossary of Terms and Acronyms Input/Output Internet Protocol. The network layer for the TCP/IP protocol suite widely used on Ethernet networks. Defined in RFC791. IP is a connectionless, best-effort packet switching protocol. It provides packet routing, fragmentation and re-assembly through the data link layer.
Page 76
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms and Acronyms Cell232Plus User Guide Point of Sale. Refers to financial transaction devices located directly in stores/busi- nesses, where the customer pays directly from their account at the cash register. Point-to-Point Protocol. The Internet Standard for transmitting IP packets over serial point-to-point links.
Page 77
Cell232Plus User Guide Appendix A: Glossary of Terms and Acronyms Uniform Resource Locator. The global address of documents and other resources on the global Internet. Virtual Private Network 16-CML000210 Precidia Technologies Inc. rev.1.1...
Page 78
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms and Acronyms Cell232Plus User Guide Precidia Technologies Inc. 16-CML000210 rev.1.1...
Appendix to diagnose the problem. 4 If, after following the suggestions in this guide, you are still having problems accessing configuration or gaining connectivity, you can contact Precidia sup- port: Fill out the Service Request Form at http://www.precidia.com/technical_support/warrantyform.html...
Page 80
Appendix B: Troubleshooting and Support Cell232Plus User Guide Troubleshooting Configuration Access Troubleshooting Flow for Set-Up Connection Precidia Technologies Inc. 16-CML000210 rev.1.1...
Page 81
You need to use Com Port Redirector software on my PC over the LAN/WAN your PC and the ComPort Control Connection Con- trol setting for the Precidia unit. What are the pin-outs for the unit? See Pin Assignments on page B-7.
Page 82
2 See page 13 of the User Guide for instructions on how to reset the entire configuration to factory default settings, erasing all passwords Indicator Lamps (LEDs) ON lamp The ON lamp indicates power is available to the Cell232Plus. Table B.2: ON Lamp Troubleshooting Lamp Status Standard Troubleshooting Procedure...
Page 83
15 seconds.) menu. OK - remote host is not transmit- None ting MODEM – TRANSMIT lamp Illuminates when the Cell232Plus is sending data to the cellular phone via the MODEM port. Table B.5: TRANSMIT Lamp Troubleshooting Standard Troubleshooting Lamp...
Page 84
Appendix B: Troubleshooting and Support Cell232Plus User Guide COM – TRANSMIT lamp Illuminates when the Cell232Plus is sending or receiving data via the COM port Normally you will see very short data bursts. Table B.6: COM TRANSMIT Lamp Troubleshooting Lamp...
Page 85
Appendix B: Troubleshooting and Support Table B.7: COM STATUS Lamp Troubleshooting Lamp Status Standard Troubleshooting Practice Unit may be • Ensure cable between the Cell232Plus and the incorrectly RS-232 device is properly connected with the connected or correct serial cable configured •...
Page 86
Appendix B: Troubleshooting and Support Cell232Plus User Guide RS422 Port Pin Assignments (RJ-45, full duplex) Signal Type — — Transmit negative (TX-) Transmit positive (TX+) Receive negative (RX-) Receive positive (RX+) — — Service and Support Fill out the Service Request Form at http://www.precidia.com/technical_support/warrantyform.html...
Appendix C Specifications and Warranty Cell232Plus Specifications RS-232 mode RS-422 mode RS-485 mode Serial interface: RS-232 DTE RS-422 4-wire RS-485 4-wire Interface (RS-485 4-wire) Serial connector: DB-9 male RJ-45 full duplex RJ-12 half duplex Serial speed: 300 – 115200 bps...
Page 88
User Guide. The warranty is extended to cover the Precidia Unit as well as the power adapter. Precidia's obligation under this warranty shall be limited to the repair, including all necessary parts and the cost of labour connected therewith, or at our option the exchange of a unit, which shows manufacturing defect within the warranty period with a like new unit.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Cell232Plus and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers