Ascend MAX800 Application Note

Application Note
Configuring the Ascend MAX800 for use
with Clipmail in a private network

Introduction

This Application Note guides the ClipMail user through the MAX800 router configuration process by
using a simple dial up connection example. Please refer to the attached network diagram. It is highly
recommended that you also read the Ascend technical literature supplied with the MAX800, to become
familiar with the features and functions not covered here.

Procedure for Basic Configuration

The MAX800 is easily configured to operate in a private network consisting of dial-up basic rate ISDN
connections. Ascend provides both a graphical (via Ethernet) and a text based (via telnet or serial
terminal) method to configure the MAX800. When starting from scratch, the graphic user interface
(GUI) is the quickest way to enter the ISDN numbers and IP addresses. Once that information is
entered, the text-based interface should be used thereafter since it provides real time status and
diagnostic features. The interface is identical whether accessed via a telnet session or a serial terminal
(set to 9600, 8, N 1).
The Ascend GUI is the NavisConnect Explorer. It includes a button for changing the IP address of the
router, a button labeled "Quick Start"—that is intended for preliminary configuration of a new device,
as well as a comprehensive hierarchical set of screens for configuration.
The MAX800 configuration can be updated without having to reset or reboot the device. The screens
each have a "Save" function that immediately enacts any changes made. Since the MAX800 is not reset
during or after the configuration change process, always make sure any WAN connections left over
from a previous configuration have hung up before initiating a test. Failure to do so may produce
misleading results that are difficult to repeat.

Quick Start

This is basically a wizard that guides the user through a set of screens for entering basic configuration
information. For static IP addressing, the only required fields in the IP screen are Ethernet IP address
and IP subnet mask. In the Encapsulation (Answer) Options screen, check the boxes for all types of
encapsulation expected. In the PPP Specific Configuration screen, set Compression to none (this is
taken care of inside the ClipMail), and select PAP, CHAP or none for Receive Authentication. This is for
security on ISDN (WAN) connections only. Ascend offers various security features that allow users to
access the router from the LAN; their settings will depend on your particular LAN requirements. For
further details, refer to the Ascend MAX Configuration Guide.
10/29/99