Zoom TribeStar Manual

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Table of Contents

PART I :Even if you hate manuals

Compatibility .................................................................................... 4

Installation Checklist ........................................................................ 6

Technical Assistance........................................................................ 9

Bulletin Board on AppleLink ............................................................. 9

Contact ............................................................................................ 9

PART II: Introduction to TribeStar

AppleTalk Basics ............................................................................ 10

AppleTalk Addressing .................................................................... 10

AppleTalk Zones ............................................................................ 12

MacIP............................................................................................ 12

TribeStar as a Bridge ..................................................................... 14

Packet Delivery with TribeStar ....................................................... 14

TribeStar's Design ......................................................................... 15

PART III: Installing a Network

Cables for LocalTalk ...................................................................... 16

Cables for Ethernet ........................................................................ 16

ThickNet ........................................................................................ 17

ThinNet .......................................................................................... 17

10BaseT ........................................................................................ 18

Connecting Macs to Ethernet ......................................................... 18

Wiring Plan .................................................................................... 18

Making your own cables ................................................................. 21

Testing Your Finished Cables ......................................................... 22

Connect all Devices to Patch Panels ............................................. 23

Plugging an RJ-21 Cable into TribeStar ......................................... 23

Plug in the Ethernet Transceiver .................................................... 24

TribeStar User’s Guide

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Summary of Contents for Zoom TribeStar

Page 1 Wiring Plan ..................18 Making your own cables ..............21 Testing Your Finished Cables ............22 Connect all Devices to Patch Panels ..........23 Plugging an RJ-21 Cable into TribeStar ......... 23 Plug in the Ethernet Transceiver ............ 24 TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 2 Node Number ................27 Zones ..................... 27 Setting Changes to the Hub ............28 Getting Started with SwitchMonitor ..........29 Selecting a TribeStar for Analysis ..........29 SwitchMonitor Screen Summary ............ 30 AppleTalk and MacIP Configuration ..........30 The Statistics Screen ..............30 The Network Screen ..............
Page 3 Configuration Scenario Using MacIP routing ........55 PART VI: Troubleshooting Resources..................57 The Tao of Troubleshooting ............57 LocalTalk Network Problems ............59 Inaccurate Zone or Network Information ........60 Common Ethernet Connection Problems ........61 Problems Noted in Diagnostics Printouts ........62 TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 4 AppleTalk Phase 2. The Ethernet network to which TribeStar connects must have a network number range of a single value (e.g., 61-61). If your TribeStar is not connected to a network that already has a router, TribeStar automatically assigns the correct Ethernet network number.
Page 5 The SwitchMonitor disk, which contains the SwitchMonitor network manage- ment software. Note the location and names of the various ports and items on the TribeStar unit in the following illustration. Knowledge of each of these will be important during the installation process and when troubleshooting any problems.
Page 6 A wiring kit consisting of an RJ-21 cable and either a punchdown block or 8- port patch panel. The wiring kit is used to connect the TribeStar to your LocalTalk network. These wiring kits are available from most resellers or directly from Zoom.
Page 7 Installing TribeStar—8 Steps to Success This chapter assumes that your network is wired and ready for installing TribeStar. This is the case if you are installing a network into a prewired site or are replacing a LocalSwitch or a multi-port repeater such as a StarController ®...
Page 8 Installing TribeStar 6. Plug the power cord into the back of the TribeStar and then into an electri- cal outlet. Turn on the power switch located on the back of the TribeStar. 7. Upon start-up, TribeStar undergoes a system self-test. Look for the...
Page 9 If you need technical assistance, please have the serial number and the ROM version of your TribeStar on hand when you call. To locate the serial number, refer to the illustration in the Unpacking TribeStar chapter. Information such as...
Page 10 AppleTalk Fundamentals This chapter introduces AppleTalk networking concepts that will help you config- ure your network with TribeStar. If you are an experienced administrator of AppleTalk networks, you may skip this chapter. If you are a beginning network administrator, you should read this chapter before installing TribeStar.
Page 11 TribeStar is a bridge. A bridge enables a network to operate faster and more efficiently by reducing contention within the network.
Page 12 Zones are defined by routers or by TribeStars. A small company might have zones called “Sales,” “Production,” and “Finance”. Members of these functional groups would be found in the Chooser in the appropriate zone. The network administrator can create one zone for each network or alternatively, TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 13 Telnet, or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). This allows LocalTalk Macs to participate on the Internet like any other machine running TCP/ IP. MacIP is an option on TribeStar. (See PART V: TribeStar IP for further infor- mation on MacIP.)
Page 14 Because TribeStar is a bridge, all of its ports must be on the same network (i.e., the network administrator must assign the same network number to its LocalTalk and Ethernet ports).
Page 15 Buffers store packets destined for busy ports until the ports clear. A red port LED means that packets are being transferred from a Macintosh into TribeStar. A green LED indicates traffic out from TribeStar to a Macintosh. A flashing amber light probably indicates that packets are being received and sent in quick succession.
Page 16 Ethernet, you can use the same wires. If the longest single wiring run between a LocalTalk device and TribeStar is less than 50 feet, you can use flat silver satin cable with RJ-11 modular plugs on both ends.
Page 17 Also consider that adding BNC connectors to ThinNet cable is slower and more difficult than crimping RJ-11 or RJ-45 modular plugs onto telephone cable. T-connector BNC barrel connector Shielding layer Copper Core CORRECT Terminated or to Terminated or to rest of network rest of network INCORRECT TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 18 10BaseT, or Unshielded-Twisted Pair (UTP) Ethernet, uses 2 twisted pairs of telephone wires, but unlike PhoneNET, can not be daisy chained in a bus. Gener- ally, one uses a 10BaseT hub to connect TribeStar to multiple Ethernet devices. (See the illustration in the Wiring Plan section.) To connect a single device to TribeStar’s Ethernet side using twisted pair requires a special...
Page 19 You can selectively upgrade a device to Ethernet without having to upgrade all devices daisy chained to its branch. TribeStar’s Ethernet port, via a transceiver, connects to a 10BaseT hub. A 10BaseT hub allows only one device per port, so you must use the home run wiring plan.
Page 20 2. Connect LocalTalk connectors to your LocalTalk devices. 3. Use your network cables to connect devices to the patch panel. 4. Plug the LocalTalk patch panel into TribeStar via the 50-pin RJ-21 cable. 5. Plug the 10BaseT transceiver into TribeStar and connect it to your Ethernet hub.
Page 21 (one for each plug of the cable). All these materials can be purchased at a telephone wiring store. First, measure the distance between a device and the TribeStar or 10BaseT hub. Then cut the cable to length. Write the name of the device on masking tape and then place the identifying tape on both ends so you can later identify this cable in the network.
Page 22 We recommend that you invest in the best crimper you can afford. Modular Tap Finished network cable Modular Tap 0.01 on/off – TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 23 Terminating resistor Plug the LocalTalk patch panel into TribeStar via the 50-pin RJ-21 cable. The RJ- 21 connector is not symmetrical, so you must orient the cable correctly. For the TribeStar, the orientation is correct when the cable points away from the LEDs.
Page 24 If you purchased the transceiver from Tribe, the DIP switches on the transceiver have been set to work with TribeStar. If not, consult their instructions for the proper setting. TribeStar’s AUI connector is equipped with a latch to secure your transceiver in place.
Page 25 • Is the Ethernet network number set as a range of one (i.e., 61-61)? It is a good idea to self-test the TribeStar before installing it in your network. While still disconnected from the network, plug in the TribeStar and observe the pattern of lights on the front.
Page 26 A hard-seeded TribeStar will insist on using the configuration data entered through SwitchMonitor — even if that information conflicts with other network devices. The network may crash if you bring up a hard-seeded TribeStar into a network with a router or other TribeStar that is configured with conflicting informa- tion.
Page 27 65280. If you have a router and TribeStar is soft-seeded, it will be automatically set by the router as TribeStar starts up. If you have a router and TribeStar is hard- seeded, you must enter the same network number that the router is configured for.
Page 28 TribeStar. Changes will not actually take effect until the TribeStar is rebooted. Choose “Reset TribeStar” from the Options menu to do this. Choosing “Reset TribeStar” is not the same as shutting off the device and should not be confused with this.
Page 29 The successful operation of a local area network depends on the proper installa- tion and use of the networking hardware. The SwitchMonitor program can be used to aid in the setup, debugging and management of your TribeStar network. By providing you with a concise summary of network activity, user activity, port status, configuration and a diagnostic log, SwitchMonitor offers the information you need to keep your network operating smoothly.
Page 30 Managing with SwitchMonitor Once a TribeStar is selected, a new window opens which allows you to view and control various aspects of its operation. The Display Menu offers five options: “Statistics”: view network traffic on a per port basis, including error packets and bandwidth utilization.
Page 31 Managing with SwitchMonitor To view the network map of devices connected to TribeStar, select the Network option in the Display menu. This display is useful for checking network integrity. If you have non-System 7 Macs, be sure each has an AppleTalk version that includes a Responder init in its System Folder so that they can appear properly on this display.
Page 32 If a device shows up only as “????”, this means that TribeStar knows of it but it is currently not visible from this Mac. This could be for one of several reasons: 1.
Page 33 An efficient network allows users to access remote services or resources quickly and easily. The statistics display of SwitchMonitor shows the cumulative traffic on each of the ports of a TribeStar, as well as the average activity over any desired measurement interval.
Page 34 PORT 1 local packet count; PORT Ethernet local packet; Each line is a data sample taken from the TribeStar to allow you to track shifting traffic patterns over time. Samples are recorded at the intervals specified on the Statistics page. Therefore, the “Ð time” field should be used to indicate how much time elapsed from the previous reading to the present one.
Page 35 SwitchMonitor gives you the ability to save an AppleTalk or MacIP configuration and load it back into TribeStar at a later time. While in the “AT Config” or “IP Config” screen, select “Save Config” or “Load Config” in the file menu. In addition, hub names may be changed from a screen accessed under the Options menu.
Page 36 TribeStar has the correct configuration. Then power off TribeStar. NOTE: You may put each TribeStar in its own zone, and create as many zones as you want for Ethernet based devices on your network. See the Zones section in PART IV for more information on this .
Page 37 TribeStar. Verify this by checking to see that LocalTalk devices can see EtherTalk devices in the Chooser and vice versa. If this is not the case, restart the TribeStar (now that all nodes are powered up) and check the “AT Config” page again.
Page 38 Networks with Ethernet routers & no LocalTalk routers section, except that you may not have multiple zones on the Ethernet. Configure the Ethernet router and the TribeStar for only one zone. If you create more than one zone, the network will operate erratically.
Page 39 TCP/IP protocols. For many reasons, TCP/IP protocols are gaining momentum as a connectivity standard. At Zoom, we believe that TCP/IP protocols and Internet connectivity offer advan- tages to almost any organization. The Internet facilitates global communication, offers users access to rich sources of information, and exposes them to new types and sources of information.
Page 40 If they are the same, the sending node can address the packet directly to the destination. If they are different, the sender forwards the packet to the default gateway on its network. TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 41 The subnet masks for Class A, B, and C networks are shown in figure 2. Allocation of Bytes Network Address Mask 255.0.0.0 255.255.0.0 255.255.255.0 TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 42 64 in decimal notation. There- fore, each subnet increments by 64 in decimal notation. To create such a network, Jane will need a router for each of her buildings. Her network will look like this: TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 43 “default gateway.” This is done through UNIX commands or, in the case of a Macintosh, through the MacTCP control panel. TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 44 TribeStar acts as a MacIP gateway. Because Macintoshes are not directly on the IP network, the TribeStar assigns an IP address to a Mac and acts as its proxy agent on the IP network, collecting all packets destined for the Mac and forward- ing them encapsulated in LocalTalk.
Page 45 2. TribeStar responds to the Mac, identifying itself as the IP Gateway. 3. If MacTCP is configured to get an address from the server, the Mac requests an IP address from TribeStar, which consults its table of IP addresses. The network administrator has previously configured TribeStar for dynamic addressing and specified a range of IP addresses that it may hand out.
Page 46 6. The UNIX host accepts the IP packet and sends a reply to the Mac’s IP address. 7. TribeStar sees the IP packet destined for the Mac’s IP address. Knowing that it is responsible for delivering these packets to its LocalTalk network, TribeStar accepts the packet on the Mac’s behalf, puts the packet inside an...
Page 47 “server”. (This is done inside the MacTCP control panel.) In this case, all other settings will be filled in when an application launches MacTCP and contact is made with the TribeStar, which acts as the MacIP gateway. When using Static addressing, select “manual” in the MacTCP configuration window and configure MacTCP with the proper address for that node.
Page 48 NOTE: If there is no MacIP gateway in your zone, it is possible to obtain an address from a gateway in another zone. This is not recommended, however, as the address will not be reconfirmed if the gateway is restarted. TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 49 MacIP nodes. Instead, they will address them to TribeStar, which will act as a router in forwarding the packets to their ultimate destination. On the other hand, if you use KIP-style forwarding, the MacIP nodes appear to be on the same network to which the TribeStar is at- tached.
Page 50 TribeStar. Do not check this box if you will manually configure other routers with the subnet information using the UNIX “route add”...
Page 51 TribeStar IP Configuration 7. Address: Enter the TribeStar’s IP address on the Ethernet IP backbone. 8. Mask: Enter the mask of the IP network to which you are connected. If you are not sure if you have a subnet mask, consult your IP network administra- tor.
Page 52 11. Address: The MacIP address is the same as the IP interface address. This field cannot be changed. 12. Client Range: This is the range of IP addresses that TribeStar will handle. Make sure that no IP addresses within the client range are in use by other nodes on the network.
Page 53 TribeStar IP Configuration If you select “Routing”: 1. Address: This is the IP address of the TribeStar on the MacIP subnet. For more information on how to calculate subnet numbers, see the IP Subnetting section. Make sure that this address is the bottom number in a subnet range that offers the desired number of host addresses.
Page 54 MacIP is limited to one gateway per AppleTalk zone. If you have TribeStars in different zones, you may be best off configuring each TribeStar with MacIP. This minimizes the load on each TribeStar. (See PART IV: Configuration for more information on using TribeStar with multiple zones.) If you have one zone encom-...
Page 55 IP Configuration Scenarios IP Configuration Scenarios The following scenario illustrates the configuration of TribeStar for an un- subnetted Class C network using KIP-style forwarding. For more information on how these parameters were calculated, consult the Introduction to TCP/IP Protocols and MacIP Fundamentals chapters.
Page 56 IP Configuration Scenarios TribeStar‘s IP address is on the first subnet. The MacIP subnet is on the second subnet. The MacIP subnet has space for up to 32 nodes. For more information on how these parameters were calculated, consult the Introduction to TCP/IP Protocols and MacIP Fundamentals chapters.
Page 57 2. Isolate the problem. In other words disconnect devices or ports to see when the problem occurs and when it doesn’t. Try a different patch cable. If something doesn’t work correctly with TribeStar in the network, find out if it will work without TribeStar in the network.
Page 58 Planning for a Rainy Day 3. Be patient and methodical. Don’t jump to conclusions. Networks are complex systems with many unseen and unanticipated interactions. Some devices contain unusual quirks that prevent them from working with other devices. TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 59 3. Faulty wiring connection: The popular PhoneNET or TurboNet connectors or the wiring that connects your network device to your TribeStar may be faulty. Swap out a suspect wire or connector and replace it with one that has been tested. If the suspected wiring is concealed in the wall, swap network devices to evaluate if it is the device or wiring that is at fault.
Page 60 To resolve the network or zone identity conflict, power off those computers and printers, and power them on again while they are connected to the TribeStar’s network. They will now learn the identity of the network and should be readily seen in SwitchMonitor and in the Choosers of other Macs on the network.
Page 61 LocalTalk uses 120 ohm terminating resistors. Wires must be terminated at both ends or the signals will be reflected, resulting in noise on the wire. TribeStar is internally terminated. For each of the two wires leading from a LocalTalk patch panel or punchdown block, you need a terminating resistor at the other end of the wire, usually on the last device off that wire.
Page 62 3. No power to transceiver: Check the physical connection to the TribeStar. If this is intact, listen for the fan within the TribeStar. It is operated by the same power source as the Ethernet transceiver connection.
Page 63 TribeStar is already up on the net. (TribeStar should be started up after any routers to glean the appropriate network number.) In any case, this message indicates that either TribeStar or some router on the net is currently misconfigured.
Page 64 The “D” in the diagnostics message indicates the destination node of the packet and the “S” comes before the sender’s node. “Que” indicates the LocalTalk port number (minus 1) that the destination node is not found on. TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 65 FTP from host ftp.nisc.sri.com, directory rfc, file name rfc1325.txt] To get MacTCP, contact your dealer or order directly from the Apple Catalog at 800-795-1000. A single user copy (part number E1785) is available for $59. A 20- user license extension (part number E1786) costs $69. TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 66 Definition of 11 Internet, The 39, 40, 41, 42 LocalTalk 37–38 Zoning 27 IP Config 30, 35, 49, 49–54, 50, 51, 55 Routers IP Subnetting 42–43 Ethernet 37 Routing Table 11, 63 Routing table 43 RTMP 11, 62, 63 TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 67 ThinNet 6, 17, 18, 61. See also 10Base2 Topology 9 Transceiver 7, 16. See 10Base2 UNIX 43, 44 UNIX server 62 UTP 18, 20, 21, 61 Velcro strap 23 Warranty 65 Wiring closet 59 Zilog Z8 15 Zones 27 AppleTalk 12 TribeStar User’s Guide...
Page 68 Notes Notes 0128 27800 TribeStar User’s Guide...