The Access Port is entered by using a Control-B either from the Local Console or Remote Console. This produces and AP Prompt as follows:

CM> (CM mean the Access Port is in the Control Mode)

To exit the Access Port (Control Mode) enter Access Port Command: CO

The term 'AP' means Access Port.

CA: Configure AP

Configures Remote Support Modem Port. The local console operator sets the modem protocol, bit rate, CCITT Rate Select, and the optional system identification for the remote support modem port.

CM>CA <enter>

Current remote support modem port configuration:

Bit rate: 2400 bits/sec

Protocol: Bell

System identification:

Do you wish to change the configuration? (Y/[N]):

The "Bit rate" field must be set for the speed of the incoming modem. This function is not speed-sensed; the bit rate MUST match the speed of the incoming call. (Bit-rate and Baud Rate are same thing)

In most cases, the "Protocol" field should be set to "Bell" or "CCITT". In the United States, the protocol is usually "Bell." In Europe, the protocol is usually "CCITT".

After the commands are processed, the new configuration is written to non-volatile memory (NVM). The new configuration takes effect after the current operator session is disconnected and the next incoming call is answered.

CO: Console

Valid From: Local Console Port, Remote Modem Port

Switches the console terminal from control mode to console mode.

CS: Copy Screen

Valid From: Remote Modem Port Only

Copies the contents of display memory on the local console to the remote console display. This is useful if error messages or a tombstone display are still in display memory. Service personnel at the remote console can read this information with the CS command even if the information has scrolled off the screen at the local console (but is still in display memory).

The CS command may take a long time to complete. For example, assume that a local console has 16 pages of display memory and each page is filled with 80 characters per line. The CS command could take as long as 3 minutes to complete, assuming a remote console connection of 2400 bits per second.

The local operator can terminate the CS command before it completes by resetting the terminal. AP firmware detects an error which terminates the CS process.

The remote operator can terminate the CS command by entering ^C or ^Y.

The local console transmits all characters in display memory, including carriage return, line feed, and other control characters. If a line of characters from the local console fills a line on the remote console, the remote console terminal will wrap the text around to the next line. This may cause what appears to be an extra carriage return and line feed on the remote console.

The AP (Access Port) allows the remote console to stop character transmission (for example, with ^S for only 20 seconds at a time. This feature prevents the local console from becoming stuck in a state such that the only way to recover use of the local console would be to reset it (for example, if the remote console failed to send a ^Q to re-start transmission,).

CM> CS

Do you wish to copy the local display to the remote display? (Y/[N]):

DI: Disconnect Remote Console.

Valid From: Remote Modem Port Only

This command causes the AP (Access Port) to initiate a modem disconnect sequence on the remote support modem if it is being used as a remote console. After executing this command the AP de-asserts the modem control lines, thus forcing the modem to "hang up" the telephone line. The remote support modem port is then no longer connected as a mirrored console, and the local console port becomes master.

If the remote access mode (see ER command) was set to be single, remote operator access is disabled and must be re-enabled by using the ER command to once again allow remote operator access. If the remote access mode was set to be multiple, the AP will connect the next incoming call on the remote support modem port to the AP as a remote operator connection.

DR: Disable Remote Operator Access.

Valid From: Local Console Port, Remote Modem Port

This command disables remote operator access on the support modem port. If an operator is connected as a parallel console at the time this command is executed, the remote console is disconnected. Any future incoming calls to the remote support modem will be handled by the system as a user session. If remote operator access was already disabled when this command is executed, this command has no effect.

DS: Disable Status

Valid From: Local Console Port, Remote Modem Port

Disables display of the system's operating status and hex display to the console terminals when in console mode.

The DS command does not affect the display of this information when the console is in AP control mode

Viewing and Interpreting the Chassis Code and Remote Console Status

ER: Enable Remote

Valid From: Local Console Port Only

Enables remote console access and sets security parameters for the connection. Remote console access means that the remote user is connected in parallel to the local console. The remote user sees the same displays and has access to the same commands as a local operator, including Control-B access to AP commands.

"This command is available only on the local console."

New remote console access configuration:

Remote CS: Enabled

Mode: Multiple

Password:

Password faults: 03

Remote console access is now enabled.

The security parameters include the remote CS parameter, the mode parameter (single/multiple) and the password fault parameter.

Remote CS Parameter

The remote CS parameter enables the Copy Screen (CS) to be executed from the remote console. The CS command copies a screen from the local console to the remote console.

Mode Parameter

The mode parameter establishes how many times the remote user may connect, disconnect, and reconnect the remote console before remote console access is automatically disabled. The two modes possible are single and multiple

In single mode, only one access from outside to the remote console is permitted. (The AP defines an "access" as successfully answering the password prompt.) After the one access, the remote console cannot be accessed again. Only remote sessions are permitted. To use the remote port as a remote console once again, the remote console capability must be re-enabled by the local console (ER command).

NOTE For predictive/Vision support to function correctly, the AP should be set to single mode.

In multiple mode, the remote console can be accessed multiple times.

In both single and multiple modes, the remote user has three attempts to enter the correct password. If the user succeeds, the remote console session is begun and remains until the user disconnects or until the user is disconnected by the local console operator. If the user fails, the line is disconnected and dropped.

Password Fault Parameter

If the user does not provide the correct password, a password fault count is increased, the caller is disconnected, and the line is dropped. When the password fault count exceeds an operator set limit, the remote operator access capability is disabled. Afterwards, the modem port may only be used as a normal session port until the local console operator re-enables the remote capability with the ER command.

The password fault parameter sets the number of password faults allowable (three password attempts per fault) before remote console access is automatically disabled. The password parameter is set by the local console operator and stored in non-volatile memory (NVM).

On initial power-up the remote configuration defaults to:

* Remote Operator Access Disabled (see DR command)

* Mode = Multiple

* Password = None

* Password Faults = 3

* Remote Copy Screen = Enabled

For Vision / Predictive support to function correctly, the AP should be set to single mode. In single mode, the port is looks like a normal session port.

ES: Enable Status

Valid From: Local Console Port, Remote Modem Port

Enables display of the system's status line (for example, the hex code) on the console terminals when they are in console mode. After the ES command, the status line appears in place of the soft key labels when the console returns to console mode. The console status line is always enabled in AP control mode and in SP even if the DS command has been entered.

Caution

It is not recommended that the ES command be used. Writing the status line can interfere with some programs which use escape codes to manipulate the console screen. The vi program in HP-UX is one such program. the screen data become corrupted when the writing of the status line coincides with a screen update by such programs.

HE: Help

Valid From: Local Console Port, Remote Modem Port

Execution of this command (either HE or HELP are acceptable) displays the following information to the console terminal:

nnnnnn Access Port Revision xxxx – dddd

nnnnnn in the first line is the product number of the I/O card on which the AP is implemented.

xxxx is the AP firmware revision number.

dddd is a date code indicating the year and week that the code revision was last updated.

LR: Lock Remote (Disable 'DTR')

Valid From: Local Console Port, Remote Modem Port (Do Not Use except with Ideal or HP Modems!)

Disables the 'DTR' Line. After the local operator issues this command, any modem connected to the Access Port 1 (Modem Port) will not be able to answer thereby effectively locking out the port from incoming calls. Any active session on the remote support modem are disconnected (this includes user session or a remote operator). Incoming calls are ignored. Requests by the system for establishing an outgoing modem connection are also ignored.

This command does not affect the state of remote operator access (either enabled or disabled), although after executing this command, no remote operator connection can be established. After unlocking the remote support modem access, if remote operator access was enabled before locking, it will continue to be enabled. If it was disabled, it will continue to be disabled.

The state of the lock (either locked or unlocked) is saved in non-volatile memory (NVM). If power fails, the same state as existed before the power failure will exist after power is restored. Initially, the lock is set to the unlocked state.

The local console operator must use the UR (Unlock Remote support modem access) command to re-enable access to the remote support modem.

RS: Reset SPU.

This command resets the system, AP I/O card excluded, by de-asserting the backplane POW_ON and SEC_ON signals. For multiple bus systems, a reset signal is provided on the support cable. The IAP firmware controls the length of time that POW_ON and SEC_ON are forced to the off state and the support cable RSTSYS_L signal is asserted. The reset condition should be held for a minimum of 5 milliseconds.

In order to ensure proper functioning of this command, the processor must mask off the reset from the backplane.

The proper SPU reset sequence is as follows:

* Determine that the Operator really wants to reset the system by requiring that the operator confirm that a system reset is desired.

* Firmware notifies the operator that the system reset has been successful.

* Reset the I/O functions on the IAP I/O card.

* The AP is placed in Console Mode to prepare for rebooting the system.

SE: Enter Session Mode On Remote Port

Valid From: Remote Modem Port

This command may only be entered from the remote port and allows the user to leave control mode and enter session mode. To re-enter control mode, the user need only exit the user session. The AP will reconnect the operator as a parallel console after the driver releases the connection.

CM> SE

MPE/iX:HELLO MANAGER.SYS

HP3000 Release: C.55.00 User Version: C.55.00 TUE, FEB 15, 2000, 1:39 PM

MPE/iX HP31900 C.05.08 Copyright Hewlett-Packard 1987. All rights reserved.

BURN5.5P4:BYE

CPU=1. Connect=1. TUE, FEB 15, 2000, 1:40 PM.

SE terminated: returning to console/control mode. (APMSG 06)

TA: Test AP

Valid From: Local Console Port, Remote Modem Port

Initiate AP Selftest. Causes the AP card to execute its selftest.

Execution of the selftest does not alter the configuration or disconnect the modem port if on line. However, any data sent to the I/O card during selftest is lost.

CM> TA

Console data arriving during selftest execution will be lost.

Type Y to confirm your intention to execute AP selftest (Y/[N]): Y

0001 0002 0003 0004 0005 0006 0007 0008 0009

All tests passed (APMSG 01)

CM>

TE: Tell

Valid From: Local Console Port, Remote Modem Port

Sends a Message to Other Console. All displayable characters following the TE command are treated as a comment. Since characters are echoed to the local console terminal and to the remote console terminal if it is connected, this has the effect of sending a message to the other terminal. The comment string, including the command mnemonic, is limited to a maximum of 80 characters.

TC: Initiate Transfer Of Control

Valid From: Local Console Port, Remote Modem Port

This command initiates a system Transfer Of Control by asserting the TOC line connected to the host's SPU through the support cable. After completion of this command, the AP is placed in console mode in preparation for rebooting the system.

UR: Unlock Remote

Valid From: Local Console Port, Remote Modem Port (Do Not Use except with Ideal or HP Modems!)

Enables access to the remote support modem. After the local operator issues this command, either a remote operator or the system can use the remote support modem.

If remote operator access had been enabled previously, the card returns to the remote operator enabled state, allowing incoming calls to be connected as a mirrored console.

If remote operator access had been disabled previously, the card returns to the remote operator disabled state, allowing system usage of this port for user sessions.

If the modem was already in the unlocked state, this command has no additional effect.

This command does not affect the state of remote operator access (either enabled or disabled). After unlocking the remote support modem access, if remote operator access was enabled before locking, it continues to be enabled. If it was disabled, it continues to be disabled.

The state of the lock (either locked or unlocked) is saved in non-volatile memory (NVM) so that if power fails, the same state as existed before the power failure will exist after power is restored. Initially, the lock is set to the unlocked state.

Handling Inbound and Outbound Characters

Definition

* Outbound characters (from the system to the consoles).

* Inbound characters (from the consoles to the system).

Routing of Outbound Characters

In console mode with control enabled, the access port passes outbound characters from the backplane buffers for the console port to the transmit buffers of port 0 and port 1 (if it is connected as a mirrored console).

Inbound Characters

With mirrored consoles, inbound characters can come from either the local console or the remote console. Special consideration must be given to inbound data.

If the remote console port is not connected as a mirrored console, characters come from the local console port only.

If the remote console port is connected as a mirrored console, then one of the ports is considered the master, the other the slave(Immediately after the remote console is connected, the local console is the master, and the remote console is the slave.). Mastership is changed when the slave terminal sends a BREAK. The access port receives characters from the master and the slave terminals, but only the characters received from the master terminal are placed in the inbound buffers that are transferred to the host through the backplane interface. The access port does monitor the slave terminal inbound data to determine if BREAK was received, or if a flow control character was received.

The access port also checks for special characters received from the master port. Control-B signifies that the operator wants to enter control mode. Control-V is used as an escape character, signifying that the following character should not be given any special meaning, but should be passed directly to the host. This gives an operator the ability to send a Control-B to the host without the access port interpreting it as a signal to enter control mode.

Access Port Special Characters

Control-B: Enter Control Mode

Entering this character when in console mode causes a change to control mode. Some special consideration needs to be added for flow control lock ups. Upon entering control mode, the Se bit should be set and SERR_PORTBUSY should be placed in the IO_STATUS register of port 0.

Control-Q: XON Pacing Character

This character causes the AP to resume passing characters to the console terminal (or terminals) if all connected console terminals are not in the XOFF state. This character is flagged as a special character and passed on to the host system. See the section on Console Flow Control for more details.

Control-S: XOFF Pacing Character

This character causes the AP to stop passing characters to the console terminals. This flow control character may be sent by either the master or the slave console terminal, and the AP must respond to either terminal sending the XOFF by stopping the flow of characters to the terminal. The AP will not send characters to either console terminal if one of them has sent an XOFF. To prevent both terminals from being locked up, each time an XOFF is received, a two second timer is initiated for the port at which the XOFF was received. After two seconds elapse with no XON character from that port, the transmitter will be re-enabled and character transmission will resume.

Control-V: Escape Character

Entering this character on the active console terminal nullifies any special character processing of the following character (with the exception of the XON and XOFF character) and the Control-V character is ignored. Thus, for example: vi users will need to enter Control-B preceded by a Control-V to page backwards while in console mode.

BREAK: Change Console Keyboard Master

Entering this character from the slave console immediately switches the slave console to console master and the break character is put in the bit bucket. When this character is entered from the console master however, it is sent on to the host system.

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