Accessing The Menu System; Methods Of Control - GE MDS entraNET 900 Technical Manual

36

3.2 ACCESSING THE MENU SYSTEM

The radio has no external controls. All configuration, diagnostics and
control is performed electronically using a connected PC. This section
explains how to connect a PC, log in to the radio, and access the built-in
menu screens.

3.2.1 Methods of Control

The radio configuration menus may be accessed in several ways:
• Local Console—This is the primary method used for the
examples in this manual. Connect a PC directly to the
port on the radio using a serial communications cable and
launch a terminal communications program such as
HyperTerminal. This method provides text-based access to the
radio menu. Console control is a hardware-based technique, and
is intended for local use only.
• Telnet*—Connect a PC to the
directly or over a network, and launch a Telnet session. This
method provides text-based access to the radio menu, similar to
a Local Console session. Telnet sessions may be run locally or
remotely through an IP connection.
• Web Browser*—Connect a PC to the
either directly or over a network, and open a Web browser
(Internet Explorer, Netscape, and so on). This method provides
a graphical representation of each screen, just as you see when
viewing an Internet Web site. The menu screens look a little
different from other methods of control, but the content and
organization of screen items is similar. Web browser sessions
may be run locally or remotely over the Internet.
*
Telnet and Web browser sessions require the use of a straight-through or Ethernet crossover
cable, depending on the whether the PC-to-radio connection is made directly or through an
Ethernet switch or hub. For direct connection, a crossover cable is required; for connection
via a switch or hub, a straight-through cable is needed.
To identify the cable type, hold the two cable ends side by side and in the same plug
orientation (that is, both locking tabs are up or down). Now look at the individual wire colors
on each plug. If the wires on both plugs are ordered in the same sequence from left to right,
the cable is a straight-through type. If they are not in the same order, it may be a crossover
cable, or it may be wired for some other application. Refer to
CONNECTORS on Page 187 for detailed pinout information.
MDS entraNET Technical Manual
port on the radio, either
LAN
port on the radio,
LAN
DATA INTERFACE
05-4055A01, Rev. E
COM 1