if_modem


ALOM supports incoming serial modem communication from an external modem for remote management. To accept an incoming communication, you need to configure the modem hardware and ALOM software locally before accessing the system remotely.

A modem attached to the serial management port (SERIAL MGT) has exclusive use of the port. You may want to configure ALOM for use on an Ethernet to allow local users to connect to ALOM via Telnet. See Configuring ALOM or Configuring Your Network Manually for further information.

How to Configure the Serial Management Port to Use a Modem

  1. Set the if_modem variable to true by doing one of the following:
  2. Connect the modem to the serial management port (SERIAL MGT) and turn on the power to the modem.

    The DTR, CTS, and AA lights illuminate.

    Note: After you set the if_modem variable to true, input on the serial connection is disabled unless either the DCD signal on the serial management port goes high or the if_modem variable is set back to false. You will not be able to use the SERIAL MGT port until you connect a modem to it. However, you can use telnet to connect to ALOM through the NET MGT port.

How to Return the Serial Management Port for Use Without a Modem

  1. Power off the modem.
  2. Disconnect the RJ-45 modem connection from the serial management port (SERIAL MGT).
  3. If another device was attached to the serial management port before you removed it to connect the modem, reconnect that device to the serial management port.
  4. Set the if_modem variable to false by doing one of the following:

Modem Configuration Troubleshooting

Issue Solution
ALOM modem does not answer Verify that cabling is set up correctly. See Setting Up the Hardware for additional information.
ALOM modem answers then immediately hangs up Verify that the if_modem variable is set to true.
ALOM modem answers but connections appear dead
  1. Type the ALOM escape character (#.) to see if you can return to the ALOM login or sc> prompt.


  2. Ensure that the serial management port speed and modem port speed are set to the same value.
  3. Try disabling data compression. On many modems, this is done by using the AT&K0 modem command.

 


Configuring an external modem