Accessing The Menu System; Methods Of Control; Pc Connection & Log In Procedures; Starting A Local Console Session (Recommended For First-Time Log-In) - GE MDS iNET Series Reference Manual

2.2 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 into the unit, and gain access to the
built-in menu screens.

2.2.1 Methods of Control

The unit's configuration menus may be accessed in one of several ways:
• Local Console—This is the primary method used for the examples in this manual. Connect a PC
directly to the
COM 1
tions program such as HyperTerminal. This method provides text-based access to the unit's menu
screens. Console control is a hardware-based technique, and is intended for local use only.
• Telnet or SSH*—Connect a PC to the unit's
a Telnet session. This method provides text-based access to the unit's menu screens in a manner sim-
ilar to a Local Console session. Telnet sessions may be run locally or remotely through an IP con-
nection.
• Web Browser*—Connect a PC to the unit's
a web browser session (i.e., Internet Explorer, Firefox, etc.) This method provides a graphical repre-
sentation of each screen, just as you would see when viewing an Internet website. The appearance of
menu screens differs slightly from other methods of control, but the content and organization of
screen items is similar. Web browser sessions may be run locally or remotely via the Internet.
* Telnet, SSH and Web Browser sessions require the use of a straight-through or crossover Ethernet cable,
depending on the whether the PC-to-radio connection is made directly, or through an Ethernet switch. For direct
connection, a crossover cable is required; For connection using an Ethernet switch, a straight-through type is
needed.
Cable type can be identified as follows: Hold the two cable ends side-by-side and in the same plug orientation (i.e.,
both locking tabs 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 "Data Interface
Connectors" on Page 124 for detailed pinout information.
2.2.2 PC Connection & Log In Procedures
The following steps describe how to access the radio's menu system. These steps require a PC to be con-
nected to the unit's COM 1

Starting a Local Console Session (Recommended for first-time log-in)

1. Connect a serial communications cable between the PC and the unit's
may be constructed for this purpose as shown in Figure 2-5.
05-2806A01, Rev. L
port using a serial communications cable and launch a terminal communica-
or LAN port as shown in Figure 2-4.
To COM1 or LAN Port
(See Text)
Configuration PC
Figure 2-4. PC Configuration Setup
MDS iNET Series Reference Manual
port, either directly or via a network, and launch
LAN
LAN port, either directly or via a network, and launch
Invisible place holder
Serial or Ethernet
Crossover Cable
(See Text)
COM 1 port. If necessary, a cable
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