home
***
CD-ROM
|
disk
|
FTP
|
other
***
search
/
Tech Arsenal 1
/
Tech Arsenal (Arsenal Computer).ISO
/
tek-05
/
notepo.zip
/
NP_LAN.DOC
< prev
Wrap
Text File
|
1992-09-29
|
16KB
|
453 lines
AI-LANBIOS Low-Level Driver For KODIAK NotePort (NOTEPORT.DOC)
-----------------------------------------------------
(C) Copyright 1991 ARTISOFT, Inc.
(Revised 9/24/92)
I. INTRODUCTION
============
The NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE low-level AI-LANBIOS NotePort driver allows
you to use your Kodiak NotePort in a LANtastic network.
NP_LAN_S.EXE offers standard driver performance
and
NP_LAN_E.EXE offers enhanced performance but requires a bi-directional
printer port on the PC.
Please refer to the Kodiak NotePort Installation Guide prior to installing
the LANtastic software driver. Install the NotePort as instructed, then run
the supporting software (NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE and AILANBIO.EXE) as
detailed in the Guide.
NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE communicates with the NotePort, while AILANBIO.EXE
provides high-level communications across the local area network. Because of
this, you cannot run network software until after you load NP_LAN_S.EXE /
NP_LAN_E.EXE and AILANBIO.EXE. (Note: For information on running AILANBIO.EXE,
refer to AILANBIO.DOC on your LANtastic driver diskette.)
There are command line switches that you can use when you run NP_LAN_S.EXE /
NP_LAN_E.EXE and AILANBIO.EXE. These switches allow you greater flexibility
in using these programs. For information on the AILANBIO.EXE command line
options refer to AILANBIO.DOC on your LANtastic driver disk. For information on
NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE command line switches, refer to "NP_LAN_S.EXE /
NP_LAN_E.EXE COMMAND LINE OPTIONS" in this file.
Compatibility Statement
-----------------------
v3.10 of NP_LAN_S.exe and NP_LAN_E.exe is compatible with Artisoft's
LANtastic/AI Network Operating System v4.1. There are a few minor
anomalities of the adapter running on a LANtastic network, and they are
documented at the final section of this file.
Vendor Information
------------------
Kodiak Technology, 1338 Ridder Park Dr., San Jose CA 95131. Tech. Support
800-777-7704. BBS 408-452-0677. Customer Service Hotline 800-888-8084.
II. RUNNING NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE
===================================
The syntax for running NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE is
NP_LAN_S[switches . . . ] [ ; comment]
or
NP_LAN_E[switches . . . ] [ ; comment]
where "switches" denotes any optional command line switches. If you are
using more than one switch in a command line, use a space or a forward
slash (/) to separate the arguments. If a switch takes a value (such as
when you designate the DOS multiplex number with the MPX= switch) the
switch must be followed by an equal sign (=) or a colon (:). All switch
values are checked to make sure they are valid. Illegal values produce
error messages.
These are valid switch formats:
SWITCH
/SWITCH
SWITCH:VALUE
/SWITCH=VALUE
You would use one of the first two formats for a switch that does not take
a value. For example:
NP_LAN_S/HELP or NP_LAN_E/HELP
You would use the third or fourth formats for a switch that takes a value.
Such as:
NP_LAN_S/MPX=D7 or NP_LAN_E/MPX=D7
III. NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE COMMAND LINE OPTIONS
================================================
The valid NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE switches appear below.
- The letters "ddd" denote that you must provide a decimal number.
- The letters "hh" denote a required hexadecimal value.
- Values enclosed in brackets "[]" indicate default values if the switch
is omitted.
- Values after the brackets denote the valid range of variables for the
switch.
----------
@switch-file
This option specifies that further switches are to be taken from an
switch file. Any switches after the @switch-file name will be used,
and the switch settings take precedence over any settings in the switch
file. You may invoke switch files from within switch files as often as
you wish. The file should contain valid switches and may contain comment
characters (;) at the beginning of each line or after switches.
For example,
NP_LAN_S @setup or NP_LAN_E @setup
The file SETUP contains
; AI-LANBIOS NotePort Driver setup file
;
MPX=D7 ; Use Multiplex number D7
IRQ=5 ; Use interrupt request 5
VERBOSE ; Display verbose information
----------
HELP or ?
This switch instructs NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE to display information about
the valid command line switches, but does not install the NotePort driver.
For example,
NP_LAN_S/help or NP_LAN_E/help
NP_LAN_S ? NP_LAN_E ?
See the messages section for a detailed description of the HELP display
output.
----------
IRQ=d [7] 5 or 7
This switch specifies the interrupt request (IRQ) level for the parallel port
adapter to which the NotePort is connected. If you have more than one NotePort
installed, that means you should have more than one parallel port adapter
and each parallel port adapter should have its own unique IRQ. The IRQ switch
value must match the jumper setting on the parallel port adapter.
Consult the parallel port adapter installation guide for more information
on setting IRQ jumpers on the adapter.
----------
LPT=d [1] Range 1 to 3
This switch allows you to specify the parallel port where the NotePort is
installed. You will need to use this switch if you've installed the NotePort
on LPT2 or LPT3.
----------
MPX=hh [C7] C0-FF
This switch specifies the DOS multiplex (MPX) number to use for
communication with AILANBIO.EXE. You will need to change this value only
if the default MPX number is in use by another application or NETBIOS.
Multiplex numbers 00 through BF are reserved for DOS use; therefore, you
must use a multiplex number between C0 and FF.
----------
PACKET_SIZE=dddd [1500] 574-1500
This switch specifies the maximum size of transmitted IEEE 802.3 packets.
You may need to change this value when using certain bridges that do not
support the full 1500-byte packet size. Even when you reduce the packet
size, the low-level driver can still receive larger packets.
----------
REMOVE
This switch removes NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE from memory. You must remove
TSR programs in the opposite order they were loaded.
For example, if you loaded NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE and then AILANBIO, you
must remove AILANBIO before NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE.
In addition, if you have more than one invocation of NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE
and AILANBIO you must use the MPX= switch on the command line to specify which
copy of NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE but not (AILANBIO) that you want to unload.
For example, if you load two copies of NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE and AILANBIO:
NP_LAN_S/MPX=C7 or NP_LAN_E/MPX=C7
AILANBIO/ADAPTER=0/MPX=C7
NP_LAN_S/MPX=D7 or NP_LAN_E/MPX=D7
AILANBIO/ADAPTER=1/MPX=D7
To unload these copies of NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE and AILANBIO:
AILANBIO/REMOVE
NP_LAN_S/MPX=D7/REMOVE or NP_LAN_E/MPX=D7/REMOVE
AILANBIO/REMOVE
NP_LAN_S/MPX=C7/REMOVE or NP_LAN_E/MPX=C7/REMOVE
The REMOVE option will remove the most recently run copy of AILANBIO.
----------
VERBOSE
This switch causes the NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE driver to be installed and
detailed information about the configuration of the NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE
driver to be displayed.
See the messages section for a detailed description of the VERBOSE output.
---------
XEROX
This switch causes all transmitted packets to be in the XEROX format
instead of the IEEE 802.3 standard. When using this switch NP_LAN_S.EXE /
NP_LAN_E.EXE will receive both XEROX and IEEE 802.3 packets.
IV. USING MULTIPLE NOTEPORTS
========================
NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE and AILANBIO.EXE communicate with each other using
a DOS multiplex (MPX) number. Each NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE and AILANBIO.EXE
pair supports one NotePort.
You will need to run an additional copy of NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE and
AILANBIO.EXE for each additional NotePort installed in your computer. Using
command line switches, you must assign each NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE and
AILANBIO.EXE pair a unique multiplex, adapter and IRQ number. You must also
specify the LPT port to which each NotePort is attached. For example:
NP_LAN_S or NP_LAN_E
AILANBIO
NP_LAN_S/IRQ=5/MPX=D7/LPT=2 or NP_LAN_E/IRQ=5/MPX=D7/LPT=2
AILANBIO/ADAPTER=1/MPX=D7
The first invocation of NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE and AILANBIO.EXE loads into
the first NotePort using the default MPX number (C7) interrupt request number
(7) and adapter number (0). This NotePort is attached to LPT1.
The command line switches in the second invocation instruct the NETBIOS to load
into the second NotePort, (adapter number 1) using interrupt request 5 and DOS
MPX number D7. This NotePort is attached to LPT2.
V. NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE MESSAGES
====================================
The NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE driver produces two types of messages:
Informative and Error.
All error messages are preceded by the text "ERROR:" and in those cases
the NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE driver is not installed.
--------
MESSAGE:
AI-LANBIOS NotePort driver (Standard Version) Vn.nn
- (C) Copyright 1989, 1990 ARTISOFT Inc.
- Portions (C) Copyright 1992 Kodiak Technology, Inc.
or
AI-LANBIOS NotePort driver (Enhanced Version) Vn.nn
- (C) Copyright 1989, 1990 ARTISOFT Inc.
- Portions (C) Copyright 1992 Kodiak Technology, Inc.
This message appears each time the low-level driver is invoked.
--------
MESSAGE:
---- AI-LANBIOS NotePort Driver installed ----
This message appears after the low-level driver is successfully installed.
--------
MESSAGE:
---- AI-LANBIOS NotePort Driver NOT installed ----
This message appears if the low-level driver is not installed. The driver
will not be installed if HELP information is displayed or an error
occurred.
--------
MESSAGE:
Command line /verbose
IEEE 802.3 node address 00801B0209D6 Network packet size 1500
MPX interface number C7 LPT port number 1
Interrupt request (IRQ) 7 LPT type UNI-DIRECTIONAL
Packet type IEEE 802.3 Cable type THIN COAXIAL
Bytes of memory used 4000
This message appears if the VERBOSE switch is specified. The values
displayed specify how the low-level driver is configured.
--------
MESSAGE:
Valid command line switches:
HELP
XEROX
LPT= Range 1 to 3 decimal
IRQ= One of the following choices:
5 7
MPX= Range C0 to FF hex
PACKET_SIZE= Range 574 to 1500 decimal
REMOVE
VERBOSE
?
@ range 0 to 2048 byte file
This message is displayed when the HELP or ? switch is used. Each valid
switch is listed with the acceptable range of values (if any) and the base
(hex or decimal) that the numbers must be entered in. The acceptable file
size range for indirect files (@) is also listed. The low-level driver is
not installed when this switch is used.
-------
MESSAGE:
---- AI-LANBIOS NotePort Driver removed ----
The NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE driver has been removed from memory.
--------
ERROR: AI-LANBIOS NotePort Driver not loaded
Meaning: You have issued the NP_LAN_S/REMOVE (or NP_LAN_E/REMOVE) command and
do not have NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE loaded into memory.
Remedy: Only issue this command after the program is loaded.
-------
ERROR: Can't REMOVE -- interrupts re-hooked
Meaning: You have attempted to remove NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE and the
interrupts are in use by another TSR, or NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE
was not the last TSR loaded.
Remedy: Remove any TSRs loaded after NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE.
For example, if you load NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE then
AILANBIO.EXE, you must first remove AILANBIO.EXE, then you can
remove NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE.
-------
ERROR: Installed AI-LANBIOS NotePort Driver is different version
Meaning: You have loaded a version of the NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE program
and attempted to remove it from memory with the /REMOVE switch.
The version with which you are attempting to remove NP_LAN_S.EXE /
NP_LAN_E.EXE is not the same version that was loaded.
Remedy: Remove NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE with the same version of the
program that was loaded.
------
ERROR: Cannot open switch file - @file
Meaning: The file "file" cannot be opened as an switch file.
Remedy: The file must exist before it can be used as an switch file.
------
ERROR: Illegal digit in switch value - ??????=nnnn
Meaning: An illegal digit (character) occurred in the numeric
switch value.
Remedy: You must restrict numeric decimal values to the numbers 0-9.
You must restrict hexadecimal values to the numbers 0-9 and the
letters A-F.
------
ERROR: Illegal switch - ??????=nnnn
Meaning: The switch ??????=nnnn is not a recognized switch.
Remedy: You may only specify legal switches on the command line.
------
ERROR: MPX number hh is already in use - Try another number
Meaning: The multiplex (MPX) interrupt number hh is being used by another
application or low-level driver.
Remedy: Try another MPX number.
------
ERROR: AI-LANBIOS NotePort Driver already loaded
Meaning: You have attempted to load a second copy of NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE
into the same NotePort.
Remedy: Load only one copy of NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE per NotePort.
If you use multiple NotePorts, make sure each copy of NP_LAN_S.EXE /
NP_LAN_E.EXE has a unique MPX, IRQ and LPT value.
------
ERROR: Either NotePort is not found at LPTn or Self-Test fails.
Meaning: NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE was unable to load into the NotePort.
Remedy: Check the NotePort connection to the computer's printer port and that
the green LEDs are lit.
------
ERROR: Switch value not in range - ??????=nnnn
Valid range is ssss to eeee
Meaning: The value nnnn is not in proper range. The value "ssss"
represents the lowest acceptable value and the value "eeee"
represents the highest acceptable value.
Remedy: Limit your range of values to the acceptable range.
VI. TESTING NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE RETURN CODES (ERROR LEVEL)
==============================================================
You may test the NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE return code or error level in a
batch file by
using the IF ERRORLEVEL command. The following error levels are returned:
0 No error has encountered. NotePort Driver installed
1 MPX number is in use
2 Switch error
3 NotePort not found or Self-Test fails
4 NP_LAN_S.EXE / NP_LAN_E.EXE not loaded
5 Can't remove, different version loaded
6 Can't remove, interrupt vector re-hooked
7 ERROR: Can't REMOVE -- AI-LANBIOS (R) still installed
VII. WARNING
=======
With some printers, it is necessary to leave the printer power on when
the printer is attached to the NotePort printer connection. If you need to
power off the printer while using the NotePort, you should disconnect the
printer from the NotePort before turning it off.
The Kodiak drivers cannot be loaded on most models of microchannel machines
in our lab.
The enhanced driver (NP_LAN_E.exe) supports bi-directional communication on
the parallel port. It does not support the new Xircom-Intel enhanced parallel
port specifications available on i386SL chips.
-------------------
NotePort is a trademark of Kodiak Technology, Inc.