mdr inet_dial


DOCUMENTATION v3.5




INTRODUCTION

MDR INET_DIAL provides software designed to run continuously `in the background' and is integrated with a Web Browser (AWEB-II), Mailer (YAM) and optional Control software. The preferred method of operation is to leave your Amiga running permanently, only turning off the VDU screen when not in use.

INET_DIAL has been developed over a number of years and has maintained compatibility with the current operating system, at present OS3.6.

Sufficient memory (RAM) is required to enable INET_DIAL (1 Mb approx), YAM (1 Mb approx) and AWEB-II (6 Mb approx) to run at the same time. With the AMIGA OS3.6 operating system taking approximately 6 Mb; a minimum memory size would be typically 18 Mb. Additional memory is required as necessary to run your other applications. You will probably already have an accelerator in order to effectively browse the WEB! Your AWEB graphics display should ideally be set to a minimum of 800 x 600 pixels. 1024 x 768 pixels is to be preferred.

INET_DIAL runs on top of a TCP/IP Protocol Stack, either AMITCP or MIAMI. INET_DIAL can be used to connect to the Internet or by direct dial to a remote computer; remote drives can be imported and appear on your machine using NetFS Amiga networking software (included with INET_DIAL). INET_DIAL can also provide a `dial-in' service to enable remote computers to link into your computer.

The INET_DIAL installer sets up the various files and drawers that are required for the system to run. A basic configuration is set up at installation, certain details will need to be entered before an unregistered version will operate. Certain other files in your existing set up will also need to be altered (see below for your particular configuration).

The Amiga Networking software allows disk drives on a remote machine to appear on your machine, the speed of access being determined by the type of your connection. A facility also exists for rebooting remote machines.



EXAMPLE SESSIONS

There follows a brief description of how INET_DIAL operates. All actions are logged:

Startup
  • Computer boots up
  • Apache started (required only if using control function)
  • AMITCP or MIAMI started
  • YAM started
  • AWeb started
  • INET_DIAL started
  • Standby
  • Mount Local Network Drives
  • INET_DIAL resets and carries out all pre-programmed functions up to current time
  • Modem configured
  • If Server enabled then modem placed on auto-answer
  • If Control System enabled then start monitoring and control functions
  • WWW Connection
  • Configure modem for WWW
  • Connect to WWW via ISP
  • Bring SLIP interface online
  • WWW `online' on browser
  • Initiate Mailcheck
  • Monitor connection (disconnect if lost contact)
  • Remote Computer Connection
  • Configure modem for Remote Computer
  • Connect to Remote Computer (direct dial)
  • Bring SLIP interface online
  • Enable heartbeat to remote computer
  • Mount remote drives
  • Remote Computer `online' on browser
  • Monitor connection (disconnect if lost contact)
  • `Dial-in' Server
  • Configure modem as auto-answer
  • Monitor modem - detect incoming computer call
  • Answer call and approve logon and password
  • Bring SLIP interface online
  • Monitor heartbeat
  • Disconnect when session completed or lost contact




  • SECURITY

    INET_DIAL operates behind the security systems and remote access control afforded by registered versions of
    AMITCP or MIAMI and APACHE. In addition, remote computers `dialling-in' are required to log on and enter a password.

    Passwords should only be disclosed if you are certain that they will not be abused! You have been warned!

    Control functions such as turning equipment on or off, particularly via the WWW, are also only permitted by designated computers set by you.



    STATUS DISPLAY

    The main display of INET_DIAL is the STATUS Display. This provides links to all the functions. The purpose of each link is listed below.

    FunctionDescription
    To force Modem to hang up
    To select display of mail received and forwarded
    To enter configuration section
    To select documentation
    To remove auto-answer modem function and then close down INET_DIAL system
    To connect to WWW
    To connect to remote computer
    To reboot a remote computer
    SYSTEM LOGS
    Log of Backups and whether successful or failed
    Log of time online and to whom connected
    Log of control commands
    Log of Video timing
    Log of HTTP access and HTTP errors
    Log of errors recorded by INET_DIAL




    CONFIGURATION

    A reference is provided below for each part of the INET_DIAL configuration

    Function nameDescriptionExample
    AuthorisationInformation provided on registration, not required to operate as unregisteredABC123 etc
    Serial NumberInformation provided on registration, not required to operate as unregistered123 etc
    Local Site NameThe name you wish others to know you by MDR-CENTRAL
    Local IP AddressYour IP address provided by your Internet Service Provider195.222.74.2
    ModemCOM1: (modem serial port) settings, speed, parity, data bits, stop bits, hardware handshaking, disabled software handshaking, buffer 32768 bytes115200,N,8,1,H,X,B32768
    Localbus MDRCOM2: (MDR serial port) settings, speed, parity, data bits, stop bits1200,E,7,1
    Localbus X-10COM3: (X-10 serial port) settings, speed, parity, data bits, stop bits4800,N,8,1
    Number of redialsNumber of attempts to dial your Internet Service Provider or a remote computer before giving up1 to 10
    Security frequencyFrequency with which INET_DIAL scans your control/security system15
    Startup delayTo avoid conflict with other programmes loading at the same time, this allows a delay to INET_DIAL before running1
    Rx short timerTimeout Timer to wait for responses from during connection negotiation20
    Rx long timerTimeout Timer to allow time for initial modem connection on dialup60
    Modem configuration timerTimer to slow down configuration command to modem. AT &F command resets modem, but modem may not be quick enough to be ready for following command5
    Lost pings before disconnectYour computer `pings' the remote computer to check that all is well. If more than the preset number of pings are lost then INET_DIAL will assume a fault and disconnect5
    Security & ControlEnables INET_DIAL control function
    BrowserSets Browser for use with INET_DIAL. Currently AWEB supportedAWEB
    StackSets Protocol Stack. Currently AMITCP and MIAMI supportedAMITCP
    `Dial-in' ServerEnables your computer as a Server for incoming `dial-in' from remote computersENABLED
    SpeechEnables speech. Can only operate if narrator device and translator library installed. Install with Translator42.lha suppliedYES
    REMOTE SERVER & DRIVES
    Remote server nameName that will be seen on your computer to connect to. Warning! If you use name that incorporates "REBOOT" such as "MDR_REBOOT", then simply connecting to that site will cause the remote machine to be rebootedMDR
    Remote IPWWW IP provided by your Internet Service Provider, the number of the machine to which you are connecting. For remote computer connections INET_DIAL provides a preset number195.222.74.1
    PasswordPassword to gain access to remote siteremotepassword
    LogonLogon to gain access to remote siteremotelogon
    Dial StringNumber to dial for remote computer08452120666
    Drive 1,...Name of drive on remote computer to be mounted when you have connected and gained accessSYS:
    LOCAL NETWORK DRIVES
    Server nameName that will be seen on your computer as connecting to.HD-WORKBENCH-1
    Remote IPIP Address assigned to Server195.222.74.1
    Drive 1,...Name of drive on remote computer to be mountedSYS:
    PROGRAMME & MODEM CONFIGURATION
    PluginName of external programmes for mail,backup, etcAutomail
    ProgrammeLocation of external programme MDR:BIN/Automail
    TimeTime when programme should be launched06:00:00
    Modem configuration 1,...Configuration string for modem.
    Types 1 and 2 are to set up modem as client (S0=0 do not answer).
    Type 3 is as server (S0=1 autoanswer).
    N.B. Ensure that the configuration ensures that the modem will NOT drop the line when INET_DIAL has made the initial connection. Usually this can be done by including the &D0 command (on Hayes compatible modems) in the configuration string.
    AT &F &D0 S0=0
    INPUTS
    ChannelNumber of input channel and equivalent X-10 codeA1
    Input NameYour name to identify this inputGarden Gate
    Input ProtocolSelect protocol, MDR
    AREXXAREXX command to INET_DIAL to signal input (if AREXX input protocol selected)I6ON
    OUTPUTS
    ChannelNumber of Output channel and equivalent X-10 codeA2
    Output NameYour name to identify this outputCentral Heating
    Output ProtocolSelect protocol, MDR, AREXX or X-10MDR
    AREXXAREXX [on] or [off] command to be sent out to (e.g. PALOMATV AREXX PORT) by INET_DIAL if `output' turned [on] or [off] and AREXX Output protocol selectedPALOMATV CHANNEL BBC1




    SERIAL PORTS

    INET_DIAL currently uses up to 3 serial ports depending on how the software is configured.

    For simple Internet and Remote Connection only one serial port is used COM1: (serial.device UNIT 0).

    If the control function is used with MDR protocol then a second serial port is used COM2: (serial.device UNIT 1).

    If the control function is used with X-10 then a third serial port is required COM3: (serial.device UNIT 2).

    A standard Amiga is provided with one serial port. If an expansion board is fitted with additional serial ports then this will normally be provided with software to `map' one port to another.

    e.g. incorporate at the start of your startup-sequence (
    S:user-startup) mapsoftware serial.device unit 0 to expansion.device unit 1

    Please refer to the manual provided with your particular expansion board.

    Please note that MDR protocol includes parity checking (Even Parity). Some expansion boards do not appear to support Even Parity and this should be checked with the manufacturer.

    For MIAMI users COM1: must also be configured using the MIAMI interface settings. These MUST match the INET_DIAL settings!



    AMITCP with NETFS

  • Please ensure that you have a REGISTERED version of AMITCP installed.

  • File AMITCP:DB/INETD.CONF please add the following lines to EACH MACHINE on your local network

    # NetFS, a networking support between Amigas
    amiganetfs stream tcp nowait root MDR:TCPIP/netfs-server
    # MDR services - required
    mdrcli stream tcp dos bin - execute MDR:TCPIP/remotecli
    mdrawebview stream tcp dos bin - execute MDR:TCPIP/remoteview
    mdrarexx stream tcp dos bin - execute MDR:TCPIP/remotearexx prt:





    MIAMI with NetFS

  • Please ensure that you have installed a REGISTERED version of MIAMI.

  • Please configure MIAMI and be sure that it is fully operational. The modem speed should be set to the same speed as in the INET_DIAL configuration.

  • Recommended settings:

    MIAMI optionsettingComment
    EVENTS
    EventsHide GUIsHide when you are sure that system is working!
    Auto-onlineNO
    TCP/IP
    Use ICMPNO
    Use DCHPNO
    Verify DNS serversNO
    Fake IPNO
    T/TCPYESTurn OFF if your ISP does not support this feature
    Ping Flood protectionOFF
    Get timeOFFUse local time or INET_DIAL will be confused!
    DynamicOFF
    Auto-add domainYES
    Down when off-lineYES
    PPP
    Quick reconnectDISABLED
    CallbackNONE
    Get DNS from IPCPNO
    VJCOFF
    Term reqOFF
    INTERFACE
    Serial DriverPPP/CSLIP/IP
    SpeedSet the same as for INET_DIAL COM1:
    Serial mode8N1Set the same as for INET_DIAL COM1:
    EOF modeAUTO
    IP typeSTATIC
    MulticastsDISABLED
    MTU552
    USE CDON
    INACTIVITYDO NOTHING
    Get DNS from IPCPOFF
    WINDOWS
    Always show Quit RequestorON


  • DATABASE SERVICES please ADD the following entries. Please note that these numbers accord with port numbering registered by IANA (Internet Assigned Number Authority).

    TEMPNAMEIDPROTOCOL
    amiganetfs2100tcp


    • DATABASE INETD please ADD the following entries

      TEMPSERVICESOCKETPROTOCOLWAITUSERSERVERNAMEARGS
      amiganetfsstreamtcpnowaitrootMDR:TCPIP/netfs-server




    AWEB-II



    YAM



    BACKUP

    INET_DIAL is integrated with a remote backup programme. This can automatically backup to a remote computer any files which have not previously been backed up. The file
    mdr:backup/mdrbackup_controlfile sets up the various source and target drawers to be searched.

    Example:

    #Remote SLIP connection (required if backup is to a remote rather than local network system)
    Connecttype = SLIP
    #Up to 10 remote drives may be mounted
    #e.g. Mount5
    Mount5 = REMOTEDRIVE:
    #Up to 200 drawers may be copied. Source 1-200
    #e.g. Source10
    Source10 = sys:tools/
    Target10 = remotedrive:archive/


    The above example would copy previously uncopied files from the local drive SYS:Tools/ to the remote drive REMOTEDRIVE:archive/

    The Backup programme is automatically started by INET_DIAL, providing a time is entered in the INET_DIAL configuration, the local drives are first searched and then communications are automatically established to the remote computer (Computer number 1 on the list of remote computers). REMOTEDRIVE: is then mounted and the files are copied. The modem is then automatically disconnected.



    CONTROL
    Latest Version 1.3.11
    25-Jan-2000


    INET_DIAL can act as a control or security manager for your House or Office.

    Using MDR or X-10 protocols equipment can be instructed to turn itself on or off, or, in the case of lighting, dim. These commands can be immediate or pre-programmed.

    To carry out these tasks please first install the AMIGA-APACHE WEB SERVER and GEEKS GADGETS on your computer and ADD the following lines to your
    sys:s/user-startup file:

    Assign GG: YOUR_DRIVE:YOUR_GEEKS_GADGETS_DRAWER
    Run >NIL: EXECUTE GG:sys/s/gg-startup
    Wait 5
    Assign APACHE: YOUR_DRIVE:YOUR_APACHE_DRAWER
    Run >NIL: Execute APACHE:BIN/Starthttpd
    Wait 5

    INET_DIAL can also issue AREXX commands so that other functions can be activated, for example using INFRAEXX (infra red software for the AMIGA) opening up control to video recorders, tv receivers, etc..

    If the control function is enabled then a control page is available both locally on your machine, via the internet, or via a `dial-in' remote computer. To turn a device on or off simply click on the relevant box. In a short time the page will update, thereby confirming that the command has been actioned. A log file is maintained so that you can check how and when an instruction was received.

    A VIDEO RECORDER Control function is also provided. This assumes you have an infra red system which you have separately configured.

    INET_DIAL also has an AREXX PORT MDR.1 which may be accessed for direct control of X-10 devices.

    AREXX COMMANDDescription
    ON.B5Turn ON Lamp or Appliance module B5
    OFF.F4Turn OFF Lamp or Appliance module F4
    DIMUP.G7.45Dim UP Lamp module G7 by 45%
    DIMDOWN.H1.30Dim DOWN Lamp module H1 by 30%


    Cable connections AMIGA DB25 to X-10 INTERFACE RJ11:

    DB25DB9RJ11
    1,754
    233
    321
    4,5 LINK
    6,8,20 LINK
    2292




    CURRENT INET_DIAL STATUS v3.5 April 2000

    MDR Inet_Dial is being continuously updated and improved,
    click here for the latest upgrade.

    dateversioncomments
    1st February 2000v3.4First general release
    8th April 2000v3.5X-10 control included


    FUNCTIONAMITCPMIAMI
    WWW Connection (client)yesyes
    Remote computer dial up (client)yesyes
    Remote computer dial in (server)yesyes
    Remote networking NetFSyesyes
    Automated mail collection from ISPyesyes
    Local network Mail redistribution and collectionyesn/a
    Automated Backup to remote computeryesyes
    Local control MDR Protocolyesyes
    Remote control MDR Protocolyesyes
    Local control X-10 Protocolyesyes
    Remote control X-10 Protocolyesyes
    Arexx Portunder testunder test
    Local VCR controlunder testunder test
    Remote VCR controlunder testunder test
    MIAMI de Luxeplanned
    WebCam supportplannedplanned
    Localeplannedplanned




    ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

    All Trademarks are acknowledged


    (c)T ROSSI Thanks to Timo Rossi for allowing the inclusion of NetFS in this distribution and for assistance in implementation!
    T Rossi

    NSDI(c)NSDI Thanks to NSDI and Pekka Pessi for permitting the inclusion of letnet in this distribution!

    Thanks to Joern-Erik Burkett and AMIGA-MAGAZIN for permission to use the Amiga-Apache logo
    AMIGA MAGAZIN


    For further assistance, registered INET_DIAL users contact MDR
    (c)2000 MDR Interfaces Ltd