4 Mar
2002
4 Mar
'02
10:51 a.m.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tothwolf" <tothwolf(a)concentric.net>
To: <classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org>
Sent: Monday, March 04, 2002 12:04 PM
Subject: Re: Xyplex, Raylan ?'s
On Mon, 4 Mar 2002, Robert Schaefer wrote:
This isn't the chassis-based stuff-- it's a 1U 16 RJ45 port term server,
with a PCMCIA slot to hold the firmware flash card. It also will boot off
the network, unfortunantly, it seems to look for it's firmware via tftp,
mop, and a few others-- all at once. Confused the hell outta me for a
while!
If the sales fiction can be believed, it's pretty nice kit. With the
firmware loaded, it speaks telnet, LAT, applewhatevertalk, and some others
that I can't recall. What I really need to do is make a serial cable, and
see if I can get anything outta the ports on the back.
BTW, Xyplex got bought out a while ago. They're Nsomething now, and the
last time I looked, I couldn't fiund anything on their new and disimproved
web site. I also heard (but haven't asked myself) is that the support they
offer is the standard service contract. Not what I want to pay for a $20
piece of hardware to manage my collection of electronic space heaters! :)
I'm also looking for someone who's had a
lot of experience with Xyplex
1600 terminal servers, or even still has one in service. I've got one
with the memory expansion, but no flash card to boot it from. I have
what is supposed to be the latest firmware, but I can't seem to get it
to boot properly. The image is tftp'd, and then the box seems to
reboot again-- starts the self test over, and fetches the image again.
This too has someone's old config set on it, which might be part of
the problem.
I can't say anything good about Xyplex ethernet gear made in the mid to
late 90s, but their terminal server units may be a little better. Xyplex
will still sell you the software for their terminal servers, but you won't
like the price. I have a dual floppy drive stored away somewhere for a
Xyplex terminal server. It is labeled as "bad", but I imagine it can be
repaired easily.
-Toth
Bob