StarTech.com SV1641HDIE - Manual (Page 42)

Instruction Manual
37
Connecting a Modem
The IP KVM switch will work with virtually any Hayes-compatible modem that
recognizes the standard AT command set. Some modem manufacturers offer
“enterprise” grade modem products (at a premium price) that include technology to
improve the stability of connections; whether this type of product would be beneficial
to your application depends on whether you consider the modem connection to
be mission-critical, the quality of your telecom infrastructure, and your budget for
implementing this solution. The model of modem attached is essentially transparent to
the IP KVM switch.
It is important to note that modems that offer “56K” (or 56,000 bps) connections often
achieve connection speeds that are far lower than their maximum capabilities. Given the
limitations of telecom infrastructure (many locations have yet to implement fully digital
switching technology, and still rely on older analog technology for some segments),
the maximum “upstream” transfer rate is limited to a maximum of 33,600 bps between
two modems; the “downstream” rate is often within a similar range for a typical
connection. Therefore, speeds below 56,000 bps do not indicate a problem with the
modem or the IP KVM switch, but simply reflect the line conditions at the time the
connection is made.
Place the modem near the IP KVM switch and an available telephone jack. Connect
the modem to the telephone jack, data cable, and power source according to the
instructions in its documentation. The opposite end of the modem’s data cable
should be a DB9 female serial connection. Connect that end of the cable to the Serial
connection on the rear panel of the IP KVM switch.
Modem Configuration
Although most connections will work appropriately with the default settings on the IP
KVM switch, manual changes can be made. To do so:
Login to the Web interface as Admin. Click Modem, listed on the left side of the main
page. You will then be presented with the Modem Option menu (see above). Make the
following changes to enable and configure the modem connection.
• Enable modem connections (PPP) via serial port/modem: select Enabled.
• Baud rate to use (affects connection between us and the modem only): select 115200.
• Init string: leave as ATE0S0=1&K3 (see below).
The baud rate dictates the connection speed between the IP KVM switch’s serial
port and the modem, and does not affect the connection speed between the local
and remote modems, as they will negotiate their own connection speed when a
connection is made. It is highly recommended that this setting be left at the default for
best performance.
The initialization (“init”) string is the command (using the standardized Hayes AT