How to Configure ISDN Terminal Adapters
---------------------------------------

Q.  How do I configure my ISDN terminal adapter to work with Northwest
    Nexus Dedicated ISDN service? 
        
A.  Fortunately, many of today's ISDN adapters have simplified and
improved software and manuals, and it's much easier to get them set up
than in the early years (months?) of ISDN in the United States.


Four Steps to Getting Up and Running
-------------------------------------
There are four steps to getting up and running with ISDN, once you have
your ISDN line installed and working and your ISDN adapter in hand:

  1. Confirm that serial port is fast enough
     -or-
     Confirm that internal card is compatible with other devices
  2. Program SPID, directory numbers into adapter
  3. Confirm that adapter is communicating with telephone company switch
  4. Install software driver and configure communications software 
  
At the end of this FAQ are notes and tips on setting up or using some
popular adapters.
  
  
1a. Confirm Serial Port Speed (External Adapters)
-------------------------------------------------
For adapters that connect to your computer via a serial port, you need
to be certain that your serial port is capable of handling ISDN port
speeds (either 64kb/s or 128kb/s).

  For IBM-Compatible PCs
  ----------------------
  Most newer PCs come with serial ports that use a 16550 UART.  That's
  the serial-port chip that, with the proper software driver, allows
  serial-port speeds of 230kb/s.  If you've purchased your PC in 1997,
  you're probably all set.  
  
  You can check your system to see if your serial port has a 1655
  using Microsoft's msd.exe diagnostics program.
  
  If you are running Windows 95, you can run MSD directly (click Start |
  Run..., then enter "msd").  If you have are running Windows 3.x, you
  must exit Windows and run MSD from DOS (at the DOS prompt, type
  "c:/dos/msd.exe")  Once MSD is running, choose "COM Ports" and examine
  the "UART Chip Used" line to determine which, if any, port is using 
  a 16550 chip.
  
  If none of your serial ports has a 16500, you can buy an upgrade board
  at popular computer stores for about $30. If you want even faster
  performance, Intel and other manufacturers make very-high-speed serial
  port boards starting at about $100.
  
  Once you've confirmed that you have a fast serial port, you need to
  ensure that you have a driver than can work with the port.  If you're
  running Windows 95 or Windows NT, you're all set.  If you're running
  Windows 3.x, you need to obtain and install a fast serial port driver.
  Some terminal adapters include TurboCom or other such drivers with
  their included software.
  
  Once such driver that is available free is wfxcomm.drv, which has been
  made available for free by Delrina Corporation, manufacturers of WinFax
  Pro.  If you have WinFax installed on your computer, you already have
  the updated driver, and don't need to install it.  Other such drivers
  are cybercom.drv and the aforementioned turbocom.drv. Cybercom can be
  obtained from
  
      ftp://ftp.match.com/cyberzip.zip
      
  After you've downloaded the file, you'll need to unzip it and install
  it following the included installation instructions.
  
  You can determine which serial-port driver is currently installed on
  your system by using Notepad or Sysedit to examine the system.ini
  file in the windows directory on your system.  Look in the [Boot]
  section for the line beginning
  
      comm.drv=
      
  If the line is
  
      comm.drv=comm.drv
      
  or
  
      comm.drv=bicomm.drv
      
  you need a replacement driver.
  
  
  For Macintosh Systems
  ---------------------
  If you have a PowerBook or system with a 68020 or faster CPU, you can
  probably achieve serial port speeds of 57.6kb/s.  You'll need a desktop
  PowerMac, PCI-bus Mac, or Quadra AV to achieve 115.2kb/s or 230kb/s.
  Unless you have a system with a Geoport port, you must have LocalTalk
  turned *off* to achieve top speeds.   
  
  
1b. Confirm That Internal Card Is Compatible
--------------------------------------------
For Macintosh NuBus cards, this is not an issue.  As long as you have
a free NuBus slot, you can install and configure an internal NuBus 
adapter.

For PC ISA cards, you need to be certain that there are an available
IRQ and I/O addresses.  Because these vary so widely from computer to
computer and by adapter, there isn't much useful advice we can offer
here except to follow closely the installation instructions that 
accompany your adapter.  All internal adapters come with diskettes
containing software drivers and installation programs, and most will
help you identify which jumpers or switches, if any, need to be set
on the adapter card.

On systems running Windows 95, use the Add Hardware control panel
or Add Hardware wizard for excellent assistance in identifying
available resources and installing drivers.  To successfully
use an internal ISDN adapter with Windows 95, you *must* obtain and
install the Windows 95 ISDN Accelerator Pack from Microsoft.  The
Pack is available for downloading from 

    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/getisdn/dload.htm
    
Note that there are two versions of the Pack, with the latest being
Version 1.1.  In most cases, you should obtain Version 1.1, as it
enables using both B-channels for 128kb/s speeds.  It is, however,
important to check with the manufacturer of your adapter card to
see if they have drivers that are compatible with Version 1.1;
if not, you *must* install Version 1.0 and settle for single-
channel connections.

The Microsoft ISDN Web site has many valuable tips for installing
internal adapters and getting them to work with Windows 95 and
Windows 95.  Rather than repeat all of that information here, we
recommend that you visit

    http://www.microsoft.com/windows/getisdn/hardware.htm
    
for complete, step-by-step instructions.  If you don't have access
to the Web, contact Northwest Nexus technical support for assistance
in obtaining the appropriate Web pages.


2. Program SPID, Directory Numbers into Adapter
-----------------------------------------------

a)  To prepare for programming your adapter, gather the following
information:

  *SPIDs* are the 14-digit numbers provided by your telephone
  company when your line is ordered and/or installed.  For
  U S WEST ISDN lines, SPIDs end in "1111."  For GTE ISDN
  lines, SPIDs end in "0101."
  
  *DNs* look just like telephone numbers (because that's what
  they are).  They begin with your area code and have 10
  numbers total.

  *Switch type* in most cases will be "NI-1" -- use this value
  unless you've been specifically told otherwise.
  
  *Nexus ISDN number* varies depending on your location.  You
  can obtain the appropriate number for your location from the
  following Northwest Nexus Web page:
  
            http://www.nwnexus.com/phones.htm
            
  If you do not have access to the World Wide Web, contact 
  Northwest Nexus toll-free at 1.888.NWNEXUS for assistance
  in choosing the number you should use.
    

  SPID #1
          __________________________________________
 
  SPID #2
          __________________________________________
 
  DN #1
          __________________________________________
 
  DN #2
          __________________________________________


  Switch Type     NI-1
               _____________________________________
               
             
  Nexus ISDN number     
                     _______________________________  


b)  For internal adapters, you need to determine the proper IRQ and
other settings for your adapter.  If your board contains DIP switches or
jumpers, you will need to determine the proper settings for your board
*before* installing it inside your computer. Follow the instructions
supplied with your board.

For external adapters, connect the adapter to AC power, and using the
cables supplied, connect the adapter to your computer's serial port.
Lastly, using the supplied cable, connect your ISDN adapter to your ISDN
jack.  BE CERTAIN THAT YOU CONNECT THE ADAPTER TO THE CORRECT JACK.
Plugging an ISDN adapter into a standard telephone outlet almost
certainly will damage the adapter.

c)  Following the instructions in the documentation for your adapter,
run the manufacturer's configuration program.  Enter the information you
collected above in the appropriate fields. Follow the manufacturer's
instructions for any other fields; in general, do as little as possible.
This is one of those cases where taking the defaults is a very good idea.

d)  Again following the manufacturer's instructions, ensure that the
configuration information is loaded into the terminal adapter.

e)  Note that in the case of internal adapters, this step and steps 3
and 4 will be part of a single configuration step using the
manufacturer's configuration program.


3. Confirm that Adapter Is Communicating with the Switch
--------------------------------------------------------
This step has been made easier by the configuration programs provided
with many adapters.  In many cases, there's a "test mode" or button
which will indicate when your adapter is communicating with the
telephone company switch, and allow you to dial an ISDN number to check
for proper operation.

External adapters also include indicators that allow you to observe
the state of the adapter's connections.  Consult the manufacturer's
instructions for the specifics of your adapter's indicators.  In
general, the following indicators are provided:

  AC Power:   Lit when AC power is supplied and the power switch
              is turned on
              
  D-channel:  Indicates that the adapter has established a valid
              connection with the telephone company switch. This
              connection must be established before your adapter
              can make or receive calls.  In some cases, this
              indicator flashes while a connection is being
              established, then goes out when the connection is made.
              Note that adapters establish a D-channel connection
              when the adapter is powered on and connected to the
              ISDN line; the connection will be maintained unless
              there's a malfunction of your ISDN line, the adapter,
              or the telephone company switch.
              
  B-channel   These indicators show the state of each of the two
              B channels.  Often the indicator can show that a 
              call is being made ("dialled"), that it has been
              answered, and the type of call (voice or data).
              
In general, the "D-channel" indicator should indicate that a valid
connection to the switch has been made a minute or less after you have
connected the adapter to the ISDN line or power on the adapter. If the
indicator does not indicate a valid connection after more than a minute
has passed, check the adapter documentation for troubleshooting
procedures.  In particular, check that you have entered the SPIDS
properly in the configuration program, and that you have used the proper
cable to connect the adapter to the proper wall jack.

If your adapter has POTS jacks, you can connect a standard telephone to
one or both of the jacks and attempt to call a friend or another number
such as the Northwest Nexus status line (1.206.453.8908). You can also
try calling the ISDN directory number that you've assigned to the analog
telephone port or ports from your home or office phone.  You should see
a ringing indication on the adapter's B-channel indicators, and the
telephone you've connected to the adapter should ring.  Note that some
adapters are incapable of ringing some telephones (especially those that
have speed-dialing memories or other features).


4. Install Software Driver and Configure Communications Software 
----------------------------------------------------------------
In some cases, the previous steps will have already installed the
necessary software drivers.  If you are using Windows 95 and have
purchased a Plug and Play compatible adapter, your computer will
automatically attempt to install the appropriate driver, requesting that
you either insert your Windows 95 diskettes or CD-ROM or the
manufacturer's supplied diskette.  Follow the instructions for your
specific adapter.

Once you've installed the necessary drivers, you can select your ISDN
adapter just like any other modem on your system.  For Windows 95, you
can create a Dial-Up Networking" icon that uses the ISDN adapter as a
modem and includes the Northwest Nexus ISDN telephone number you were
given or found on the Nexus Web site.  For Macintoshes, you can use
FreePPP (use Version 2.5v2 or later) or Open Transport/PPP and do the
same. Do not use MacPPP.

Note that to connect to Northwest Nexus Dial-Up ISDN, you *must* use
a PPP program; SLIP is not supported.


Making Your First Connection
----------------------------
Once you have installed and configured your ISDN adapter and installed
the necessary drivers and other software, connecting to Northwest Nexus
works exactly like it did when you used an analog modem.  On Windows 95,
many adapters can't indicate that you've connected with both channels,
so you'll see "Connected at 64000" even if you're using both channels.
Clicking on the modem icon in the task bar will accurately indicate the
current connections speed.


Connecting at 64kb/s and Using Two Channels
-------------------------------------------
Most adapters ship with a default B-channel speed of 56kb/s; this is the
speed guaranteed to work in all areas of the United States.  U S WEST
and GTE support 64kb/s connections nearly everywhere, so you may want to
adjust your adapter's configuration to take advantage of the higher
speed. In most cases, this is as simple as checking a box or selecting a
radio button in the adapter's configuration program, then saving the
newly altered configuration to your adapter.

Using two channels has become somewhat easier than it was initially as
well.  Most adapters support a convention for specifying in the
telephone number that two channels should be used:  in your PPP
program's field for entering the number to dial, add

    &2

after the number.  Your adapter will make two calls and connect using
both channels, if you're not using one of the POTS ports to make a call
at the time you're establishing your ISDN connection.


Notes and Tips on Specific Adapters
-----------------------------------

  3Com ImpactIQ
  -------------
  Farallon ISDN Modem
  -------------------
  The latest models of each of these adapters feature a simplified
  configuration procedure that require only that you connect the adapter
  to your computer, AC power, and the ISDN line, then run configuration
  software.  You enter your ISDN telephone numbers (directory numbers)
  into the software and the adapter does the rest.  For this feature to
  work, you must have your adapter connected to your working ISDN line.

  3Com Impact
  -----------
  Farallon ISDN Modem
  -------------------
  These are older models of the same adapter; they have heavy metal cases
  instead of the lighter, plastic, curved-top cases the above two models
  use.  This adapter has a single POTS jack.

  Motorola BitSurfr Pro
  ---------------------
  For a time, this was the most popular adapter, because of its low price
  and wide availability.  It was also one of the first adapters to include
  two POTS jacks.  It comes with configuration software that is
  comprehensive, but, unfortunately, somewhat complicated.  Don't give in
  to the urge to alter every possible parameter; enter just the
  information above.    
  If you are using Win 95 and want to use both channels, you need to force
  the issue a bit.  Open "My Computer | Dial-Up Networking" and
  right-click on the icon you've created for your adapter.  Select
  "Properties," then click "Configure." Select the "Connection" tab, then
  click "Advanced." (Whew!)   

  In the "Extra Settings" box, type the following exactly:
  
    AT&F&C1&D2@B0=2%A2=95
    
  Click "OK" three times to save these 
settings. You must also set up the dialer to dial twice. 
To do so enter the number to dial two times with an & separating 
the two; 8122076&8122076, then give it a whirl..
  
  You can use the same string with any other communication program,
  Macintoshes included.     
 
  

Q:  Okay, I've gone through everything, but it doesn't work.  Now what?

A.  Obtain and follow the debugging procedures in the "Debugging ISDN"
FAQ.


Q:  It worked.  How can I stay up to date on ISDN developments at
    Northwest Nexus?

You can keep abreast of ISDN at Northwest Nexus by subscribing to one of
our ISDN mailing lists, or by participating in our ISDN newsgroup.

Our ISDN mailing lists are low-traffic, one-way e-mail lists that
contain ISDN-related and news, announcements, and tips.

If you're a Northwest Nexus customer, you may join the isdn-interest
list.  If you're not yet a customer, subscribe to isdn-announce.  Both
lists get news of our latest ISDN products and offerings.

To subscribe, send an e-mail message to majordomo@halcyon.com

In the body of the message, include these two lines:

	subscribe isdn-interest
	end

or

	subscribe isdn-announce
	end


Northwest Nexus also maintains a newsgroup for our users to discuss ISDN
issues, share tips, and troubleshoot problems.  Use your browser or a
newsreader and subscribe to

	halcyon.isdn
	


[1Apr97/MJT]