Technical data

JSC 36381 MARCH 30, 2000

Baseline

1.3.4 Orbital Communication Adapter (OCA) Router

After Mission 5A.1, a router will replace the ECS/OCA to provide a true network

connection between the ground and OPS LAN. This means that ground personnel

will be able to log into the OPS LAN domain and participate in network activity.

This OCA Router will be an IBM ThinkPad 760XD mounted on an IBM SelectaDock

I docking station and connected to the coax backbone in the U.S. Lab. Uplink

transfer rates are expected to be on the order of 3 MB/sec. Downlink will be via the

Payload Downlink path and could be as high as 6 MB/sec. The OCA Router may be

referred to by its NetBIOS name, OCA2.

1.3.5 Mass Access Computer Equipment (MACE)

To accommodate increasing requirements for data storage, an array of high-capacity

SCSI storage devices will be connected to the File Server, in the U.S. Lab. In addition

to extra hard disk drives, the array will include CD, DVD and tape backup

technology. The MACE will arrive onboard on the ISS in the Mission 7A-8A

timeframe.

1.3.6 Printer

The primary OPS LAN printer is an Epson Color Stylus 800, which has been

modified for low gravity operation. Plans call for a backup printer, as soon as

manifesting constraints permit. Three possible methods of printing are anticipated:

over the network to the parallel port on FServer, directly to the printer through its

network IP address, or by attaching the printer to a local client.

1.3.6.1 File Server Parallel Port

Beginning at Mission 2R, an Epson Color Stylus 800, which has been adapted for

low gravity operation, will be cabled from its Centronics parallel port to the

parallel port on the OPS LAN File Server.

1.3.6.2 IP Addressable Printing

After the coax backbone is installed in the U.S. Lab, the Epson Color printer will

be connected to the network using its Epson Multiprotocol Ethernet Interface

card (Part #C823572). Utilities from Epson allow an OPS LAN client to directly

address and print to a networked Epson Color printer. The Epson Status

Monitor 2 utility detects the printer over the Ethernet. The Epson Net! utility

configures the printer’s Epson Multiprotocol Ethernet Interface card for TCP/IP

communication.

1.3.6.3 Direct LPT Hookup

In extraordinary circumstances, the Epson printer might be detached from the

network and connected directly to a laptop’s parallel port.