TAPI and Direct Port I/O

TAPI support accommodates new modems that do not have a com port, whereas Direct Port I/O allows for direct communication with the modem strictly through a com port.

With TAPI, ipMonitor does not have to directly configure the modem. Instead, the modem drivers perform this task on behalf of ipMonitor. After the software drivers correctly configure the modem, it automatically dials the remote TAP or SMS server.

With Direct Port I/O, ipMonitor sends modem AT commands to prepare the modem for dialing and connecting at the proper communications settings. AT commands are frequently listed in modem reference manuals. For your convenience, paging alerts come preconfigured with the necessary commands to configure Hayes(tm) compatible modems.

All of ipMonitor's paging alerts use the baud, dial string, bit and parity settings specified within the appropriate alert. Even with TAPI modems, these settings are used (regardless of the configuration within the control panel).

In configurations where modem drivers do not permit ipMonitor to configure the modem in this manner, a checkbox labeled "Use settings from control panel" exists. When this option is enabled, ipMonitor will use the precise settings described in the control panel.

 
Mobility Providers and Direct Port I/O

Mobility providers generally use a low speed modem (1200 or 2400). Infrequently, these providers will employ a high-speed modem. High speed modems usually attempt to connect at the highest speed they can, regardless of the speed they're talking with the computer.

TAPI modem drivers should correctly configure your modem for this condition, but Direct Port I/O will not. To configure your high speed modem for use with Direct Port I/O, your modem needs to force sessions at the same speed between:

• ipMonitor and Com Port
• Com Port and Local Modem
• Local Modem and Remote Modem

ipMonitor has a checkbox labeled "High Speed Modem". If this option is enabled, it will attempt to configure your modem to force sessions at the same speed. If your modem will not dial when this option is enabled, you may have to configure your modem manually (and disable the "High Speed Modem" option).

To enable ipMonitor to talk to the remote modem at the correct speed, you must setup your modem to talk at the same speed as the port. This is accomplished by issuing your modem the following commands in any terminal program (such as HyperTerminal).

Note: this essentially renders your modem into a 2400-baud modem.

ATZ
AT&B1&M0&K0
AT&W

Once these commands have been given to your modem, ipMonitor will be able to properly communicate with the report SMS or TAP server.

In order to set your modem back to it's normal operating speed, you must give your modem the following command:

AT&F

 
Mobility Providers and TAPI

Special circumstances may exist where ipMonitor will have to use the precise settings described in the control panel. When using these settings, ipMonitor may experience the high speed modem problem described above. The following must be set in the configuration of the Modem to circumvent the problem.

• Port speed: The speed given to you by your mobility provider (usually 1200)
• Parity: The setting given to you by your mobility provider (usually 7)
• Stop Bits: The setting given to you by your mobility provider (usually 1)
• Flow control: Hardware (usually found in the "advanced dialog")
• Compression: Disabled (usually found in the "advanced dialog")
• Error control: None (usually found in the "advanced dialog")