ExaLINK User Guide

www.exablaze.
com
ExaLINK50
User Manual
Copyright 2014 Exablaze Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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CONTENTS
Figures 3
About the ExaLINK 4
Overview 4
About this manual 6
Safety and installation warnings 7
The ExaLINK system 9
Package contents 9
Understanding the ExaLINK 9
Connecting to the ExaLINK 11
Accessing the ExaLINK 11
Setting up the ExaLINK 15
1. Installing the hardware 16
2. Configuring the IP address (optional)
17
3. Changing the default passwords (optional)
18
4. Connecting the ExaLINK to the network
18
5. Updating the firmware
18
6. Port naming and groups 19
7. Port connectivity options
21
8. Port speed
23
9. Port type 23
10. Port status 24
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Other common tasks 25

Changing the login password 25
Changing the privileged password 25
Using SSH key based authentication 26
Checking the firmware version
27
Finding the ExaLINK IP address
27
Saving startup-config
28
Updating the firmware
28
Viewing system time
28
Viewing statistics 29
Swapping a power supply module
31
Swapping a fan module 32
Configuring SNMP

33
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Appendix A: Commands 35
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Appendix B: Commands 42
Appendix C: Received Eye Scan 43
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FIGURES
Figure 1: An example set-up for the ExaLINK to act as an electronic
patch panel and to enable system monitoring.
Figure 2: Front panel of the ExaLINK.
Figure 3: Back panel of the ExaLINK.
10
Figure 4: Command-line interface. 12

Figure 5: Web interface login screen.
13
Figure 6: Main menu of the web interface.
13
Figure 7: Clip the rack-mounting nuts into the rack.
16
Figure 8: Sliding the ExaLINK into a rack.
16
Figure 9: Plugging SFP+ modules into the ExaLINK.
16
Figure 10: Updating the firmware through the web interface.
19
Figure 11: Setting Port groups.
20
Figure 12: Setting destination ports. 22

Figure 13: Example Configuration.
22
Figure 14: The Statistics screen in the web interface.
30
Figure 15: Removing one of the Emerson power supply modules.
31
Figure 16: Removing one of the fan modules.
32
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Figure 18: 43
An eye scan of 10G ethernet received over 2m OM3 fiber using
SR transceivers.
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Figure 19: 44
An eye scan of 10G ethernet received over 2m passive copper cable.
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Figure 20: 44
An eye scan of 10G ethernet received over 7m passive copper cable.
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ABOUT THE EXALINK

Overview
The ExaLINK is a 50-port layer 1 circuit switch that can electronically create a
circuit between each of its outputs and any input port, forwarding data in around
5 nanoseconds five one-billionths of a second about the same time it takes
light to travel through 1m (3ft) of optical fibre.
Every port output (TX) can be driven from any single port input (RX).
This architecture enables replication, monitoring and remote, hands-free
network reconfiguration with a negligible latency overhead, making the ExaLINK
an extremely effective device for a range of mission-critical use cases.
An example network configuration incorporating the ExaLINK is shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: An example set-up for the ExaLINK to act as an electronic patch

panel and to enable system monitoring.
Dual-purpose network device: replicate and reconfigure

Each incoming network connection can be forwarded to more than one port,
so its perfectly suited for packet replication and network monitoring, both with
virtually no latency.
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But the ExaLINKs unusual, patent-pending architecture lends itself to another use
as a new kind of top-of-rack device, an electronic patch panel that enables
remote, hands-free network reconfiguration.
These two aspects of the ExaLINK allow it to be deployed in almost any data
centre to improve network speed, re-configurability and risk controls.
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Worlds fastest high fan-out edge device

As a 1-to-n edge device, the ExaLINK delivers competitive advantage to brokers,
market operators and trading firms, by performing nearly 100 times faster than
the multicast-capable packet-switches they currently use to broadcast market
data, publish volatilities and monitor system performance.
New kind of top-of-rack 1-to-1 connector

As a 1-to-1 top-of-rack device, the ExaLINK offers convenience, flexibility and a
reduction in Total Cost of Ownership for businesses both inside and outside the
trading industry.
Instead of people having to physically go into a co-location environment or
data centre to move cables around, ExaLINK enables connections to be
repatched remotely, and instantly, via a flexible management interface.
Accepts all SFP+ modules

The ExaLINK works with all brands of SFP+ module and is not tied to a particular
brand.
Other features
Dedicated 10/100Mbps Ethernet management port
Industry-standard command-line interface (CLI)
Linux- and AJAX-powered web GUI
SNMP-compatible management, for integration with network management
and monitoring infrastructure (in a future firmware release)
Switch configuration, including per-port filtering
Software updates via USB, TFTP, console or web interface
Access to management interfaces via serial console and Ethernet interfaces
Monitoring of available SFP+ parameters, including SFP+ model information
and dynamic parameters such as received power, transmitted power and
temperature
Hardware fan synchronisation to mitigate beat frequency noise
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For more information about the ExaLINK and Exablaze,

see http://www.exablaze.com
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About this manual

This manual describes how to set up and use the ExaLINK hardware and software.
The manual is for users and system administrators responsible for installing and
operating the ExaLINK.
Conventions

This symbol indicates something important. Take care!
Describes the web interface for managing the ExaLINK
Describes the command-line interface for managing the ExaLINK.
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SAFETY AND INSTALLATION WARNINGS

Ambient temperature
Make sure the ambient temperature does not exceed the
maximum ambient temperature allowed for the ExaLINK
(104F, 40C). If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly,
the ambient temperature of the rack during operation will be
greater than room ambient.
Air flow
Install the ExaLINK in the rack in a way that provides sufficient air
flow for safe operation.
Environment
Mechanical loading
Mount the ExaLINK in the rack with a mechanical load that is
evenly distributed and not excessive.
Circuit overloading
Ensure that no overloading of the circuits occurs which might
affect overcurrent protection and supply wiring. The ratings are
provided on the unit.
Earthing
Ensure that the rack-mounted equipment is earthed reliably.
Consider using supply connections other than direct
connections to the branch circuit (e.g. use of power strips).
Power
Check that your ExaLINK is rated to be used with the mains

power in your country.
Total ExaLINK ratings:
100-240V AC
10.58-4.4A
50-60Hz
Use only Emerson DS460S-3 power supply modules.
If your ExaLINK is fitted with a DC input power supply, ensure the
input voltage is within the range 40-72V.
For DC input, use only Emerson DS460SDC power supply modules.
Before servicing Disconnect the two power-supply cables before servicing.
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Power cables
Ensure the ExaLINK uses mains power cables approved in the

country of operation.
Clock
battery
CAUTION: The ExaLINK has a battery-powered real-time clock

circuit. There is a danger of explosion if the battery is replaced
incorrectly.
Replace only with CR2032 type coin cells.
Discard used batteries according to the manufacturers
instructions.
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Laser
safety
Warranty
void if
opened
FCC
compliance
CAUTION: Each SFP+ module used in the ExaLINK is a CLASS 1

LASER PRODUCT. Invisible laser radiation may be emitted from the
aperture of an SFP+ module when the fiber cables are
disconnected.
Do not stare into the open aperture of an SFP+ module and
avoid exposure to laser radiation when a fiber cable is
disconnected from an SFP+ module.
Do not open the case of the ExaLINK.
The warranty of the ExaLINKwill be void if the case is opened.
Tamper-proof seals on the case of the ExaLINK will be activated if
the case is opened.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and
can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used
in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.
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The ExaLINK system

Package contents
Your ExaLINK package should contain the following parts:
1 x ExaLINK
4 x M6 rack-mounting nuts
4 x M6 rack-mounting bolts
4 x rack-mounting washers
2 x IEC power leads
1 x Quickstart Guide (1 double sided A4 page)
If any of these are missing, please contact us at exablaze.com/support.
Understanding the ExaLINK

The front panel of the ExaLINK has 50 ports (shown in Figure 2 as item 1). Each port
accepts SFP and SFP+ fiber optic transceiver modules. These modules can
operate up to 10Gbps.
To achieve minimal latency, the ExaLINK has no understanding of packet
boundaries it creates a physical connection from one port to another port. For
this reason packet statistics such as counts are not available.
The easiest way to think of the connectivity options supported is to consider that
every port output (TX) can be driven from any single port input (RX). This allows
arbitrary bidirectional connections between any set of two ports and also the
ability to replicate data (for market data distribution or monitoring) from one
ports RX to multiple ports TX.
Front panel
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Figure 2: Front panel of the ExaLINK
Figure 2 shows the front panel of the ExaLINK. Items 1-9 are as follows:
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1. Ports 1 to 50 for SFP / SFP+ modules.

2. Fan-status LED indicator (green=OK, red=fan failure)
3. System-status LED indicator (green=OK, red= ExaLINK system failure)
4. Serial port
5. External timing reference port (currently not used)
6. Power-supply LED indicator (green=OK, red=power-supply failure)
7. LED (currently not used)
8. Ethernet port
9. USB port
Back panel
Figure 3: Back panel of the ExaLINK
Figure 3 shows the back panel of the ExaLINK. Items 1-10 are as follows:
1. Power supply #1
2. Power cable socket for power supply #1
3. Quick-release lever for power supply #1
4. Fan module #1
5. Release screws for fan module #1
6. Release screws for fan module #2
7. Fan module #2
8. Power supply #2
9. Power cable socket for power supply #2
10. Quick-release lever for power supply #2
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Connecting the ExaLINK

For management, the ExaLINK can be connected through the Ethernet port on
the front panel (shown in Figure 2, item 8). The ExaLINK can be managed via a
command-line interface or a web-based interface (http). In addition, it can be
connected directly to a PC using a serial connection for command line-only
access. The four ways to access the ExaLINK are:
Serial via the serial port (see Figure 2, item 4)
Telnet via Ethernet
SSH via Ethernet
Web interface via Ethernet
Serial connection
Parameters for the serial connection are: baud rate = 9600, 8N1, no flow control.
ExaLINK as a DHCP client

By default, the ExaLINK is configured as a DHCP client which falls back to the
static IP address (defaulted to 192.168.0.100) if the DHCP request times out after 60
seconds.
The ExaLINK will send its serial number (displayed on the side of the ExaLINK) as the
name in the DHCP request. For setups where this name is automatically passed
to the DNS server, the ExaLINK can be resolved by this serial number. If you wish to
specify a static IP address for the ExaLINK, refer to page 17.
Accessing the ExaLINK

The ExaLINK is accessed using its IP address, or via the serial port on the front
panel. You will be asked to enter the login user name and password. The user
name is admin and cannot be changed, however the password can be
changed. The default password is admin.
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In order to make changes to the configuration, such as redirecting one port to a

set of other ports, the ExaLINK must be put into a special mode called the
privileged mode. This is described on page 14 under Privileged mode. To
change to privileged mode, you will need to enter the privileged password
(which is blank by default).
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Command-line interface
Connect via serial or via Ethernet using SSH or telnet. You will be prompted
to enter the username (admin) and password. SSH keys are supported for
public key authentication - refer to page 26 for more details. A full list of
commands supported on the CLI is shown in Appendix A: Commands.
Serial
SSH
Telnet
Figure 4: Command-line interface
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Web interface
1. Enter the IP address of the ExaLINK in the browser URL field to display the
login screen (Figure 5). The IP address is discussed on page 11 under
ExaLINK as a DHCP client.
Figure 5: Web interface login screen
2. Enter the default username (admin) and default password (admin). You
will be taken to the web interface. The main menu is at the top of the
screen, next to the ExaLINK logo (see Figure 6).
Figure 6: Main menu of the web interface
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The main menu of the web interface

Ports Main screen for configuring the operation of the device.
Settings Allows viewing and setting other device parameters, eg IP ad

dress, date/time and firmware updated.

Config Manager Allows the devices current operational state to be

saved so it can be restored after a reboot or power cycle. Refer to Saving
startup-config on page 25.
Hardware Status Shows information about the current hardware status

of the device, eg temperature & fan speed. Also shows statistics and
graphs of historical data.
Advanced A web based command line interface. There is more

information about this on page 31 under Appendix A: Commands.
Web browsers supported

The following web browsers will allow you to experience the full
functionality of the web interface:
Google Chrome
Safari
Mozilla Firefox
Opera
Internet Explorer 9 and above
Internet Explorer 8 and below can be used, with reduced functionality.
Operating systems supported

The ExaLINK does not require any software to be used on an external computer.
Therefore, the ExaLINK is compatible with any device that can connect via SSH,
telnet or http.
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Privileged mode
The ExaLINK has two modes of operation: unprivileged for viewing, and privileged
when you want to make changes to the system.
The privileged mode requires the privileged password. The default for this
password is blank (just press Enter).
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There are three ways for you to change to privileged mode:

In the web interface, click on the text on the right hand side of the main

menu that says: Unprivileged (see Figure 6). This will open a field allowing

you to enter the privileged password.

In the web interface, go to the Advanced tab and run the enable
command (see Appendix A: Commands).

On the command line, run the enable command (see Appendix A:
Commands).
SETTING UP THE EXALINK

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1. Installing the hardware

- Page 16

- Page 17
3. Changing default passwords (optional)

- Page 18
4. Connecting the ExaLINK to the network

- Page 18

- Page 18

- Page 21
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1. Installing the hardware

To install the ExaLINK in a rack:

1. Before installation, review the section Safety and installation warnings on

page 7.

2. Ensure that the installed fans and power supplies have airflow directions
matching the rest of the rack, and that there are no obstructions over the
rear inlets/outlets.
3. Plug power cables into the ExaLINK and place the mains end in a
convenient location.
4. Clip the supplied rack-mounting nuts into the rack (Figure 7).

Figure 7: Clip the rack-mounting nuts into the rack.
5. Slide the ExaLINK into the rack (Figure 8) and hold it level while you screw in the
supplied bolts. You may need two people due to the weight of the ExaLINK.
Alternatively, remove the power supplies while installing to reduce weight at
the rear of the device.

Figure 8: Sliding the ExaLINK into a rack.
6. Plug your SFP+ modules into the ports of the ExaLINK (Figure 9).

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Figure 9: Plugging SFP+ modules into the ExaLINK
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By default, the ExaLINK is configured as a DHCP
client which falls back to the static IP address
(defaulted to 192.168.0.100) if the DHCP request
times out after 60 seconds.
If this behavior is not desired, the procedure for
setting the static IP address is as follows:
1. Attach a serial console cable to the ExaLINK and to your PC. You should see the
serial-mode command line.
2. Enter the user name (admin) and default password (admin).
3. Enter enable, to enable privileged mode. The default password is blank
(just press Enter). There is more information about the privileged password in
the next section: Changing the default passwords (optional).
4. To assign an IP address of your choice, enter the command set
management address static <ip address> [netmask] [gateway].
Example: set management address static 10.10.10.11.
You have now configured the ExaLINK IP address and can connect the device to
the network, bypassing DHCP IP address allocation.
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3. Changing the default passwords (optional)

There are two passwords that you may wish to
change:
a) Login password (default is admin).
b) Privileged password (default is blank just
press Enter).
To change these passwords:
1. On the command line, enter enable.
2. When prompted for the privileged password, press Enter (the default).
3. To change the login password, enter the command set password and
follow the prompts.
4. To change the privileged password, enter the command set enablepass
and follow the prompts.
5. To make sure your new passwords are saved in the startup-config file, enter
the command copy running-config startup-config. For more
information about this, see page 25: Saving startup-config.
NOTE: The user name cannot be changed and is always admin.
4. Connecting the ExaLINK to the Network
Insert a network cable into the Ethernet port
on the front panel of the ExaLINK (see Figure 2,
item 8).
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The latest version of the firmware will have the latest bug fixes and performance
enhancements. To update the firmware:
1. If a newer version of the firmware is available, download the latest image
from exablaze.com/support to either a server, USB flash drive or local computer.
Be sure to download the correct file for your hardware revision. This can be found
via show version on the CLI or Firmware Information on the webpage.
2. Follow the steps below to install the firmware using either the command-line
or web interface.
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Either:
1. Enter enable.
2. If updating via USB flash drive, take the USB containing the update and
plug it into the USB port of the ExaLINK (see Figure 2, item 9). Enter update
usb <filename>, for example update usb ExaLINK_r5000_0.4.0.tar.
If updating via TFTP, enter update tftp <server> <filename>,
where <server> is the address of the TFTP server, and <filename> is the
name of the file.

3. The ExaLINK will restart during the update process. The whole process
should only take about 1 minute.
Or .
Web interface
1. Click: Unprivileged (see Figure 6). This will open a field
allowing you to enter the privileged password. The text should
change to: Privileged.

2. Go to the Update Firmware tab, click Choose File (see Figure 10) and
navigate to the tar file you downloaded.
3. Click Upload. The ExaLINK will restart during the update
Figure 10: Updating the firmware through the web interface.
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6. Port Naming and groups

Ports can be given an alias and/or a description to keep track of where each port
is connected to. Once an alias is defined for a port it can be referred to by its alias
rather than port number, if desired. Groups of ports can also be defined, and
operations can be conducted on the whole group.
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Refer to Appendix A for details on the set port alias, set port
description and set port group commands.

Web Interface
To add/edit an alias or description for a port:
1. Ensure you are in Privileged mode.
5. Click Apply changes.
2. On the Ports page, select the port you wish to modify either by
directly clicking the port on the front panel image, or by selecting it
from the drop down list on the left hand side of the page.
3. Click the Port settings button.
4. A window will appear allowing you to enter an alias and
description for that port. Note that port aliases may only contain
alphanumeric characters and underscores, and may not start with
a digit. Port aliases are also limited to 12 characters.
Hovering over the image of the front panel ports on the Ports page will show the
port number and any alias that has been defined for that port.
To add a group of ports:
1. Ensure you are in Privileged mode.
2. Click the Manage port groups button on the Ports page, and a
window will appear.
3. Enter a name for this group of ports in the text box on the right hand
side of the window, and click the Create group button.
4. Select the ports you wish to be part of this group by clicking the ports
on the image of the front panel. You can deselect a port by clicking it
again.

5. When you have finished selecting ports for this group, click the Save

changes button.
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Figure 11: Setting Port groups
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Editing and deleting port groups can be done in a similar manner.
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The easiest way to think of the connectivity options supported is to consider that
every port output (TX) can be driven from any single port input (RX).
This allows arbitrary unidirectional and bidirectional connections between any
set of two ports and enables you to replicate data (eg: for market data
distribution or monitoring) from one ports RX to multiple ports TX.
A few examples are listed below to clarify further:
1. You must enter privileged mode first (via the enable command).
2. Enter set port redirect <input port> <output port range> to

assign connections between ports.
Example: set port redirect 1 12-30,49. This replicates data

coming into port 1 and outputs that replicated data on ports 12-30 and 49.
Example: set port redirect 5 33; set port redirect 33 5.

These two commands create a bi-directional connection between port
5 and port 33.

Example: set port redirect 1 *. This replicates data on port 1 out
to ALL 50 ports.
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Example: set port redirect - 1. This clears a redirection to port 1.
Web interface
1. You must enter privileged mode first.
2. On the Ports screen, click the port you wish to use as an input source
of data.
3. Click the Select destination ports button.
4. A window will appear showing the front panel of the ExaLINK. Click
the ports you wish the input data to be sent to. Alternatively, select the
port from Select port dropdown box, and click the Add button.
5. If you wish to add a previously defined group of ports, select the
group from the Select port group down box and click the Add button.
6. Removing ports is as simple as clicking the port number. Again,

alternatively you can select the port (or group) from the respective
dropdown box and clicking the Remove button.
7. Click the Apply changes button, and wait several seconds while the
change is made.
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Figure 12: Setting destination ports
Figure 12 shows an example where port 1 is being redirected to ports 3-8. The
green triangle in the top left of port 1 shows the input for this port is being used,
and there is an SFP present. The green triangles in the bottom right of ports 3,4,6,7
and 8 indicate the outputs for these ports are defined, and that there is an SFP
present. The red red triangle in the bottom of port 5 shows this ports output is
defined, however there is no SFP present. Note this is still a valid set of redirections,
and the SFP can be inserted any time in the future.
Figure 13: Example Configuration
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Figure 13 shows an example setup containing a number of port redirections.

Port 1 is redirected to ports 3-8, and as described earlier ports 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and
8 have SFPs, whilst port 5 doesnt have an SFP inserted.
Port 3 is redirected to port 1 (ie there is now a bidirectional connection
between ports 1 & 3).
Port 35 is redirected to 36, 37 and 38, all of which have SFPs. Port 35 is
currently selected, so information on it is shown in centre of the window.
Note also the outputs ports for the currently selected input port are highlighted
on the front panel display.
Port 37 is redirected to port 35, also creating a bidirectional link between 35
and 37.
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8. Port speed
To optimize the signal quality of connections flowing through the ExaLINK, the
speed of each port should be set appropriately, ie either 10G ethernet or 1G
ethernet. The default is 10G ethernet.
1. Enter enable
2. Enter set port speed <port range> <port speed>, where <port
speed> is either 10000 or 1000. Example: set port speed 40-43
1000.
Web interface
2. On the Ports screen, select the port you wish to change the speed for.
Click the Port settings button.
3. A window will appear with a number of settings fields. Under the Port
speed drop down box, select either 10G Ethernet or 1G Ethernet.
9. Port type
To optimize the signal quality of connections flowing through the ExaLINK, ports
should be configured either as normal for optical fiber and active copper/
twinax connections, or passive for passive copper/twinax connections. The
default is normal.
1. Enter enable
2. Enter set port type <port range> <port type>, where <port
type> is either normal or passive. Example: set port type 3-6
passive.
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Web interface
2. On the Ports screen, select the port you wish to change the port type for.
Click the Port settings button.
3. A window will appear with a number of settings fields. Under the Port
type drop down box, select either Normal or Passive.
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10. Port status

1. The status of any port can be shown on the command line using the
show port command. Example: show port 1-10:
EXALNK1-C-001-00422# show port 1-10
Port
---1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Speed
----10000
10000
10000
10000
10000
10000
10000
10000
10000
10000
Type
-------normal
normal
passive
passive
passive
passive
normal
normal
normal
normal
Status
---------connected
Qual.
-----88
connected
connected
83
85
connected
connected
connected
90
92
98
Alias
--------
Description
------------
As can be seen above, there are connections present on port 1,3,4,6-8. Ports 3-6
have been defined to be passive copper, and 1,7-8 are normal (either fiber or
active copper). The signal quality for the connected ports is also shown. Note that
the signal quality reading is not available when a port is running at 1Gb.
Web interface
1. On the Ports screen, click the port you wish to show the status for. The
screen will update and show the port status information, as shown on
Figure 13. A graphical representation of the received signal quality can be
shown by running an eye scan of a port. Refer to Appendix C for more
information.
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OTHER COMMON TASKS

The following are instructions for doing a number of common tasks on the ExaLINK.
For a listing of all commands available on the command-line interface, see
Appendix A: Commands.
Changing the login password

The default login password is admin. The user name cannot be changed and is
always admin.



2. Enter set password and follow the prompts.

3. Enter copy running-config startup-config. This will save the new

password in the startup-config file (for more information about this is, see
Saving startup-config).
Web interface
To change the password using the web interface, click the Logged in as:
admin text on the right hand side of the menu bar. A drop down menu
will appear, allowing you to select Change Password.
Ensure you saved the running-config to startup-config to save the new
password (for more information about this is, see Saving startup-config).
Changing the privileged password
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2. Enter set enablepass and follow the prompts.
3. Enter copy running-config startup-config. This will save the new

password in the startup-config file (for more information about this is, see
Saving startup-config).
Web interface
Click on the Logged in as: admin text on the right hand side of the menu
bar. A drop down menu will appear, allowing you to select Change
enable password.
Ensure you saved the running-config to startup-config to save the new
password (for more information about this is, see Saving startup-config).
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Using SSH key based authentication

The ExaLINK supports public key authentication for SSH connections. To use this
authentication method, you will need to add your public key to the authorized_
keys file on the ExaLINK.
You will need access to a remote tftp server to use this method.
2. Transfer the current authorized_keys on the ExaLINK to the remote server
by entering: tftp put authorized_keys authorized_keys <server
address>.
3. Edit the authorized_keys file on the remote server and add your public
key, which is typically found in ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
4. Copy the updated authorized_keys back to the ExaLINK by entering:
tftp get authorized_keys authorized_keys <server address>.
5. You should now be able to ssh in to the ExaLINK as the admin user
without having to enter a password.
Web interface
2. On the Config manager screen, click Manage files.
3. On the File manager screen, you will see the authorized_keys file.
Download this file by clicking the download icon on the right hand side of
the screen.
4. Edit the downloaded file and add your public key, which is typically
found in ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub
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5. On the File manager screen, click the Upload file button. A window will
appear allowing you to select the updated file. Once selected, Click the
Upload file button.
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6. You should now be able to SSH in to the ExaLINK as the admin user
without having to enter a password.
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Checking the firmware version

You can check that you have the most recent version of the firmware. Either:


1. Enter show version.

2. Visit exablaze.com/support to check whether a newer version of the

firmware is available for your hardware revision.
Or:

Web interface
1. Go to the Settings page and click Firmware information.
2. Visit exablaze.com/support to check whether a newer version of the

firmware is available for your hardware revision.
Finding the ExaLINK IP address

You can look up the IP address of your ExaLINK.


Enter show management address.
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Saving startup-config
The startup-config file defines the configuration of the ExaLINK at initialization
(startup). It contains a set of commands that are automatically run each time
the ExaLINK starts up. If the ExaLINK loses power, it will be restored to this state.
The running-config file defines the current configuration of the ExaLINK. A
desired configuration can be saved to the startup-config file using the copy
command (described under Appendix A: Commands).

Note: Any changes made to the configuration of the device will not persist
across power cycles unless the running-config is copied to the
startup-config.

You can display the contents of the running-config file and startup-config
file using the show running-config and show startup-config
commands, allowing editing.
To show the configuration to be saved, enter show running-config.
To show the configuration currently saved, enter show startup-config.
To record the present configuration and run it at startup, enter copy
running-config startup-config. Be sure to preview it using show
before you do this.
Web interface
On the Config Manager page, click the Save to startup config button.
Updating the firmware

This is described on page 17: Updating the firmware.
Viewing/setting system time
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You can view and set ExaLink system time using either the command line or the
web interface. The time can either be set manually or a daemon can be enabled
to keep the system time in sync with a NTP server.


Enter show time to view the time. Refer to Appendix A for CLI

commands for setting the time.
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Or:
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Go to the Settings page and click on Date and time.
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Viewing statistics
You can view and set the parameters for a number of statistics about the ExaLINK.
This can be done with either the command line or web interface.


Set the time interval (in seconds) over which the statistics will be collected.

At the command prompt, enter enable, then set stat <seconds>.

Use the stat command to show statistics for:

fans

temperature

power supplies
For details on the stat command, refer to the listing under Appendix A:
Commands. You will need to specify:
The type of device (either fans, power, power detail, temperature
or blank for all devices).
The level of detail (blank for summary information, or detail for detailed information).
The device number (device numbering starts with 1; * indicates all devices).
The number of statistics readings.
Enter stat <blank for all device types or one of fans or temperature or power> <blank for summary or detail> <blank or
device number or * for all> <blank for all readings or the
number of readings>.
To clear saved statistics, enter enable then clearstat.
The commands stat fans, stat power and stat temperature all work
in a similar way, as shown in the examples below.
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Examples
stat 7 will show the last 7 statistics readings for all devices.
stat fans 2 7 will show the last 7 statistics readings for fan 2 (the four fans
are numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4).
stat fans * 7 will show the last 7 readings for all fans.
stat power detail 1 will show detailed power supply statistics for power
supply 1 (the two power supplies are numbered 1 and 2).
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Web interface
On the Hardware status (Figure 14) page, Graphs gives you a graphical overview
of the ExaLINK components. If your browser is Internet Explorer, the graph will only
be displayed in Internet Explorer 9 and above.
You can also go to the Advanced page (see Appendix A: Commands) and use
the command line commands explained above. The statistics will also be
displayed in graphical format.
Figure 14: The Statistics screen in the web interface.
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Swapping a power supply module

The ExaLINK has two hot-swappable power supply modules (Emerson
DS460S-3-002 or DS460S-3-003 depending on your airflow direction).
One of the power supply modules can be swapped while the other is operating,
without cutting power to the ExaLINK.
Emerson also produce a DC input variant of this power supply that is fully
compatible DS460SDC.
Removing a power supply module
1. At the mains power, switch off the power to the module you wish to remove
(the other module can remain powered).
2. Unplug the power cable from the power supply module you wish to remove.
3. Push the release lever, shown in Figure 15(a), while pulling on the handle of
the power supply module. Fully remove the module.
a)
b)
c)
Figure 15: Removing one of the Emerson power supply modules.
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Installing a power supply module

1. Ensure the power cable is unplugged from the power supply module being
installed.
2. Simply push the power supply module into position until the release lever
clicks into place. The release lever is shown with an arrow in Figure 15(a).
3. Connect a mains power cable to the module and switch on the mains
power.

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Swapping a fan module

The ExaLINK has two hot-swappable fan modules. One of the fan modules can be
swapped while the other is operating.
Removing a fan module
1. As shown in Figure 16(a), unscrew the two screws of the fan module until
they disengage. The ExaLINK can be powered and operating while doing this.
2. Pull out the fan module using the screws as handles, as in Figure 16(b).

a)
b)
Figure 16: Removing one of the fan modules.
Installing a fan module

1. Simply push the power supply module into position. The ExaLINK can be
powered and operating while doing this.
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2. Tighten the screws with a screwdriver.
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Configuring SNMP
The ExaLINK supports the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) up to
version 2c. Two SNMP communities can be configured - a read-only and read-write
community. The read-only community can only be used to query the configuration
of the ExaLINK, whereas the read-write community can be used to both query and
set the configuration of the ExaLINK.
Some of the settings that can be queried and configured include port redirects,
port speed and port status. A full list of the settings that can be queried and set
using SNMP is available in the ExaLINK Management Information Base (MIB). The
ExaLINK MIB can be obtained from the web interface by navigating to Settings
page, clicking on SNMP and then clicking on Download ExaLINK 50 MIB.
SNMP is disabled by default, but can be enabled and configured from the
command-line and web interface.
Note: SNMP version 2c sends community name strings in plain text format.
When enabling SNMP on the ExaLINK, the community name should not be
used for security purposes.
2. Enter set snmp config <port number> <read-only community>
<read-write community>. The SNMP port number is most commonly set
to 161 and the read-write community is optional.
3. To show the configuration that was set, enter show snmp config.
4. You should now be able to query and set (in the case of the read-write
community) the configuration of the ExaLINK via SNMP.
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2. On the Settings screen, click SNMP.

3. Enter the desired SNMP port number in the associated field.
4. Enable the read-only and read-write SNMP communities as desired by
selecting the associated check-box and providing community names for each.
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6. You should now be able to query and set (in the case of the read-write
community) the configuration of the ExaLINK via SNMP.
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TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem
Solution
The show log command indicates

many errors are occurring (on startup or
otherwise).
Run the clear startup-config

command. This returns the ExaLINK to the
factory default configuration.
Error: Could not communicate with

hardware. System timeout error.
1. Run the show log command to

see the latest errors.
2. Go to exablaze.com/support and
send the support team a copy of the
log, as well as the command that
triggered the error.
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APPENDIX A: COMMANDS
Commands can be sent to the ExaLINK using either the web interface or the
command line interface. Both are described below.

Web interface
1. On the ExaLINK main menu, click Advanced. Figure 17 shows the
window that will appear.
2. A list of available commands based on the current privilege level can

be displayed by clicking help. Type in the desired command into the
Command text box and click Execute. The command will be executed
and the output will be displayed in the top of the page.
The commands available through Advanced operate in the same manner as

those available through the command-line interface (see next section).
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Figure 17: Advanced window.
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The table below lists the commands that can be used in the command
line interface. We use the following conventions:

Angled brackets (e.g. <line>) indicates a parameter that must be
entered.

Square brackets (e.g. [prompt]) indicates an optional parameter.

Many commands enable you to specify parameters without waiting to be

prompted in a subsequent step.

Multiple commands can be given on a single command line separated by

a semi-colon, for example:

enable; set port redirect 26 27; set port redirect 27 26;

disable
Command
Description
clear
Clears the terminal window.
clear startup-config
Clears the start clear startup-config up-config (see the

copy command below). The ExaLINK resets to the factory
default configuration..
clear stat
Clears all statistics.
copy running-config
startup-config
Copies the contents of the running-config file to the

startup-config file.
You can view the contents of these files using show
running-config or show startup-config.
copy startup-config
running-config
Caution: this will immediately change the

configuration of the ExaLINK.
Copies the contents of the startup-config file to the

running-config file.
You can view the contents of these files using show
running-config or show startup-config.
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disable
Exits privileged mode. Privileged mode must be enabled to

make changes to software configuration of the ExaLINK.
enable
Activates privileged mode. Privileged mode must be

enabled to be able to make changes to software
configuration of the ExaLINK.
Example:
enable then follow prompts
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Command
Description
exit
Closes an active console port or telnet session.
files delete <files>
Deletes user files saved on the ExaLINK. Specify a list of files

to be deleted, separated by spaces.
Example:
files delete in.png binary.bin
files list
Lists the user files that are saved on the ExaLINK.
help
Lists the top-level commands available in the current

mode.
ping <IP address>
Sends ICMP echo request packets to another node on the

network. Specify the web address to ping.
Example:
ping 10.10.10.2
reset
Restarts the ExaLINK.
set enablepass
Sets the privileged password.

Example:
set enablepass then follow prompts.
set hostname
Set the hostname

Example:
set hostname MYEXALINK
set management
address dhcp
Changes the management port IP address of the ExaLINK

to a DHCP-allocated IP address
set management address

dhcp renew
Renew DHCP lease for the local management IP address
set management address

static <ip address>
[netmask] [gateway]
Changes the management port IP address to a static IP

address. The IP address must be specified. To specify the
optional gateway address a netmask must also be
specified.
Examples:
set management address static 192.168.0.100
set management address static 192.168.0.100
255.255.255.240 192.168.0.5
set password
Sets the login password.

Example:
set password then follow prompts.
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Command
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Description
set port alias

<port> <alias>
Sets an alias for a port, which can then (optionally) be

used to reference the port instead of its number. Max 12
characters.
For example:
set port alias 25 md_input
show port md_input
set port disable

<ports>
Sets a description for a port.

For example:
set port description port 2 Connection to
backup server eth0
set port disable

<ports>
Disables a port or set of ports. Specify the port(s), numbered 1 to 50.

Example:
set port disable 10-20,24, to disable ports 10 to 20
and port 24.
set port enable

<ports>
Enables a port or set of ports.

Examples:
set port enable 22,10-20,3-5,1, to enable ports 1,
3 to 5, 10 to 20 and 22.
set port enable *, to enable all ports.
set port group

<group name> <ports>
Assigns one or more ports to a group. This group name can

then be used for other commands. For example:
set port group md_listeners 5,6,7,8
set port redirect 1 md_listeners
set port redirect

<input port> <output
port range>
Assigns a connection between ports.

Examples:
set port redirect 2 7,12-49, to replicate data
coming into port 2 and output that replicated data on
ports 7 and 12-49.
set port redirect 18 31; set port redirect 31
18, to create a bi-directional connection between port 18
and port 31.
set port redirect - 35 to clear the redirection to
port 35.
set stat <seconds>
Sets the refresh interval for system statistics, in seconds.

Example:
set stat 20
set telnet disable
Disables remote telnet communications to the ExaLINK.
set telnet enable
Enables remote telnet communications to the

ExaLINK.
set port speed <port

range> <port speed>
Sets the speed of a range of ports, where speed is either

1000 or 10000.
Example:
set port speed 40-43 1000
set port type <port

range> <port type>
Sets the cable type of a range of ports, where type is either

normal or passive. Normal is for fiber and active copper/
twinax connections, and passive is for passive copper/
twinax connections.
Example:
set port type 3-6 passive
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Command
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Description
set time <time>
Sets the system time. For example:

set time 2013-09-03 09:21:00
set time ntp <server>
Enables the NTP daemon to keep system time in sync with

a NTP server. For example:
set time ntp pool.ntp.org
set time ntp disable
Disables the NTP daemon
show hardware snapshot
Shows a snapshot of the operating state of the ExaLINK.
show hostname
Displays the current hostname.
show management address
Displays the current IP address of the ExaLINK.
show log
Displays the system error log.
show mac
Shows the MAC address of the ExaLINK.
show net stat
Shows network statistics.
show port <ports>
Shows ports alias, description, and whether ports are

enabled or disabled. Specify the ports.
For example:
show port 5-7
show port details

<ports>
Shows detailed information about the ports. Specify the

ports.
For example: show port details 5-7
show port group
Shows details about one or more port groups.

For example:
show port group md_listeners
show port group *
show running-config
Shows the system configuration that can be edited at

present.
show serial
Shows the unique serial number for the ExaLINK.
show startup-config
Shows the startup configuration file stored for the ExaLINK.
show time
Shows the current system time.
show version
Shows version information.
Engineering Office:
EXABLAZE PTY LTD

Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
+61 2 8668 3008
info@exablaze.com
39
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www.exablaze.com
Command
Head Office:
EXABLAZE PTY LTD
Level 5, 443
Melbourne VIC 3000,
Australia
+61 3 9111 1773
info@exablaze.com
Description
stat <number of
readings>
Shows statistics over time for fans, power supplies and

temperature of the ExaLINK. Specify the number of
readings.
Example:
stat 15 displays the last 15 readings for all components
(fans, power supplies etc).
stat fans <fan

number or *> <number
of readings>
Shows statistics for fans over time. Either specify the fan
number (numbered 1, 2, 3, 4), or * for all four fans. Specify
the number of readings.
Example:
stat fans 1 10 displays the last ten readings for fan 1.
stat power <power

supply number or *>
<number of readings>
Shows statistics for power supplies over time. Either specify

the power supply number (1 or 2), or * for both power
supplies. Specify the number of readings.
Examples:
stat power 1 10 displays the last ten readings for
power supply 1.
stat power * 10 displays the last ten readings for both
power supplies.
stat power detail

<power supply number
or *>
Shows power supply details for power supplies. Either

specify the power supply number (numbered 1, 2), or * for
both power supplies.
Example:
stat power detail 1 displays power supply details for
power supply 1.
stat temperature
<sensor number or *>
<number of readings>
Shows statistics for the temperature sensors over time. Either

specify the sensor number (numbered 1 to 6), or * for all.
Example:
stat temperature 1 10 displays statistics for
temperature sensor 1 over the last 10 readings.
tftp get <remote file

name>
<local file name>
<TFTP server IP address>
Copies a file from a remote TFTP server.

Example:
tftp get /public/download.zip local_copy.zip
10.10.10.176, copies a file called
/public/download.zip from a TFTP server with IP address
10.10.10.176 and saves it locally as local_copy.zip.
tftp put <remote file

name>
<local file name>
<TFTP server IP address>
Copies a file onto a
remote TFTP server.
Example:
tftp put /public/download.zip local_copy.zip
10.10.10.176, copies a file called local_copy.zip
onto a TFTP server with IP address 10.10.10.176 and saves it
there as /public/download.zip.
Engineering Office:
EXABLAZE PTY LTD

Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
+61 2 8668 3008
info@exablaze.com
40
www.exablaze.com
www.exablaze.com
Command
update <type> [tftp
server IP] <filename>
Description
Updates ExaLINK firmware from a file on a USB flash drive, or
from a file located on a TFTP server. The update file can be
downloaded from exablaze.com/support. Ensure you are
loading on the correct file for your hardware revision, eg
r4450 or r5000.
Examples:
update usb ExaLINK_r5000_0.4.0.tar attempts to
update from a USB flash drive.
update tftp 10.10.10.9 ExaLINK_r5000_0.4.0.tar
attempts to update from a file on the TFTP server
10.10.10.9.
Head Office:
EXABLAZE PTY LTD
Level 5, 443
Melbourne VIC 3000,
Australia
+61 3 9111 1773
info@exablaze.com
Engineering Office:
EXABLAZE PTY LTD

Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
+61 2 8668 3008
info@exablaze.com
41
www.exablaze.com
www.exablaze.com
APPENDIX B: SPECIFICATIONS
Type
Physical
Operating conditions
Connectivity
Specification
Dimensions
19.0x14.2x1.8
(482x360x45mm)
Rack Mount
1RU
Temperature
32 to 104F (0 to 40C)
Voltage
100 - 240VAC
40-72V DC (if DC power
supply module used)
Frequency
50 - 60Hz (for AC input)
Power consumption
(Typical)
100W
Switch Ports
50 x 10GbE SFP+ modules

(MSA compliant)
Management
1 x RS232 9600N8 1 serial
Value
1 x 10/100M Ethernet
Timing
1 x PPS timing port
Head Office:
EXABLAZE PTY LTD
Level 5, 443
Melbourne VIC 3000,
Australia
+61 3 9111 1773
info@exablaze.com
Engineering Office:
EXABLAZE PTY LTD

Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
+61 2 8668 3008
info@exablaze.com
42
www.exablaze.com
www.exablaze.com
APPENDIX C: RECEIVED EYE SCAN

The ExaLINK contains sophisticated electronics for optimizing the received signal
quality of connections flowing through it, allowing for robust network connections
with low bit-error rates. To assist in debugging networking issues, the ExaLINK is
able to display the eye diagram for the received signal on any port. Tektronics
(www.tek.com) have a good application note explaining what an eye diagram
is, which can be found at www.tek.com/dl/65W_26042_0_Letter.pdf
Web interface

2. On the Ports screen, click the port you wish to run the eye scan on.
. Click the Eye scan button, and a window will appear. If you have
3
recently run an eye scan on this port, the old eye scan will be displayed.
To run a new eye scan, click the Run eye scan button. This will take
approximately 10 seconds to run.
Head Office:
EXABLAZE PTY LTD
Level 5, 443
Melbourne VIC 3000,
Australia
+61 3 9111 1773
info@exablaze.com
Figure 18: An eye scan of 10G ethernet received over 2m OM3 fiber using
SR transceivers.
Engineering Office:
EXABLAZE PTY LTD

Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
+61 2 8668 3008
info@exablaze.com
43
www.exablaze.com
www.exablaze.com
Figure 19: An eye scan of 10G ethernet received over 2m passive copper cable.
Head Office:
EXABLAZE PTY LTD
Level 5, 443
Melbourne VIC 3000,
Australia
+61 3 9111 1773
info@exablaze.com
Engineering Office:
EXABLAZE PTY LTD

Sydney NSW 2000,
Australia
+61 2 8668 3008
info@exablaze.com
Figure 20: An eye scan of 10G ethernet received over 7m passive copper cable.
As can be seen above, the eye is far more open using fiber than long lengths
of passive copper. In this test however, the ExaLINK was still able to recover the
received data successfully and achieve a bit error rate (BER) of < 10-13 through
this link (ie zero bit errors in over 120GB data), exceeding the IEEE 802.3 standard
for 10G ethernet communications.
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Copyright 2014 Exablaze Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

EXABLAZE PTY LTD

Other common tasks 25

Level 6, 76-80 Clarence St

EXABLAZE PTY LTD

Copyright 2014 Exablaze Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Figure 2: Front panel of the ExaLINK.

Figure 3: Back panel of the ExaLINK.

Figure 4: Command-line interface. 12

Figure 6: Main menu of the web interface.

Figure 7: Clip the rack-mounting nuts into the rack.

Figure 8: Sliding the ExaLINK into a rack.

Figure 9: Plugging SFP+ modules into the ExaLINK.

Figure 10: Updating the firmware through the web interface.

Figure 11: Setting Port groups.

Figure 12: Setting destination ports. 22

Figure 14: The Statistics screen in the web interface.

Figure 15: Removing one of the Emerson power supply modules.

Figure 16: Removing one of the fan modules.

Figure 17: Advanced window. 35

EXABLAZE PTY LTD

EXABLAZE PTY LTD

Level 6, 76-80 Clarence St

Copyright 2014 Exablaze Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

ABOUT THE EXALINK

Figure 1: An example set-up for the ExaLINK to act as an electronic patch

Dual-purpose network device: replicate and reconfigure

EXABLAZE PTY LTD

EXABLAZE PTY LTD

Level 6, 76-80 Clarence St

Copyright 2014 Exablaze Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Worlds fastest high fan-out edge device

New kind of top-of-rack 1-to-1 connector

Accepts all SFP+ modules

EXABLAZE PTY LTD

For more information about the ExaLINK and Exablaze,

EXABLAZE PTY LTD

Level 6, 76-80 Clarence St

Copyright 2014 Exablaze Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

About this manual

This symbol indicates something important. Take care!

Describes the web interface for managing the ExaLINK

Describes the command-line interface for managing the ExaLINK.

EXABLAZE PTY LTD

EXABLAZE PTY LTD

Level 6, 76-80 Clarence St

Copyright 2014 Exablaze Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

SAFETY AND INSTALLATION WARNINGS

Check that your ExaLINK is rated to be used with the mains

Before servicing Disconnect the two power-supply cables before servicing.

Ensure the ExaLINK uses mains power cables approved in the

CAUTION: The ExaLINK has a battery-powered real-time clock

EXABLAZE PTY LTD

EXABLAZE PTY LTD

Level 6, 76-80 Clarence St

Copyright 2014 Exablaze Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

CAUTION: Each SFP+ module used in the ExaLINK is a CLASS 1

EXABLAZE PTY LTD

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Copyright 2014 Exablaze Pty Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

The ExaLINK system