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APS-8M / APS-16M Asynchronous Port Switches; User’s Guide
8.2. Passive Mode
Passive Mode Ports function the same as Any-to-Any Mode Ports, but do not
allow access to command mode. A Passive Mode Port can communicate with
other ports, but cannot enter command mode, and therefore cannot invoke
commands to redefine port parameters, display status, and etc.
Passive Mode Ports can be connected by accessing command mode from a
free Any-to-Any Mode or Modem Mode Port, and invoking the Third Party
Connect or Resident Connect Command as described in Section 8.1.1. Passive
Mode ports will not buffer data, except during baud rate conversion.
Notes:
• A Passive Mode Port is not allowed to access command mode.
• In order to ensure supervisor access to important command
functions, the Passive Mode is not available to Ports 1 and 2
(SetUp Ports).
• The Internal Modem Port cannot be configured as a Passive Mode
Port. On the APS-8M, Port 8 is the Internal Modem Port, and on the
APS-16M, Port 17 is the Internal Modem Port.
8.3. Buffer Mode
Ports configured as Buffer Mode ports will collect data from the connected
device and store it in the APS’s statically allocated memory. Each port features
a fixed length, fixed position data buffer.
The Buffer Mode allows collection of data from various devices without the
requirement that all devices use the same communication parameters (e.g. baud
rate, parity, etc.).
Notes:
• Buffer Mode Ports cannot access command mode.
• In order to ensure supervisor access to important command
functions, the Buffer Mode is not available to Ports 1 and 2
(SetUp Ports).
• The Internal Modem Port cannot be configured as a Buffer Mode
Port. On the APS-8M, Port 8 is the Internal Modem Port, and on the
APS-16M, Port 17 is the Internal Modem Port.