C•CURE 800/8000 Hardware Configuration Guide - Tyco Security ...

Cluster Communications Overview for iSTAR Classic & ProCluster Communications Overview for iSTAR Classic & ProControllers use the primary communications path to communicate with theC•CURE System host. Establishing and maintaining a connection with thehost involves the following actions:• Establishing connections via the primary communications path. You setup a primary communications path for a cluster when configuringcontrollers and clusters.• Downloading cardholder and configuration information from the host tothe controller.• Maintaining communications via the primary communications path. If acommunications failure occurs on the primary communications path,controllers can re-establish communications via a secondarycommunications path.Establishing Connections Via the Primary Communications PathThe primary communications path is the first path that controllers use toestablish communications with the host. The path is comprised of thefollowing connections:• The master connects directly to the host using a network, serial, or dialupconnection.• Cluster members connect to the master using a network connection. Afterconnections are established, the master manages cluster communicationsby passing messages between cluster members and the host.Connections are established in a bottom-to-top order. Thus, clusters membersare responsible for establishing connections with the master, and the master isresponsible for establishing a connection with the host.NOTEThe C•CURE System host usually does not try to establish a connectionwith the master (or alternate master); however, the C•CURE System hostwill initiate a connection when automatic or periodic dialup is configuredfor the master.C•CURE 800/8000 Hardware Configuration Guide 1–31