Digi TS8, Port 16 User Manual
PortServer TS 8/16
Configuration and Administration
Guide
92000307_B
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© Digi International Inc., 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002. All Rights Reserved
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Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
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program(s) described in this manual at any time.
This product could include technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. Changes are periodically
made to the information herein; these changes may be incorporated in new editions of the
publication.
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
Setup Overview.................................................................................................... 1-2
About This Guide.................................................................................................1-3
About Entering Commands on the Command Line............................................. 1-3
Supported Devices ............................................................................................... 1-3
Other Documents in the Library .......................................................................... 1-4
About Configuration Methods .............................................................................1-5
Configuration Prerequisites.................................................................................. 1-6
Chapter 2 Configuring the IP Address
Options for Configuring the IP Address and Mask..............................................2-2
Configuring the Ethernet Interface with DPA Remote........................................2-3
Configuring the IP Address Using Ping-ARP......................................................2-4
Configuring the Ethernet Interface from the Command Line..............................2-5
Configuring an IP Address using DHCP and RARP ........................................... 2-5
Chapter 3 Configuring Ports for RealPort
About RealPort..................................................................................................... 3-2
Configuring Ports: Web Interface ........................................................................ 3-3
Configuring Ports for RealPort: Command Line ................................................. 3-4
Chapter 4 Configuring Ports for Printers
Configuration Considerations .............................................................................. 4-2
Configuring Ports for Printers: Web Interface.....................................................4-3
Configuring Printer Connections: Command Line..............................................4-3
Configuring a Port for Direct-Access Printing ....................................................4-5
Chapter 5 Configuring Ports for Terminals and Computers
Configuring Ports for Terminals: Web Interface.................................................5-2
Configuring Ports for Terminals: Command Line ............................................... 5-2
About Computer Connections..............................................................................5-3
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Chapter 6 Configuring Ports for Modems
Tips on Configuring A Modem............................................................................ 6-2
Configuring Ports for Modems: Web Interface ................................................... 6-3
Configuring Ports for Incoming Modem Connections: Command Line ............. 6-3
Configuring Ports for Outgoing/Bi-Directional Connections: Command Line... 6-4
Chapter 7 Configuring PPP
Configuring PPP Connections: Web Interface..................................................... 7-2
Configuring Inbound PPP Connections: Command Line.................................... 7-3
Configuring Outbound PPP Connections: Command Line .................................7-5
Chapter 8 Configuring IP Routing
Introduction to Routing........................................................................................8-2
About RIP Routing Updates ................................................................................ 8-3
Configuring Static Routes ....................................................................................8-5
Configuring Dynamic Routes Using RIP............................................................. 8-6
Configuring Proxy ARP.......................................................................................8-7
Chapter 9 Configuring Autoconnection
About Autoconnection ......................................................................................... 9-2
Configuring a Port for Autoconnection: Web Interface.......................................9-2
Configuring Autoconnection By Port: Command Line .......................................9-2
Configuring a User for Autoconnection: Web Interface......................................9-3
Configuring a User for Autoconnection: Command Line ...................................9-3
Chapter 10 Configuring Console Management
About Console Management..............................................................................10-2
Configuring Console Management: Web Interface ........................................... 10-2
Configuring Console Management: Command Line ......................................... 10-2
Chapter 11 Configuring Security Features
Controlling Access to the PortServer TS 8/16 Configuration............................11-2
Controlling Access to Inbound Ports ................................................................. 11-2
Controlling Access to Outbound Ports...............................................................11-3
Controlling Access to the PortServer TS 8/16 Command Line ......................... 11-3
Using RADIUS to Authenticate Users............................................................... 11-4
Issuing User Passwords...................................................................................... 11-7
Configuring SSH Version 2 for Secure Communication...................................11-8
Chapter 12 Configuring DNS
About the Domain Name System.......................................................................12-2
Configuration Procedures ..................................................................................12-3
Chapter 13 Configuring SNMP
About SNMP and the PortServer TS 8/16 Agent ..............................................13-2
Configuration Procedure: Web Interface ........................................................... 13-3
Configuration Procedure: Command Line ......................................................... 13-3
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Chapter 14 Managing the OS and Configuration
Upgrading the OS (Firmware): Web Interface ..................................................14-2
Upgrading the OS (Firmware): Command Line ................................................14-3
Configuring PortServer TS 8/16 from a Remote Host.......................................14-4
Resetting the Configuration to Defaults............................................................. 14-6
Chapter 15 Configuring Users
About Configuring Users................................................................................... 15-2
Common User Features...................................................................................... 15-2
Configuring a User: Web Interface.................................................................... 15-3
Configuring a User: Command Line Examples................................................. 15-4
Chapter 16 Configuration Examples
Terminal Server Configuration Without RealPort............................................. 16-2
Terminal Server Configuration Using Autoconnection..................................... 16-3
Terminal Server Configuration Using RealPort................................................. 16-4
Dial-In PPP Connection Using RADIUS........................................................... 16-5
Chapter 17 PortServer TS 8/16 Troubleshooting
Symptom: PortServer TS 8/16 Does Not Boot ..................................................17-2
Symptom: Cannot Telnet to the PortServer TS 8/16 .........................................17-3
Symptom: Trouble Accessing a Port ................................................................. 17-4
Running PortServer TS 8/16 Hardware Diagnostics .........................................17-4
Running PortServer TS 8/16 POST ...................................................................17-5
Verifying TFTP on a UNIX System .................................................................. 17-6
Troubleshooting TFTP Problems.......................................................................17-6
Resetting PortServer TS 8/16 Configuration to Defaults................................... 17-7
Verifying the PortServer TS 8/16 IP Address....................................................17-8
Checking for Duplicate IP Addresses .............................................................. 17-10
Pinging an IP Address...................................................................................... 17-11
Verifying the Network Cabling........................................................................ 17-12
Verifying the RealPort Process ........................................................................ 17-13
Checking and Changing Port Configuration....................................................17-15
Digi Contact Information................................................................................. 17-16
iii
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Chapter 1 Introduction
In This Chapter
This chapter provides a brief introduction on setting up your Digi device. It discusses the following
topics:
• Setup Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2
• About This Guide. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
• About Entering Commands on the Command Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
• Supported Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-3
• Other Documents in the Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4
• About Configuration Methods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-5
• Configuration Prerequisites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-6
Introduction
1-1
Setup Overview
This section provides an overview of the setup process.
Step A: Plan
Before beginning setup, consider the following:
• How to assign an IP address to the Digi device’s Ethernet interface, which can be accomplished
in a number of ways. See "Configuring the IP Address" on page 2-1.
• How to configure serial ports. A key consideration is whether to use RealPort. Other considerations include the type of peripheral that will connect to the port and the peripheral’s cabling
requirements. See "Configuring Ports for RealPort" on page 3-1 and the online RealPort driver
documentation and Cable Guide, both of which are on the Access Resource CD.
• The various ways that your Digi device can be configured. See "About Configuration Methods"
on page 1-5 and "Configuration Prerequisites" on page 1-6 for more information.
Step B: Set Up the Hardware
1. Connect the device to power and to the network.
2. Connect peripherals to serial ports. See the Cable Guide on the Access Resource CD.
Step C: Install and Setup DPA-Remote
DPA-Remote is a utility that provides one of the ways to configure an IP address and also provides
port monitoring. See the Digi Port Authority Remote Device Monitor Setup Guide, which is on the
Access Resource CD.
Step D: Configure an IP Address
There are a number of ways to configure an IP address. See "Configuring the IP Address" on page 21 for more information.
Step E: Configure Ports
See the following for more information:
• "Configuring Ports for RealPort" on page 3-1
• "Configuring Ports for Printers" on page 4-1
• "Configuring Ports for Terminals and Computers" on page 6-1
• "Configuring Ports for Modems" on page 5-1
Step F: Configure Other Features as Required
See the following for information on setting up other features:
• "Configuring PPP" on page 8-1
• "Configuring IP Routing" on page 9-1
• "Configuring Autoconnection" on page 7-1
• "Configuring Console Management" on page 10-1
• "Configuring Security Features" on page 12-1
• "Configuring DNS" on page 13-1
Step G: Troubleshoot Setup Problems
Troubleshoot problems as required. See "PortServer TS 8/16 Troubleshooting" on page 17-1. .
1-2 Setup Overview
About This Guide
Purpose
This guide provides the following:
• Configuration and administration procedures
• Configuration examples
Audience
This manual is intended for the person responsible for configuring and administering PortServer TS
8/16. It assumes that this person has experience configuring network devices and is familiar with
networking concepts.
Scope
This manual provides step-by-step instructions for configuring and administering PortServer TS
8/16’s main features. It does not address how to configure every option, provide complete
information on commands, or discuss hardware installation. These topics are covered in other
documents in the PortServer TS 8/16 library.
About Command Line Examples
In this manual, many command examples are broken up and placed on two lines of the manual. This
is done to control where the line breaks, making it as easy to read as possible. When this is done, the
second line of the command will be indented slightly, as shown below.
set menu range=6 t1="Console Management Menu" name="Console Management
Menu" m3="Connect to System 1" c3="connect 1" m4="Connect to System 2"
c4="connect 2"
About Entering Commands on the Command Line
On the PortServer TS 8/16 command line, do not force a line break (by pressing Enter or Return).
This will commit the command before you finish adding all command fields. If your terminal does
not support wrapping to the next line and long commands scroll out of sight, the easiest way to enter
long commands is by breaking the command into multiple commands as shown below. If you use
this method, however, you must let the PortServer TS 8/16 know that you are configuring the same
entity, such as the same port, menu, or line. This is done by repeating the range or name field in each
command.
set menu t1="Console Management Menu" range=6
set menu range=6 name="Console Management Menu" m3="Connect to System 1"
set menu range=6 c3="connect 1" m4="Connect to System 2"
set menu range=6 c4="connect 2"
Supported Devices
This manual provides information on the following Digi devices:
• PortServer TS 8
• PortServer TS 16
Introduction
1-3
Other Documents in the Library
Here is a list of the other documents in the library:
Access Resource CD Card
This card provides information on the contents of the Access Resource CD. It includes the CD
mounting instructions required to access the CD on many Unix systems.
PortServer TS 8/16 Setup Card
This card, which comes in the PortServer TS 8/16 package, provides a brief overview on the setup
process.
Digi One/PortServer TS Command Reference
This online manual, available on the Access Resource CD, provides complete information on
commands.
RealPort Setup Guides
These online manuals provide information on setting up servers for RealPort software.
Digi Port Authority - Remote Device Monitor Setup Guide
This online manual provides information on installing and using Digi Port Authority - Remote
software.
1-4 Other Documents in the Library
About Configuration Methods
Use this section to learn about configuration methods.
Configuring the PortServer TS 8/16 from an Attached Terminal
With this method, you cable a terminal or PC running terminal emulation software to a PortServer
TS 8/16 port and then use the command line to enter commands. This method allows you to
configure all features. It requires, however, that you and the PortServer TS 8/16 be in the same
location. Some users find it advantageous to configure the PortServer TS 8/16 IP address this way
and then use one of the other methods for the rest of the configuration.
Configuring the PortServer TS 8/16 from a Telnet Session
With this method, you Telnet to the PortServer TS 8/16 and use the command line to complete configuration tasks. The only disadvantage to this method is that you have to configure the PortServer
TS 8/16 with an IP address before you can Telnet to it.
Configuring the PortServer TS 8/16 from the Web Interface
The great advantage to this method is ease of use. This method does, however, require that you
configure the IP address before you can access the configuration from the web interface, and some
features cannot be configured this way.
Downloading a Configuration File
With this method, you configure a Digi device and then do the following:
1. Download an existing configuration file to a host system.
2. Edit the file with specific configuration using a text editor.
3. Upload the file to the the Digi PortServer TS 8/16.
This an excellent method for maintaining highly similar configuration files for multiple Digi
devices. The disadvantage is that the PortServer TS 8/16 requires some configuration steps, such as
the IP address, to be completed before it can be used.
Introduction
1-5
Configuration Prerequisites
Accessing the Command Line from a Locally-Connected Terminal
Use this procedure to access the command line and the configuration from a terminal connected to
one of the PortServer TS 8/16’s serial ports.
1. Connect a terminal or PC to a serial port on the PortServer TS 8/16.
• For a terminal, use the cable that came with your package.
• For a Windows Hyperterminal connection, use the cable that came in the package, a straightthrough DB25-to-DB9 modem cable, and gender changers as required.
2. Configure the parameters of the terminal or terminal emulation software to work with the Digi
serial port. The default port settings are:
• VT 100 emulation
• 9600 baud
• 8-bit character
• 1 stop bit
• No parity
3. Log in as the root user. The default password is dbps.
Logging On As Root from the Command Line
1. At the login prompt, enter the following: root
2. At the password prompt, supply the root password. The default is dbps.
Accessing the Command Line from a Telnet Session
Use this procedure to access the command line and the configuration from a Telnet session. This
procedure assumes that you have configure the Digi device with an IP address already. See
"Configuring the IP Address" on page 2-1.
1. To Telnet to the PortServer TS 8/16, enter the following command from a command prompt on
another networked device, such as a server:
telnet ip-address
where ip-address is the PortServer TS 8/16’s IP address
Example: telnet 192.3.23.5
2. Log in as the root user. The default password is dbps.
Accessing the Configuration from the Web Interface
Use this procedure to access the configuration from the web interface. This procedure assumes that
you have configured the Digi device with an IP address already. See "Configuring the IP Address"
on page 2-1.
1. Access the PortServer TS 8/16 from a web browser by specifying the PortServer TS 8/16’s IP
address in the URL window.
2. Log on as root. The default password is dbps.
1-6 Configuration Prerequisites
Chapter 2
Configuring the IP Address
In This Chapter
This chapter discusses how to configure PortServer TS 8/16’s IP address and other features
associated with its Ethernet interface. It discusses the following topics:
• Options for Configuring the IP Address and Mask . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-2
• Configuring the Ethernet Interface with DPA-Remote . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3
• Configuring the IP Address Using Ping-ARP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-4
• Configuring the Ethernet Interface from the Command Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
• Configuring an IP Address using DHCP and RARP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-5
Configuring the IP Address
2-1
Options for Configuring the IP Address and Mask
Options
The PortServer TS 8/16 IP address can be configured using the following methods:
• With Digi Port Authority-Remote, a Digi utility
• By updating the ARP table on a server and then pinging the Digi device (called Ping-ARP)
• From the command line using the set config command
• Using a RARP server
• Using a DHCP server
The IP address and mask can also be changed using the web interface. This method, however, does
not work for the initial IP address configuration.
Devices That Support DPA-Remote and Ping-ARP for IP Address Configuration
Not all Digi devices can use DPA-Remote and Ping-ARP for IP address configuration. To determine
if you can use these features, find the hardware label on your Digi device and then use the table
below to determine whether this feature is available:
Device Part Number Revision Required
PortServer TS 8 50001208-01 B or higher
PortServer TS 16 (desktop) 50001207-01 E or higher
PortServer TS 16 (rack-mounted) 50001185-01 C or higher
2-2 Options for Configuring the IP Address and Mask
Configuring the Ethernet Interface with DPA-Remote
Use this section to configure an initial IP address, subnet mask, and default gateway using DPARemote. This procedure cannot be used to change the IP address, but only to assign the initial IP
address. It also cannot be used if a DHCP server is active.
Starting Point
This procedure assumes the following:
• That your Digi device supports this feature. See "Devices That Support DPA-Remote and PingARP for IP Address Configuration" on page 2-2.
• That your Digi device is connected to the Ethernet network
• That the Digi device has DHCP client turned on. This is the default setting, so it will be on
unless it was turned off.
• That you do not have a DHCP server to serve IP address. If you do, use the DHCP procedure.
See "Configuring an IP Address using DHCP and RARP" on page 2-5.
• That you have installed DPA-Remote version 2.01.11or later. For information on installing DPARemote, see the Digi Port Authority Remote Device Monitor Setup Guide, which is on the
Access Resource CD.
Procedure
1. Run DPA-Remote.
2. If DPA-Remote is not set for ADDP, choose ADDP as the Discovery Protocol.
3. Choose Discover.
A list of Digi devices appears. Systems with IP addresses of 0.0.0.0 need IP addresses.
4. Select a device from the list and then choose Configure.
5. Supply an IP address, subnet mask and default gateway and then choose OK.
DPA-Remote configures the IP address, subnet mask and default gateway.
Configuring the IP Address
2-3
Configuring the IP Address Using Ping-ARP
Use this section to configure an IP address by manually updating a server’s ARP table and then
pinging the Digi device.
Starting Point
This procedure assumes the following:
• That your Digi device supports this feature. See "Devices That Support DPA-Remote and PingARP for IP Address Configuration" on page 2-2.
• That your Digi device is connected to the Ethernet network
Procedure
1. Record the MAC address of the Digi device. It’s on the back of the unit.
2. Access a server on the same subnet as the Digi device.
3. Manually update the server’s ARP table using the Digi device’s MAC address and the IP address
you want assigned to the Digi device. The following is an example of how this is done on a Windows NT 4.0 system:
arp -s 143.191.2.1 00-40-9d-22-23-60
4. Ping the Digi device using the IP address just assigned. The following is an example:
ping 143.191.2.1
The ping will probably time out before there is a response from the Digi device.
5. Wait a few seconds and then ping the Digi device again.
The Digi device replies to the ping, indicating that the IP address has been configured.
2-4 Configuring the IP Address Using Ping-ARP
Configuring the Ethernet Interface from the Command Line
This section discusses how use the command line to configure an IP address, mask, and default
gateway for PortServer TS 8/16’s Ethernet interface.
Manual Configuration Procedure
1. To configure an IP address for the Ethernet interface, enter the following command:
set config ip=ip-address
where ip-address is the IP address for the Ethernet interface
Example:
2. To configure a subnetmask, enter the following command:
set config submask=mask
where mask is the subnet mask for this subnetwork
Example:
3. To ensure that this address is permanent, turn DHCP off by entering the following command:
set config dhcp=off
4. To configure a default gateway, enter the following command:
set config gateway= ip-address
where ip-address is the IP address of the default gateway
Example set config gateway=191.143.2.46
5. Reboot the Digi device at the prompt using the following command:
boot action=reset
set config ip=191.143.2.154
set config submask=255.255.255.0
Manual Configuration Example
In this example set config commands configure the Ethernet interface and the boot command reboot
the Digi device, which is required for the address change to take affect.
set config ip=192.150.150.10 submask=255.255.255.0 dhcp=off
set config gateway=192.150.150.11
boot action=reset
Configuring an IP Address using DHCP and RARP
About DHCP and RARP
When the PortServer TS 8/16 boots, it transmits a DHCP request and a RARP request. This
continues until an address is assigned.
Procedure
To use RARP or DHCP follow these steps:
1. Set up an entry for an address on a DHCP or RARP server. If you intend to use RealPort, do the
following:
• Reserve a permanent IP address.
• Record the IP address. You will need it when you configure the RealPort driver.
2. Power on the PortServer TS 8/16.
The DHCP or RARP server assigns the PortServer TS 8/16 an IP address.
Configuring the IP Address
2-5
2-6 Configuring an IP Address using DHCP and RARP
Chapter 3 Configuring Ports for RealPort
In This Chapter
This chapter describes how to configure PortServer TS 8/16 for RealPort connections. It discusses
the following topics:
• About RealPort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-2
• Configuring Ports: Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
• Configuring Ports for RealPort: Command Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
• Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Configuring Ports for RealPort
3-1
About RealPort
This section provides a brief introduction to RealPort.
What is RealPort?
RealPort is a feature that allows network-based host systems to use the ports of the PortServer TS
8/16 as though they were the host system’s own ports, appearing and behaving as local ports to the
network-based host.
RealPort Advantages
RealPort provides the following advantages:
• It expands the number of ports available to the host system.
• It enables PortServer TS 8/16 ports to be treated as if they were directly connected to the host,
which means they use all standard operating system interfaces that control baud rate, parity, stop
bits, and flow control.
• It enables host administrators to do most of the required configuration on the host, the system
with which the administrator is most familiar.
• It dramatically reduces host CPU overhead because multiple terminal or printer sessions are
multiplexed over the same TCP/IP connection.
Configuring the RealPort Software
You must install and configure RealPort software on each host that will use RealPort ports. See the
RealPort documentation for more information.
Configuration Options
You can configure PortServer TS 8/16 for RealPort from the command line or using the web
interface. For information on using the web interface, see "Configuring Ports: Web Interface" on
page 3-3.
3-2 About RealPort
Configuring Ports: Web Interface
Use this procedure to configure a port from the web interface.
1. Access the web interface by entering the PortServer TS 8/16 IP address in a browser’s URL window.
2. Log in to the PortServer TS 8/16 as root.
The default password is dbps.
3. From the main menu, select Configure > RealPort.
A screen similar to the following appears.
4. To complete configuration, choose Next and then follow the prompts.
5. To return to the main Ports menu, choose Ports from the Menu again.
6. To complete RealPort setup, install and configure the RealPort driver. See the appropriate
RealPort setup guide on the Access Resource CD.
Configuring Ports for RealPort
3-3
Configuring Ports for RealPort: Command Line
This section describes how to configure RealPort ports from the command line.
Procedure
Use this procedure to use the command line to configure PortServer TS 8/16 for RealPort.
This procedure assumes that you have signed on as root and have or will
• Install RealPort software on each RealPort host. See the appropriate RealPort documentation for
more information.
• Properly cabled PortServer TS 8/16 ports and devices.
• Set up the devices connected to PortServer TS 8/16 ports
1. Configure the RealPort TCP port by entering the following command:
set tcp realport=771
2. Configure PortServer TS 8/16 ports by entering the following command:
set ports range=range dev=rp
where range is the range of ports to which this command applies
Example
Example:
In this example, all ports are configured for RealPort.
set tcp realport=771
set ports range=* dev=rp
set ports range=2 dev=rp
3-4 Configuring Ports for RealPort: Command Line
Chapter 4 Configuring Ports for Printers
In This Chapter
This chapter describes how to configure PortServer TS 8/16 ports for printer connections. It
discusses the following topics:
• Configuration Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-2
• Configuring Ports for Printers: Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
• Configuring Printer Connections: Command Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-3
• Configuring a Port for Direct-Access Printing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Configuring Ports for Printers
4-1
Configuration Considerations
You should be aware of the following considerations if you intend to configure PortServer TS 8/16
to handle printers.
Using RealPort
RealPort, a feature that allows network-based host systems to use the ports of the PortServer TS
8/16 as though they were the host system’s own ports, is an easy and efficient way for printers to use
PortServer TS 8/16 ports. For information on this option, see "Configuring Ports for RealPort" on
page 3-1.
Determining Your Printer’s Flow Control Requirements
If you set the PortServer TS 8/16 flow control parameters incorrectly, the printer may not print all
data sent to it. Consequently, before you configure a PortServer TS 8/16 port for a printer, check the
printer’s documentation to determine if it uses hardware flow control, software flow control, or no
flow control at all.
Flow Control Tips
Here are some tips to ensure that your printer performs as expected:
• If flow control is necessary, ensure that the printer and PortServer TS 8/16 use the same flow
control scheme.
• Most printers that use hardware flow control issue the DTR (data terminal ready) signal when
they are ready for data. If so, the DTR pin on the cable from the printer must be wired to an input
on the PortServer TS 8/16 port (usually CTS or DCD) that can be used for flow control.
Printing with AIX Systems
Digi does not recommend using lpd to print multiple jobs to a PortServer TS 8/16-attached printer
from an AIX print spooler because this may cause the print job to time out.
Using the lpd Protocol
Here are some tips for configuring the print spooler on your UNIX system when you intend to print
using the lpd protocol to a printer attached to PortServer TS 8/16:
1. The number of copies option with lpr is not supported.
2. Banner pages are not supported.
3. Give the PortServer TS 8/16’s DNS name or IP address as the remote system’s name.
4. Specify a queue name that conforms to the following conventions:
• Begin the queue name with one of the following character strings: (a) Use ascii if you want
PortServer TS 8/16 to substitute carriage return and
system sends. (b) Use raw if no substitution should be performed.
• After the queue name, insert an underscore character and the number of the PortServer TS
8/16 port to which the printer is attached.
• If you want to use either of the following options, specify an additional underscore and then
the letter that identifies the option: (a) Use f to append a form feed character to the end of
each file in a print job (b) Use d to add a Ctrl-d to the end of each file in a print job. (This is
often required by PostScript printers.)
Examples
String Result
ascii_1 Prints to port 1 and translates CR to CR/LF.
ascii_8_f Prints to port 8, translates CR to CR/LF and prints a form feed at the end
raw_1_d Prints to port 1 with no translation and appends a Ctrl-d to the end of the
line feed characters for each line feed the
of the job.
print job.
4-2 Configuration Considerations
Tips for telnet and rsh Printing
Here are some tips for handling telnet and rsh printing:
• If line feed and carriage return problems occur, try supplying a set line command that specifies
onlcr=on. This converts carriage returns to carriage return/line feeds.
• If you want tab characters (ASCII character 9) converted to 8 spaces, use a set line command
that specifies otab=on.
Configuring Ports for Printers: Web Interface
Use this procedure to configure a port from the web interface.
1. Access the web interface by entering the PortServer TS 8/16 IP address in a browser’s URL window.
2. Log in to the PortServer TS 8/16 as root.
The default password is dbps.
3. From the main menu, choose Configure > Ports.
4. To configure a port, do the following:
a. Choose the port from the port column.
b. Ensure that the Device Type is Printer.
c. Make other changes to the configuration as required. Use the online help for information.
d. If you want to apply this configuration to multiple ports, choose Clone, select the ports for
this configuration, and then choose Continue.
e. Choose Submit.
5. To return to the main Ports menu, choose Ports from the menu again.
Configuring Printer Connections: Command Line
This section describes how to configure PortServer TS 8/16 for printer connections.
Related Information
See the set ports, set line, and set flow commands in the Digi One/PortServer TS Command
Reference.
Procedure
This procedure assumes the following:
• That you are logged in as root
• That you know printer attributes, such as baud rate and parity
1. Configure the port for a printer by supplying the following command:
set ports dev=prn range=range
where range is a range of ports
Example: set ports dev=prn range=1-2
2. Configure line attributes with a set line command. The attributes you configure depend on
printer requirements. See the set line command in the Digi One/PortServer TS Command Refer-
ence to determine which set line command fields you require.
3. Configure flow control attributes with the set flow command. The attributes you configure
depend on printer requirements. See the set flow command in the Digi One/PortServer TS Com-
mand Reference for more information.
Example
In this example, port 2 is configured for a printer that uses hardware flow control.
set ports range=2 dev=prn
Configuring Ports for Printers
4-3
set line range=2 baud=9600 csize=8 stopb=1 parity=n
set flow range=2 cts=on ixon=off ixoff=off
4-4 Configuring Printer Connections: Command Line
Configuring a Port for Direct-Access Printing
Direct access printing allows Telnet users on the LAN to access a port and to issue print commands
directly to the printer. This section describes the two ways users can access a printer directly and
explains how to configure the port to support each method.
Method 1: Specifying Port Numbers in the Telnet Command
This method allows users to issue telnet commands that identify the correct port by using TCP port
numbers. Users identify the type of connection and port number by specifying one of the following:
For this connection type... Identify the port by specifying...
Te l n et 2000 plus the number of the port.
Example: 2002 for port 2.
Raw 2100 plus the number of the port.
Example: 2102 for port 2.
User Command Example 1
In this example, a user specifies a standard telnet connection on port 2 of a PortServer TS 8/16 using
IP address 199.250.38.15.
cat myfile | telnet 199.250.38.15 2002
User Command Example 2
In this example, a user specifies a raw telnet connection on port 2 of a PortServer TS 8/16 using IP
address 199.250.38.15.
cat myfile | telnet 199.250.38.15 2102
Note: To specify a hunt group in the command instead of an individual port, use the group number
specified on the group field of the set ports command that configured the port.
Method 1 Configuration
There is no special configuration required to set up a port for this type of direct access. Simply
configure the port for a printer. See "Configuring Printer Connections: Command Line" on page 4-3
for more information.
Method 2: Using Alternate IP Addresses
This method provides similar functions to method 1, except alternate IP addresses allow users to
identify a specific port by simply specifying an IP address.
Method 2 Configuration
To configure an alternate IP address, do the following:
• Configure the port for a printer. See Configuring Printer Connections: Command Line on page
4-3 for more information.
• Supply a set altip command that specifies the following:
set altip group=port-number ip=ip-address
where
— port-number is the number of a PortServer TS 8/16 port
— ip-address is the IP address of the PortServer TS 8/16
Command Line Example
set ports range=2 dev=prn
set line range=2 baud=9600 csize=8 stopb=1 parity=n
set flow range=2 cts=on rts=on ixon=off ixoff=off
set altip group=2 ip=199.250.38.17
Configuring Ports for Printers
4-5
4-6 Configuring a Port for Direct-Access Printing
Chapter 6 Configuring Ports for Terminals
and Computers
In This Chapter
This chapter describes how to configure PortServer TS 8/16 ports for terminal and computer
connections. It discusses the following topics:
• Configuring Ports for Terminals: Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
• Configuring Ports for Terminals: Command Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
• About Computer Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-3
Configuring Ports for Terminals and Computers
6-1
Configuring Ports for Terminals: Web Interface
Use this procedure to configure a port from the web interface.
1. Access the web interface by entering the PortServer TS 8/16 IP address in a browser’s URL window.
2. Log in to the PortServer TS 8/16 as root.
The default password is dbps.
3. From the main menu, choose Configure > Ports.
4. To configure a port, do the following:
a. Choose the port from the port column.
b. Ensure that the Device type is set to Terminal.
c. Make changes to the configuration as required. Use the online help for information.
d. If you want to apply this configuration to multiple ports, choose Clone, select the ports for
this configuration, and then choose Continue.
e. Choose Submit.
5. To return to the main Ports menu, choose Ports from the Menu again.
Configuring Ports for Terminals: Command Line
This section describes how to configure PortServer TS 8/16 ports for terminal connections.
Port Defaults
Here is the default configuration for PortServer TS 8/16 ports:
• VT-100 emulation
• 9600 baud
• 8-bit characters
• 1 stop bit
• No parity
• Software flow control
Related Information
• For information on the set line, set ports, and set flow commands, see the Digi One/PortServer
TS Command Reference.
• For information on configuring terminal ports for autoconnections, see, "Configuring Autoconnection" on page 7-1.
Procedure
This procedure assumes the following:
• That you are logged in as root
• That you know the attributes, such as baud rate and parity, of the terminal that will be connected
to this port
1. Supply a set ports command that specifies the following:
set ports range=range dev=term sess=num-of-sess
where range is a port or range of ports and num-of-sess is the number of simultaneous sessions
the port user can maintain
2. Supply a set line command that specifies the following:
set line range=range baud=bps csize=characters parity=parity
stopb=num-bits
where
• range is a port or range of ports
6-2 Configuring Ports for Terminals: Web Interface
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