Lantronix Console Server 800 User Manual

Console

S

erver

User Manual

30 May 2001

Lightwave Communications, Inc.

100 Washington Street Milford, CT 06460 USA

[phone] • [phone] • Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail] • Internet: www.lightwavecom.com

LCI Asia/Pacific

Postal address: P.O. Box 19 Glen Iris VIC 3146 Australia

Delivery address: 16 Network Drive Port Melbourne VIC 3207 Australia

[phone] • Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail] • Internet: www.light wa veco m.com.au

LCI Europe

Zaubzerstraße 11 Munich D-81677 Germany

[phone] • Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail] • Internet: www.lightwave.de

1.0 System Description.............................................................................................................1

1.1 Features..........................................................................................................................1

2.0 System Overview................................................................................................................2

2.1 Typical Use.....................................................................................................................2

2.2 System Components ...................................................................................................... 2

2.3 Access Control................................................................................................................2

2.4 Connection Formats ....................................................................................................... 2

2.4.1 Serial...................................................................................................................... 2

2.4.2 Network..................................................................................................................2

2.4.3 Modem...................................................................................................................3

2.5 Device Port Buffer ..........................................................................................................3

3.0 Installation........................................................................................................................... 4

3.1 Environmental Requirements.........................................................................................4

3.2 Physical Installation........................................................................................................4

3.3 Power..............................................................................................................................5

3.3.1 AC..........................................................................................................................5

3.3.2 DC.......................................................................................................................... 6

3.4 Connecting a Terminal ...................................................................................................7

3.5 Connecting to the Device Port........................................................................................8

3.6 Connecting the Network Port..........................................................................................9

3.7 Connecting the Modem Port.........................................................................................10

3.8 Installing a Modem Card...............................................................................................11

4.0 ConsoleServer 800 Administration ...................................................................................14

4.1 Power-up Sequence and Basic Use of the Administrator Functions............................14

4.1.1 Logging In, Serial Connection.............................................................................. 15

4.1.2 Logging In, Network Connection.......................................................................... 16

4.1.3 Logging Out .........................................................................................................16

4.1.4 System Help.........................................................................................................16

4.1.5 Changing the Administration Password...............................................................18

4.2 Creating and Managing Users......................................................................................19

4.3 Devices Command..................................................................................................... 22

4.4 Network Command..................................................................................................... 23

4.5 Modem Command ......................................................................................................... 24

4.6 Status Commands........................................................................................................25

4.6.1 CONNECTIONS Command ...................................................................................25

4.6.2 VERSION Command ............................................................................................26

4.6.3 INFO Command...................................................................................................27

4.6.4 POWERSTATUS Command ...................................................................................28

4.7 Administrator Session Management Commands.........................................................28

4.7.1 LINESPERPAGE Command ................................................................................. 29

4.7.2 TIMEOUT Command ............................................................................................29

4.8 Breaking User Connections..........................................................................................29

4.8.1 FORCELOGOUT Command ...................................................................................30

4.8.2 TELNETTIMEOUT Command...............................................................................30

4.8.3 MODEMTIMEOUT Command ................................................................................. 31

4.9 Saving and Restoring System Settings........................................................................31

4.10 Changing the System Prompt.......................................................................................32

4.11 Updating the ConsoleServer 800 Software..................................................................33

5.0 User Access and Functions .............................................................................................. 34

5.1 Terminal Port ................................................................................................................34

5.2 Network Port................................................................................................................. 34

5.3 Modem Card.................................................................................................................35

5.3.1 Ending a Modem Session........................................................................................35

5.4 Overview of Commands ...............................................................................................35

5.5 Logging In and Changing Passwords...........................................................................37

5.6 Logging Out..................................................................................................................38

5.7 Checking Connections..................................................................................................39

5.8 Selecting a Device Port ................................................................................................39

5.9 Direct Mode .................................................................................................................. 41

5.10 Using the Buffer............................................................................................................42

5.11 The Break Generation Sequence................................................................................. 44

6.0 REBOOT Command ...........................................................................................................46

7.0 LCD Front Panel ...............................................................................................................47

Appendix A – Terminal Port, Device Port, and Adapt er Pin outs ...................................................48

Appendix B – Flash Update Procedure .........................................................................................53

B.1 Introduction...................................................................................................................53

B.2 Requirements ............................................................................................................... 53

B.3 Getting Started .............................................................................................................53

B.3.1 Communications Settings....................................................................................53

B.4 Update over Direct Serial Connection..........................................................................54

B.5 Update over Network....................................................................................................55

Appendix C – System Specifications.............................................................................................57

C.1 Physical ........................................................................................................................57

C.2 Environmental...............................................................................................................57

C.3 Electrical.......................................................................................................................57

C.3.1 AC Power............................................................................................................. 57

C.3.2 DC Power.............................................................................................................57

C.4 Interface........................................................................................................................58

C.4.1 Terminal and Device............................................................................................ 58

C.4.2 Network................................................................................................................ 58

C.4.3 Modem.................................................................................................................58

C.5 Compliance and Certification........................................................................................58

C.6 Identification of Exterior Components ..........................................................................59

Appendix D – DC Power Specifications.........................................................................................60

D.1 DC Power Source.........................................................................................................60

D.2 Overcurrent Protection .................................................................................................60

D.3 DC Supply Connector...................................................................................................60

Appendix E – Command Abbreviations.........................................................................................62

Appendix F – Hexadecimal ASCII Code........................................................................................ 64

ConsoleServer 800 User Manual

Copyright 2000-2001 Lightwave Communications, Inc.

100 Washington Street, Milford, CT, 06460, USA

All rights reserved. No part of this copyrighted material may be reproduced in any form

or by any means without prior written permission from Lightwave Communications, Inc.

Edition of 30 May 2001

1.0 System Description

The ConsoleServer 800 provides a compact solution for remote and local
management of up to eight devices with RS-232C compatible serial consoles.
As many as ten users may simultaneously access different consoles through the
ConsoleServer.

The ConsoleServer 800 is factory-configured with eight device ports, one local
terminal port, one network connection, and can have an optional modem card.
The unit can be configured at time of manufacture for either universal AC
operation or –48 VDC operation. Both power supply configurations feature
redundant power supplies.

All system parameters are stored in non-volatile data flash memory. User
profiles, port configurations, and other system parameters are saved even when
the unit is not powered. A maximum of 50 user profiles may be stored per
system.

The system software held in flash memory can be updated while the unit is
installed. The ConsoleServer will not send breaks to the attached servers during
the flash update process. Updates are sent to the unit using either a serial
connection to the terminal port (using the Xmodem or Kermit file transfer
protocols), or by a tftp download through the network port. See Appendix B for
further details and the flash update procedure.

1.1 Features

• Connect up to eight RS-232C serial consoles

• No unintentional break will ever be sent to attached servers

• 64KB of buffered data storage per device port

• Local access through terminal port

• Remote access through network and optional modem

• 1 RU (1.75 inches) high

• Redundant power supplies

1

2.0 System Overview

2.1 Typical Use

The ConsoleServer 800 is typically used to manage up to eight rack-mounted
servers or switches where rack space is at a premium. Each attached device
must have an RS-232C compatible serial console port.

2.2 System Components

All system components are enclosed in a rack-mountable metal chassis. Each
chassis is factory-configured with eight device ports, one terminal port, and one
network port. An optional modem card is available. Power supplies are factory­installed, and may be either for univ er sal AC operation, or for –48 VDC
operation. The ConsoleServer 800 front panel features an LCD display and two
push buttons for access to system information.

2.3 Access Control

Access to attached servers is controlled by assigning access rights to system
user profiles. Each user profile is assigned an ID, a password, I/O rights. Users
must have a user profile to access any of the attached devices.

2.4 Connection Formats

2.4.1 Serial

All devices attached to both the device ports and the terminal port must support
the RS-232C standard. The serial communications parameters may be set by
the system administrator to match the attached equipment.

Be sure to use Lightwave RJ45 to DB25 or DB9 adapters to assure the proper
transmission of serial signals. Appendix A contains the pinouts for the RJ45
serial connectors and adapters.

2.4.2 Network

The ConsoleServer 800 network interface connects to a TCP/IP network using
standard RJ45-terminated Cat 5 cables. The network must use IPv4. The point
of connection to the network must operate at 10 Mbits half duplex, with no auto­negotiation.

2

The network parameters must be configured by the system administrator through
the terminal port before the ConsoleServer may be accessed over the network.

2.4.3 Modem

The optional modem card connects to a POTS line using standard RJ11 modular
telephone cable. The analog modem on the card connects at speeds up to
38,400 baud.

2.5 Device Port Buffer

Each device port stores 64 KB (approximately 100 screens) of I/O data in a FIFO
buffer. This data is viewed while the user is not directly interacting with the
attached device.

3

3.0 Installation

3.1 Environmental Requirements

Maximum operating temperature: 125°F (52°C)
Minimum operating temperature: 32°F (0°C)
Operating humidity range: 30% to 90% RH, non-condensing

Maximum storage temperature: 158°F (70°C)
Minimum storage temperature: -4°F (-20°C)
Storage humidity range: 10% to 90% RH, non-condensing

Heat generated under normal operation: 34.1 BTU/hour
The ConsoleServer 800 uses convection cooling to dissipate the majo rity of its

excess heat. Be careful not to block the air vents on the sides of the unit. If
mounted in an enclosed rack, it is recommended that the rack have a ventilation
fan to provide adequate airflow through the unit.

3.2 Physical Installation

The ConsoleServer 800 may be installed either in an EIA-standard 19 inch rack
or as a desktop unit. If the unit is used as a desktop unit, then four rubber feet
(included) should be applied to the underside of the unit to prevent scratching of
the desk surface.

Rack Mount Instructions:
Materials Required:

• ConsoleServer 800

• EIA-standard 19 inch rack

• screws to fit rack

• screwdriver

1. Choose the mounting location for the ConsoleServer. Avoid placing the
ConsoleServer in a location where its side vents will be blocked, or where
the ConsoleServer would block another unit’s ventilation holes.

2. Slide the unit between the rack uprights and align the mounting holes. It
may be helpful to have two people for this step and the next one.

4

3. Insert mounting screws into each hole and tighten. Check to make sure
that the unit is seated snugly against the rack uprights. Proceed with the
power, network, terminal, and device installation outlined below.

3.3 Power

For both the AC and DC versions, the ConsoleServer 800 consumes
approximately 10 W o f electr ic al pow er .

3.3.1 AC

The AC version of the ConsoleServer 800 uses universal auto-switching AC
power supplies. The power supplies accept AC input voltage between 85 and
264 VAC with a frequency between 47 and 440 Hz. A country-specific power
cord is included with the unit; additional cords are available from Lightwave if
required.

Installation:
Materials:

• ConsoleServer 800

• included power cable

• power outlet

1. Select a power outlet for the ConsoleServer. It may be desirable to
provide an uninterrupted power source (UPS) for the unit.

2. Connect the provided AC cable to the rear of the ConsoleServer.

3. Connect the other end of the power cable to the selected power outlet.

5

AC power input

3.3.2 DC

The DC version of the ConsoleServer 800 accepts standard –48 VDC telco
power. The ConsoleServer accepts two DC power inputs for supply redundancy.

See Appendix D for specifications regarding the DC power source.

DC power inputs
Installation:
Materials:

• small flat-blade screwdriver

• wire stripper

• ConsoleServer 800 DC power connector kit

• wires to 48 VDC power (see Appendix D for sp ecifications)

1. Turn off the circuit breaker to the DC power supply.

2. Select a three-wire set (-48V, –48 Return, and Power Supply Ground)

from the power supply.

3. Strip 0.35 inches (89 mm) of insulation from each wire.

4. Insert a small flat-blade screwdriver in the provided connector.

5. Insert the appropriate wire into the connector. Remove the screwdriver.

6. Attach the provided strain relief to the connector. Be sure to use a tie-

wrap to firmly attach the strain relief to the cable.

6

7. Attach the connector to the socket on the back of the ConsoleServer.

Repeat the above steps if a redundant power input is to be attached.

3.4 Connecting a Terminal

The terminal port is used for local access to the ConsoleServer 800 and the
attached devices. The system administrator must also use the terminal port to
set up the configuration for the network port before the ConsoleServer 800 can
be accessed from the netwo rk. A dumb terminal or computer may be attached to
the serial port if the serial port uses RS-232-C protocol and vt100 emulation is
supported.

Inserting a cable in the terminal port

The default communication parameters for the terminal port are: 9600 baud, 8

data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, Xon/Xoff flow control, and a port type of
DCE.

Adapters from Lightwave Communications must be used to connect the terminal
port to the serial port on a terminal. Otherwise, the serial pin signals may not
match and there will be no communication between the two units. See Appendix
A for adapter and port pinouts.

7

Installation:
Materials:

• ConsoleServer 800 terminal port

• terminal or computer with RS-232 serial port

• RJ45-terminated Cat 5 cable (standard LAN cable)

• Lightwave adapter for terminal serial port

1. Attach the Lightwave adapter to the terminal or computer serial port.

2. Connect the Cat 5 cable to the adapter. Connect the other end to the

ConsoleServer 800 terminal port.

3. Turn on the terminal or start the computer’s communication program.

Make sure that the communication parameters of the terminal or computer
match those of the terminal port (see above).

3.5 Connecting to the Device Port

Any device that has a serial console port (such as a server or a switch) may be
connected to the ConsoleServer for consolidated remote administration. The
console port must support the RS-232-C serial protocol. Additionally, many
servers must either have the serial port enabled as a console, or must have the
keyboard and mouse detached. Consult the server hardware and/or software
documentation for more information.

8

Inserting a cable in the device port

The default communication parameters for the device port are: 9600 baud, 8

data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, Xon/Xoff flow control, and a port type of
DCE. Most equipment that uses serial console ports uses values complimentary

to the above settings, so it is not usually necessary to change the device port
parameters.

Adapters from Lightwave Communications must be used to connect the device
port to a serial console port. Otherwise, the serial pin signals may not match and
there will be no communication between the two units. See Appendix A for
adapter and port pinouts.

Installation:
Materials:

• ConsoleServer 800 device port

• device with RS-232-C serial console port

• RJ45-terminated Cat 5 cable (standard LAN cable)

• Lightwave adapter for serial console port

1. Attach the Lightwave adapter to the serial console port.

2. Connect the Cat 5 cable to the adapter. Connect the other end to the

ConsoleServer 800 device port.

3. Check that the device port and serial console port communications

parameters match, and synchronize them if they do not match. See
sections 4.3 and 4.6.3 for more information regarding the device port
parameters.

3.6 Connecting the Network Port

The ConsoleServer 800’s network port allows remote access to the attached
devices and the system administrative functions. Up to eight remote users may
telnet to the ConsoleServer, along with one remote administrator.

NOTE:
The point of connection for the ConsoleServer (e.g., a network switch)
must run at 10 Mbits, half-duplex with no auto-negotiation. It is imperative
that there is no auto-negotiation of the connection speed, as this will
prevent the establishment of a functioning network connection.

It is also recommended that the network run pure TCP/IP, and not a combination
of protocols.

9

The network parameters for the network port must first be set up through the
serial terminal port before the ConsoleServer 800 may be reached remotely.
See section 4.4 for more information.

Installation:
Materials:

• ConsoleServer 800 network port

• network point-of-connection

• RJ45-terminated Cat 5 cable (standard LAN cable)

1. Configure the ConsoleServer network parameters to the desired values as

outlined in section 4.4.

2. Configure the network point-of-connection. It must be manually set to 10

Mbits, half-duplex, with no auto-negotiation.

3. Connect the ConsoleServer network port to the network using a standard

LAN cable.

4. Check the status lights at each end of the connection. Both should

indicate a good link. Try reaching the IP address assigned to the
ConsoleServer by using PING or TELNET. If there is a problem, check the
network configuration.

3.7 Connecting the Modem Port

An optional modem port is available for the ConsoleServer 800. The modem
may be installed at the factory or can be ordered separately for later installation.
See section 3.8 for the procedure to install a modem card in a previously
purchased system.

ConsoleServer 800 modem port

10

The ConsoleServer 800 modem is a POTS analog modem supporting connection
rates up to 38,400 baud. The user interface to the modem is identical to that
found on the terminal port or the network port.

Installation:
Materials:

• ConsoleServer 800 modem port

• analog telephone line

• RJ11 modular telephone cable

1. Locate a modular jack for the telephone line to be used. Select a

telephone cable with sufficient length to reach between the jack and the
ConsoleServer.

2. Connect one end of the telephone cable to the jack. Connect the other

end to the ConsoleServer modem port.

3. Make sure the ConsoleServer is powered. Dial the telephone number of

the line connected to the ConsoleServer. The modem should
automatically answer. If not, check the telephone line and connections.

3.8 Installing a Modem Card

A modem card may be installed on a previously installed ConsoleServer 800.
The card is hot-swappable, so it is not necessary to power down the unit before
installing the modem card.

11

ConsoleServer 800 modem card
Installation:
Materials:

• ConsoleServer 800 without modem card

• ConsoleServer 800 modem card

1. Remove the metal plate covering the modem slot on the rear of the

ConsoleServer.

12

Remove the modem panel

Insert the modem card

2. Insert the modem card into the open slot and seat flush to the rear of the

ConsoleServer.

Tighten screws on modem card

3. Tighten the screws on the modem card by hand.

Follow the instructions in section 3.7 to connect the modem port to the telephone
network.

13

4.0 ConsoleServer 800 Administration

The following section outlines the administration functions and commands. The
administration functions and commands are designed to enable the administrator
to configure the ConsoleServer 800 to fit the needs of the system application.
User IDs, devices, terminals and access rights may be configured using the
administration commands. As new features are added to the product, the
administration user will also be used to install new flash memory software
updates (see section 4.10, Updating the ConsoleServer 800 Software, and
Appendix B).

The administrator may not access device ports; only users may access
device ports (see section 5.0, User Access and Interface).

Screen shots of interactive terminal sessions are shown in outlined boxes, while
in-text command words and system responses are in a different font to
differentiate them from normal text. All system commands require the <ENTER>
key to respond, but are not case-sensitive unless otherwise specified.

Many commands may be abbreviated to one extent or another, but some may
not be abbreviated at all. For example, the command VERSION may be
abbreviated to VER, but LCIUPDATE may not be abbreviated. See Appendix E
for more information regarding abbreviations.

NOTE:
<ESC> <ESC> or <CTRL>+C will cancel an operation and return to the
administrator prompt. Pressi ng <CTRL>+R at the LCI800> or sys admin>
prompt will discard the characters on the current command line, and retype the
last command used; <ENTER> must still be pressed to execute the command.
Pressing <CTRL>+U at either prompt erases the current command line back to
the prompt.

4.1 Power-up Sequence and Basic Use of the Administrator Functions

When the ConsoleServer 800 is first installed and powered up, it must be
configured through the serial terminal port. Connect the terminal port to a
terminal device or computer using a terminal emulation program (refer to section

3.4 for instructions on connecting to the terminal port). After the network
interface has been configured (see section 4.4), the administration login may also
be reached via telnet. All the functions available from a local serial connection
(with the exception of BACKUP and RESTORE) are also available through telnet by
connecting to port 5000 of a ConsoleServer’s network IP address.
Administration access via modem is not supported at this time.

14

The serial terminal will display the following text at power-up:

ConsoleServer800 Boot V1.20
Copyright 2000 by Lightwave Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
Identify Flash
Flash ID OK
Verifying Flash Image
Starting system
Lightwave Communications, Inc. ConsoleServer800
Please wait...system initializing
Checking non-volatile memory...
2048
Start checking and reading stored data

Reading User Start up .........

LCI800>

The power-on self-test may be skipped by pressing <ESC> <ESC> or
<CTRL>+C, but the ConsoleServer 800 should be allowed to complete the POST

if possible (this check usually takes about three minutes). This information is not
available on a network connection, as it is not possible to connect to the
ConsoleServer via telnet until the power-on self-test is complete. At the
completion of the power-up sequence, the administrator is logged out, as
indicated by the LCI800> prompt. Some commands may be used from this
prompt, but most are available only when logged in.

NOTE:
The administrator may define the system prompt using the PROMPT command
(see section 4.10), but the system default prompt (LCI800>) is used in this
manual for clarity.

4.1.1 Logging In to System Administration Using Serial Connection

LCI800>login
Please enter User ID: root
Please enter password: ****
sys admin>

root

rootroot

To log in on the ConsoleServer through a local serial connection, type LOGIN at
the LCI800> prompt. The system returns the prompt Please enter User

ID:. Enter the administrator user ID, root
enter password:. The default administrator password is PASS

root. The system will then return Please

rootroot

PASS (see section

PASSPASS

4.1.5 to change the administrator password). The ConsoleServer will only echo
stars when the password is entered. If the user ID and password are correct, the
prompt will change to sys admin>.

15

4.1.2 Logging In, Network Connection

UNIX_MACHINE# telnet 172.16.1.200 5000

Connecting to 172.16.1.200 port 5000...
Escape sequence is ‘^]’

Welcome to the ConsoleServer800 SysAdmin

LCI800>login
Please enter password: ****
sys admin>

5000

50005000

To log in on the ConsoleServer through a network connection, the network
interface for the ConsoleServer first must be configured through the serial
terminal (see section 4.4). Once the network interface is configured and
functioning, telnet to port 5000 of the IP address assigned to the ConsoleServer.
The ConsoleServer will display a welcome message and the LCI800> prompt.
At the prompt, type LOGIN. The system will only prompt for the password. At
the Please enter password: prompt, enter the administration passwor d.
The default administrator password is PASS (see section 4.1.5 to change the
administrator password). The ConsoleServer will only echo stars when the
password is entered. If the password is correct, the prompt will change to sys
admin>.

4.1.3 Logging Out

To log out from an administration session, enter the command LOGOUT or
LOGOFF. If logging out from a network session, the ConsoleServer will

disconnect the telnet session. If logging out from a direct serial session, the
ConsoleServer will return to the LCI800> prompt.

4.1.4 System Help

To access the help screens, type <F1> H, ?, or HELP to display the help page.
There are two different help screens to reflect the commands available if the
administrator is logged in or logged out.

16

LOGGED OUT HELP SCREEN

LCI800>HELP
F1 - Display Help Screen (VT100 mode)
F2 - Display Pull Down Menu (VT100 mode)
TTY COMMANDS:(LOGGED OUT MODE)
LOGIN - Login with ID and Password
INFO - Display System Info
REBOOT - Perform a warm boot, requires root password

LCI800>

LOGGED IN HELP SCREEN

sys admin>HELP
ConsoleServer800 Sys Admin Command List
[] - optional <> - parameter must be specified
| - OR
ABBREVIATIONS - Show list of command abbreviations
ADDUSER [new user id] - Add a new user
BACKUP - Backup internal database
(db will be output using ASCII)
CHANGEPSWD - Change the sys admin password
CONNECTIONS [/MONITOR] - Show list of current connections
(/monitor will auto-refresh)
DELETEUSER [existing user id] - Delete a user
DEVICES - Display device settings
DEVICES [/ALL|n|device name] (n can be 1 to 32) - change settings
EDITUSER [existing user id] - Edit a user's settings
FORCELOGOUT <terminal channel>- Force a user off the system
FORCELOGOUT sysadmin - Force logout a sys admin
session on network.
INFO - Report miscellaneous information
LCIUPDATE [/tftp] - Start system update process
(requires update file(s))
/tftp - used only at console port, when system updates are
transfered using the network.
LINESPERPAGE [n] - Display/set number of lines before pause
(n can be 0 to 99, 0 disables)
LISTDEVICES - Show list of device names
LISTUSERS [user id|/ALL] - Display list of users
LOGOUT,LOGOFF - Logout
MODEM [/DEFAULT] - Display/set modem init string
/DEFAULT - set init string to default
MODEMTIMEOUT [t] - Display/set timeout for modem calls
(t can be 0 to 30 minutes, 0 disables)
NETWORK [/EDIT] - Display/set network parameters
POWERSTATUS - Show status of power supplies
REBOOT - Perform a warm boot, requires root password
RESTORE - Restore internal database
(upload ASCII file)
TELNETTIMEOUT [t] - Display/set timeout for telnet sessions
(t can be 0 to 30 minutes, 0 disables)
tftp [get] host:file - Modified tftp command, used to
transfer new updates to this box
TIMEOUT [t] - Display/set timeout on sys admin login
(t can be 0 to 9 minutes, 0 disables)
VERSION - Report software version information

sys admin>

A listing of abbreviations for the administrator commands is also available when
connected to the administrator port. The ABBREVIATIONS command is only
available when logged in.

17