Lantronix MSS User Manual

MSS User Guide

Part Number 900-328

Rev. A 1/04

© 2004, Lantronix. All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this book may be transmitted or reproduced in any form or by any means without the written permission of Lantronix. Printed in the United States of America.

Ethernet is a trademark of XEROX Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group. Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows ME, Windows 2000, and Windows XP are trademarks of Microsoft Corp. Netscape is a trademark of Netscape Communications Corporation.

Lantronix Corporate Headquarters 15353 Barranca Parkway Irvine, CA 92618, USA Phone: 949-453-3990 Fax: 949-453-3995

Technical Support Phone: 800-422-7044 or 949-453-7198 Fax: 949-450-7226 Online: www.lantronix.com/support E-mail support@lantronix.com

Sales Offices

For a current list of our domestic and international sales offices, go to the Lantronix web site at http://www.lantronix.com/about/contact/index.html

Contacts

Lantronix Corporate Headquarters

15353 Barranca Parkway Irvine, CA 92618, USA Phone:949-453-3990 Fax: 949-453-3995

Technical Support Phone: 800-422-7044 or 949-453-7198 Fax: 949-450-7226 Online: www.lantronix.com/support Email mailto:support@lantronix.com

Sales Offices For a current list of our domestic and international sales offices, go to the Lantronix web site at http://www.lantronix.com/about/contact/index.html

Disclaimer & Revisions

Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference in which case the user, at his or her own expense, will be required to take whatever measures may be required to correct the interference.

Attention: This product has been designed to comply with the limits for a Class

A digital device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when operating in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with this guide, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

Changes or modifications to this device not explicitly approved by Lantronix will void the user's authority to operate this device.

The information in this guide may change without notice. The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this guide.

Contents

Disclaimer & Revisions _______________________________________________ ii

Contents __________________________________________________________ iii

1: Introduction to the MSS Family ________________________________ 1-1

MSS Family Features _______________________________________________1-1

Protocols _________________________________________________________1-2

Terms ___________________________________________________________1-3

About The Documentation____________________________________________ 1-3

2: Installation _________________________________________________ 2-1

MSS-VIA Installation ________________________________________________2-1

Components ___________________________________________________ 2-1

Installation Procedure ____________________________________________2-3

MSS-VIA Specifications __________________________________________ 2-6

MSS4 Installation___________________________________________________2-7

MSS4 Components______________________________________________2-7

Installation Procedure ____________________________________________2-8

MSS4 Specifications ____________________________________________2-10

MSS100 Installation________________________________________________2-11

Components __________________________________________________ 2-11

Installation Procedure ___________________________________________2-12

MSS100 Specifications __________________________________________2-14

3: Getting Started _____________________________________________ 3-15

Privileged User Status ______________________________________________3-15

IP Address Configuration____________________________________________3-16

Using EZWebCon ______________________________________________ 3-16

Using a Web Browser ___________________________________________3-16

Using ARP and Ping ____________________________________________ 3-17

Using a DHCP, BOOTP, or RARP Reply ____________________________3-18

Using the Serial Console_________________________________________3-18

Incoming Logins __________________________________________________3-19

Incoming TCP/IP Logins _________________________________________3-19

Serial Port Logins ______________________________________________ 3-20

iii

Remote Console Logins _________________________________________ 3-21

Incoming LAT Logins ___________________________________________3-21

Changing the Login Password________________________________________3-21

Outbound Connections _____________________________________________ 3-22

Logout __________________________________________________________3-22

4: Configuration _______________________________________________ 4-1

Overview _________________________________________________________4-1

Rebooting the MSS _________________________________________________4-1

Normal Reboot _________________________________________________4-1

Factory Defaults ________________________________________________4-2

Protocol Configuration_______________________________________________ 4-2

TCP/IP Configuration ____________________________________________4-2

SNMP ________________________________________________________ 4-4

IPX (NetWare) Configuration ______________________________________4-5

LAT Configuration _______________________________________________4-7

RS-485 Configuration _______________________________________________4-8

Two-Wire Mode_________________________________________________ 4-8

Four-Wire Mode ________________________________________________4-9

TXDrive ______________________________________________________ 4-10

Termination ___________________________________________________ 4-10

A Note About RS-422 Networking__________________________________4-10

Serial Port Configuration ____________________________________________4-11

Access Mode _________________________________________________ 4-11

Autostart _____________________________________________________ 4-11

Serial Data ___________________________________________________4-12

Baud Rate ____________________________________________________ 4-13

Character Size, Parity, and Stop Bits _______________________________4-13

Flow Control __________________________________________________4-14

Modems and Modem Signaling____________________________________4-14

Logouts ______________________________________________________ 4-16

Preferred Host_________________________________________________ 4-17

Dedicated Host ________________________________________________4-17

802.11 Configuration _______________________________________________4-17

Enabling 802.11 Networking ______________________________________4-18

802.11 Region_________________________________________________ 4-18

MAC Address _________________________________________________4-18

Extended Service Set ID (ESSID)__________________________________4-18

Network Mode_________________________________________________4-18

Channel______________________________________________________4-18

WEP ________________________________________________________4-18

Formatting an ATA Flash Card ____________________________________4-18

Modem Cards _________________________________________________4-18

5: Using the MSS _____________________________________________ 5-18

Incoming Connections______________________________________________5-18

Socket Connections ____________________________________________5-18

Interactive Connections_____________________________________________ 5-18

Outbound Connections __________________________________________ 5-18

Session Control________________________________________________ 5-18

Status Displays ________________________________________________ 5-18

Serial Tunnel _____________________________________________________5-18

TCP Configuration______________________________________________5-18

UDP Configuration _____________________________________________5-18

Multihost Mode ___________________________________________________ 5-18

Enabling Multihost Mode_________________________________________ 5-18

Adding Hosts__________________________________________________ 5-18

Removing Hosts _______________________________________________ 5-18

Modem Emulation Mode ____________________________________________5-18

Modem Mode Commands________________________________________ 5-18

Wiring Requirements____________________________________________5-18

Sequential Hostlist Mode____________________________________________5-18

COM Port Redirector_______________________________________________ 5-18

6: Troubleshooting____________________________________________ 6-18

Power-up Troubleshooting __________________________________________6-18

DHCP Troubleshooting _____________________________________________6-18

BOOTP Troubleshooting ____________________________________________6-18

RARP Troubleshooting _____________________________________________ 6-18

TFTP Troubleshooting______________________________________________ 6-18

Modem Configuration Checklist_______________________________________6-18

Entering Commands at the Boot Prompt________________________________6-18

Technical Support _________________________________________________6-18

7: Pinouts ___________________________________________________ 7-18

Ethernet Connector ________________________________________________7-18

MSS VIA Connectors_______________________________________________7-18

PC Card Slot __________________________________________________7-18

Serial Connectors ______________________________________________7-18

MSS4 Connectors _________________________________________________7-18

Serial Connectors ______________________________________________7-18

MSS100 Connectors _______________________________________________7-18

DB25 Connector _______________________________________________7-18

Modem Wiring_________________________________________________7-18

8: Updating Software __________________________________________ 8-18

Obtaining Software ________________________________________________8-18

Via the Web __________________________________________________ 8-18

Via FTP ______________________________________________________8-18

Reloading Software ________________________________________________8-18

Reloading Sequence____________________________________________ 8-18

Troubleshooting Flash ROM Updates __________________________________ 8-18

A: Compliance and Warranty Information _________________________ 8-18

Compliance Information_____________________________________________8-18

Warranty ________________________________________________________8-18

11:: IInnttrroodduuccttiioonn ttoo tthhee MMSSSS FFaammiillyy

The Lantronix MSS family of Device Servers allows you to network-enable a variety of serial devices that were not originally designed to be networked: medical devices, retail point of sale terminals, modems, industrial machinery, and more. Typically, an MSS achieves this by providing a serial port on one end and a 10BASE-T or a 10/100BASE-T Ethernet I/O port on the other end.

The MSS-VIA provides all the functionality of other MSS products plus a PC card interface, allowing the MSS-VIA to use a variety of technologies such as 802.11b wireless technology, modems, and storage cards. When an 802.11 PC card is installed in the MSS-VIA PC card slot, the MSS-VIA can link its attached serial device to your wireless LAN.

This manual assumes knowledge of the IEEE 802.11 Standard governing wireless networking. If you are not familiar with wireless networking concepts and implementation, please refer to the Standard or the documentation that came with your wireless PC card.

Note: For a current list of supported PC card technologies, please check the MSS-VIA

product page on the Lantronix website: http://www.lantronix.com/.

Throughout this manual, the MSS may be referred to as the MSS or as the device server.

MSS Family Features

 TCP/IP and UNIX Compatibility

The MSS supports a variety of TCP/IP features, including Telnet, Rlogin, UDP, DNS, SNMP, WINS, FTP, DHCP, BOOTP, RARP, and HTTP.

 Connectivity

The MSS connects serial devices directly to a wired 10/100 BASE-T or wireless

802.11 Ethernet network (for MSS-VIA).

 Ease of Use

The MSS family of products has a simple but powerful command interface for both users and system managers. The MSS Local mode supports command line editing, command line recall, and command completion. An extensive Help facility is included.

The EZWebCon utility (provided on the CD-ROM) allows you to configure the MSS from any host machine. It also allows remote host logins into the MSS-VIA, which are similar to Telnet logins.

The Lantronix Web Manager allows you to configure the device server using a standard browser. For more information, see Web Browser Login and

Configuration.

1-1

MSS User Guide 1: Introduction to the MSS Family

 Remote Configuration

The MSS can be logged into and remotely configured via a network login, a Telnet login to the remote console port, EZWebCon, or a web browser connection to the MSS’ internal HTTP server.

 Context-Sensitive Help

Context-sensitive online help is available from the CLI at any time. You may type HELP by itself for overall help, HELP <command> for help on a specific command, or a partial command line followed by a question mark for help on what is appropriate at that particular point.

Note: See the MSS Reference Manual for more information.

 Reloadable Operating Software

The MSS stores its operating code in Flash ROM, which means that it does not have to download code at boot time. If necessary, you can upgrade the MSS operating code to support additional features as newer code becomes available. Also, you can configure the MSS to request a downloaded configuration file at boot time.

 Security

The MSS includes several configurable security features:

− Automatic session logouts when a port is disconnected or a device is turned

off.

− Password protection for privileges, ports, maintenance commands, and the

remote console.

− An IP security table, which allows the system administrator manager to

restrict incoming and outgoing TCP/IP connections to certain ports and hosts. This allows managers to restrict MSS access to a particular local network segment or host.

 Diagnostics

Power-up and interactive diagnostics help system managers troubleshoot network and serial line problems.

Protocols

 SDK Support

The MSS supports the Lantronix Software Developer Kit (SDK), which allows users to customize the MSS and add functionality.

Note: The SDK does not allow users to configure custom PC card support.

A network protocol is a method of communicating over Ethernet (wired or wireless). Each protocol specifies a certain arrangement of data in the Ethernet packets and provides different services for its users.

The MSS supports TCP/IP protocols, including Telnet, Rlogin, UDP, DNS, and WINS.

 The Telnet terminal protocol, supported on most UNIX systems, is an easy-to-

use interface that creates terminal connections to any network host supporting Telnet.

 Rlogin is a protocol that allows users to initiate a TCP/IP login session.  UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is a connectionless protocol that results in

smaller packet headers, no session overhead, and the ability to send to multiple hosts.

1-2

MSS User Guide 1: Introduction to the MSS Family

 Domain Name Service (DNS) is a protocol that allows a network nameserver to

translate text node names into numeric IP addresses.

 For WINS support, the MSS can be configured to announce itself as a WINS

node.

Note: MSS products support B-node functionality only

The MSS also implements basic Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) functionality. SNMP commands enable users, usually system administrators, to get information from and control other nodes on a Local Area Network (LAN), and respond to queries from other network hosts. The MSS allows configuration of one community name with read/write access.

Terms

The following terms are used throughout this manual.

Host

A computer attached to the network. The term host is generally used to denote interactive computers, or computers that people can log into.

Local Mode

The MSS user interface. It is used to issue configuration and session management commands and to establish connections. When in Local mode, users see a

Local> prompt.

Node

Any intelligent device directly connected to the Ethernet network such as a host, a printer, or a terminal server. All nodes have their own Ethernet addresses. The MSS is a node. Devices connected to the MSS are not nodes.

Server/server

Server, when capitalized, refers to your Lantronix MSS device server product. When not capitalized, it refers to a generic network server machine.

Session

A logical connection to a service. A typical session is a terminal connected to a host through the device server.

About The Documentation

The rest of this User Guide is divided into chapters as follows:

 2:Installation explains the MSS connectors and the installation process.  3:Getting Started contains configuration information to get the unit up and

running. Read this chapter in its entirety, and be sure to configure the required items.

 4:Configuration contains additional configuration information.  5:Using the MSS, contains information about how the MSS can be used in

different applications. Read this chapter to get the most out of using the MSS in your situation.

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MSS User Guide 1: Introduction to the MSS Family

 The remaining chapters include 6:Troubleshooting, 7:Pinouts, and 8:Updating

Software. Read them as necessary.

The MSS Reference Manual, located on the CD-ROM in PDF format, provides the full MSS family command set as well as additional configuration information.

Note: All IP addresses, subnet masks, and hardware addresses in this User Guide are

examples only.

1-4

22:: IInnssttaallllaattiioonn

This chapter covers the installation of the MSS-VIA, MSS4, and MSS100 in a network. Basic knowledge of networking installation is assumed. Read this chapter completely before continuing.

MSS-VIA Installation

Components

The MSS-VIA front panel has a male DB9 RS-232 serial connector, a reset button, and a male DB25 serial connector supporting RS-232, RS-422, or RS-485.

Figure 2-1: MSS-VIA Front Panel

Note: When the reset button is pressed and held during the power up and boot

procedure for at least 3 seconds, the MSS-VIA returns to its factory default configuration.

The MSS-VIA rear panel has an RJ45 Ethernet connector, a PC card slot, and a power connector.

2-1

MSS User Guide 2: Installation

Figure 2-2. MSS-VIA Rear Panel

Five LEDs are located on the top of the unit. The table below explains their functions.

Table 2-1: MSS-VIA LEDs

LED Function

Serial Blinks green to indicate serial activity.

Blinks green or orange/yellow to indicate network activity.

PC Card

100 Glows green to indicate a 100 Mb Ethernet connection.

Link

Green: Fast blink (1/2 second) -- the unit is booting; slow blink (2 seconds) -- the unit is running normally Orange/Yellow: Packets sent or received

Blinks yellow, green, or red to indicate PC card status. Off: No PC card inserted Red blinking: PC card not read or not supported Red solid: PC card hardware failure Yellow blinking: Scanning for Access Point (AP) or Ad-Hoc peer Yellow solid: PC card identified, initialization in progress Green blinking: Negotiating settings with AP or Ad-Hoc peer Green solid: 802.11 link established, PC card ready for use

Glows green while the device server is connected properly to a wired 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T Ethernet network.

Note: Although a red LED during boot mode usually signals an error, red LED patterns

are part of the normal operation of the MSS and are not necessarily indicative of errors or dangerous operation.

2-2

MSS User Guide 2: Installation

Installation Procedure

The MSS-VIA can be used to network-enable serial devices in either a wired or a wireless network, as shown in the following figures.

Figure 2-3: Example Wired Network Layout

Figure 2-4: Example Wireless Network Layout

The MSS should be positioned close to the device it will be servicing. Since powering down the unit will terminate any active sessions, it may be desirable to place the device server in a location secure from user access. Also be aware of the unit's environmental operating limits and cabling requirements. See Chapter 7:Pinouts and MSS-VIA

Specifications at the end of this chapter for details.

When using a wireless LAN PC card for the network connection, be sure to read the PC card manual for specific placement and distance requirements.

2-3

MSS User Guide 2: Installation

The following diagram shows a properly installed MSS-VIA. The numbers in the diagram refer to the installation steps in this section.

Figure 2-5: MSS-VIA Connected to Serial Device and Network

1. Connect the MSS to a serial device.

a) Connect one end of a serial cable to the MSS DB25 or DB9 connector. See

Chapter 7:Pinouts for MSS connector pinout information.

You may want to connect a serial terminal to the MSS DB9 console port for the first connection, both to ensure that your device server is working and to configure the necessary network settings. The default settings for the console port are 9600 baud, 8 data bits, one stop bit, no parity, and no flow control.

b) Connect the other end of the cable to your serial device's serial port.

2. Connect the MSS to the network via one of the following methods:

a) Connect one end of a Category 5 Ethernet cable to the Ethernet network.

Connect the other end of the cable to the RJ45 Ethernet port on the back of the MSS.

Note: You must use a 10/100BASE-T wired connection if you wish to perform

initial configuration via the network.

b) Insert an 802.11 wireless PC card into the MSS PC card slot. To see which

wireless PC cards the MSS supports, visit the Lantronix Web site at

http://www.lantronix.com

Note: Any time you insert a PC card into the MSS PC card slot, you must reboot

the MSS so it can identify and initialize the card. Reboot the MSS by removing and replacing the power cord. Do not remove the PC card while the MSS is powered on.

3. Supply power to the MSS.

a) Connect the barrel jack end of the power cable to the MSS power jack.

b) Connect the power cube end of the power cable to a standard wall outlet.

c) When the MSS receives power, it will begin a three-step boot process.

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MSS User Guide 2: Installation

d) The MSS runs through a set of power-up diagnostics for approximately five

seconds. The OK and Serial LEDs should show varying patterns corresponding to the test being run.

Note: The Link LED should remain solid green once the unit has completed

booting, assuming there is a valid connection to an Ethernet network.

e) The MSS tries to obtain TCP/IP configuration information via DHCP, BOOTP,

and/or RARP. This procedure takes approximately 40 seconds if no hosts answer the request. Boot messages will be sent to the console port during the boot process. The OK LED will blink green approximately three times per second, and occasionally yellow, as packets are sent and received.

Note: For more information on BOOTP, RARP, or DHCP, refer to your operating

system's documentation.

f) The MSS determines if the code in the Flash ROMs is valid. If so, it loads the

code and begins normal execution. This step takes approximately five seconds.

Once the MSS is running normally, the Link LED should be solidly lit to indicate a functioning Ethernet connection, and the OK LED should blink once every two seconds. The PC Card LED should remain lit as long as there is a PC card inserted into the PC card slot.

4. Supply power to the serial device, if necessary.

5. Ensure the MSS is working. There are a few ways to check:

 Wait for approximately 30 seconds after powering the unit up. If the Link LED is

solidly lit and the OK LED blinks green once every two seconds, the MSS is probably operating normally.

 If you have connected a serial terminal to the MSS DB25 or DB9 port, press the

Return or Enter key. You should see several lines of start-up messages followed by a Local> prompt.

 Ping the MSS from a TCP/IP host. For more instructions, see IP Address

Configuration.

Figure 2-6: Pinging the MSS

% ping nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn

2-5

MSS User Guide 2: Installation

MSS-VIA Specifications

Power (power cube adaptor)

Adapter:

Input: 100-240 VAC Universal Power Supply with International

Adapters

Output: 12 VDC Max

Current: 1A @ 12 V

MSS-VIA power input range: 7-24 VDC

Temperature

Note: Rapid temperature changes may affect operation. Do not operate near heating or

cooling devices or areas that open to the outdoors.

Operating range: 5° to 50° C (41° to 122° F)

Storage range: 40° to 66° C (-40° to 151° F)

Max. temp change: 20° C (36° F) per hour

Humidity

Operating range: 10% to 90% non-condensing 40% to 60% recommended

Storage range: 10% to 90% non-condensing

Altitude

Note: For operations above 2.4 km (8,000 ft), decrease the operating temperature rating

by 1.8°C for each 1,000 m (1°F for each 1,000 ft).

Operating 2.4 km (8,000 ft)

Storage 9.1 km (30,000 ft)

2-6

MSS User Guide 2: Installation

MSS4 Installation

MSS4 Components

The following section discusses the specific components for the MSS4-D model.

The MSS4-D front panels have four DB9 serial port connectors and an RJ45 Ethernet connector.

Figure 2-7: MSS4 Front Panel

All models include a reset button and two power connectors. The following figure shows an MSS side panel.

Figure 2-8: MSS4 Side Panel

LEDs are located on the front panel of the unit. MSS4 units have four LEDs that indicate serial activity for each serial port and two status LEDs.

The following tables explains the function of the LEDs.

2-7

MSS User Guide 2: Installation

Table 2-2: MSS4 LEDs

LED Function

Serial (1-4)

OK Blinks yellow, green, or red to indicate MSS activity.

Link

Blinks green to indicate MSS serial activity.

Glows green or yellow to indicate a wired Ethernet connection. Off: Not connected to a wired Ethernet network Green: Connected to a 10BASE-T network Yellow: Connected to either a 100BASE-T or 100BASE-FX network

Installation Procedure

The MSS should be positioned close to the device it will be servicing. Since powering down the unit will terminate any active sessions, it may be desirable to place the device server in a location secure from user access. Also be aware of the unit’s environmental operating limits and cabling requirements.

The following diagram shows a properly-installed MSS in an Ethernet network. The numbers in the diagram refer to the installation steps in this section.

Figure 2-9: MSS Connected to a Serial Device and Network

1. Connect the MSS to a serial device. Note that all serial ports are initially configured

for RS-232 networking.

a) Connect one end of a serial cable to one of the MSS DB9 connectors. See

Chapter 7:Pinouts for MSS connector pinout information.

Note: For the first connection, you may want to connect a serial terminal to the

console port, designated as the first serial port. This will allow you to verify that your device server is working and to configure the necessary network settings. The console port is initially set for 9600 baud, 8 data bits, one stop bit, no parity, and no flow control.

b) Connect the other end of the cable to your serial device’s serial port.

2-8

MSS User Guide 2: Installation

2. Connect the MSS to the network. Connect one end of a Category 5 Ethernet cable to

the Ethernet network. Connect the other end of the cable to the RJ45 Ethernet port on the front of the MSS.

3. Supply power to the MSS. This can be done through either the MSS power jack or

the screw terminal power connector. Do not supply power to both the power jack and the screw terminal at the same time.

a) Connect one end of a power connector to the MSS via one of the following:

 Connect the barrel jack end of the power cable to the MSS power jack.  Connect power to the 9-30V screw terminal power connector and to ground and

chassis ground.

Note: The auxiliary input terminal block may be connected only to a SELV circuit.

The maximum rating is 30Vdc peak

b) Supply power to the MSS by connecting the power cube end of the power cable

to a standard wall outlet.

When the MSS receives power, it begins the boot process.

 The MSS runs through a set of power-up diagnostics for approximately five

seconds. The OK and Serial LEDs should show varying patterns corresponding to the test being run.

Note: If there is a valid connection to a wired Ethernet network, the Link LED should

remain solid green or yellow once the unit has completed booting.

Once the MSS is running normally, the Link LED should be solidly lit to indicate a functioning wired Ethernet connection and the OK LED should blink once every two seconds.

4. Supply power to the attached serial device(s), if necessary.

5. Ensure the MSS is working:

 Wait approximately 30 seconds after powering the unit up. If the Link LED is

solidly lit and the OK LED blinks green once every two seconds, the MSS is operating normally.

 If you connected a serial terminal to the console port, press the Return key. You

should see several lines of start-up messages followed by a Local> prompt.

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MSS User Guide 2: Installation

MSS4 Specifications

Power (power cube adaptor)

Adapter:

Input: 100-240 VAC US

Output: 12 VDC

Current: 1.5A @ 12VDC

MSS4 power input range: 9-30VDC

Temperature

Note: Rapid temperature changes may affect operation. Do not operate near heating or

cooling devices or areas that open to the outdoors.

Operating range: 5° to 50° C (41° to 122° F)

Storage range: 40° to 66° C (-40° to 151° F)

Max. temp change: 20° C (36° F) per hour

Humidity

Operating range: 10% to 90% non-condensing 40% to 60% recommended

Storage range: 10% to 90% non-condensing

Altitude

Note: For operations above 2.4 km (8,000 ft), decrease the operating temperature rating

by 1.8°C for each 1,000 m (1°F for each 1,000 ft).

Operating 2.4 km (8,000 ft)

Storage 9.1 km (30,000 ft)

2-10

MSS User Guide 2: Installation

MSS100 Installation

Components

The MSS100 front panel has a male DB25 serial connector. The following figure shows an MSS100 front panel.

Figure 2-10: MSS100 Front Panel

The MSS rear panel has an RJ45 Ethernet connector, a reset button, and a power connector. The following figure shows an MSS100 rear panel.

Figure 2-11: MSS100 Rear Panel

Note: When the reset button is pressed and held during the power up and boot

procedures for at least 3 seconds, the MSS100 returns to its factory default configuration.

Five LEDs are located on the top of the unit. The following table explains their functions.

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MSS User Guide 2: Installation

Table 2-3: MSS100 LEDs

LED Function

Power Glows green when power is supplied to the MSS.

Link

100 Glows green to indicate a 100 Mb Ethernet connection.

OK Blinks yellow, green, or red to indicate MSS activity.

Serial Blinks yellow, green, or red to indicate MSS activity.

Glows green while the MSS is connected properly to a 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T Ethernet network.

Note: Although a red LED during boot mode usually signals an error, red LED patterns

are part of the normal operation of the MSS and are not necessarily indicative of errors or dangerous operation.

Installation Procedure

The MSS can be used to network-enable serial devices as shown in the figure below. Any device with a serial port can be connected to the network via an MSS.

Figure 2-12: MSS Network Layout

MSS

The following diagram shows a properly installed MSS. The numbers in the diagram refer to the installation steps in this section.

2-12

MSS User Guide 2: Installation

Figure 2-13: MSS Connected to Serial Device and Ethernet

1. Select a location.

The MSS should be positioned close to the device it will be servicing. Since powering down the unit will terminate any active sessions, it may be desirable to place the device server in a location secure from user access. Also be aware of the unit’s environmental operating limits and cabling requirements.

2. Connect the MSS to an RS232-based serial device.

a) Connect one end of a serial cable to the DB25 connector on the front of the MSS.

You may want to use a serial terminal for the first connection both to ensure that your device server is working and to configure the necessary network settings.

Note: The serial port is initially set for 9600 baud, 8 data bits, one stop bit, and

no parity.

b) Connect the other end of the cable to your serial device’s serial port.

3. Connect the MSS to the Ethernet.

a) Connect one end of a Category 5 Ethernet cable to the Ethernet network via a

switch or hub, depending on network topology.

b) Connect the other end of the cable to the RJ45 Ethernet port on the back of the

MSS. The MSS autosenses whether the attached Ethernet connection is 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T.

4. Supply power to the MSS.

a) Connect one end of the power cable to the MSS power jack.

b) Connect the power cube end of the power cable to a standard wall outlet.

When the MSS receives power, it begins the boot process.

The MSS runs through a set of power-up diagnostics for approximately five seconds. The Power and Link LEDs should remain solid green. The Link LED should remain solid green. The OK and Serial LEDs should show varying patterns corresponding to the test being run.

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MSS User Guide 2: Installation

Once the unit is running normally, the Power LED should be solidly lit to indicate the unit is ON, the Link LED should be solidly lit to indicate a functioning Ethernet connection, and the OK LED should blink green once every two seconds.

5. Supply power to the serial device.

6. Verify that the MSS is working. There are a few ways to check:

a) Wait for approximately 30 seconds after powering the unit up. If the Power and

Link LEDs are solidly lit and the OK LED blinks green once every two seconds, the MSS is operating normally.

b) If you have connected a serial terminal to the MSS DB25 port, press the Return

key. You should see several lines of start-up messages followed by a Local> prompt.

c) If an IP address is configured for the MSS, ping the MSS from a TCP/IP host. For

more instructions, see the IP Address Configuration section in Getting Started.

Figure 2-14: Pinging the MSS

% ping XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX

MSS100 Specifications

Power (power cube adaptor)

Adapter:

Input: 110 VAC US; 100-240 VAC International

Output: 5 VDC

Current: .74 amps

MSS100 power input requirement: 5 VDC regulated

Temperature

Note: Rapid temperature changes may affect operation. Do not operate near heating or

cooling devices or areas that open to the outdoors.

Operating range: 5° to 50° C (41° to 122° F)

Storage range: 40° to 66° C (-40° to 151° F)

Max. temp change: 20° C (36° F) per hour

Humidity

Operating range: 10% to 90% non-condensing 40% to 60% recommended

Storage range: 10% to 90% non-condensing

Altitude

Note: For operations above 2.4 km (8,000 ft), decrease the operating temperature rating

by 1.8°C for each 1,000 m (1°F for each 1,000 ft).

Operating 2.4 km (8,000 ft)

Storage 9.1 km (30,000 ft)

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