How it Works
Lantronix
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MSS 1-T2
User Manual
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Lantronix MSS 1-T2, MSS100, MSS 1-T User Manual

Serial Server Installation Guide

For Lantronix MSS1-T and MSS1-T2 Micro Serial Servers
and MSS100 Fast Ethernet Micro Serial Servers
The information in this guide may change without notice. The manufacturer assumes no responsibility for any errors which may appear in this guide.
Copyright 1998, 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.
The revision date for this manual is
Part Number: 900-148
Rev. A
WARNING
This equipment has been tested and found 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.
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.
Warning: Changes or modiÞcations to this device not explicitly approved by Lantronix will void the user's authority to operate this device.
Cet appareil doit se soumettre avec la section 15 des statuts et r•glements de FCC. Le fonctionnement est subjectŽ aux conditions suivantes:
October 7, 1998
.
(1) Cet appareil ne doit pas causer une interfŽrence malfaisante.
(2) Cet appareil do”t accepter n'importŽ quelle interfŽrence re“ue qui peut causer une opŽration indŽsirable.
1 Introduction
1.1 Terms ......................................................................................... 1-2
1.2 Protocols.................................................................................... 1-2
1.3 Software..................................................................................... 1-3
1.4 Configuration ........................................................................... 1-3
2 Installation
2.1 MSS Components..................................................................... 2-1
2.2 Installation ................................................................................ 2-2
2.2.1 Power-up Diagnostics................................................... 2-4
2.3 Is It Working? ........................................................................... 2-5
3 Getting Started
3.1 IP Address Configuration....................................................... 3-2
3.1.1 Using a DHCP, BOOTP, or RARP Reply ................... 3-2
3.1.2 Using an ARP Entry and the Ping Command........... 3-2
3.1.3 Using the Serial Console............................................... 3-4
3.2 Incoming Logins....................................................................... 3-4
3.2.1 Controlling Incoming Logins....................................... 3-4
3.2.2 EZWebCon Login and Configuration ........................ 3-5
3.2.3 Other Incoming TCP/IP Logins .................................. 3-5
3.2.4 Incoming LAT Logins ................................................... 3-5
3.3 Serial Port Logins..................................................................... 3-6
3.4 Remote Console Logins........................................................... 3-6
3.5 Starting Outbound Connections............................................ 3-7
3.5.1 Telnet ............................................................................... 3-7
3.5.2 SPX................................................................................... 3-7
3.5.3 LAT .................................................................................. 3-7
3.6 Logout........................................................................................ 3-8

Contents

i
4 Basic Configuration
4.1 Command Set ........................................................................... 4-1
4.2 System Passwords.................................................................... 4-1
4.2.1 Privileged Password...................................................... 4-1
4.2.2 Login Password.............................................................. 4-2
4.3 Protocol Configuration............................................................ 4-2
4.3.1 TCP/IP Parameters ....................................................... 4-2
4.3.2 IPX/SPX Parameters ..................................................... 4-3
4.3.3 LAT Parameters ............................................................. 4-4
4.4 Serial Port Configuration........................................................ 4-4
5 Using the MSS
5.1 Incoming Connections............................................................. 5-1
5.1.1 Socket Connections........................................................ 5-1
5.1.2 LAT Connections ........................................................... 5-2
5.1.3 Host Applications.......................................................... 5-3
5.1.4 Code Examples............................................................... 5-4
5.2 Interactive Connections........................................................... 5-4
5.2.1 Session Control............................................................... 5-4
5.2.2 Outgoing Connections .................................................. 5-6
5.2.3 Status Displays............................................................... 5-9
5.3 Emulating a Direct Serial Connection................................... 5-11
5.4 Multihost Mode........................................................................ 5-12
5.4.1 Configuring Multihost Mode....................................... 5-13
A Contact Information
B Troubleshooting
C Pinouts
ii
D Updating Software
E Specifications
Warranty Statement
Declaration of Conformity
Index
iii
Introduction

1 - Introduction

The MSS1-T and MSS1-T2 are multiprotocol micro serial servers that provide Ethernet connections for personal computers, terminals, modems, and devices that would not otherwise be connected to a network. The MSS100 additionally provides Fast Ethernet support.
NOTE:
The MSS can be used to start outbound Ethernet connections to hosts on TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, and LAT networks. It can also provide interactive access to a device connected to its serial port. However, unlike traditional print servers, the MSS does not support printing protocols such as LPR, RTEL, and PCONSOLE, or queueing.
This manual explains how to install the MSS products.
¥ The remainder of this chapter outlines MSS functionality.
¥ Chapter 2,
¥ Chapter 3,
¥ Chapter 4,
¥ Chapter 5,
¥ Appendices provide information on Contact Information,
In this manual, all MSS models will be referred to as Òthe MSSÓ or Òthe ServerÓ unless a distinction needs to be made between the models.
Installation
and boot the server.
Getting Started
MSS and prepare the server for configuration.
Basic ConÞguration
Using the MSS
MSS interactively and with host applications.
Troubleshooting, Pinouts, Updating Software, and SpeciÞcations.
, explains how to install the MSS hardware
, details different ways to log into the
, covers basic conÞguration.
, provides an overview of how to use the
¥ The hypertext version of this manual, located on CD-ROM,
includes more speciÞc information about conÞguring and using the MSS and reloading MSS software.
Be sure to read the section of the conÞguration chapter that applies to the protocol you are using (TCP/IP, IPX/SPX, or LAT).
For more detailed information on the MSS, including a complete command reference, see the formats.
MSS Reference Manual
located on the CD in HTML and PDF
1 - 1
Terms Introduction
The PDF versions of the MSS manuals are located in the the CD. Use the Adobe Acrobat Reader (widely available on the Internet at no charge) to read and print all or parts of the manual from the PDF Þle.
manuals
directory of

1.1 Terms

In this manual, the following terms are used to describe parts of a network.
Host
Node
Session
Local mode
A computer attached to the network. The term host is generally used to denote interactive computers, or computers that people can log into.
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.
A logical connection to a service. A typical session is a terminal connected to a host through the server.
The MSS user interface. It is used to issue conÞguration and session management commands and to establish connections. When in Local mode, users will see a prompt.
Local>

1.2 Protocols

A network protocol is a method of communicating over the Ethernet. Each protocol speciÞes a certain arrangement of data in the Ethernet packets, and provides different services for its users. The MSS supports the following protocols:
¥ TCP/IP
Support includes Telnet, Rlogin, UDP, and DNS. The Telnet terminal protocol, supported on most UNIX systems, is an easy-to­use 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. The MSS also supports the use of Domain Name Servers (DNS), allowing a network nameserver to translate text node names into numeric IP addresses.
1 - 2
Introduction Software
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 conÞguration of one community name with read/write access.
¥ IPX/ SPX (NetWare)
The MSS provides IPX/SPX access to the serial device from NetWare and any other IPX/SPX nodes. It allows users to download system Þles from NetWare hosts and log into the MSS via NetWare for remote conÞguration.
The MSS supports all four NetWare frame types: Ethernet v2, Native mode, 802.2, and 802.2 SNAP.
¥ Local Area Transport (LAT)
LAT is a protocol developed by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) for local network connections and is supported on most DEC operating systems. The MSS provides logins to remote hosts and host-initiated connections, as well as access to the MSS serial port from LAT hosts.

1.3 Software

The CD-ROM shipped with the MSS contains operational software. It also contains EZWebCon software which can be used to conÞgure the unit.
The MSS is equipped with Flash ROM, so it is not necessary to download software each time the unit boots. Software must only be reloaded if there is a problem with the Flash ROM, or if a new software version is released.
1.4 Configuration
Each MSS has a unique name and network address printed on its underside. The name is based on the MSS Ethernet address and is referred to in the manual as MSS Ethernet address. Be sure to note the Ethernet address before conÞguring the unit.
MSS_xxxxxx
. The xxxxxx string represents the last six digits of the
1 - 3
Configuration Introduction
When using IPX or LAT, it is possible to power up the MSS and have it work properly with no additional conÞguration required. TCP/IP users must give the unit an IP address.
NOTE:
For more information about methods used to configure an IP address, see IP Address Configuration in.
Lantronix has provided EZWebCon software to help users install and conÞgure the MSS. It is also possible to conÞgure the MSS settings by logging into it over a network via Telnet or Rlogin. See the
Getting Started
chapter for
more information.
Additionally, the MSS can be conÞgured to download a conÞguration Þle containing boot commands from a NetWare or TCP/IP host at boot time. See the
Change Startup
command in the
MSS Reference Manual
on the CD-ROM
for more information.
1 - 4
Installation MSS Components

2 - Installation

This chapter covers the installation of the MSS in an Ethernet network and the attachment of a serial device. Basic knowledge of networking installation is assumed. Read this section completely before continuing.

2.1 MSS Components

The MSS front panel has a male DB25 serial connector. The following Þgure shows an MSS1 front panel. The MSS100 rear panels is more narrow.
Figure 2-1:
MSS1 Front Panel
Serial
DB25 Serial Port
The MSS rear panel has an RJ45 Ethernet connector, a BNC Ethernet connector (MSS1-T2 only), a reset button, and a power connector. The following Þgure shows an MSS1 rear panel. The MSS100 rear panels is more narrow, and does not include a BNC connector.
Figure 2-2:
10BaseT
MSS1 Rear Panel
10Base2
Reset
6V DC
NOTE:
RJ45 Ethernet Port
BNC Ethernet Port
(MSS1-T2 only)
Power Connector
Reset Button
When the reset button is pressed and held during the power up and boot procedures, the MSS returns to its factory default configuration.
2 - 1
Installation Installation
Four or Þve LEDs are located on the top of the unit. Table 2-1 explains their functions.
Table 2-1:
LED Function
Power Glows green when power is supplied to the Server
Link Glows green while the Server is connected properly to a 10BASE-T or
100 MSS100 only: glows green to indicate a 100BASE-T Ethernet connection
OK Blinks yellow, green, or red to indicate Server activity.
Serial Blinks yellow, green, or red to indicate serial activity.
NOTE:
100BASE-T (MSS100 only) Ethernet network (The Link LED does not function for 10BASE2 connections)
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.
MSS LEDs

2.2 Installation

Figure 2-3 shows an example hardware layout.
2 - 2
Serial
Device
Figure 2-3:
MSS
MSS Network Layout
2
4
3
10BASE-T
Ethernet
Installation Installation
As you follow the installation steps, refer to the numbers in Figure 2-3.
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 server in a location secure from user access. Also be aware of the unitÕs environmental operating limits and cabling requirements. See Appendix D for details.
2.
Connect the MSS to a serial device.
The MSS1 and MSS100 are designed to connect to an RS232-based serial device. Connect one end of a serial cable to the DB25 connector on the front of the MSS. Connect the other end of the cable to your serial deviceÕs DB25, DB9, or RJ45 port.
Initially, you may want to connect a terminal to the serial port. The terminal will display any error messages and will allow you to view commands as you configure the MSS.
NOTE:
The serial port is initially set for 9600 baud, 8 data bits, one stop bit, and no parity.
3.
Connect the MSS to the Ethernet.
The MSS1 can be connected to a 10BASE-T Ethernet network. The MSS100 can be connected to a 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T Ethernet network. Connect the appropriate twisted-pair Ethernet cable to the RJ45 connector on the back of the MSS. The MSS100 will autosense whether the attached Ethernet cable is 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T.
The MSS1-T2 can also be connected to a 10BASE2 Ethernet network. Connect a 10BASE2 thin coaxial cable to the BNC connector on the back of the MSS. Also attach a valid network terminator if required. The MSS1-T2 can autosense which of the two Ethernet interfaces has been connected and operate accordingly.
NOTE:
DO NOT connect cables to both MSS1-T2 interfaces at the same time. If you would like to change interfaces at a later time, be sure to power down the unit before switching Ethernet cables.
4.
Provide power to the MSS.
Attach one end of the power cable to the MSS and plug the other end into a wall outlet. There is no power switch on the MSS; power will come on automatically when the unit is plugged in. Be sure to handle the unit carefully once it is plugged in.
2 - 3
Installation Installation
NOTE:
Be sure to use the MSS1 6V power supply for your MSS1 and the MSS100 5V power supply for your MSS100. Using a power supply with the wrong voltage will damage the MSS.
Check to see if the Power and Link LEDs on the front of the server light. If not, unplug the server and check the power supply, then check the Ethernet connection and plug the server in again. If the LEDs still do not light, refer to Appendix B,
Troubleshooting
.

2.2.1 Power-up Diagnostics

During normal operation, the boot process requires approximately 30 seconds to complete its three basic steps.
1.
The MSS runs through a set of power-up diagnostics for approximately Þve seconds. The Power LED should remain solid green. The Link LED should remain solid green for MSS1-T and MSS100 units. The OK and Serial LEDs should show varying patterns corresponding to the test being run.
NOTE:
2.
The Power and Link LEDs should remain solid green if the unit is plugged in and there is a valid connection to a 10BASE-T network.
The MSS tries to obtain TCP/IP conÞguration information via DHCP, BOOTP, and/or RARP. This procedure takes approximately 20 seconds if no hosts answer the request. The OK LED will blink green approximately three times per second, and occasionally yellow as packets are sent and received.
NOTE:
3.
When the unit is running normally, the OK LED blinks green once every two seconds. If data is being transmitted on the Ethernet port, the OK LED blinks yellow. The Serial LED blinks red when characters are transmitted through the serial port, green when characters are received, and yellow when characters are both transmitted and received.
2 - 4
For more information on BOOTP, RARP, or DHCP, refer to your operating systemÕs documentation.
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 Þve seconds.
Installation Is It Working?

2.3 Is It Working?

If the MSS appears to be working and the unit is connected to the network, there are three ways to conÞrm that it is working correctly:
¥ If there is a terminal attached, press the Return key and log in. If
you are able to log in, the server is running normally.
¥ If an IP address has been conÞgured for the MSS (see
ConÞguration
When you are satisÞed that the MSS is working properly, proceed to Chapter 3,
Getting Started
Troubleshooting
on page 3-2), ping the MSS from a TCP/IP host.
Figure 2-4:
unix% ping 192.0.1.233
. If the server does not boot properly, see Appendix B,
.
Pinging the MSS
IP Address
2 - 5
Getting Started

3 - Getting Started

This chapter covers all of the steps needed to get the MSS on-line and working. There are three basic methods used to log into the MSS and begin conÞguration.
1.
Incoming (Remote) Logins: EZWebCon is the preferred conÞguration method for TCP/IP and IPX users. For TCP/IP and LAT users, other remote login options are available (see
2.
Serial Port Logins: Users can connect a terminal directly to the serial port, log in, and use the command line interface to conÞgure the unit.
3.
Remote Console Logins: TCP/IP users can make a Telnet connection to the remote console port, port 7000.
It is important to consider the following points before logging into and conÞguring the MSS:
¥ The MSS IP address must be conÞgured before any TCP/IP
functionality is available (see
IP Address ConÞguration
Telnet
on page 3-6).
on page 3-2).
¥ Connecting a terminal to the serial port or logging into the remote
console port does not automatically create privileged user status. You must use the (see
Privileged Password
¥ The remote console port is password protected (see
Passwords
¥ Only one person at a time may be logged into the remote console
port (port 7000), regardless of the protocol being used. This eliminates the possibility of several people simultaneously attempting to conÞgure the MSS.
¥ Remote console logins cannot be disabled. The system manager
will always be able to access the unit.
¥ Only one terminal at a time may be connected to the serial port.
on
Set Privileged
page 4-1
).
on
command to conÞgure the unit
page 4-1
).
System
3 - 1

IP Address Configuration Getting Started

3.1 IP Address Configuration
When using IPX or LAT, it is possible to power up the MSS and have it work properly with no additional conÞguration required. However, for TCP/IP use, an IP address must be conÞgured for the MSS before any TCP/IP functionality is available. There are three ways to conÞgure the IP address:
1.
Using EZWebCon
2.
Using an ARP entry and the ping command from a network host
3.
Using a host DHCP, BOOTP, or RARP server
4.
Using the serial console

3.1.1 Using EZWebCon

The MSS must have an IP address before you can log into it using EZWebCon. To assign the IP address from EZWebCon:
1. Start EZWebCon. Instructions for installing, running, and using EZWebCon can be found on the distribution CD-ROM.
2. Click on the Lantronix logo menu in the bottom left corner of the EZWebCon window, then select
Assign IP Address to Server
.
3. Fill in the following information:
A. The last three bytes of the MSSÕs hardware address. The
hardware address is printed on the bottom of the Server.
B. The desired IP address.
C. The subnet, if you wish to use a subnet other than the default.
D. The IP address of the TFTP server you wish to use, if desired.
4. Click OK.
5. Cycle power on the server. EZWebCon will let you know whether the conÞguration was successful.

3.1.2 Using an ARP Entry and the Ping Command

The ARP/ping method is available under UNIX, Windows 95, and Windows NT. If the MSS has no IP address, it will set its address from the Þrst directed IP packet it receives.
3 - 2
Getting Started IP Address Configuration
NOTE:
The ARP/ping method only works during the first two minutes of MSS operation. After two minutes, an alternate method must be used or the MSS must be rebooted.
On a
UNIX
host, create an entry in the hostÕs ARP table and substitute the intended IP address and the hardware address of the server, then ping the server (see Figure 3-1). This process typically requires superuser privileges.
Figure 3-1: Entering ARP and Ping (UNIX)
# arp -s 192.0.1.228 00:80:a3:xx:xx:xx % ping 192.0.1.228
In order for the ARP command to work on Windows, the ARP table on the PC must have at least one IP address deÞned other than its own. Type ARP -A at the DOS command prompt to verify that there is at least one entry in the ARP table.
If there is no other entry beside the local machine, ping another IP machine on your network to build the ARP table. This has to be a host other than the machine that you're working on. Once there is at least one entry in the ARP table, use the following commands to ARP the IP address to the MSS and make the MSS acknowledge the IP assignment.
Figure 3-2: Entering ARP and Ping (Windows)
C:\ ARP -S 192.0.1.228 00-80-A3-XX-XX-XX C:\ PING 192.0.1.228
NOTE: There should be replies from the IP address if the ARP command
worked.
When the MSS receives the ping packet, it will notice that its IP address is not set and will send out broadcasts to see if another node is using the speciÞed address. If no duplicate is found, the server will use the IP address and will respond to the ping packet.
The MSS will not save the learned IP address permanently; this procedure is intended as a temporary measure to enable EZWebCon to communicate with the server, or allow an administrator to Telnet into the MSS. Once logged in, the administrator can enter the Change IPaddress command to make the address permanent.
3 - 3
IP Address Configuration Getting Started
Figure 3-3: Changing the IP Address
% telnet 192.0.1.228
Trying 192.0.1.228
Lantronix Version n.n/n (yymmdd) Type Help at the ‘Local_>’ prompt for assistance.
Enter Username> gopher Local> SET PRIVILEGED Password> system (not echoed) Local>> CHANGE IPADDRESS 192.0.1.228
Any host wishing to access the MSS will have to be told the MSSÕs IP address. This is typically conÞgured in the unix Þle /etc/hosts or via a nameserver. Refer to the hostÕs documentation for additional information.

3.1.3 Using a DHCP, BOOTP, or RARP Reply

A host-based DHCP, BOOTP, or RARP server can provide information for the MSS to use to conÞgure an IP address when the unit boots. See the host-based man pages for conÞguration information. Keep in mind that many BOOTP daemons will not reply to a BOOTP request if the download Þle name in the conÞguration Þle does not exist. If this is the case, create a Þle in the download path to get the BOOTP daemon to respond.
DHCP, BOOTP, and RARP are all enabled by default on the MSS. If you wish to disable them, use theChange DHCP, Change BOOTP, and Change RARP commands (see the Commands chapter in the MSS Reference Manual on the CD-ROM).

3.1.4 Using the Serial Console

Connect a terminal to the serial console and press the Return key.
If the MSS is running normally when you press the Return key, a Local prompt will be displayed. You can become the privileged user and enter the Change IPaddress command at this prompt.
3 - 4
Getting Started Incoming Logins
Figure 3-4: Entering the IP Address at the Local Prompt
Local> SET PRIVILEGED Password> system (not echoed) Local>> CHANGE IPADDRESS 192.0.1.228
If the MSS has encountered a problem with the Ethernet network, it will send an alert message to the console and wait ten seconds to detect serial port activity before attempting to Þnish booting. If you press a key during that ten second time period, the MSS will display the Boot prompt at which you can enter the Change IPaddress command to set the unitÕs IP address.
NOTE: For more information on Boot Configuration Program (BCP)
commands, see Appendix B.

3.2 Incoming Logins

3.2.1 Controlling Incoming Logins

Incoming Telnet logins are enabled by default, and incoming LAT logins are disabled. This behavior can be changed with the Change Incoming command and one of the following parameters:
Telnet Enables Telnet logins
LAT Enables LAT logins
Both Enables both Telnet and LAT logins
None Disables Telnet and LAT logins
For security reasons, you may wish to disable incoming logins. If it is undesirable to disable incoming logins, the MSS can be conÞgured to require a login password for incoming connections with the Change Incoming Password command. The incoming password feature can be disabled with the Change Incoming Nopass command.
3.2.2 EZWebCon Login and Configuration
EZWebCon enables users on TCP/IP networks to log into and conÞgure the MSS. The program offers a simple interface that prompts the user for the information necessary to conÞgure the server. Instructions for installing, running, and using EZWebCon are included on the CD-ROM.
3 - 5
Serial Port Logins Getting Started

3.2.3 Other Incoming TCP/IP Logins

3.2.3.1 Telnet
To log into the MSS, type ÒTelnetÓ followed by the MSS IP address. The MSS must have an IP address assigned.
Figure 3-5: A Telnet Connection
% telnet 192.0.1.88
3.2.3.2 Rlogin
Rlogin allows users to connect to a remote device as if they were on the local network. Rlogin is enabled by default.
Figure 3-6: An Rlogin Connection
% rlogin 192.0.1.88

3.2.4 Incoming LAT Logins

To get an MSS login prompt when connecting from a LAT host, use the command below. Substitute the last six digits of the MSS hardware address for xxxxxx.
Figure 3-7: LAT Login
$ SET HOST/LAT MSS_
xxxxxx

3.3 Serial Port Logins

One way to connect to the MSS is to attach a terminal to the serial port and press the Return key. If there is a problem during the boot process, you can press any key to get the Boot prompt. This prompt enables you to enter a special set of commands, called Boot ConÞguration Program (BCP) commands, which are discussed in Appendix B.
If the unit passes its power-up diagnostics and completes the boot procedure, the Local> prompt should be displayed. Proceed to Chapter 4 to conÞgure the unit using the command line interface.
3 - 6
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