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MSS Installation Guide For MSS4 Device Servers...
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Open Group. Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Copyright 2001, 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.
1: Introduction 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: personal computers, terminals, modems, industrial machinery, and more. This capability brings the advantages of remote management and data accessibility to thousands of serial devices.
MSS from any host machine running the Java Virtual Machine (JVM). It also allows remote host logins into the MSS, which are similar to Telnet logins. The Lantronix ThinWeb Manager, a set of HTML pages stored on the MSS, allows you to configure server information via a JavaScript-enabled web browser. For more information, see Web Browser Login and Configuration on page 3-6.
Power-up and interactive diagnostics help system managers troubleshoot network and serial line problems. SDK Support The MSS supports the Lantronix Software Developer Kit (SDK), which allows users to customize the MSS and add functionality. For more information about the SDK, please contact Lantronix directly.
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 server product. When not capitalized, it refers to a generic network server machine. Session A logical connection to a service.
2: Installation This chapter covers the physical installation of the MSS in a wired or wireless Ethernet network. If you are installing the MSS for the first time, you must either attach a terminal to one of the serial ports or connect the MSS to a wired Ethernet network so you can configure the proper 802.11 settings for wireless networking.
MSS4 Components Installation 2.1.1 MSS4-D/DFP Front Panel The MSS4-D and MSS4-DFP front panels have four DB9 serial port connectors and an RJ45 Ethernet connector. The MSS4-DFP also has a 100BASE-FX fiber link Ethernet connector. Figure 2-1: MSS4-D/DFP Front Panel Serial1...
Installation MSS4 Components 2.1.3 MSS4 Side Panel All models include a reset button, and two power connectors. The MSS4-DFP and -SFP side panels also have two PC card slots. The following figure shows an MSS side panel. Figure 2-3: MSS Side Panel PC Cards 9-30VDC 9-30V...
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MSS4 Components Installation The PCC1 and PCC2 LEDs, which correspond to the top and bottom PC card slot respectively, vary in meaning depending on what kind of card is currently installed. Table 2-2: PCC1 and PCC2 LEDs LED State 802.11 Cards ATA Cards Modem cards No card inserted...
Installation Installing in a Wired Network 2.2 Installing in a Wired Network 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.
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Installing in a Wired Network Installation When using a screw terminal block, you may have to connect from 2 to 6 wires depending upon the desired MSS usage mode. Do not over-tighten the screws, but make sure the wire is secure in the block. Figure 2-5: Connecting Wire to Screw Terminal Blocks Wire Connect the other end of the cable to your serial device’s serial port.
2.3 Installing PC Cards The following sections explain how to install different kinds of cards in the MSS PC card slots. Not all PC card types or brands are supported. Check the Lantronix web site for a complete list of currently supported technologies.
Installing PC Cards Installation The following diagram shows a properly-installed MSS in a wireless Ethernet network. Be sure to read your PC card manual for specific placement and distance requirements. Figure 2-6: MSS Connected to Serial Device and Wireless Network MSS4 Wireless Serial...
Installation Installing PC Cards If a PC card LED is a solid green, the ATA card in the corresponding slot is ready for use. If a PC card LED blinks green, the ATA card in the corresponding slot must be formatted before it can be used.
3: Getting Started This chapter covers all of the steps needed to get the MSS on-line and working. There are three basic methods you can use to log into the MSS and begin configuration: Incoming (Remote) Logins: EZWebCon is the preferred method for initial MSS configuration.
System Passwords Getting Started 3.1.1 Privileged Password Only the privileged user can change server or port settings. To become the privileged user, enter the Set Privileged command, followed by the privileged password. The default privileged password is system. Figure 3-1: Set Privileged Command Local>...
Getting Started IP Address Configuration 3.1.2.1 Serial Port Logins To require a password for any connections to the MSS from its serial ports, enable password protection with the Change Password Protect Enabled command. The command allows you to specify the serial ports for which you want to provide password protection.
IP Address Configuration Getting Started Enter or change the IP-related settings: For Ethernet Address, enter the number that appears on the bottom label of your MSS. For IP Address, enter the desired IP address to use for this MSS. For Subnet Mask, change the values provided only if you wish to use a mask other than the default.
Change IPaddress command to make the address permanent. Figure 3-9: 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. Username> gopher Local> SET PRIVILEGED Password> system (not echoed) Local>>...
Incoming Logins Getting Started If the MSS encounters an Ethernet network problem while booting it will send an alert message to the console and wait ten seconds to detect serial port activity before attempting to finish booting. If you press the Return key when the error message is displayed, you will access the Boot>...
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Getting Started Incoming Logins Once you have connected to the MSS, you will see the Lantronix ThinWeb Manager interface. Use the left-hand menu to navigate to subpages where you can configure important settings and view statistics and other server information.
Figure 3-15: Connecting to the Console Port % telnet 192.0.1.88 7000 Trying 192.0.1.88 Connected to 192.0.1.88 Escape character is ‘^]’ # access (not echoed) Lantronix MSS Version n.n/n (yymmdd) Type Help at the ‘Local>’ prompt for assistance. Enter Username> jerry...
Getting Started Outbound Connections 3.4 Outbound Connections When logged into the MSS, users can make basic outgoing connections using the methods described in this section. See the MSS Reference Manual on the CD-ROM for more information about incoming and outgoing connections. If you Telnet into the MSS, you cannot make outgoing connections.
4: Configuration Certain parameters must be configured before the MSS can function in the network. Although many users will prefer to use either EZWebCon or the web browser interface, this chapter explains how to configure more advanced MSS features via the command line interface.
TCP/IP Configuration Configuration To reboot the MSS, perform one of the following: At the Local> prompt, enter the Initialize Delay 0 command. At the Boot> prompt, enter the Initialize 451 command. See Entering Commands at the Boot Prompt on page B-4 for more details. Remove the power cord from the MSS, then plug it back in.
Configuration TCP/IP Configuration When you configure the MSS IP address for the first time, a default subnet mask will be configured automatically. This default subnet mask should work for most networks. If your network is divided into subnetworks, you will need to create a custom subnet mask. To set a new subnet mask, use the Change Subnet Mask command.
TCP/IP Configuration Configuration The MSS also allows you to set a default domain name to be appended to any host name for the purpose of name resolution. When a user types a host name, the MSS will add this domain name and attempt the connection. Name checking applies to any MSS commands that require text name resolution, such as Telnet, Rlogin, and Ping.
Configuration TCP/IP Configuration 4.2.6 WINS If WINS is enabled, the MSS will broadcast a WINS name announcement at boot time, and answer broadcast WINS name queries. Other hosts can locate the MSS this way. The MSS will rebroadcast whenever its IP address or name changes. To enable WINS, enter the following command.
The maximum RS-485 network cabling length (without repeaters) is 4,000 feet. Lantronix recommends the use of shielded twisted-pair cabling. A large number and varieties of protocols run over RS-485. However, the MSS does not convert or interpret serial data.
Configuration RS-485 Configuration 4.3.1 Two-wire Mode In two-wire mode, the MSS operates in half duplex: one pair of wires shares transmit and receive signals, and an optional third wire can be used for shield/ground. The main advantage of using two-wire mode is reduced cabling costs. Figure 4-9: Example Two-wire Mode Network Shield Shield...
RS-485 Configuration Configuration 4.3.2 Four-wire Mode In four-wire mode, the MSS operates in full duplex: one pair of wires functions as the transmit pair, another pair of wires functions as the receive pair, and there is a shield/ground wire for each pair. The MSS is able to send and receive data simultaneously. In a four-wire RS-485 network, one device acts as a master while the other devices are slaves.
Configuration Serial Port Configuration 4.3.3 Termination RS-485 connections must be terminated properly in order to work. Termination is necessary when using long cable runs, although only end nodes should be terminated. The termination option is disabled by default. Figure 4-14: Enabling RS-485 Termination Local>>...
Serial Port Configuration Configuration To change a serial port’s access mode, enter the Change Access command. The following example enables local logins to the first serial port. Figure 4-16: Changing Serial Port Access Mode Local>> CHANGE PORT 1 ACCESS LOCAL If an attached serial device will be continuously transmitting data, the port should be set to Access Remote so the data will not accidentally cause the MSS to create a local connection.
Configuration Serial Port Configuration 4.4.2.1 Saving Autostart Characters If the port is configured with a Dedicated port host and Autostart is enabled for that port, the autostart characters that start the connection can either be passed to the host as the first bytes of data or can be discarded.
Serial Port Configuration Configuration The example in Figure 4-21 can be visualized as: x x x xxx xx (data) x x xx xxxxxxxx xx xxx Z xx xxxx |-----------------------------------------------------| transmit packet For more information on the Change Datasend command, see the MSS Reference Manual. 4.4.4 Baud Rate The MSS and the attached serial device must agree on a speed, or baud rate, to use for the serial connection.
Configuration Serial Port Configuration 4.4.6 Flow Control RTS/CTS Flow Control is not available in RS-485 mode. Note: Both RTS/CTS (hardware) and XON/XOFF (software) flow control methods can be used on the MSS. RTS/CTS controls data flow by sending serial port signals between two connected devices.
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Serial Port Configuration Configuration Modem control implies three things: The MSS will log out the port when DSR is dropped (as if DSRLogout were enabled). The MSS will hold DTR low for approximately 3 seconds after the port is logged out.
Configuration Serial Port Configuration 4.4.7.4 DTRWait DTRWait is not available in RS-485 mode. Note: Spurious characters from the attached serial device may be interpreted as a login attempt, which could cause the port to be unavailable for network connections. To avoid this behavior, the MSS uses the Data Transmit Ready (DTR) output line to signal an attached serial device that a connection attempt is valid.
802.11 Configuration Configuration 4.4.9 Preferred Port Host A default host for a port can be defined using the Change Preferred command. The MSS attempts to use the preferred host for connections on a specified port when no host name is specified in a connection command.
Configuration 802.11 Configuration 4.5.1 802.11 Terms The following acronyms are used in this section: Access Point, a device that relays communications between one or more wireless devices and possibly other devices on a network. APs are usually connected to a physical network. Note: If you are using an AP and WEP is not enabled, set the AP to accept Open System Authentication.
802.11 Configuration Configuration 4.5.2 Enabling 802.11 Networking The MSS has 802.11 networking enabled by default. This allows the MSS to check for a compatible wireless networking card at startup. If a compatible card is present, the MSS will use the wireless network and ignore any wired Ethernet settings. If no compatible PC card is present, the MSS will use the 10/100BASE-T or 100BASE-FX Ethernet interface.
Configuration 802.11 Configuration 4.5.4 MAC Address A MAC address is a unique identifier that distinguishes different devices on the 802.11 network. It is the same as the unit’s hardware address. For networking purposes, the MSS can be configured to use either the PC card’s MAC address or its own internal MAC address (the default) with the Change 80211 MACADDRESS command.
802.11 Configuration Configuration 4.5.6 Network Mode There are two types of 802.11 networks: ad-hoc and infrastructure. In an ad-hoc network, devices communicate directly with one another on a peer-to-peer basis. In an infrastructure network (the default), several devices communicate with one or more APs. The APs may or may not be connected to a physical Ethernet network.
Configuration 802.11 Configuration 4.5.8 WEP Some 802.11 cards can be set with a WEP key, which will encrypt any data you transmit through wireless communication. To enable WEP, enter the following command: Figure 4-41: Enabling WEP Local>> CHANGE 80211 WEP ENABLED Local>>...
Certain kinds of ATA flash memory and disk storage cards can also be used in the PC card slots. Before you insert any kind of card into the MSS, please check the Lantronix web site to make sure that your card is supported and read this section carefully.
Configuration Modem Cards 4.7.1 Incoming Calls The MSS will attempt to answer any incoming call that it detects. You will get a Local> prompt after the modems are fully connected. 4.7.2 Outgoing Calls To make a call from the MSS modem port, you must connect to the modem card via Telnet or a local serial port.
Making the MSS look like a modem so that it can be used with existing communications software (see Modem Emulation Mode on page 5-13). Using the Lantronix COM Port Redirector software to redirect PC COM ports (see COM Port Redirector on page 5-15).
Incoming Connections Using the MSS There are some important points to remember when making a socket connection: Port access must be set to either Dynamic or Remote to allow network connection requests. Local access does not allow a port to receive connection requests from the network.
Using the MSS Interactive Connections 5.2 Interactive Connections Interactive mode refers to entering commands at the Local> prompt. Users can enter commands to configure the MSS, connect to remote services, manipulate a connection, or receive feedback. Interactive use requires an input device, such as a terminal. 5.2.1 Outgoing Connections The MSS can make outgoing connections to hosts on TCP/IP networks via one of its serial ports.
Interactive Connections Using the MSS 5.2.1.2 Rlogin Rlogin allows a user to log into a remote host as if he or she were a local user. In the example below, shark is the remote host and lola is the username. Unless the username is password protected, the user will be logged in normally.
Using the MSS Interactive Connections 5.2.2.2 Backward, Forward, and Switches The Backward and Forward commands, when entered at the Local> prompt, allow users to navigate through current sessions. You can think of a user’s open sessions as a list from the earliest to the most recently created.
Interactive Connections Using the MSS 5.2.2.4 Session Limits The number of active sessions a user can have on the MSS is limited by three factors: available server memory resources, a server-wide limit, and a port-specific limit. The absolute maximum number of sessions for the MSS is eight. To reduce the limit further, enter the Change Session Limit command followed by a number from one to seven.
Using the MSS Disk Management 5.2.3.6 Show Server Bootparams Show Server Bootparams displays MSS identification and boot procedure information. The first lines display the MSS version, hardware address, network name and node number, identification string, and how long the MSS has been running. You will also see the software and ROM versions, configured loadhost, and startup file name.
Disk Management Using the MSS 5.3.1 Flash Disk The MSS contains a Flash disk (/flash), rewriteable memory that allows you to customize your MSS. Any data that you want the MSS to save after it is rebooted should be stored on the Flash disk.
5.4 Encrypted Sessions The MSS supports encrypted connections from one MSS to another MSS, or from a Win32 PC to the MSS. For more information on using the MSS with Win32, contact Lantronix directly. To configure an MSS-to-MSS encrypted session, set the same encryption password on both units.
Serial Tunnel Using the MSS 5.5 Serial Tunnel Two MSS servers can be connected to emulate a direct serial connection across a LAN or WAN. Servers connected in this way can pass data only—they will not be able to pass status signals (DSR/DTR, RTS/CTS, etc.) or preserve timing between characters.
Using the MSS Multihost Mode 5.5.2 UDP Configuration When the UDP protocol is used, there is no connection; each MSS serial port must be told explicitly which host it is allowed to accept packets from. For UDP, each MSS port has to be configured to both send packets to and accept packets from the other MSS.
Multihost Mode Using the MSS 5.6.1 Enabling Multihost Mode To configure one of the MSS serial ports for a dedicated multihost connection, use the Change Dedicated command with Hostlist as the host name. Figure 5-13: Enabling Multihost Mode Local>> CHANGE PORT n DEDICATED HOSTLIST Local>>...
Using the MSS Modem Emulation Mode 5.7 Modem Emulation Mode In modem emulation mode, the MSS presents a modem interface to the attached serial device: it accepts AT-style modem commands and handles the modem signals correctly. The MSS forms a network connection based on the ATDT commands issued from the serial device.
Modem Emulation Mode Using the MSS Table 5-2: Modem Mode Commands, cont. Command Function Echo mode off (ATE0) or on (ATE1, the default). Disconnects the network session. Displays modem version information. Result codes on (ATQ0, the default) or off (ATQ1). Allows serially-attached devices to control how the MSS accepts a network call.
5.8 COM Port Redirector The Lantronix Com Port Redirector application allows PCs to share modems and other serial devices connected to an MSS using Microsoft Windows applications. The Redirector intercepts communications to specified PC COM ports and sends them over a network connection to one of the MSS serial ports.
If you are experiencing an error that is not listed in Appendix B or if you are unable to fix the error, contact your dealer or Lantronix Technical Support at 800-422-7044 (US) or 949- 453-3990. Technical Support is also available via Internet email at support@lantronix.com.
This Appendix discusses how you can diagnose and fix errors quickly without having to contact a dealer or Lantronix. It will help to connect a terminal to the serial port while diagnosing an error to view any summary messages that are displayed.
DHCP Troubleshooting Troubleshooting Table B-1: Power-up Problems and Error Messages, cont. Problem/Message Error Remedy The terminal shows a The MSS is not connected Ensure that the MSS is firmly connected Boot> prompt rather properly to the Ethernet. to a functional and properly-terminated than a Local>...
Troubleshooting BOOTP Troubleshooting B.3 BOOTP Troubleshooting If the BOOTP request is failing and you have configured your host to respond to the request, check these areas: Table B-3: BOOTP Troubleshooting Area to Check Explanation BOOTP is in your system’s BOOTP must be an uncommented line in /etc/services. /etc/services file.
Modem Configuration Checklist Troubleshooting B.5 Modem Configuration Checklist Most modem problems are caused by cabling mistakes or incorrect modem configuration. However, the following items should be verified after any modem configuration, and re- checked when there is modem trouble. The modem must be configured to disconnect immediately when DTR is de- asserted.
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Troubleshooting BCP Command Examples A series of commands called Boot Configuration Program (BCP) commands can be entered at the Boot> prompt to configure the MSS. These commands are a subset of the entire MSS command set. For example, a typical TCP/IP configuration might use the following commands: Figure B-1: BCP Command Examples Boot>...
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BCP Command Examples Troubleshooting Change DHCP {Enabled, Disabled} Enables or disables the sending of DHCP queries during the boot sequence. It is enabled by default. Change Hardware xx-xx-xx Specifies the last three numbers of the server’s Ethernet address. The first three numbers will be supplied automatically.
C: Pinouts In the following diagrams, unlabeled pins are not connected. C.1 Ethernet Connectors The MSS uses a standard Ethernet pinout. The figure below shows the MSS RJ45 Ethernet connector pin connections. Figure C-1: RJ45 Ethernet Connector 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 C.1.1 Fiber Link Ethernet The MSS4-SFP and MSS4-DFP also include a 100BASE-FX fiber optic Ethernet connector.
MSS4 Serial Connectors Pinouts C.2 MSS4 Serial Connectors The MSS4 has four serial ports. The MSS4-D models have DB9 connectors, while the MSS4-S models have screw terminal blocks. C.2.1 Screw Terminal Block The following sections show the pin connections of the MSS4 screw terminal blocks, which provide dual RS-232/RS-485 serial ports.
802.11 wireless networking PC cards, modem cards, and a selection of ATA storage cards. For the most current information on which PC card technologies are supported and which cards are compatible with the MSS4, please refer to the Lantronix web site. Changes in firmware revision may affect compatibility.
MSS4 Power Connectors Pinouts C.4 MSS4 Power Connectors Power is supplied to the MSS using one of the connectors mentioned in this section. C.4.1 Power Jack The MSS4 ships with a standard barrel power jack whose inner conductor is positive. Figure C-7: Power Jack Connector 2.1 mm 5.5 mm...
D.1 Obtaining Software A current software file (MSS4.SYS) is available on the distribution CD. You can obtain software updates and release notes for the MSS from the Lantronix World Wide Web site (www.lantronix.com), or by using anonymous FTP through the Internet (ftp.lantronix.com).
Reloading Software Updating Software D.2 Reloading Software The MSS stores software in Flash ROM to control the initialization process, operation, and command processing. The contents of Flash ROM can be updated by downloading a new version of the operational software via NetWare, TCP/IP, or MOP. Regardless of which protocol is used to update Flash ROM, the following points are important: The Flash ROM software file name, MSS4.SYS, should not be changed.
Updating Software Configuring TCP/IP Reload To manually configure the MSS IP parameters for software reload when running operational software (not BCP mode), use the following commands. Figure D-2: Configuring TCP/IP Reload Local> SET PRIVILEGED Password> SYSTEM (not echoed) Local>> CHANGE IPADDRESS nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn Local>>...
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Troubleshooting Flash ROM Updates Updating Software Table D-1: Flash ROM Troubleshooting Protocol Area to Check Ensure that the Ethernet circuit must has the service characteristic enabled. Ensure that the MOM$LOAD search path includes the directory containing the MSS4.SYS file.
E.1.1 MSS4 Screw Terminal Power The MSS screw terminal power jack requires 9-30 V DC. E.1.2 MSS4-D/-S Adaptor The MSS4-D and MSS4-S power cube adaptor has the following specifications: Adapter input voltage: 110 V AC US, 220 V AC International...
Environmental Information Specifications E.2 Environmental Information E.2.1 Temperature Limitations 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 Rapid temperature changes may affect operation. Do not operate the MSS near heating or cooling devices, large windows, or doors that open to the outdoors.
Warranty Statement Lantronix warrants for a period of 5 YEARS from the date of shipment that each MSS4 Device Server supplied shall be free from defects in material and workmanship. During this period, if the customer experiences difficulties with a product and is unable to resolve the problem by phone with Lantronix Technical Support, a Return Material Authorization (RMA) will be issued.
1kV Power Lines Supplementary Information: The product complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 72/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC. Manufacturer’s Contact: Director of Quality Assurance, Lantronix 15353 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618 USA General Tel: 949/453-3990 Fax: 949/453-3995...
Index Numerics COM Port Redirector 5-15 Community name (SNMP) 1-3 802.11 4-16–4-21, 5-6 Components 2-1, 2-2 Channel 4-20 Contact information A-1 Extended Service Set ID 4-19 LEDs 2-4 MAC address 4-19 Datasend 4-11 Network mode 4-20 DB9 2-1, 2-2, C-3 Region 4-18 Dedicated port service 4-16 WEP 4-21...
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