Contents Copyright & Trademark ________________________________________________ i 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...
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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...
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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...
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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.
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. Note: The SDK does not allow users to configure custom PC card support.
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.
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The remaining chapters include 6:Troubleshooting, 7:Pinouts, and 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.
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.
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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 Function Serial Blinks green to indicate serial activity. Blinks green or orange/yellow to indicate network activity. Green: Fast blink (1/2 second) -- the unit is booting;...
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.
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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.
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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.
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: Temperature Note: Rapid temperature changes may affect operation. Do not operate near heating or cooling devices or areas that open to the outdoors.
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.
Table 2-2: MSS4 LEDs Function Serial Blinks green to indicate MSS serial activity. (1-4) Blinks yellow, green, or red to indicate MSS activity. Glows green or yellow to indicate a wired Ethernet connection. Off: Not connected to a wired Ethernet network Link Green: Connected to a 10BASE-T network Yellow: Connected to either a 100BASE-T or 100BASE-FX network...
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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. Supply power to the MSS. This can be done through either the MSS power jack or the screw terminal power connector.
MSS4 Specifications Power (power cube adaptor) Adapter: Input: Output: Current: MSS4 power input range: 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: Storage range: Max.
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.
Table 2-3: MSS100 LEDs Function Power Glows green when power is supplied to the MSS. Glows green while the MSS is connected properly to a 10BASE-T or Link 100BASE-T Ethernet network. Glows green to indicate a 100 Mb Ethernet connection. Blinks yellow, green, or red to indicate MSS activity.
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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.
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. Supply power to the serial device.
This chapter covers all of the steps needed to get the MSS online and working. There are three basic methods used to log into the MSS and begin configuration. Incoming (Remote) Logins: EZWebCon is the preferred configuration method. Users can also log into the MSS' internal HTTP server via a standard web browser.
The privileged password can be changed with the Change Server Privpass command. Specify a new password of up to six alphanumeric characters. Figure 3-2: Changing Privileged Password for MSS-VIA and MSS4 Local> SET PRIVILEGED Password> system (not echoed) Local>> CHANGE SERVER PRIVPASS "walrus" Figure 3-3: Changing Privileged Password for MSS100 Local>...
Change Server IPaddress command to make the address permanent. Figure 3-6: Changing the IP Address for MSS-VIA and MSS4 % telnet 192.168.0.10 Trying192.168.0.10 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>>...
Figure 3-7: Changing the IP Address for MSS100 % telnet 192.168.0.10 Trying 192.168.0.10 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 192.168.0.10 Using a DHCP, BOOTP, or RARP Reply A host-based DHCP, BOOTP, or RARP server can provide information for the MSS to use to configure an IP address when the unit boots.
Incoming Logins Incoming Telnet logins are enabled by default. This behavior can be changed with the Change Server Incoming command and one of the following parameters: Telnet Enables Telnet logins None Disables Telnet logins For security reasons, you may wish to disable incoming logins. If it is undesirable to disable incoming logins, the MSS can be configured to require a login password for incoming connections with the Change Server Incoming Password command.
Once you have connected to the MSS, you will see the Lantronix Web Manager interface. Use the left-hand menu to navigate to subpages where you can configure important settings as well as view statistics and other device server information. Figure 3-13. Web Manager Interface EZWebCon Login and Configuration EZWebCon enables users on TCP/IP networks to log into and configure the MSS.
% telnet 192.168.0.16 Trying 192.168.0.16 Connected to 192.168.0.16 Escape character is `^]' # access (not echoed) Lantronix MSS Version n.n/n (yymmdd) Type Help at the `Local>' prompt for assistance. Enter Username> jerry Incoming LAT Logins Note: This section refers to MSS100 models only.
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. Note: Outgoing connections cannot be made via the same method as the incoming connection was made.
Overview Certain parameters must be configured before the MSS can function on the network. Although many users will prefer to use the EZWebCon graphical user interface, this chapter explains how to configure the MSS via the command line interface. Note: Instructions for using EZWebCon are included on the distribution CD-ROM.
Factory Defaults You should only restore factory default settings if you want to remove all custom configuration from the MSS, including password settings. To restore factory settings to the MSS: From the Local> prompt, enter the Initialize Factory command. From the Boot> prompt, enter the Flush NVR command. Press and hold the reset button down while cycling power to the unit.
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The MSS can be told which hosts are the gateways for the local network. If no gateway is specified, the MSS will listen to network broadcasts from gateways to decide which hosts are acting as gateways. The command below tells the MSS which host is the preferred gateway.
IP Security IP security allows the system administrator to restrict incoming and outgoing TCP/IP sessions and access to the serial port. Connections are allowed or denied based upon the source IP address (for incoming connections) or the destination IP address (for outgoing connections).
The MSS will respond to queries for unknown MIBs with a not in MIB error to the requesting host. SNMP Trap Support The MSS will generate limited forms of three of the SNMP traps. Traps are sent to a host when certain events occur on the MSS.
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The MSS can be restricted to a single frame format, in which case it will not do internal routing. Two commands control this behavior: Change NetWare Routing and Change NetWare Encapsulation. Change NetWare Routing enables or disables the use of the internal network number.
LAT Configuration Note: The following section on LAT configuration applies to the MSS100 only. Three LAT parameters can be configured for the MSS: the device server’s identification string, its service group list, and its internal circuit timer. Server Identification The MSS has a default name that it uses when announcing itself to the LAT network (mss_xxxxxx where xxxxxx represents the last six characters of its hardware address).
The maximum RS-485 network cabling length (without repeaters) is 4,000 feet. Lantronix recommends the use of shielded twisted-pair cabling. Note: A large number and variety of protocols run over RS-485. However, the MSS does not convert or interpret serial data.
line is available to receive again. At most baud rate settings, the timing delay is typically one character length with a maximum of 1.5 character lengths. Note: For 600 baud and 4800 baud operation, the timing delay is doubled. Figure 4-22: Enabling Two-Wire RS-485 Mode for MSS4 Local>...
MSS User Guide 4: Configuration TXDrive The MSS-VIA can be configured to always drive the TX (transmit) signal, or tri-state (transmit, receive, or ignore) when not actively transmitting. The Change RS485 TXDrive command takes one of two parameters. The Always parameter sets the MSS for continuous TXDrive, both high and low.
MSS User Guide 4: Configuration Figure 4-31: RS-422 Connection The MSS drives handshaking signals (CTS, RTS, DTR, DSR, and CD) at RS-232 level, and listens for those signals at RS-232 level. Serial Port Configuration The serial ports are set at the factory for 9600 baud, 8 data bits, one stop bit, and no parity.
Autostart can also be triggered by a specific input character. There is no default Autostart character; you will have to configure one. For example, when using Mode you may want to use A so that Autostart will happen as soon as an AT modem command is entered.
The examples in Figure 4-40and Figure 4-41 can be visualized as: x x x xxx xx (data) x x xx xxxxxxxx xx xxx Z xx xxxx |-------------------------------------------------------| The complete syntax of the Change Port [Portlist] Datasend command is described in the MSS Reference Manual.
Applications that use Ctrl-Q and Ctrl-S will conflict with XON/XOFF flow control, in which case RTS/CTS is recommended. To switch between flow control methods, use the Change Port Flow Control command followed by the preferred method. If you do not wish to use flow control at all, specify None.
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Modem Control If a connection has ended, the MSS should be able to log out the port and prepare to accept a new connection. Similarly, if no connection is open, the MSS should know to ignore spurious characters from the port and only accept valid connection attempts. The MSS can do both of these when modem control is enabled.
Figure 4-57: Enabling DSRLogout for MSS100 Local>> CHANGE DSRLOGOUT ENABLED DTRWait Note: DTRWait is not available in RS-485 mode. Spurious characters from the modem may be interpreted as a user login, which could cause the port to be unavailable for connections. To avoid this behavior, the MSS uses the Data Transmit Ready (DTR) output line to signal the serial device that a connection is possible or acceptable.
Preferred Host A default host for a port can be defined using the Change Port Preferred command. The MSS attempts to use the preferred host for connections when no service name is specified in a connection command. Figure 4-63: Defining a Preferred Service for MSS-VIA and MSS4 Local>>...
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 using an AP and WEP is not enabled, set the AP to accept Open System Authentication.
correct for the United States; users in other countries should change it to a value appropriate for their area before attempting 802.11 operation. Figure 4-69: Setting the 802.11 Region Local>> CHANGE 80211 REGION IC Recognized values are: United States (the default) Canada ETSI Europe (most countries - check with your local...
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, and the APs may or may not be connected to a physical Ethernet network.
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.
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MSS User Guide 4: Configuration A properly installed modem card will be treated like an additional MSS serial port. If only one card is installed, it will always appear as Port 5. The Show Port and Logout Port commands will respond appropriately to the modem card ports. The modem ports will always have modem control enabled and should respond to a standard Hayes-style AT command set.
Using the MSS as a data pipe between a serial device and multiple hosts on the network (see Making the MSS look like a modem so that it can be used with existing communications software (see Using the Lantronix COM Port Redirector software to redirect PC COM ports (see COM Port Incoming Connections...
TCP/IP Socket Connections Note: TCP/IP socket connections applies to MSS-VIA only. The MSS supports TCP/IP socket connections to ports 2001 and 3001. Note: Starting with firmware v3.6/8, the MSS-VIA supports socket connections to port 2002 and 3002 also (to reach the DB9 serial port). Opening a TCP session to a 300n port will form a raw TCP/IP connection to the serial port.
Figure 5-5: Changing the Break Key for MSS100 Local>> CHANGE BREAK REMOTE If your terminal does not have a Break key, you can configure a local switch key. Figure 5-6: Defining a Local Switch for MSS-VIA and MSS4 Local>> CHANGE PORT 1 LOCAL SWITCH ^L Figure 5-7: Defining a Local Switch for MSS100 Local>>...
Notes: To specify a control character, precede it with a carat (^) or enter as a hex digit, such as “\02”. The MSS intercepts and processes switch keys; it does not pass them to the remote host. Disconnect and Resume Users need a method of controlling and disconnecting sessions from local mode.
MSS User Guide 5: Using the MSS Show IPsecurity This command shows the current TCP/IP security table, if one exists. Addresses or ranges of addresses are listed according to the kind of restrictions placed upon them. Show Ports This command displays the configuration and connection status of the serial port. Settings such as flow control, baud rate, parity, and default hosts are shown.
Figure 5-10: Back-to-Back MSS Connections TCP Configuration Assuming the MSS serial port parameters have been configured properly, the device servers are configured as follows for MSS-VIA and MSS4: MSS_A Local>> CHANGE PORT 1 DEDICATED TCP 192.168.0.10:3001T Local>> CHANGE PORT 1 AUTOSTART ENABLED MSS_B Local>>...
Setting up dedicated hosts ensures that the units will always talk to each other. Enabling Autostart for both units enables one MSS to send data to the other MSS without having to wait for a serial carriage return to start the session.. The second MSS knows exactly which other MSS to accept connections from.
Adding Hosts The host list can include up to 16 host entries in any combination of TCP (raw, Telnet, and Rlogin) and UDP addresses. Figure 5-13: Adding Entries to the Host Table for MSS-VIA and MSS4 Local>> CHANGE PORT 1 DEDICATED HOSTLIST Local>>...
Figure 5-17. Enabling Modem Mode for MSS100 Local>> CHANGE MODEM EMULATION ENABLED Local>> CHANGE AUTOSTART CHARACTER "A" As soon as someone types an AT command, the MSS will enter modem mode and begin processing the AT commands. Modem Mode Commands The following commands are available only in modem mode—they will have no effect when typed at the Local>...
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 or DOS communication applications.
This chapter discusses how you can diagnose and fix errors quickly without having to contact a dealer or Lantronix. It helps to connect a terminal to the console port while diagnosing an error to view summary messages that may be displayed.
Error Problem/Message If the OK LED blinks rapidly, the The MSS passes power- Flash ROM code may be corrupt. up diagnostics, but attempts to download If you did not request a TFTP boot, new Flash ROM code the flash ROM code is corrupt. The from a network host.
RARP Troubleshooting Area to Check The MSS name and hardware address in the host's /etc/ethers file The MSS name and IP address in the /etc/hosts file The operating system TFTP Troubleshooting If the TFTP request fails even though you have configured your host to respond to the request, check the areas discussed in the following table.
The modem should be configured to answer the phone if incoming connections are to be supported. Generally this is done with the ats0=1 command. The modem should not be configured to answer the phone unless the MSS asserts DTR. MSS Modem control must be enabled. Using modems on ports without modem control enabled will lead to security problems.
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MSS User Guide 6: 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 device server's Ethernet address. The first three numbers will be supplied automatically.
When you report a problem, please provide the following information: Your name, and your company name, address, and phone number Lantronix MSS model number Lantronix MSS serial number Software version (use the Show Server command to display) Network configuration, including the information from a Netstat command...
(16550 UART types), and flash memory (PCMCIA or compact flash with PCMCIA adaptor). For the most current information on which PC card technologies are supported and which cards are compatible with the MSS-VIA, please refer to the Lantronix web site: http://www.lantronix.com/products/pc_cards/index.html Note: Changes in firmware revision may affect compatibility.
MSS User Guide 7: Pinouts Figure 7-2: DB25 Serial Connector The dual DB25 port can be used for either an RS-232 connection or an RS-485 connection. Do not attempt to connect both interfaces at the same time. The MSS-VIA drives TX on both interfaces simultaneously, but only enables RX on the selected interface.
Figure 7-4: DB9 RS-485 Serial Connector RS-232 DB9 Connectors The MSS4 DB9 connector also provides an RS-232 serial port. Figure 7-5: DB9 RS-232 Serial Connector MSS100 Connectors DB25 Connector The figure below shows the pin connections of the MSS DB25 connector. Figure 7-6: DB25 Serial Connector...
MSS User Guide 7: Pinouts Modem Wiring DSR (Data Signal Ready) versus CD (Carrier Detect) By default, most modems assert CD only during a valid connection. In this case the modem’s CD pin may be wired to the Server’s DSR pin. Alternately, many modems can be configured such that DSR acts like CD.
Downloads. Via FTP The MSS software resides on the Lantronix FTP server (ftp.lantronix.com/pub). Select the directory for the Lantronix product and subdirectory for the latest firmware. Always download and read the RELEASE.TXT file for detailed information on this firmware.
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attempts. The MSS will then try TFTP, NetWare, and MOP booting (in that order) provided that it has enough information to try each download method. Downloading and rewriting the Flash ROM will take approximately two minutes from the time the Initialize command is issued. If the download file cannot be found or accessed, the MSS can be rebooted with the code still in Flash ROM.
The path and filename are case-sensitive and must be enclosed in quotation marks. When attempting to boot across an IP router, you must configure the router to proxy-ARP for the MSS, or use the bootgateway feature. For more information, see Change Bootgateway in the Commands chapter of the MSS Reference Manual located on the CD-ROM.
Compliance Information (According to ISO/IEC Guide 22 and EN 45014) Manufacturer’s Name & Address: Lantronix 15353 Barranca Parkway, Irvine, CA 92618 USA Declares that the following product: Product Name & Model: Device Server MSS-VIA, MSS4, and MSS100 Conforms to the following standards or other normative documents:...
Lantronix. Lantronix will ship the replacement media to the customer. In no event will Lantronix be responsible to the user in contract, in tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise for any special, indirect, incidental or...
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