Lantronix MSS1-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.
DEC, thickwire, thinwire, and VMS are trademarks of Digital Equipment
Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark of AT&T. Ethernet is a trademark of
XEROX Corporation. HP-UX is a trademark of Hewlett-Packard Corporation.
SunOS and Solaris are trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. NetWare is a
trademark of Novell Corp. Windows NT and Windows 95 are trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
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 October 7, 1998 .
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:
(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.

i
Contents
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

ii
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

iii
D Updating Software
E Specifications
Warranty Statement
Declaration of Conformity
Index

Introduction
1 - 1
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: 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.
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, Installation , explains how to install the MSS hardware
and boot the server.
¥ Chapter 3, Getting Started , details different ways to log into the
MSS and prepare the server for configuration.
¥ Chapter 4, Basic ConÞguration , covers basic conÞguration.
¥ Chapter 5, Using the MSS , provides an overview of how to use the
MSS interactively and with host applications.
¥ Appendices provide information on Contact Information,
Troubleshooting, Pinouts, Updating Software, and SpeciÞcations.
¥ 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 MSS Reference Manual located on the CD in HTML and PDF
formats.

Terms Introduction
1 - 2
The PDF versions of the MSS manuals are located in the manuals directory of
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.
1.1 Terms
In this manual, the following terms are used to describe parts of a network.
Host A computer attached to the network. The term host is
generally used to denote interactive computers, or
computers that people can log into.
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.
Session A logical connection to a service. A typical session is a
terminal connected to a host through the server.
Local mode 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 Local>
prompt.
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-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. The
MSS also supports the use of Domain Name Servers (DNS),
allowing a network nameserver to translate text node names into
numeric IP addresses.

Introduction Software
1 - 3
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_xxxxxx . The xxxxxx string represents the last six digits of the
MSS Ethernet address. Be sure to note the Ethernet address before
conÞguring the unit.

Configuration Introduction
1 - 4
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.

Installation MSS Components
2 - 1
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
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: MSS1 Rear Panel
NOTE: When the reset button is pressed and held during the power up
and boot procedures, the MSS returns to its factory default
configuration.
Serial
DB25 Serial Port
10BaseT 6V DC
Reset
10Base2
Power Connector
Reset Button
BNC Ethernet Port
RJ45 Ethernet Port
(MSS1-T2 only)

Installation Installation
2 - 2
Four or Þve LEDs are located on the top of the unit. Table 2-1 explains their
functions.
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 Installation
Figure 2-3 shows an example hardware layout.
Figure 2-3: MSS Network Layout
Table 2-1: MSS LEDs
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
100BASE-T (MSS100 only) Ethernet network (The Link LED does not
function for 10BASE2 connections)
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.
4
3
MSS
2
10BASE-T
Ethernet
Serial
Device

Installation Installation
2 - 3
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.

Installation Installation
2 - 4
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: 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.
2. 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: For more information on BOOTP, RARP, or DHCP, refer to
your operating systemÕs documentation.
3. 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.
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.

Installation Is It Working?
2 - 5
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 IP Address
ConÞguration on page 3-2), ping the MSS from a TCP/IP host.
Figure 2-4: Pinging the MSS
When you are satisÞed that the MSS is working properly, proceed to Chapter
3, Getting Started . If the server does not boot properly, see Appendix B,
Troubleshooting .
unix% ping 192.0.1.233

Getting Started
3 - 1
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 Telnet on page 3-6).
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 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 Set Privileged command to conÞgure the unit
(see Privileged Password on page 4-1 ).
¥ The remote console port is password protected (see System
Passwords on page 4-1 ).
¥ 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.

IP Address Configuration Getting Started
3 - 2
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.

Getting Started IP Address Configuration
3 - 3
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)
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)
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.
# arp -s 192.0.1.228 00:80:a3:xx:xx:xx
% ping 192.0.1.228
C:\ ARP -S 192.0.1.228 00-80-A3-XX-XX-XX
C:\ PING 192.0.1.228

IP Address Configuration Getting Started
3 - 4
Figure 3-3: Changing the IP Address
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.
% 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