Lantronix MSS100 User manual

Device Servers
MSS100
Installation
Guide
Part Number: 900-193
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MSS Installation Guide
For MSS100 Device 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 and LAT are trademarks of Compaq. Ethernet is a trademark of XEROX Corporation.
NetWare is a trademark of Novell Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark of The
Open Group. Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows NT are trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation.
Copyright 2000, 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 20 July, 2001
Part Number: 900-193
Rev. B
WARNING
This product has been designed to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device
pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against such interference when operating in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and
used in accordance with this guide, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
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.
Changes or modifications 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 règlements de FCC. Le
fonctionnement est subjecté aux conditions suivantes:
(1) Cet appareil ne doit pas causer une interférence malfaisante.
(2) Cet appareil doît accepter n'importé quelle interférence reìue qui peut causer une
opération indésirable.

i
Contents
1: Introduction..........................................................................1-1
1.1 MSS100 Features.............................................................................1-1
1.2 Protocols..........................................................................................1-2
1.3 Terms...............................................................................................1-3
1.4 About The Manual...........................................................................1-4
2: Installation............................................................................2-1
2.1 Components.....................................................................................2-1
2.2 Installation Procedure......................................................................2-3
3: Getting Started.....................................................................3-1
3.1 Privileged User Status .....................................................................3-1
3.2 IP Address Configuration................................................................3-2
3.2.1 Using EZWebCon ...........................................................3-2
3.2.2 Using ARP and Ping........................................................3-3
3.2.3 Using a DHCP, BOOTP, or RARP Reply.......................3-4
3.2.4 Using the Serial Console ................................................. 3-4
3.3 Incoming Logins..............................................................................3-5
3.3.1 TCP/IP Logins.................................................................3-5
3.3.2 Incoming LAT Logins.....................................................3-6
3.3.3 Serial Port Logins............................................................3-6
3.3.4 Remote Console Logins ..................................................3-7
3.4 Outbound Connections ....................................................................3-7
3.5 Logout..............................................................................................3-8
4: Configuration.......................................................................4-1
4.1 Passwords ........................................................................................ 4-1
4.2 Protocol Configuration ....................................................................4-2
4.2.1 TCP/IP Configuration......................................................4-2
4.2.2 IPX (NetWare) Configuration......................................... 4-4
4.2.3 LAT Configuration..........................................................4-6
4.3 Serial Port Configuration.................................................................4-7
4.3.1 Access Mode ...................................................................4-7
4.3.2 Autostart .......................................................................... 4-7
4.3.3 Baud Rate ........................................................................ 4-8
4.3.4 Character Size, Parity, and Stop Bits...............................4-8
4.3.5 Flow Control....................................................................4-8
4.3.6 Modems and Modem Signaling.......................................4-9

ii
4.3.7 Logouts..........................................................................4-11
4.3.8 Preferred Port Host........................................................4-11
4.3.9 Dedicated Port Host.......................................................4-11
5: Using the MSS......................................................................5-1
5.1 Incoming Connections.....................................................................5-1
5.1.1 Socket Connections .........................................................5-1
5.1.2 Host Applications............................................................5-2
5.1.3 Code Examples................................................................5-2
5.2 Interactive Connections...................................................................5-2
5.2.1 Outgoing Connections.....................................................5-3
5.2.2 Session Control................................................................5-3
5.2.3 Status Displays ................................................................5-5
5.3 Serial Tunnel....................................................................................5-7
5.3.1 TCP Configuration ..........................................................5-7
5.3.2 UDP Configuration..........................................................5-7
5.4 Multihost Mode ...............................................................................5-8
5.4.1 Enabling Multihost Mode................................................5-8
5.4.2 Adding Hosts...................................................................5-9
5.4.3 Removing Hosts ..............................................................5-9
5.5 Modem Emulation Mode.................................................................5-9
5.5.1 Modem Mode Commands.............................................5-10
5.5.2 Wiring Requirements.....................................................5-11
5.6 COM Port Redirector.....................................................................5-11
A: Contact Information........................................................... A-1
A.1 Problem Report Procedure............................................................. A-1
A.2 Full Contact Information ...............................................................A-1
B: Troubleshooting................................................................. B-1
B.1 Power-up Troubleshooting............................................................. B-1
B.2 DHCP Troubleshooting.................................................................. B-2
B.3 BOOTP Troubleshooting............................................................... B-3
B.4 RARP Troubleshooting.................................................................. B-3
B.5 Modem Configuration Checklist.................................................... B-4
B.6 Entering Commands at the Boot Prompt ....................................... B-4
C: Pinouts................................................................................ C-1
C.1 Ethernet Connector ........................................................................ C-1
C.2 MSS Serial Connector.................................................................... C-1

iii
D: Updating Software ............................................................. D-1
D.1 Obtaining Software........................................................................ D-1
D.2 Reloading Software ....................................................................... D-2
D.3 Troubleshooting Flash ROM Updates...........................................D-4
E: Specifications......................................................................E-1
E.1 Power Specifications.......................................................................E-1
E.2 Environmental Information.............................................................E-1
Warranty Statement
Declaration of Conformity
Index

1- 1
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. The MSS achieves this by providing
a serial port on one end and a 10/100BASE-T Ethernet I/O port on the other.
Throughout this manual, the MSS100 may be referred to as the MSS or as the Server .
1.1 MSS100 Features
◆
TCP/IP and UNIX Compatibility
The MSS supports a variety of TCP/IP features, including Telnet, Rlogin, UDP,
DNS, SNMP, WINS, FTP, DHCP, BOOTP, RARP, and HTTP.
◆
Connectivity
The MSS connects serial devices directly to a wired 10/100BASE-T Ethernet
network.
◆
Ease of Use
The MSS has a simple but powerful command interface for both users and system
managers. The MSS Local mode supports command line editing and command line
recall. An extensive Help facility is included.
The EZWebCon utility (provided on the CD-ROM) allows you to configure the
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 and LAT logins.
The Lantronix ThinWeb Manager, a set of HTML pages stored on the MSS, allows
youto configureserver information via a JavaScript-enabled web browser. For more
information, see Web Browser Login and Configuration on page 3-5.
◆
Remote Configuration
The MSS can be logged into and remotely configured via a network login, a Telnet
login to the remote console port, EZWebCon, or a web browser connection to the
MSS’s internal HTTP server.
◆
Context-Sensitive Help
Context-sensitive on-line help is available at any time. You may type HELP by
itself for overall help, HELP <command> for help on a specific command, or a
partial command line followed by a question mark for help on what is appropriate at
that particular point.

Protocols Introduction
1- 2
Note: See the Device Server Reference Manual for more information.
◆
Reloadable Operating Software
The MSS stores its operating code in Flash ROM, which means that it does not have
to download code at boot time. If necessary, you can upgrade the MSS’s operating
code to support additional features as newer code becomes available. Also, you can
configure the MSS to request a downloaded configuration file at boot time.
◆
Security
The MSS includes several configurable security features:
❍
Automatic session logouts when a port is disconnected or a device is turned off.
❍
Password protection for privileges, ports, services, maintenance commands,
and the remote console.
❍
An IP security table, which allows the MSS manager to restrict incoming and
outgoing TCP/IP connections to certain ports and hosts. This allows managers
to restrict MSS access to a particular local network segment or host.
◆
Diagnostics
Power-up and interactive diagnostics help system managers troubleshoot network
and serial line problems.
◆
SDK Support
TheMSS supports theLantronix Software Developer Kit (SDK), which allows users
to customize the MSS and add functionality.
1.2 Protocols
A network protocol is a method of communicating over Ethernet. Each protocol specifies
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, DNS, and WINS. The Telnet terminal
protocol, supported on most UNIX systems, is an easy-to-use interface that creates
terminalconnectionsto any networkhost supporting Telnet.Rlogin is a protocolthat
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. For WINS support, the MSS can be configured to
announce itself as a WINS node.

Introduction Terms
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 configuration of one
community name with read/write access. Instructions for SNMP configuration are
available in the Device Server Reference Manual.
◆
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 files from NetWare hosts and
log into the MSS via NetWare for remote configuration.
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 Terms
The following terms are used throughout this manual.
Host A computer attached to the network. The term host is
generally used to denote interactive computers, or
computers that people can log into.
Local Mode The MSS user interface. It is used to issue
configurationandsessionmanagementcommandsand
to establish connections. When in Local mode, users
will see a Local> prompt.
Node Any intelligent device directly connected to the
Ethernetnetwork such asa host, a printer, or a terminal
server. All nodes have their own Ethernet addresses.
The MSS is a node. Devices connected to the MSS are
not nodes.
Server/server Server, when capitalized, refers to your Lantronix
MSS server product. When not capitalized, it refers to
a generic network server machine.
Session A logical connection to a service. A typical session is
a terminal connected to a host through the server.

About The Manual Introduction
1- 4
1.4 About The Manual
The rest of this documentation is divided into chapters as follows:
◆
Chapter 2, Installation , explains the MSS connectors and the installation process.
◆
Chapter 3, Getting Started , contains configuration information to get the unit up and
running. Read this chapter in its entirety, and be sure to configure the required items.
◆
Chapter 4, Configuration , contains additional configuration information.
◆
Chapter 5, Using the MSS , contains information about how the MSS can be used in
different applications. Read this chapter to get the most out of using the MSS in your
situation.
◆
Appendices include Contact Information , Troubleshooting , Pinouts , Updating
Software , and Specifications . Read them as necessary.
◆
The comprehensive Index can be used to find specific information.
The Device Server Reference Manual , located on the CD-ROM in PDF format, provides
the full MSS family command set as well as additional configuration information.

2- 1
2: Installation
This chapter covers the installation of the MSS in an Ethernet network and the attachment
ofaserial device. Basicknowledge of networkinginstallation is assumed. Readthis chapter
completely before continuing.
2.1 Components
The MSS front panel has a male DB25 serial connector. The following figure shows an
MSS front panel.
Figure 2-1: MSS Front Panel
The MSS rear panel has an RJ45 Ethernet connector, a reset button, and a power connector.
The following figure shows an MSS rear panel.
Figure 2-2: MSS 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
10/100 BaseT regulated 5V DC
Reset
Power ConnectorReset ButtonRJ45 Ethernet Port

Installation Procedure Installation
2- 2
Five LEDs are located on the top of the unit. The following table 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 Procedure
The MSS can be used to network-enable serial devices as shown in the figure below. Any
device with a serial port can be connected to the network via an MSS.
Figure 2-3: MSS Network Layout
Table 2-1: MSS LEDs
LED Function
Power Glows green when power is supplied to the MSS
Link Glows green while the MSS is connected properly to a 10BASE-T or
100BASE-T Ethernet network
100 Glows green to indicate a 100BASE-T Ethernet connection
OK Blinks yellow, green, or red to indicate MSS activity.
Serial Blinks yellow, green, or red to indicate MSS activity.
10/100 Switch
MSS
Serial Device
Twisted Pair
File Sun
console port
Server
Ethernet
MSS

Installation Installation Procedure
2- 3
The following diagram shows a properly-installed MSS. The numbers in the diagram refer
to the installation steps in this section.
Figure 2-4: MSS Connected to Serial Device and Ethernet
1 Select a location.
The MSS should be positioned close to the device it will be servicing. Since power-
ing 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 unit’s environmen-
tal operating limits and cabling requirements as listed in Appendix D .
2 Connect the MSS to an RS232-based serial device.
A Connect one end of a serial cable to the DB25 connector on the front of the
MSS. You may want to use a serial terminal for the first connection both to
ensure that your server is working and to configure the necessary network set-
tings.
Note:
The serial port is initially set for 9600 baud, 8 data bits, one stop bit,
and no parity.
B Connect the other end of the cable to your serial device’s serial port.
3 Connect the MSS to the Ethernet.
A Connectone endof a twisted-pair 10/100BASE-T cable to the Ethernet network
via a switch or hub, depending on network topology.
B Connect the other end of the twisted-pair cable to the RJ45 Ethernet port on the
back of the MSS. The MSS will autosense whether the attached Ethernet cable
is 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T.
4 Supply power to the MSS.
4
3
MSS
2
10/100BASE-T
Ethernet
Serial
Device

Installation Procedure Installation
2- 4
A Connect one end of the power cable to the MSS power jack.
B Connect the power cube end of the power cable to a standard wall outlet.
When the MSS receives power, it begins a three-step boot process.
❍
The MSS runs through a set of power-up diagnostics for approximately five
seconds. The Power and Link LEDs should remain solid green. The Link LED
should remain solid green. The OK and Serial LEDs should show varying
patterns corresponding to the test being run.
Note:
The Power and Link LEDs should remain solid green if the unit is
plugged in and there is a valid connection to a 10/100BASE-T
network.
❍
The MSS tries to obtain TCP/IP configuration information via DHCP, BOOTP,
and/or RARP. This procedure takes approximately 45 seconds if no hosts
answerthe request. The OK LEDwill blink green approximately threetimes per
second, and occasionally yellow as packets are sent and received.
Note:
For more information on BOOTP, RARP, or DHCP, refer to your
operating system’s documentation.
❍
The MSS determines if the code in the Flash ROMs is valid. If so, it loads the
code and begins normal execution. This step takes approximately five seconds.
Once the unit is running normally, the Power LED should be solidly lit to indicate
the unit is ON, the Link LED should be solidly lit to indicate a functioning Ethernet
connection, and the OK LED should blink green once every two seconds.
5 Supply power to the serial device.
6 Verify that the MSS is working. There are a few ways to check:
A Wait for approximately 30 seconds after powering the unit up. If the Power and
Link LEDs are solidly lit and the OK LED blinks green once every two sec-
onds, the MSS is operating normally.
B If you have connected a serial terminal to the MSS DB25 port, press the Return
key. You should see several lines of start-up messages followed by a Local>
prompt.
C If an IP address has been configured for the MSS, ping the MSS from a TCP/IP
host. For more instructions, see the IP Address Configuration section in Getting
Started .
Figure 2-5: Pinging the MSS
% ping XXX.XXX.XXX.XXX

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 configuration.
◆
Incoming (Remote) Logins: EZWebCon is the preferred configuration method.
Users can also use the internal HTTP server via a standard web browser.
◆
Serial Port Logins: Users can connect a terminal directly to the serial port, log in,
and use the command line interface to configure the unit.
◆
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 configuring the
MSS:
◆
The MSS IP address must be configured before any TCP/IP functionality is
available (see IP Address Configuration 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 configure the unit (see Privileged User Status on page 3-1).
◆
Only one person at a time may be logged into the remote console port (port 7000).
This eliminates the possibility of several people simultaneously attempting to
configure the MSS.
◆
Althoughpasswords can be required, remote console logins cannot be disabled. This
ensures that the system manager will always be able to access the unit.
3.1 Privileged User Status
Many MSS commands require privileged user (superuser) status. For example, only the
privileged user can change server-wide or port-specific settings.
To become the privileged user, enter the following command. The default privileged
password is system .
Figure 3-1: Set Privileged Command
Note: Default passwords pose a security risk and should be changed as soon
as possible. This is especially true of the privileged password.
Local> SET PRIVILEGED
Password> system (not echoed)

IP Address Configuration Getting Started
3- 2
If another user is currently the privileged user for the MSS, use the Set Privileged
Override command to forcibly become the privileged user. To relinquish privileged status,
enter the Set Noprivilege command.
The privileged password can be changed with the Change Privpass command. Specify a
new password of up to six alphanumeric characters.
Figure 3-2: Changing Privileged Password
3.2 IP Address Configuration
Note:
When you set an IP address, you may also need to change the subnet
mask from the default natural subnet configuration. See Subnet Mask
on page 4-2 for more information.
3.2.1 Using EZWebCon
Note:
If you have an older version of EZWebCon, refer to the Readme that
was included with it.
Use the following steps to assign an IP address using the EZWebCon Expert Shell.
1 Start EZWebCon. Instructions for installing, running, and using EZWebCon can be
found on the distribution CD-ROM.
2 From the Action menu, select Assign IP Address .
3 Enter or change the IP-related settings:
A For Ethernet Address, enter the number that appears on the bottom label of
your MSS.
BFor IP Address, enter the desired IP address to use for this MSS.
CFor Subnet Mask, change the values provided only if you wish to use a mask
other than the default. The default value should be correct in most cases.
DFor Loadhost, enter the IP address of the loadhost where you intend to store
your operating code and SDK files (if used).
4Click OK.
5Reboot the MSS. EZWebCon will let you know whether the configuration was suc-
cessful.
Local> SET PRIVILEGED
Password> system (not echoed)
Local>> CHANGE PRIVPASS “walrus”

Getting Started IP Address Configuration
3-3
3.2.2 Using ARP and Ping
The ARP/ping method is available under UNIX and Windows. If the MSS has no IP
address, it will set its address from the first directed IP packet it receives.
On a UNIX host, create an entry in the host’s ARP table and substitute the intended IP
address and the hardware address of the server, then ping the server (see Figure 3-3). This
process typically requires superuser privileges.
Figure 3-3: Entering ARP and Ping (UNIX)
On a Windows host, 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 on which you're working.
Use the following commands to ARP the IP address to the MSS and make the MSS
acknowledge the IP assignment.
Figure 3-4: 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 specified address. If no duplicate is
found, the server will use the IP address and will respond to the ping packet.
# 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
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, allow
configuration with a web browser, 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.
Figure 3-5: Changing the IP Address
3.2.3 Using a DHCP, BOOTP, or RARP Reply
A host-based DHCP, BOOTP, or RARP server can provide information for the MSS to use
to configure an IP address when the unit boots. See the host-based documentation pages for
configuration information. Keep in mind that many BOOTP daemons will not reply to a
BOOTP request if the download file name in the configuration file does not exist. If this is
the case, create a file in the download path to get the BOOTP daemon to respond.
BOOTP and RARP are enabled by default on the MSS. If you wish to disable them, use the
Change BOOTP Disabled and Change RARP Disabled commands. To enable DHCP,
use the Change DHCP Enabled command.
3.2.4 Using the Serial Console
Connecta terminal to the serial console andpress theReturnkey. Ifthe MSS is functioning
normally, you will see the Local> prompt. Become the privileged user and enter the
Change IPaddress command.
Figure 3-6: Entering the IP Address at the Local 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.
Username> gopher
Local> SET PRIVILEGED
Password> system (not echoed)
Local>> CHANGE IPADDRESS 192.0.1.228
Local> SET PRIVILEGED
Password> system (not echoed)
Local>> CHANGE IPADDRESS 192.0.1.228

Getting Started Incoming Logins
3-5
If the MSS encounters 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 finish
booting. If you press a key during that time period, the MSS will display the Boot prompt
at which you can enter the Change IPaddress command to set the unit’s IP address.
Note: For more information on Boot Configuration Program (BCP)
commands, see the Troubleshooting appendix.
3.3 Incoming Logins
3.3.1 TCP/IP Logins
3.3.1.1 Web Browser Login and Configuration
If your MSS has an IP address, you can log into it using a standard web browser with Java
enabled. Simply type the MSS IP address or resolvable text name into the browser’s URL/
Location field.
Figure 3-7: Sample Web Browser Login
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 as well as view statistics and other server information.
Figure 3-8: ThinWeb Manager Interface
MENU