Lantronix Hub User manual

Part Number 900-328
Rev. A 1/04
MSS User Guide

i
Copyright & Trademark
© 2004, 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.
Ethernet is a trademark of XEROX Corporation. UNIX is a registered trademark of The
Open Group. Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows ME, Windows 2000, and
Windows XP are trademarks of Microsoft Corp. Netscape is a trademark of Netscape
Communications Corporation.
Lantronix Corporate Headquarters
15353 Barranca Parkway
Irvine, CA 92618, USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Technical Support
Phone: [phone] or 949-453-7198
Fax: [phone]
Online: www.lantronix.com/support
E-mail [email protected]
Sales Offices
For a current list of our domestic and international sales offices, go to the Lantronix web
site at http://www.lantronix.com/about/contact/index.html
Contacts
Lantronix Corporate Headquarters
15353 Barranca Parkway
Irvine, CA 92618, USA
Phone:[phone]
Fax: [phone]
Technical Support
Phone: [phone] or 949-453-7198
Fax: [phone]
Online: www.lantronix.com/support
Email mailto:[email protected]
Sales Offices
For a current list of our domestic and international sales offices, go to the Lantronix web
site at http://www.lantronix.com/about/contact/index.html

ii
Disclaimer & Revisions
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.
Attention: 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.
Changes or modifications to this device not explicitly approved by Lantronix will void the
user's authority to operate this device.
The information in this guide may change without notice. The manufacturer assumes no
responsibility for any errors that may appear in this guide.

iii
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
MSS4 Installation___________________________________________________2-7
MSS4 Components______________________________________________2-7
Installation Procedure ____________________________________________2-8
MSS4 Specifications ____________________________________________2-10
MSS100 Installation________________________________________________2-11
Components __________________________________________________2-11
Installation Procedure ___________________________________________2-12
MSS100 Specifications __________________________________________2-14
3: Getting Started _____________________________________________ 3-15
Privileged User Status ______________________________________________ 3-15
IP Address Configuration____________________________________________3-16
Using EZWebCon ______________________________________________3-16
Using a Web Browser ___________________________________________3-16
Using ARP and Ping ____________________________________________3-17
Using a DHCP, BOOTP, or RARP Reply ____________________________3-18
Using the Serial Console_________________________________________3-18
Incoming Logins __________________________________________________3-19
Login Password _______________________________________________3-19
Incoming TCP/IP Logins _________________________________________3-19
Serial Port Logins ______________________________________________3-20

iv
Remote Console Logins _________________________________________3-21
Incoming LAT Logins ___________________________________________3-21
Changing the Login Password________________________________________3-21
Outbound Connections _____________________________________________3-22
Logout __________________________________________________________3-22
4: Configuration _______________________________________________ 4-1
Overview _________________________________________________________4-1
Rebooting the MSS _________________________________________________4-1
Normal Reboot _________________________________________________4-1
Factory Defaults ________________________________________________4-2
Protocol Configuration _______________________________________________4-2
TCP/IP Configuration ____________________________________________4-2
SNMP ________________________________________________________4-4
IPX (NetWare) Configuration ______________________________________4-5
LAT Configuration _______________________________________________4-7
RS-485 Configuration _______________________________________________4-8
Two-Wire Mode_________________________________________________4-8
Four-Wire Mode ________________________________________________4-9
TXDrive ______________________________________________________4-10
Termination ___________________________________________________4-10
A Note About RS-422 Networking__________________________________4-10
Serial Port Configuration ____________________________________________4-11
Access Mode _________________________________________________4-11
Autostart _____________________________________________________4-11
Serial Data ___________________________________________________4-12
Baud Rate ____________________________________________________4-13
Character Size, Parity, and Stop Bits _______________________________4-13
Flow Control __________________________________________________4-14
Modems and Modem Signaling____________________________________4-14
Logouts ______________________________________________________4-16
Preferred Host_________________________________________________4-17
Dedicated Host ________________________________________________4-17
802.11 Configuration _______________________________________________4-17
Enabling 802.11 Networking ______________________________________4-18
802.11 Region_________________________________________________4-18
MAC Address _________________________________________________4-18

v
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
UDP Configuration _____________________________________________5-18
Multihost Mode ___________________________________________________5-18
Enabling Multihost Mode_________________________________________5-18
Adding Hosts__________________________________________________5-18
Removing Hosts _______________________________________________5-18
Modem Emulation Mode ____________________________________________5-18
Modem Mode Commands________________________________________5-18
Wiring Requirements____________________________________________5-18
Sequential Hostlist Mode____________________________________________5-18
COM Port Redirector_______________________________________________5-18
6: Troubleshooting____________________________________________ 6-18
Power-up Troubleshooting __________________________________________6-18
DHCP Troubleshooting _____________________________________________6-18
BOOTP Troubleshooting ____________________________________________6-18
RARP Troubleshooting _____________________________________________6-18
TFTP Troubleshooting______________________________________________6-18
Modem Configuration Checklist_______________________________________6-18
Entering Commands at the Boot Prompt________________________________6-18
Technical Support _________________________________________________6-18
7: Pinouts ___________________________________________________ 7-18
Ethernet Connector ________________________________________________7-18

vi
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
A: Compliance and Warranty Information _________________________ 8-18
Compliance Information_____________________________________________8-18
Warranty ________________________________________________________8-18

1-1
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.
The MSS-VIA provides all the functionality of other MSS products plus a PC card
interface, allowing the MSS-VIA to use a variety of technologies such as 802.11b
wireless technology, modems, and storage cards. When an 802.11 PC card is installed in
the MSS-VIA PC card slot, the MSS-VIA can link its attached serial device to your
wireless LAN.
This manual assumes knowledge of the IEEE 802.11 Standard governing wireless
networking. If you are not familiar with wireless networking concepts and implementation,
please refer to the Standard or the documentation that came with your wireless PC card.
Note: For a current list of supported PC card technologies, please check the MSS-VIA
product page on the Lantronix website: http://www.lantronix.com/.
Throughout this manual, the MSS may be referred to as the MSS or as the device
server.
MSS Family 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 10/100 BASE-T or wireless
802.11 Ethernet network (for MSS-VIA).
Ease of Use
The MSS family of products has a simple but powerful command interface for
both users and system managers. The MSS Local mode supports command line
editing, command line recall, and command completion. An extensive Help
facility is included.
The EZWebCon utility (provided on the CD-ROM) allows you to configure the
MSS from any host machine. It also allows remote host logins into the MSS-VIA,
which are similar to Telnet logins.
The Lantronix Web Manager allows you to configure the device server using a
standard browser. For more information, see Web Browser Login and
Configuration.
1
1: : I In nt tr ro od du uc ct ti io on n t to o t th he e M MS SS S F Fa am mi il ly y

MSS User Guide 1: Introduction to the MSS Family
1-2
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’ internal HTTP server.
Context-Sensitive Help
Context-sensitive online help is available from the CLI 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.
Note: See the MSS 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
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, maintenance commands, and the
remote console.
−An IP security table, which allows the system administrator 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
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.
Protocols
A network protocol is a method of communicating over Ethernet (wired or wireless). Each
protocol specifies a certain arrangement of data in the Ethernet packets and provides
different services for its users.
The MSS supports TCP/IP protocols, including Telnet, Rlogin, UDP, DNS, and WINS.
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.

MSS User Guide 1: Introduction to the MSS Family
1-3
Domain Name Service (DNS) is a protocol that allows 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.
Note: MSS products support B-node functionality only
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.
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 configuration and session management
commands and to establish connections. When in Local mode, users see a
Local> prompt.
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.
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. A typical session is a terminal connected to a host
through the device server.
About The Documentation
The rest of this User Guide is divided into chapters as follows:
2:Installation explains the MSS connectors and the installation process.
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.
4:Configuration contains additional configuration information.
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.

MSS User Guide 1: Introduction to the MSS Family
1-4
The remaining chapters include 6:Troubleshooting,7:Pinouts,and 8:Updating
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.

2-1
2
2: : I In ns st ta al ll la at ti io on n
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.
Figure 2-1: MSS-VIA Front Panel
Note: When the reset button is pressed and held during the power up and boot
procedure for at least 3 seconds, the MSS-VIA returns to its factory default configuration.
The MSS-VIA rear panel has an RJ45 Ethernet connector, a PC card slot, and a power
connector.

MSS User Guide 2: Installation
2-2
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
LED Function
Serial Blinks green to indicate serial activity.
OK
Blinks green or orange/yellow to indicate network activity.
Green: Fast blink (1/2 second) -- the unit is booting; slow blink (2
seconds) -- the unit is running normally
Orange/Yellow:Packets sent or received
PC
Card
Blinks yellow, green, or red to indicate PC card status.
Off: No PC card inserted
Red blinking: PC card not read or not supported
Red solid: PC card hardware failure
Yellow blinking: Scanning for Access Point (AP) or Ad-Hoc peer
Yellow solid: PC card identified, initialization in progress
Green blinking: Negotiating settings with AP or Ad-Hoc peer
Green solid: 802.11 link established, PC card ready for use
100 Glows green to indicate a 100 Mb Ethernet connection.
Link Glows green while the device server is connected properly to a wired
10BASE-T or 100BASE-T Ethernet network.
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.

MSS User Guide 2: Installation
2-3
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. Since powering
down the unit will terminate any active sessions, it may be desirable to place the device
server in a location secure from user access. Also be aware of the unit's environmental
operating limits and cabling requirements. See Chapter7:Pinouts and MSS-VIA
Specifications at the end of this chapter for details.
When using a wireless LAN PC card for the network connection, be sure to read the PC
card manual for specific placement and distance requirements.

MSS User Guide 2: Installation
2-4
The following diagram shows a properly installed MSS-VIA. The numbers in the diagram
refer to the installation steps in this section.
Figure 2-5: MSS-VIA Connected to Serial Device and Network
1. Connect the MSS to a serial device.
a) Connect one end of a serial cable to the MSS DB25 or DB9 connector. See
Chapter 7:Pinouts for MSS connector pinout information.
You may want to connect a serial terminal to the MSS DB9 console port for the
first connection, both to ensure that your device server is working and to
configure the necessary network settings. The default settings for the console
port are 9600 baud, 8 data bits, one stop bit, no parity, and no flow control.
b) Connect the other end of the cable to your serial device's serial port.
2. Connect the MSS to the network via one of the following methods:
a) 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 back of the
MSS.
Note: 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. Reboot the MSS by removing
and replacing the power cord. Do not remove the PC card while the MSS is
powered on.
3. Supply power to the MSS.
a) Connect the barrel jack 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.
c) When the MSS receives power, it will begin a three-step boot process.

MSS User Guide 2: Installation
2-5
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.
e) The MSS tries to obtain TCP/IP configuration information via DHCP, BOOTP,
and/or RARP. This procedure takes approximately 40 seconds if no hosts
answer the request. Boot messages will be sent to the console port during the
boot process. 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
system's documentation.
f) 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 MSS is running normally, the Link LED should be solidly lit to indicate a
functioning Ethernet connection, and the OK LED should blink once every two
seconds. The PC Card LED should remain lit as long as there is a PC card inserted
into the PC card slot.
4. Supply power to the serial device, if necessary.
5. Ensure the MSS is working. There are a few ways to check:
Wait for approximately 30 seconds after powering the unit up. If the Link LED is
solidly lit and the OK LED blinks green once every two seconds, the MSS is
probably operating normally.
If you have connected a serial terminal to the MSS DB25 or DB9 port, press the
Return or Enter key. You should see several lines of start-up messages followed
by a Local> prompt.
Ping the MSS from a TCP/IP host. For more instructions, see IP Address
Configuration.
Figure 2-6: Pinging the MSS
% ping nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn

MSS User Guide 2: Installation
2-6
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: 7-24 VDC
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: 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
Humidity
Operating range: 10% to 90% non-condensing
40% to 60% recommended
Storage range: 10% to 90% non-condensing
Altitude
Note: For operations above 2.4 km (8,000 ft), decrease the operating temperature rating
by 1.8°C for each 1,000 m (1°F for each 1,000 ft).
Operating 2.4 km (8,000 ft)
Storage 9.1 km (30,000 ft)

MSS User Guide 2: Installation
2-7
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. The following figure shows
an MSS side panel.
Figure 2-8: MSS4 Side Panel
LEDs are located on the front panel of the unit. MSS4 units have four LEDs that indicate
serial activity for each serial port and two status LEDs.
The following tables explains the function of the LEDs.

MSS User Guide 2: Installation
2-8
Table 2-2: MSS4 LEDs
LED Function
Serial
(1-4) Blinks green to indicate MSS serial activity.
OK Blinks yellow, green, or red to indicate MSS activity.
Link
Glows green or yellow to indicate a wired Ethernet connection.
Off: Not connected to a wired Ethernet network
Green: Connected to a 10BASE-T network
Yellow: Connected to either a 100BASE-T or 100BASE-FX network
Installation Procedure
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 device
server in a location secure from user access. Also be aware of the unit’s environmental
operating limits and cabling requirements.
The following diagram shows a properly-installed MSS in an Ethernet network. The
numbers in the diagram refer to the installation steps in this section.
Figure 2-9: MSS Connected to a Serial Device and Network
1. Connect the MSS to a serial device. Note that all serial ports are initially configured
for RS-232 networking.
a) Connect one end of a serial cable to one of the MSS DB9 connectors. See
Chapter 7:Pinouts for MSS connector pinout information.
Note: For the first connection, you may want to connect a serial terminal to the
console port, designated as the first serial port. This will allow you to verify that
your device server is working and to configure the necessary network settings.
The console port is initially set for 9600 baud, 8 data bits, one stop bit, no parity,
and no flow control.
b) Connect the other end of the cable to your serial device’s serial port.

MSS User Guide 2: Installation
2-9
2. 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.
3. Supply power to the MSS. This can be done through either the MSS power jack or
the screw terminal power connector. Do not supply power to both the power jack and
the screw terminal at the same time.
a) Connect one end of a power connector to the MSS via one of the following:
Connect the barrel jack end of the power cable to the MSS power jack.
Connect power to the 9-30V screw terminal power connector and to ground and
chassis ground.
Note: The auxiliary input terminal block may be connected only to a SELV circuit.
The maximum rating is 30Vdc peak
b) Supply power to the MSS by connecting the power cube end of the power cable
to a standard wall outlet.
When the MSS receives power, it begins the boot process.
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: If there is a valid connection to a wired Ethernet network, the Link LED should
remain solid green or yellow once the unit has completed booting.
Once the MSS is running normally, the Link LED should be solidly lit to indicate a
functioning wired Ethernet connection and the OK LED should blink once every two
seconds.
4. Supply power to the attached serial device(s), if necessary.
5. Ensure the MSS is working:
Wait approximately 30 seconds after powering the unit up. If the Link LED is
solidly lit and the OK LED blinks green once every two seconds, the MSS is
operating normally.
If you connected a serial terminal to the console port, press the Return key. You
should see several lines of start-up messages followed by a Local> prompt.