Microtronics Access 1000 User manual

Microtronix
Access 1000 & 4000
Serial - TCP Converter
Sync – TCP/UDP Server
Quick Start Guide 0.12.0

Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
Table of Contents
1 Overview............................................................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter models.......................................................................................4
1.2 AN interface............................................................................................................................... 5
1.3 Console interface.......................................................................................................................... 5
1.4 Network (Ethernet) interface.........................................................................................................6
1.5 USB interface................................................................................................................................ 6
2 Package Check ist............................................................................................................................6
3 Quick Start Guide............................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 Installation..................................................................................................................................... 7
3.2 Console/ AN Port........................................................................................................................ 7
3.2.1 U-Boot Command Access.....................................................................................................................7
3.2.2 Setting Default IP Parameters................................................................................................................7
3.2.3 Emergency IP Address Recovery..........................................................................................................8
3.2.4 System Maintenance..............................................................................................................................8
3.3 Configuration eb Interface..........................................................................................................9
3.4 IP Network Configuration............................................................................................................10
3.4.1 Verifying IP Network..........................................................................................................................11
3.4.2 Monitoring IP Network........................................................................................................................11
3.5 Synchronous Server Configuration..............................................................................................12
3.5.1 Synchronous HDLC Settings...............................................................................................................12
3.5.2 Network Settings.................................................................................................................................13
3.5.3 Update and Start the Server.................................................................................................................13
3.5.4 Verify Synchronous Server Connection...............................................................................................13
3.5.5 Synchronous Interface Monitor...........................................................................................................13
3.6 Terminal Server Configuration.....................................................................................................14
3.6.1 Asynchronous Serial Settings..............................................................................................................14
3.6.2 Conversion Settings.............................................................................................................................15
3.6.3 Network Settings.................................................................................................................................15
3.6.4 Update and Start the Server.................................................................................................................15
3.6.5 Verify Terminal Server Connection.....................................................................................................15
4 Cables................................................................................................................................................ 16
4.1 Synchronous Cables – AN interface........................................................................................16
4.1.1 Connecting to a DCE device................................................................................................................16
4.1.2 Connecting to a DTE device................................................................................................................16
4.2 Async Cables – AN interface....................................................................................................17
4.2.1 Connecting to a DCE device................................................................................................................17
4.2.2 Connecting to a DTE device................................................................................................................17
4.3 Async Cables – Serial USB ports................................................................................................18
4.3.1 Connecting to a DTE device................................................................................................................18
4.3.2 Connecting to a DCE device................................................................................................................18
5 Encapsulation Message Formats....................................................................................................19
5.1 MBIT (2-byte count field).............................................................................................................19
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
5.2 RFC1006 (ISO TP)......................................................................................................................19
6 Contact Microtronix..........................................................................................................................20
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
1 Overview
The Microtronix Access Serial/TCP Converter provides conversion between asynchronous interfaces
over TCP/IP sockets, and synchronous interfaces over TCP/IP or UDP/IP sockets.
A web interface allows for configuration and monitoring from any Internet browser, and telnet/SSH
servers allow for connecting to the command line interface for additional management.
1.1 Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter models
The following table shows the available interfaces and connector type of each Access model.
Model RJ45
Ethernet DB25F WAN USB host port DB9M Serial ports Power connector
1000-S00 1 1 1 0 AC adapter
1000-N00 1 1 1 0 -48VDC cable
4002-S00 1 2 1 0 AC adapter
4002-N00 1 2 1 0 -48VDC cable
4002-N00-RM 1 2 1 (internal) 0 -48VDC
4002-N40-RM 1 2 0 4 -48VDC
The following pictures of the rear plate of each model illustrate the interfaces and connectors.
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Model 1000-S04-U
Model 1000

Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
The model name and serial number are printed on the label located on the bottom of the unit.
The following sections describe the each attributes and function of each interface type.
1.2 WAN interface
AN interfaces support RS232/V.24 with speeds up to 128 Kbps, and V.35, X.21, RS530, RS449/V.36
interface types with speeds up to 10 Mbps, in a standard DB25F DCE connector. The AN interface
may be used for:
●Synchronous Server
●Terminal Server
The 1000 model has one AN interface that doubles as the boot console, and the 4002 model has two
AN interfaces with one that doubles as the Console port. See the notes under Console interface
below.
1.3 Console interface
The Console/ AN port may be used for:
●Synchronous Server
●Terminal Server
●System console port for configuration and monitoring
In addition, the Console port serves as the console for the boot program and operates in RS232
asynchronous mode during boot up. The boot command line interface may be invoked for system
management and emergency IP address recovery by entering a password during a 10 second interval
after power up.
The 4002 model has a DB25F Console/ AN interface that supports all interface types.
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Model 4002
Model 4002-N40-RM

Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
1.4 Network (Ethernet) interface
The RJ45 NET ORK interface is 10/100 Ethernet with full auto-detection, supporting a rich set of
standard IP protocols.
1.5 USB interface
The USB 1.1 type A host port supports additional serial interface or storage devices:
●USB serial adapters (FTDI chipset only) for up to 8 additional Terminal Server interfaces
●USB flash drive for storing and moving files
2 Package Check List
Check that the Access model received matches the order by comparing to the model number printed on
the label on the bottom of the unit.
Check that the package shipped contains the following items.
●Access unit as above
●AC adapter with AC power cord or - 48VDC power cord
●DB9F-DB25M Console Cable
●RJ45 Ethernet patch cable (blue)
●DB25MF straight through RS232 AN cable
The following optional items are available through special order, and may be included:
●Additional AN or serial cable(s) – refer to the Cables section for part numbers
●USB serial adapter unit: 1, 2, 4, or 8 ports
●USB flash drive
●Rack mount kit
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
3 Quick Start Guide
Configuration of the Access will require a PC or laptop with any standard Internet browser like Internet
Explorer or Mozilla Firefox. Optionally, a serial COM port (or USB serial adapter) on the PC with a
terminal emulator application may be used to connect to the Console/ AN interface.
3.1 Installation
1) The Access may be placed on a shelf in a rack, or mounted using a rack mount kit.
2) Connect to the IP network through the RJ45 10/100 Network port.
3) Optional: Connect the Console/ AN port to the PC using the Console Cable. Refer to the
“Console/ AN Port” section below for instructions.
4) Connect DC power adapter and AC power cord, or attach the -48VDC power cord
5) ait 20 seconds for the boot process to complete. The RUN led will start to blink.
3.2 Console/WAN Port
The Console/ AN port offers system control access during the boot-up process. Boot messages will
be displayed if a PC COM port is connected using the Console Cable, and a terminal emulator like
“putty” or “HyperTerminal” is set for 9600-N-8-1.
3.2.1 U-Boot Command Access
After power up, there is a 10 second delay that allows U-Boot command access:
Autoboot in 10 seconds (Enter password to stop)...
if the password “foad” is typed while the message is displayed, the U-Boot prompt “A4K:>” will indicate
command readiness.
3.2.2 Setting Default IP Parameters
The default IP network parameters may be modified or added here as an alternative to the configuration
via the web interface. Enter the following commands to change the default IP address, netmask,
default gateway (if needed), and optionally a new system “hostname”
set ipaddr 10.1.1.240
set netmask 255.255.255.0
set gatewayip 10.1.1.1
set hostname MYNAME
save
boot
These defaults will remain in effect until again changed again in U-Boot, or explicitly changed via the
Ethernet configuration page in the web interface.
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
3.2.3 Emergency IP Address Recovery
The u-boot console may be used to recover a forgotten IP address. hile in the U-Boot console, the
default IP address and other parameters may be displayed:
print ipaddr
print netmask
print gatewayip
If the default values are not in current effect, they may override the system-defined values temporarily
by setting new default values (if desired) and entering the U-Boot commands:
set ipaddr 10.1.1.240
set netmask 255.255.255.0
set gatewayip 10.1.1.1
set runlevel 2
save
boot
hen the system starts up, it will be using the default IP address information, and should be reachable
on that network. Browse into the web interface and access the Ethernet page to view the “forgotten”
values. Restart the system to get the U-Boot console, and reset run level:
set runlevel
save
boot
The system will restart with the system-defined values.
3.2.4 System Maintenance
The u-boot console may also be used in conjunction with Microtronix support for applying firmware
updates, and emergency IP address recovery.
To apply firmware updates:
1) Obtain one or both of the kernel image (uImage) and filesystem image (jffs2.img) files from
Microtronix
2) Start a tftpd server on the PC or an available file server
3) Place the file(s) in the tftpd default directory on the PC or server
4) Enter the PC or server IP address (example 10.1.1.200) using the u-boot commands:
set serverip 10.1.1.200
save
5) Load the new kernel image:
run updatekernel
6) Load the new filesystem image:
run updatejffs2
7) Start the system by re-applying power or typing the “boot” command.
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
3.3 Configuration Web Interface
The default IP address of the Access is 10.1.1.240. The PC used to access the web interface must be
configured (temporarily) for an address in the same subnet, for example, 10.1.1.200. Connect the PC
to the same LAN, or connect directly to the Access.
Open the web browser on the PC, and enter http://10.1.1.240 in the URL field. hen
prompted by a popup window, login using default user name: admin, and password: admin.
The home page will be displayed with the main menu down the left hand side. The Access can
now be configured by selecting the main menu items. Each page has a Help button in the
upper right corner for viewing additional information specific to the current page.
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
3.4 IP Network Configuration
To create or modify the IP network parameters different than the default values defined in U-Boot ,
obtain the new IP address, network mask, and default gateway values. Follow this procedure only if
you don't want the default values to be used in the running system.
From the main menu System Configuration section, select Network to display the configuration form.
1) Click on the Select button in the Ethernet Interfaces table corresponding to “eth0”.
2) Enter the new IP address and network mask.
3) Enter the new Default Gateway IP address, if needed.
4) Click the Apply button for the changes to be saved and to take affect.
Connect the Network port to the new network, if not already. Since the IP connection may be lost due
to the change, the new address may need to be entered in the browser. The Network configuration
page displays the current status of the Ethernet interface.
For more information on additional network configuration, click the Help button on the page.
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
3.4.1 Verifying IP Network
Use ping from another station on the IP network to verify the Access is reachable. Sometimes ARP
cache tables are obsolete and need refreshing after an IP change.
The LAN led on the front panel or rear RJ45 connector led will blink when there is activity on the
Ethernet port.
If the PC used for configuration is still able to reach the Access, use telnet or ssh to connect to the
command line interface. If the unit has been pre-configured for console access on the Console port,
you may use a terminal emulator to connect a PC COM port to the console using 9600-N-8-1. Login
using user name “root” and password “f0adA” (0=zero).
Enter the command “ifconfig eth0” to view the status and statistics of the Ethernet interface.
Use ping to test the connection to the default gateway or another station on the IP network. Enter the
command “ping a.b.c.d”, where a.b.c.d is the IP address in dotted notation.
To test the connectivity to a remote IP host that will be connecting to or receiving connections from the
Access, use ping to verify reachability.
3.4.2 Monitoring IP Network
Sometimes tracing an the IP interface may be necessary to determine a problem. The standard
tcpdump utility is provided for this purpose. To run the tcpdump utility, make a telnet connection from a
PC to connect to the Access command line interface. Respond to the login request with the default
username “root” and password “f0adA” (0=zero). At the “#” prompt, enter the “tcpdump” command. It
can be entered with a number of command line options. Use the “-h” option to see a list of all available
options. The normal syntax is:
tcpdump -i INTERFACE -w OUTPUT_FILE EXPRESSION
To stop tcpdump, type control-C (Ctrl+C). The file can be copied to a PC using FTP or SFTP for
display and analysis using ireshark (Ethereal). File transfer programs like FileZilla or inSCP may
be used to retrieve the file.
For example, to monitor TCP port 102 on the Ethernet interface, and record the output into a file:
tcpdump -i eth0 -w /tmp/tcpdump.pcap tcp port 102
The other possible interface is the loopback interface sometimes used for internal connections:
-i lo
For extended monitoring, the output file may also be written to a USB-mounted flash drive (formatted
VFAT-32) by using the path:
-w /mnt/usb1/tcpdump.pcap
hen the file is completed, the drive may be removed safely by entering the command:
umount /mnt/usb1/
Other expressions may be used like a remote IP address:
ip host 10.1.1.24
Care must be taken to NOT use an expression that would monitor the initiating telnet session.
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
3.5 Synchronous Server Configuration
AN interfaces may be configured for raw synchronous HDLC operation by configuring it as a
Synchronous Server. Ensure that the Terminal server or X.25 Gateway operation is disabled for the
selected port by de-selecting the Enabled button on the Serial-TCP or HD C Physical ayer page.
To configure a port for synchronous service, select HD C -TCP/UDP from the main menu
Synchronous Server section to display the configuration form.
3.5.1 Synchronous HDLC Settings
1) Select the ocal interface name from the drop-down list.
2) Configure the settings to match the attached device.
3) If the device asserts a DTR signal, select DTR detection. This also controls TCP connectivity.
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
4) Click the Enabled checkbox.
3.5.2 Network Settings
5) Select the Encapsulation method from the drop-down list. RA does not preserve frame
boundaries across a TCP/IP interface. MBIT and RFC1006 will preserve frame boundaries
when transmitting over a TCP/IP interface.
6) Select the protocol, TCP or UDP, to create an IP socket.
6) Select the port number on which a listen is posted for remote clients, or to which a connection is
to be initiated towards a remote server.
7) Enter the remote IP address to which the connection will be made, or enter 0.0.0.0 for a TCP
listen to be posted.
3.5.3 Update and Start the Server
8) Check the Start / Restart Synchronous Server box for changes to become active.
9) Click the Apply button to save changes and (re)start the server if requested.
For additional information, click the Help button on the page.
3.5.4 Verify Synchronous Server Connection
Click on the Status and Control & og items in the Synchronous Server main menu section. Refer
to the Help pages for details.
3.5.5 Synchronous Interface Monitor
Sometimes tracing a synchronous interface may be necessary to determine a problem. To run the
monitor, make a telnet connection from a PC to connect to the Access command line interface.
Respond to the login request with the default username “root” and password “f0adA” (0=zero). At the
“#” prompt, enter the command:
hdlctrace -a hdlc0
Assuming that the correct cable is properly connected, and there is no transmitted data (out), then there
must be a configuration problem.
If there is transmitted data but no received data (in), then there is likely a problem with the HDLC clock
configuration. Only one side of the interface can be configured to source the clock, and the other side
must be configured to receive it. Chances are that the transmitter of the attached device is not
receiving a clock signal.
If there is both transmitted and received data but there is still a problem, then the data itself needs to be
analyzed.
Analysis beyond this is out of scope for this document. The displayed data may be captured and
forwarded to Microtronix Support for analysis.
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
3. Terminal Server Configuration
The AN interface and USB serial ports may be configured for asynchronous serial operation by
configuring them as a terminal server interface. Ensure that Synchronous Server or X.25 Gateway
operation is disabled for the selected interface by de-selecting the Enabled button on the HD C-TCP
or HD C Physical ayer page.
To configure an interface for terminal service, select Serial-TCP from the main menu Terminal Server
section to display the configuration form.
3.6.1 Asynchronous Serial Settings
1) Select the ocal interface name from the drop-down list.
2) Configure the settings to match the attached device.
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
3) If the device asserts a DTR or CD signal, select DTR/CD detection. This also controls TCP
connectivity.
4) Click the Enabled checkbox.
3.6.2 Conversion Settings
5) Select the mode of operation from the drop-down list. RA treats data as a byte stream. LINE
does special line handling for data from TCP to the serial interface. IAC-ESC ensures data
transparency when connecting to remote Telnet sessions.
3.6.3 Network Settings
6) Select the TCP port on which a listen is posted for remote clients, or to which a connection is to
be initiated towards a remote server.
7) Enter the remote IP address to which the connection will be made, or enter 0.0.0.0 for a listen to
be posted.
8) Optional: Enter the IP address of the local interface on which the listen TCP port is to be bound.
For internal connections, 127.0.0.1.
9) Check the Authentication Required box if the remote client must login.
3.6.4 Update and Start the Server
9) Check the Start / Restart Terminal Server box for changes to become active.
10) Click the Apply button to save changes and (re)start the server if requested.
For additional information, click the Help button on the page.
3.6.5 Verify Terminal Server Connection
Click on the Status and Control & og items in the Terminal Server main menu section. Refer to the
Help pages for details.
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
4 Cables
4.1 Synchronous Cables – WAN interface
hen configured for sync, the DB25F AN ports have an RS530 DCE pin configuration (compatible
with ISO 2110). RS232 is a subset of RS530, so a AN port has a standard RS232 pin assignment
when configured for RS232 (V.24).
4.1.1 Connecting to a DCE device
The following cables are used when connecting to DCE device (like a modem) with a female connector
that is supplying clocking on the DCE transmit and receive clock pins.
Crossover cable part numbers
W4025-V24-DTE DB25M-DB25M RS232 /V.24 crossover cable
W4025-V35-DTE DB25M-M34M V.35 crossover cable
W4025-X21-DTE DB25M-DB15M X.21 crossover cable
W4025-RS449-DTE DB25M-DB37M RS449/V.36 crossover cable
W4025-RS530-DTE DB25M-DB25M RS530 crossover cable
4.1.2 Connecting to a DTE device
The following cables are used when connecting to DTE device with a male connector that expects to
receive clocking on the DCE transmit and receive clock pins. If replacing a modem, avoid any modem
handshake issues by configuring the device's interface for “leased line” or “permanent modem” type
connection.
Straight through cable part numbers
811-SC6MF DB25MF RS232/V.24 straight through cable
W4025-V35-DCE DB25M-M34F V.35 straight through cable
W4025-X21-DCE DB25M-DB15F X.21 straight through cable
W4025-RS449-DCE DB25M-DB37F RS449/V.36 straight through cable
W4025-RS530-DCE DB25M-DB25F RS530 straight through cable
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
4.2 Async Cables – WAN interface
hen configured for asynchronous serial, the DB25F AN interface has a standard RS232 DCE pin
configuration.
4.2.1 Connecting to a DCE device
Standard null modem cables are used when connecting to a serial DCE device (like a modem) that has
a DB25 or DB9 female connector.
Null modem cable part numbers
W4025-V24-DTE DB25MM - WAN interface to DB25F
W4009-V24-DTE-S DB25M-DB9M - WAN interface to DB9F
4.2.2 Connecting to a DTE device
Standard straight-through cables are used when connecting to a serial DTE device (like a PC COM
port) that has a DB25 or DB9 male connector. If replacing a modem, avoid any modem handshake
issues by configuring the device's interface for “leased line” or “permanent modem” type connection.
Straight through cable part numbers
811-SC6MF DB25MF - WAN interface to DB25M
[284-MC1MF DB9F-DB25M - WAN interface to DB9M
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
4.3 Async Cables – Serial USB ports
hen a USB serial adapter is connected, the connector has a standard DB9M RS232 DTE pin
configuration.
4.3.1 Connecting to a DTE device
Standard null modem cables are used when connecting to a serial DTE device (like a PC COM port)
that has a DB25 or DB9 male connector.
Null modem cable part numbers
DB9M-DB25M - Serial port to DB25M
DB9MM - Serial port to DB9M
4.3.2 Connecting to a DCE device
Standard straight through cables are used when connecting to a serial DCE device (like a modem) that
has a DB25 or DB9 female connector. If replacing a modem, avoid any modem handshake issues by
configuring the device's interface for “leased line” or “permanent modem” type connection.
Straight through cable part numbers
DB25MF - Serial port to DB25F
DB9F-DB25M - Serial port to DB9F
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
5 Encapsulation Message Formats
The following are the formats of the messages used to encapsulate frame data over TCP connections.
The TCP/IP host is expected to implement one of these methods if message preservation is required.
Count (length) fields are in network byte order (big endian) with most significant byte first, least
significant byte last.
5.1 MBIT (2-byte count field)
Simple encapsulation of data using a 2-byte length field. Used to encapsulate and demarcate frame
data. Each MBIT message contains the data from an individual frame. The purpose is to preserve the
boundaries of application messages.
Count = x Payload (x bytes)
Error detection is not performed on the header, and any error will cause data loss and/or stalling.
5.2 RFC1006 (ISO TP)
Encapsulation method to provide ISO Transport Service for bridging between X.25 and TCP hosts.
Preserves application message boundaries similar to MBIT above, and can be used as an alternative to
MBIT. The header is 4 bytes.
03 00 Count = 4+x Payload (x bytes)
Error detection is performed on the header, and any errors will cause the connection to be terminated.
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Microtronix Access Serial-TCP/IP Converter
6 Contact Microtronix
Microtronix Datacom Ltd.
4056 Meadowbrook Drive, Unit 126
London ON N6L 1E3
CANADA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Sales Enquiries: sale[email protected]
Customer Support: [email protected]
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