Silex technology SX-500 Series User manual

SX-500 and SX-510
Serial Device Server
User’s Reference Guide

Part Number 140-00188-180
Revision A
© 2008 Silex Technology America, Inc. All rights reserved.
November, 2008
Silex Technology America SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS OF THIS PRODUCT FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Silex shall not be liable for any errors contained in this
manual or for any damages resulting from loss of use, data, profits, or any incidental or consequential damages arising from
the use of SILEX products or services. The information contained in this documentation is subject to change without notice.
Information and descriptions contained herein are the property of Silex. Such information and descriptions may
not be copied, disseminated, or distributed without the express written consent of Silex. This publication is
subject to change without notice.
The software embedded in this SX-500 serial device server includes the eCos operating system. eCos and
certain other software programs used in the SX-500 are licensed under GNU GPL compatible Free Software
Licenses (with the eCos exception clause). In compliance with these licenses, you can obtain the relevant
source code at no charge by contacting Silex at [email protected].
Trademarks
ExtendView is a trademark of Silex Technology America, Inc. All other company or product names referenced
in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Silex Technology America, Inc.
www.silexamerica.com

Contents Silex Page i
Part Number 140-00188-180
Contents
About This Reference Guide ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Safety Precautions................................................................................................................................................. 1
Emissions Disclaimer............................................................................................................................................. 1
Chapter 1: Introduction.............................................................................................................................................. 3
Chapter 2 Installing the Serial Device Server Hardware........................................................................................... 5
Verify Package Contents ....................................................................................................................................... 5
Installing the Serial Device Server......................................................................................................................... 5
Monitoring Serial Device Server Status................................................................................................................. 7
Chapter 3 Configuring the Serial Device Server ....................................................................................................... 9
Basic Configuration Requirements ........................................................................................................................ 9
Configuration Methods......................................................................................................................................... 10
Using the ExtendView Utility to Configure the Serial Device Server (Ethernet Connection)............................... 11
First-Time IP Address Configuration.................................................................................................................... 15
Using a Web Browser to Configure the Serial Device Server ............................................................................. 17
Using the Internal Command Console to Configure the Serial Device Server.................................................... 19
Chapter 4 Using the Serial Device Server with Your Application............................................................................ 23
Serial Port Emulator............................................................................................................................................. 23
Raw TCP connection........................................................................................................................................... 24
RFC 2217 Remote Modem Control Support........................................................................................................ 25
ECable Mode ....................................................................................................................................................... 25
Print Server Mode................................................................................................................................................ 26
FTP ...................................................................................................................................................................... 26
Console Mode Switching ..................................................................................................................................... 26
AT Commands..................................................................................................................................................... 27
SNMP Traps and Email Alerts............................................................................................................................. 27
Chapter 5 Advanced Configuration ......................................................................................................................... 29
Factory Default Settings....................................................................................................................................... 29
Restoring Factory Default Settings .................................................................................................................. 30
Modifying TCP/IP Settings................................................................................................................................... 30
Configuring SNMP............................................................................................................................................... 32
Configuring Serial Port Monitor Alert and Trap Configuration............................................................................. 34
Setting up Email Alerts and SNMP Traps............................................................................................................ 35
Using AT Modem Commands.............................................................................................................................. 36
Standard AT Commands Supported................................................................................................................ 36
Response Codes ................................................................................................................................................. 39
Using ExtendView for Bulk Configuration............................................................................................................ 39
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................... 41
Chapter 7 Product Specifications............................................................................................................................ 43
TCP Port Connections......................................................................................................................................... 44
Appendix A Advanced Security Configuration........................................................................................................ 45

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Appendix B Console Commands............................................................................................................................ 49
Wireless and Network Security Commands ........................................................................................................ 49
Port Commands................................................................................................................................................... 56
Server Information Commands............................................................................................................................ 57
Service Commands.............................................................................................................................................. 59
String Commands ................................................................................................................................................ 61
TCP/IP Commands.............................................................................................................................................. 62
Firmware Update.................................................................................................................................................. 67
Miscellaneous Commands................................................................................................................................... 68
Help Commands .................................................................................................................................................. 68
Appendix C Firmware Update Procedures.............................................................................................................. 69
Appendix D Safety and Regulatory Notices............................................................................................................ 71
Information for United States Users..................................................................................................................... 71
Declaration of Conformity (FCC) (SX-500).......................................................................................................... 72
Information for Canadian Users (IC notice) (SX-500).......................................................................................... 72
Information for European Users (SX-500)........................................................................................................... 73
Declaration of Conformity (CE) (SX-500) ............................................................................................................ 73
Declaration of Conformity (FCC) (SX-510).......................................................................................................... 74
Information for Canadian Users (IC notice) (SX-510).......................................................................................... 74
Information for European Users (SX-510)........................................................................................................... 75
Declaration of Conformity (CE) (SX-510) ............................................................................................................ 75
Appendix E Silex Contact Information..................................................................................................................... 77
Figures
Figure 1 SX-500 (Wireless Model) and SX-510 ....................................................................................................... 3
Figure 2 TCP/IP Window........................................................................................................................................ 30
Figure 3 Change Password Window...................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 4 Advanced TCP/IP Configuration Window ................................................................................................ 32
Figure 5 SNMP Configuration................................................................................................................................. 34
Tables
Table 1 Development Kit Contents........................................................................................................................... 5
Table 2 Status Monitors............................................................................................................................................. 7
Table 3 Factory Default Settings............................................................................................................................ 29
Table 4 TCP/IP Settings......................................................................................................................................... 31
Table 5 TCP/IP Configuration Settings................................................................................................................... 32
Table 6 SNMP Commands..................................................................................................................................... 33
Table 7 Port Monitor Alert Commands.................................................................................................................. 34
Table 8 AT Commands........................................................................................................................................... 37
Table 9 Extended AT Commands .......................................................................................................................... 38
Table 10 Response Codes..................................................................................................................................... 39
Table 11 Product Specifications............................................................................................................................. 43
Table 12 Radio Performance Specifications .......................................................................................................... 43
Table 13 TCP Port Connections............................................................................................................................. 44
Table 14 Network Commands................................................................................................................................ 49

Contents Silex Page iii
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Table 15 Port Commands....................................................................................................................................... 56
Table 16 Server Information Commands ............................................................................................................... 57
Table 17 Service Commands................................................................................................................................. 59
Table 18 String Commands.................................................................................................................................... 61
Table 19 TCP/IP Commands.................................................................................................................................. 62
Table 20 Firmware Update..................................................................................................................................... 67
Table 21 Miscellaneous Commands ...................................................................................................................... 68

About This Reference Guide Silex Page 1
Part Number 140-00188-180
About This Reference Guide
Safety Precautions
To prevent damage to the Serial Device Server’s electronic circuit components, follow established ESD
practices and procedures for handling static-sensitive devices. All ESD-sensitive components must be
stored and shipped in ESD-conductive bags or bubble-wrap and labeled as such using the standardized
ESD adhesive warning label.
Ethernet electrical wiring must be at least 6 feet from bare power wiring or lightning rods and associated
wires, and at least 6 inches from other types of wire (antenna wires, doorbell wires, wires from transformers
to neon signs), steam or hot water pipes, and heating devices.
Protectors and grounding wire placed by the service provider must not be connected to, removed, or
modified by the customer.
Emissions Disclaimer
Regulatory compliance information can be found in Appendix D of this manual. Final emission certification per
FCC, CE and other agency requirements are the responsibility of the OEM using any printed circuit assemblies or
other items used in this developer’s kit in their saleable packaged product.

Page 2 Silex About This Reference Guide
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Introduction Silex Page 3
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Chapter 1: Introduction
The SX-500 and SX-510 Serial Device Servers provide a complete solution for connecting serial devices
to 802.11 wireless or Ethernet wired networks. The following models are available:
•SX-500-003xEthernet model. The SX-500 Ethernet model includes an RS-232-C device
interface, 10Base-T/100Base-T Ethernet network interface, and AC power supply.
•SX-500-103xWireless model. The SX-500 Wireless model includes an RS-232-C device
interface, an 802.11b/g wireless LAN interface, a 10-Base-T/100Base-T Ethernet network
interface, and an AC power supply.
•SX-510-103xWireless model. The SX-510 wireless model includes an RS-232-C/RS-422/RS-
485 device interface, an 802.11a/b/g wireless LAN interface with internal diversity antennas, a 10-
Base-T/100Base-T Ethernet network interface, and an AC power supply.
The xin the model number designates the country or region (1 = U.S., 3 = Europe, 5 = Japan; for
example, SX-500-1031 is an SX-500 wireless model for the U.S.).
Figure 1 SX-500 (Wireless Model) and SX-510

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Installing the Serial Device Server Silex Page 5
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Chapter 2
Installing the Serial Device Server Hardware
The Serial Device Server includes most of the hardware and software components required for
installation. The one item that you will need to purchase separately is a cable to connect your serial
device to the Serial Device Server (this cable is not included because of the wide variety of connector
types used on serial devices).
Verify Package Contents
The Serial Device Server includes the components listed in Table 1. Please ensure that all materials
listed are present and free from visible damage or defects before proceeding. If anything appears to be
missing or damaged, please contact Silex.
Table 1 Package Contents
Description
SX-500 or SX-510 Base Unit (SX-500 wireless models include an
external pole antenna)
Setup Guide
CD-ROM containing ExtendView software, Serial Port Emulator
Software, and User’s Reference Guide
AC Power Supply with power cord
Warranty Card
Installing the Serial Device Server
Follow the steps below to install the Serial Device Server. The Serial Device Server’s factory default
settings should be sufficient for most serial connections; however, some of the configuration settings may
have to be changed for your particular installation.
1. Before attempting to install the Serial Device Server, make sure you have installed and set up your
serial device as described in the documentation that came with the device.

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2. Write down the 12-digit MAC (Media Access Code) address printed on the label located on the
bottom of the Serial Device Server (for example: 004017023F96). You may need this number in
order to configure the Serial Device Server.
3. If you have a wireless model, connect the antenna to the unit.
4. Connect the Serial Device Server to your serial device. If you are using RS-232, you may use
standard PC cabling (you should normally use a null modem crossover cable). The 9-pin connector
pinouts and cabling are as follows:
RS-232 connector pinouts and cabling
If you are using RS-422 or RS-485 in full-duplex or half-duplex modes, you will need a special cable.
In addition, if the Silex Serial device Server is the last one in a chain, then a 120-ohm resistor should
be placed between pins 2 and 6 (for full-duplex mode) or pins 4 and 5 (for half-duplex mode).
IMPORTANT: IF YOU ARE USING RS-422, RS-485, OR RS-485 HALF-DUPLEX, YOU MUST SET
THE SERIAL PORT LINE MODE AS DESCRIBED IN CHAPTER 3 OF THIS MANUAL.
The RS-422 and RS-485 pinouts and cabling are shown in the following diagrams:
RS-422/485 full-duplex connector pinouts and cabling
RS-485 half-duplex connector pinouts and cabling
5. Plug the Serial Device Server power supply adapter into a suitable AC receptacle, and then plug the
power supply cable into the Serial Device Server. Alternatively, you can use pin 9 on the 9-pin
connector to provide power to the Serial Device Server (1 amp @ +5V is required). The Serial Device
Server will run through a sequence of power-up diagnostics for a few seconds.

Installing the Serial Device Server Silex Page 7
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•If the Serial Device Server is operating properly, the LEDs will blink momentarily and then go out,
the yellow and green LEDs will illuminate if the wireless network is active, and the orange LED
will illuminate, indicating the device is receiving power.
•The unit powers up in the Normal mode, which provides for connection from the network to
device(s) connected to the serial port of the Serial Device Server.
•If the orange LED blinks continuously in a regular pattern, a problem exists. If this is the case, try
powering the unit OFF and then ON again.
.
6. Connect the Serial Device Server to your network through a switch or hub using a category 5 (CAT5)
Ethernet cable. Serial Device Server wireless models automatically detect the presence of this cable,
and will switch off the wireless networking functionality as long as the cable is plugged in.
7. The Serial Device Server’s IP address must be configured before a network connection is available.
If your network offers DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), the Serial Device Server will
automatically search for a DCHP server upon power up and obtain an IP address. If your network
does not offer DHCP, a static (fixed) IP address must be assigned (see your system administrator for
assistance). If you use DHCP, make sure that the length of the DHCP lease is adequate so that the
IP address of the Serial Device Server does not change.
Monitoring Serial Device Server Status
You can monitor the Serial Device Server status using the yellow, green and orange LED status
indicators on the monitor. Table 2 defines the default functions of the LED status indicators.
Table 2 Status Monitors
Function State Status
On The Serial Device Server is receiving power
Off The Serial Device Server is not receiving power
Power
Orange Blinking The Serial Device Server power supply is malfunctioning
Yellow Off
Green Off No network activity
Yellow On
Green Off 10base-T network active
Yellow Blinking
Green Off 10base-T network data received
Network Status
Yellow or Green
Yellow Off
Green On 100base-TX network active
NOTE: Pin 9 is normally configured for supplying +5V from an external power source in lieu of using the AC power
supply adapter. If you wish to use this pin as the Ring Indicator (RI) modem signal on the SX-500 (not available on the
SX-510), open the enclosure and move the jumper on connector JP1 onto pins 2 and 3 of this connector.
NOTE: SILEX RECOMMENDS USING A HARDWIRED ETHERNET CONNECTION FOR CONFIGURING WIRELESS SERIAL
DEVICE SERVERS. If you have a wireless Serial Device Server model and cannot use an Ethernet connection, refer to
step 4 in the First Time IP Address Configuration section of this chapter for instructions on how to set up the Serial
Device Server using a completely wireless Ad Hoc environment.

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Function State Status
Yellow Off
Green Blinking 100base-TX network data received
Yellow On
Green On Wireless network active, if WLAN model
Yellow Blinking
Green Blinking Wireless network data received, if WLAN model

Configuring the Serial Device Server Silex Page 9
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Chapter 3
Configuring the Serial Device Server
This chapter describes the methods for configuring the basic settings of the Serial Device Server,
including the IP address, serial port settings, and wireless security. The Serial Device Server also has an
extensive range of advanced configuration capabilities that are described in Chapter 5, Appendix A, and
Appendix B. The Serial Device Server configuration should be done by a network administrator or
another person with technical knowledge of TCP/IP networking and serial communications.
Basic Configuration Requirements
In order to use the Serial Device Server, the following basic parameters must be configured:
TCP/IP Settings:
•IP Address
•Subnet Mask
•Router Address
Note: The TCP/IP settings can be automatically configured using DHCP.
Wireless Configuration Settings:
•SSID
•Mode (Infrastructure or Ad Hoc)
•Channel (required only if using Ad Hoc mode)
Security Settings:
•Wireless Encryption Mode (WPA2, WPA, WPA2-WPA, WEP)
•Wireless Encryption Settings
•Wireless Authentication Mode (WPA-PSK, Open System, Shared Key, TTLS, TLS, LEAP, PEAP,
EAP-FAST)
•Wired Authentication Mode (TTLS, TLS, PEAP, EAP-FAST)
•Authentication Settings
Note: There are numerous possible encryption and authentication settings, and every network can
have different settings. Please refer to Appendix A for a detailed summary of these settings.
Serial Port Settings (must match the settings of the attached serial device):
•Baud Rate (Speed)
•Parity

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•Character Size
•Flow Control
•Line Mode (RS-232, RS-422, RS-485 full-duplex, RS-485 half-duplex; RS-422 and RS-485 are
supported on the SX-510 only)
In addition to the above parameters, the Serial Device Server allows you to configure numerous other
capabilities. These other capabilities provide you with the unparalleled flexibility to use the Serial Device
Server on virtually any 802.11 or Ethernet network with a wide range of serial devices.
Configuration Methods
There are three ways to configure the Serial Device Server:
•ExtendView. ExtendView is a simple Graphical User Interface configuration program for
Windows. In addition to setting up the initial Serial Device Server configuration, ExtendView also
has the advantage of allowing you to perform bulk configuration of multiple Serial Device Servers
simultaneously.
•Internal Web Pages (HTTP). You can use any standard web browser to access the Serial Device
Server internal web pages. These web pages provide an easy-to-use graphical interface for
configuring the Serial Device Server. In order to use the internal web pages for the first time, you
must assign the Serial Device Server IP address using some other method (for example, DHCP
or arp/ping). This initial IP address assignment need only be done one time.
•Internal Command Console. The internal command console provides a sophisticated command
line interface for advanced users to configure the Serial Device Server. It can be accessed by
connecting a serial cable to the serial port and using console mode switching as descried in
chapter 4. Once the IP address has been assigned, the internal command console can also be
accessed via TELNET, or via ExtendView and the internal web pages.
If you have a Serial Device Server wireless model, Silex recommends that you temporarily plug
the Serial Device into a wired Ethernet network during the configuration process. Although it is
possible to configure the Serial Device Server with a completely wireless setup, it is much simpler to
perform the process using a wired Ethernet connection. This is primarily because the wireless security on
most wireless networks prevents the addition of a new wireless device unless all security parameters are
first entered into that device. As a result, you must set up a temporary dedicated ad hoc wireless network
in order to configure the Serial Device Server in a completely wireless environment (refer to the step 4 in
the First Time IP Address Configuration section of this chapter for instructions on how to set up the Serial
Device Server using a completely wireless Ad Hoc environment).
Configuring the Serial Device Server using each of the above methods is described in the following
sections of this chapter.

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Using the ExtendView Utility to Configure the Serial Device Server
(Ethernet Connection)
The ExtendView Utility is the easiest way to initially configure the Serial Device Server from a Windows
PC because it allows you to directly set the IP address into an unconfigured Serial Device Server, and it
allows you to view the IP addresses of all of the Serial Device Servers on your network. It has limited
capabilities for configuring 802.1X authentication, but it can be used in conjunction with either the internal
web pages or the internal command console for complete configuration capabilities.
ExtendView is a component of the CD-ROM that is included with the Serial Device Server, or it can be
downloaded from the Silex website. To install ExtendView, simply follow the on-screen installation
instructions. The Serial Device Server configuration procedure is as follows (please note that the screens
may be slightly different than shown, depending on the Serial Device Server model and the firmware and
software revision levels).
1. Start the ExtendView Utility by clicking on
Start,Programs, silex technology,
ExtendView, and then ExtendView.
2. When the Welcome screen appears, click on
Next, choose any name for your View Name,
select Automatically create a view with
default settings (or configure the view to
your preferences), and then click Finish.
NOTE: Skip this section if you do not have a Windows PC or if you do not have an Ethernet connection available for
configuring your Serial Device Server wireless model.

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3. Right-click on the Serial Device Server that
you want to configure from the displayed list,
and then left-click on Configuration. The
default Serial Device Server name is
SLXxxxxxx (where xxxxxx is the last six digits
of the MAC address from the label that is
affixed to the Serial Device Server).
4. If you do not have a DHCP server, you will be
asked to manually enter an IP address (if you
are not sure what IP address to enter, ask
your network administrator). Click OK when
you are finished.
5. The Server Configuration window will appear.
Check the IP address setting to make sure it
is correct. If necessary, change the Subnet
Mask and Gateway. If you have a WINS
server, enter its address or click Use DHCP
to Locate WINS Server. If desired, you can
configure advanced TCP/IP settings by
clicking the Advanced TCP/IP button (refer to
Chapter 5 for information). This advanced
configuration can be done at a later time,
however.
NOTE: If you are using DHCP on your network, the SX-500
should have acquired valid IP settings at this point and no
further configuration is necessary. However, for some
installations, a static IP address is preferred. If your
DHCP server does not allow the SX-500 to keep its
assigned IP address permanently, then you must
manually assign an IP address. In this case, use a static
IP address outside the range reserved for DHCP (see your
DHCP server documentation for details). To assign a
static IP address, select Set Permanent as the IP Address
Resolution, and assign a valid static IP address for your
network. Click on OK to save the new settings.

Configuring the Serial Device Server Silex Page 13
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6. Click the Wireless tab to configure the 802.11
wireless settings (for wireless models only;
skip to the next section if you have a wired
model). To operate on an 802.11 network,
the Serial Device Server configuration must
be configured with the wireless configuration
and security parameters necessary for the
Serial Device Server to communicate over
your wireless network (check with your
network administrator if you do not know
these parameters).
•Select either Infrastructure (if you
are using an access point) or Ad
Hoc (point-to-point) as the
wireless mode
•Enter the SSID for your network
•If you are using Ad Hoc, select
the RF channel (not required for
infrastructure)
The other parameters on this tab do not
normally need to be changed (refer to Chapter
5 for information on advanced configuration).
Now click the Configure Wireless Security
button to configure the wireless security
parameters.
7. If you are using WPA2-PSK, select WPA2 as
the Encryption Mode and select PSK as the
Authentication Type. If you are using WPA-
PSK, select WPA as the encryption mode and
select PSK as the Authentication Type. For
both WPA2-PSK and WPA-PSK you must
enter the Pre-Shared Key for your network
and select whether you want a Group Key.
Note that it is not necessary to enter a User ID
or password.
If you are using WEP, select 128-bit or 64-bit
as the Encryption Mode and Open Systems or
Shared Key as the Authentication Type. Enter
the WEP keys in hexadecimal format, and
select the transmit key (Key Selection).
ExtendView does not fully support
configuration of the 802.1X EAP types, so
Silex recommends using the internal web
pages or internal command console for
802.1X configuration as described later in this
chapter.
Click OK to return to the Server Configuration
window, and then click the I/O port tab to
configure the serial port.

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8. You do not need to change any of the settings
in this window. Click the Serial Settings
button to configure the serial port.
9. Configure the serial port settings so that they
match the settings on your device. For
example, if your device is set for 9600bps,
odd parity, and XON/XOFF flow control, you
must change the settings on the Serial Device
Server to these settings.
If are using either RS-422 or RS-485 (SX-510
only), select 422 or 485 as the Mode. Select
Half as the Duplex type if you are using RS-
485 half-duplex.
Click OK when you are finished to return to
the Server Configuration window and then
click OK again.
10. Click OK to save your changes and reset the
Serial Device Server. If you are configuring a
Serial Device Server wireless model, unplug
the Ethernet cable. You can now use the
Serial Device Server on your network. You
may skip the remaining sections of this
chapter, although this information is useful for
future reference.