LRS Reference Manual

C - Updating Software

C.1 - Introduction

C.2 - Updating Using FTP

C.3 - Updating Using a Modem

C.4 - Reloading LRS Software

C.4.1 - IPX
C.4.2 - TFTP
C.4.3 - MOP
C.4.4 - Reloading Sequence

C.5 - Troubleshooting Flash ROM Updates

C.1 Introduction

The latest version of the Lantronix LRS software and its associated release notes can be downloaded directly from Lantronix via dial-in modem or using anonymous FTP through the Internet.

Comments or requests for help via e-mail are welcome - send them to support@lantronix.com and they will be routed appropriately. Questions or comments regarding the FTP/download process itself can be sent to ftp@lantronix.com. Mail can also be sent from within the Lantronix BBS system.

C.2 Updating Using FTP

The LRS operational software resides on the Lantronix FTP server (ftp.lantronix.com). The current IP address of the server is 192.73.220.84. This is subject to change at any time; the text name should be used if at all possible. The files are stored in normal and UNIX compress formats
(filename.Z); if you have access to the UNIX uncompress utility, get the compressed versions. These files are binary data, so the binary option must be used when transferring the files.

To log into the FTP server, use a username of anonymous and enter your full email address as the password. If the FTP server cannot verify the username or email address, you will be denied access. The machine issuing the FTP command must be resolvable via the INADDR.ARPA DNS record for the connection to succeed. If access is denied, try using a "known" machine such as a gateway or nameserver.

When connected to the Lantronix FTP server, the following text will be displayed:

Figure C-1: Lantronix FTP Session

230-Welcome to the Lantronix FTP Server.
230-
230-IMPORTANT: Please get the README file before proceeding.
230-IMPORTANT: Set BINARY mode before transferring executables.
220-
230-Direct questions to support@lantronix.com or 1.800.422.7044
230-Questions about this ftp account only to ftp@lantronix.com
230-
230-
230 Guest login ok, access restrictions apply.
Remote system type is UNIX. [your type will be displayed here]
Using binary mode to transfer files.
ftp>
All released files are in the pub directory. Always download the README file in the pub directory before downloading anything else; it contains a directory of available versions.

C.3 Updating Using a Modem

The Lantronix system supports the following modems for the physical connection: v.32, v.42, v.42bis, and 9600/2400/1200/14400 baud. The following software is supported for the file transfer: KERMIT, xmodem, ymodem, and zmodem. The modem phone number is USA (714) 367-1051. The account name is ets and the password is server.

Remember that the download files (*.SYS) and executable files are image data and should only be transferred in binary mode. If binary mode is not used, the files will be corrupted.

When you have finished downloading files, type "g" to logout of the bulletin board system.

Figure C-2: Lantronix BBS System, New User Entries

SunOS UNIX (nexus)
login: ets
Password: server (not echoed)
Last login: Mon Jun 5 13:21:13 from company.com
SunOS Release 4.1.3_U1 (NEXUS) #2: Fri Dec 2 10:08:39 PST 1994
Welcome to the Lantronix BBS. Type 'h' for help
userid ('new' for new user): new
Welcome, new user! Enter a userid, 1-12 characters, no spaces.
Userid: bob
Enter Passwd: platypus (not echoed)
Confirm Passwd: platypus (not echoed)
User Name: bob
Terminal type (default=vt100):
Email address, if any: bob@widgets.com
Figure C-3: Lantronix BBS System, Introduction Screen

Welcome to the "NEW" Lantronix Bulletin Board System.
To access the files menu, type 'f' at the main menu.
At the files menu, type 'p' to select a download protocol
(a=ascii, k=kermit, x=xmodem, y=ymodem, z=zmodem)
At the files menu, type 'l' to list available software directories.
Select the board name by entering its number.
At any menu, press 'h' to receive additional help.
Press [Return] to continue:

C.4 Reloading LRS Software

The LRS stores software which controls the initialization process, the operation of the LRS, and the processing of commands in Flash ROM. The contents of Flash ROM can be updated by downloading a new version of the operational software.

LRS software can be reloaded using EZCon, or from network hosts using IPX, TFTP, or MOP. If EZCon is used, refer to the accompanying EZCon documentation for reloading instructions.

If an IPX, TFTP, or MOP host is used, the following points are important:

The LRS2 Flash ROM software is contained in a file called LRS2.SYS. The LRS16 Flash ROM software file is LRS16.SYS. These files are provided with the LRS on CD-ROM. The appropriate Flash ROM file for your unit must be accessible when updating Flash ROM.
The LRS2.SYS or LRS16.SYS download file should be world-readable on the host, regardless of which download method is being used. In addition, there is an 31 character length limit for the path name and a 15 character limit for the filename.
Define commands are used in the examples on the next few pages because configurations made with Set commands are cleared when the LRS boots. Use the List Server Boot command to check the LRS settings before using the Initialize Reload command.

C.4.1 IPX

The LRS2.SYS or LRS16.SYS file should be placed in the login directory on the NetWare file server. The LRS cannot actually log into the file server (since it knows no username/password); it can only access files in the login directory itself. On the LRS, specify the file server name, filename and path:

Figure C-4: Reloading LRS16 Flash ROM From IPX

Local> SET PRIVILEGED
Password> SYSTEM (not echoed)
Local>> DEFINE SERVER NETWARE LOADHOST fileserver
Local>> DEFINE SERVER SOFTWARE "SYS:\LOGIN\LRS16.SYS"
Local>> LIST SERVER BOOT
Local>> INITIALIZE RELOAD

Check the LRS settings before using the Initialize Reload command to ensure that you are reloading the correct software file.

C.4.2 TFTP

Downloading uses TFTP (Trivial File Transfer Protocol) and optionally BOOTP. The LRS will do a BOOTP query each time it boots. If a host provides BOOTP support, it can be used to set the LRS's IP address and loadhost information. Add the LRS's name, IP address, Ethernet address, and download path and filename to the BOOTP file (usually /usr/etc/bootptab).

Some BOOTP and TFTP implementations require a specific directory for the LRS2.SYS or LRS16.SYS file; in this case the path is not specified in the bootptab file and the file must be placed in that directory. If BOOTP cannot be used to configure the LRS's IP parameters, configure them manually using the following commands:

Figure C-5: Reloading LRS16 Flash ROM From TFTP

Local> SET PRIVILEGED
Password> SYSTEM (not echoed)
Local>> DEFINE IP ADDRESS 192.0.1.220
Local>> DEFINE SERVER SOFTWARE "/path/LRS16.SYS"
Local>> DEFINE SERVER LOADHOST 192.0.1.210
Local>> LIST SERVER BOOT
Local>> INITIALIZE RELOAD
The path and filename are case-sensitive and must be enclosed by quotation marks (" "). If attempting to boot across an IP router, the router must be configured to perform proxy ARPing for the LRS.

C.4.3 MOP

Copy the LRS2.SYS or LRS16.SYS file to the MOM$LOAD directory. The LRS2.SYS or LRS16.SYS filename is the only parameter that the LRS needs to reload via MOP. Make sure the service characteristic is enabled on the host's Ethernet circuit, and then reload the server using the following commands:

Figure C-6: Reloading Flash ROM From MOP

Local> SET PRIVILEGED
Password> system (not echoed)
Local>> INITIALIZE RELOAD

C.4.4 Reloading Sequence

If BOOTP or RARP are enabled on the LRS they will request assistance from a BOOTP or RARP server before starting the download attempts. The LRS will then try TFTP, NetWare, and MOP booting (in that order) provided that it has enough information to try each download method.

Downloading and rewriting the Flash-ROM will take approximately two minutes from the time the Initialize command is issued. If more than two minutes have elapsed and the server has still not successfully booted, connect a terminal to the console port. The displayed error message should explain what is happening.

If the download file cannot be found or accessed, the LRS can be rebooted with the code still in the Flash-ROMs. As noted in the Installation section, the OK/Activity LED will blink quickly while the LRS is booting (and reloading code) and then slowly when it returns to normal operation.

C.5 Troubleshooting Flash ROM Updates

Many of the problems that occur when updating Flash ROM can be solved by completing the following steps:

NetWare: Make sure the file is in the login directory. Since the LRS cannot actually log into the file server, it has limited access to the server directories.
TFTP: Check the file and directory permissions. Make sure the loadhost name and address are specified correctly and that their case matches the case of the filenames on the host system. Ensure that the host has TFTP enabled; several major UNIX vendors ship their systems with TFTP disabled by default.
MOP: The Ethernet circuit must have the service characteristic enabled. Verify that the MOM$LOAD search path includes the directory containing the LRS2.SYS or LRS16.SYS file.

LRS Reference Manual - 4 MARCH 1996

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