Each LRS port can be configured in a number of ways. Configuration options include a port's method of starting, sessions, services, access, serial parameters, and flow control.

8.2 Using Port Commands

Most port commands require you to be the privileged user. To become the privileged user, use the Set Privileged command.

Many port commands require that the Define command be used (rather than the Set command). For a comparison of the Set and Define commands, see Set and Define .

If you're entering a number of commands at once, you may wish to enable the Command Completion characteristic. When Command Completion is enabled, the LRS will complete partially-typed commands when the Space or Tab keys are pressed. This can save time and reduce errors if you're entering a number of commands.

Command Completion is disabled by default. To enable it, use the following command:

Figure 8-1: Enabling Command Completion

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 COMMAND COMPLETION ENABLED

8.3 Access to a Port

A port's access may be set to one of the following: dynamic, local, remote, or none. Dynamic permits both local and remote logins, local permits only local logins, and remote permits only remote logins. None prevents all incoming and outgoing connections; the port is unusable.

To Telnet from the network to an LRS port and dial out using an attached modem, the port must have dynamic or remote access. To log into a port locally and Telnet to a remote host, the port must have local or dynamic access.

To configure access to a port, use the Set/Define Port Access command.

Figure 8-2: Configuring Connection Type

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 ACCESS DYNAMIC

8.4 Starting a Port

When the LRS is booted, the ports can start up in one of two ways: they can automatically start, or wait for character input. Each port can be individually configured; for example, one port may wait for character input before starting, while another may automatically start when the LRS is booted.

A port's start-up procedure may involve a combination of factors. For example, if modem control is enabled, the port will wait until the modem asserts the DSR signal, then (depending on how the port was configured) it could either automatically start, or wait for character input before starting.

8.4.1 Automatic Start-up

A port can be configured to automatically start up when the LRS is booted. This is controlled by the Autostart setting; when Autostart is enabled, the port will start up and execute any configured commands or connections. (No user input or serial data is necessary for the port to start up; it will occur automatically.)

To enable Autostart, use the following command.

Figure 8-3: Enabling Autostart

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 AUTOSTART ENABLED
Once Autostart is enabled, the port will start up automatically without waiting for character input. The port will then perform any operations that it's configured to run at start-up. For example, the port may connect to a particular host or service it's dedicated to, run an authentication sequence, or run a particular protocol.

To dedicate a port to a host or service, see Preferred/Dedicated Services and Protocols .

If PPP is enabled on the port, it will start when a PPP packet is received. See PPP Mode for details.

8.4.2 Waiting For Character Input Before Starting

By default, each LRS port will be idle until character input is received. When a port receives a character (for example, a Return key pressed at the remote node) it will start up and execute any configured commands or connections. If the LRS detects that the packet is a PPP or SLIP character and automatic protocol detection and the protocol are enabled (see Automatic Protocol Detection ), the appropriate protocol will be run.

In order for a port to wait for character input before starting, Autostart must be disabled. If Autostart is enabled, disable it using the Set/Define Port Autostart command.

Figure 8-4: Disabling Autostart

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 AUTOSTART DISABLED

8.5 Port Modes

An LRS port can be in one of three modes: character mode, PPP mode, or SLIP mode.

Enabling PPP or SLIP on the LRS serial console port is not recommended.

By default, the LRS will wait for character input before starting ports, then when the Return or Line Feed key is pressed, the ports will be in character mode. To configure a port to run PPP or SLIP, see the sections below.

8.5.1 Character Mode

By default, the LRS ports will start character mode when the Return or Line Feed key is pressed at startup. When a port is in character mode, the Local> prompt is displayed. LRS commands can be entered at this prompt to configure the unit, control logins, Telnet or Rlogin to remote hosts, start PPP or SLIP, or display information.

For information on Telnet or Rlogin, see Sessions .

8.5.2 PPP Mode

When a port is in PPP mode, it is running the Point-to-Point protocol. A port can be configured to run PPP in a number of ways; for example, users can be authenticated, headers can be compressed, and negotiation can take place. As PPP isn't designed for user interaction (the user isn't entering commands), the Local> prompt will not be displayed.

When PPP and PPPdetect (see Automatic Protocol Detection ) are enabled on a port, PPP will automatically run once a port's startup procedure (for example, waiting for character input) is complete and a PPP packet is received. Running PPP in this manner bypasses a port's usual authentication (using a login password or username/password combination); therefore, some type of PPP authentication should be used.

For information about ports' start-up procedures, refer to Starting a Port .

To enable a port to run PPP, use the Set/Define Port PPP command.

Figure 8-5: Enabling PPP

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 PPP ENABLED

For more information on PPP, refer to Chapter 7 - PPP.

8.5.3 SLIP Mode

SLIP is the Serial Line Internet Protocol. When SLIP and SLIPdetect (see Automatic Protocol Detection below) are enabled on a port, SLIP will be run once a port's start-up procedure is complete and a SLIP character is received. For example, if a port is configured to wait for assertion of the modem control signal before starting, once DTR is asserted and the LRS receives a SLIP character, the port will run SLIP.

Running SLIP in this manner bypasses a port's usual authentication system (login password, etc). As SLIP doesn't support authentication, no authentication will occur in this situation. To use authentication with SLIP, see Chapter 11 - Security.

To enable a port to run SLIP, use the following commands:

Figure 8-6: Enabling SLIP

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 SLIP ENABLED
The Local> prompt will not be displayed while the port is running SLIP; SLIP isn't designed for user input.

8.6 Automatic Protocol Detection

An LRS port may be configured to automatically detect a PPP or SLIP packet and (if PPP or SLIP is enabled on the port) run the appropriate protocol when the packet is received. This eliminates the need for callers to explicitly start PPP or SLIP.

In some situations, autodetection should be disabled. For example, SLIP doesn't support authentication. To authenticate users, autodetection of SLIP could be disabled; incoming callers would be presented with the Local> prompt and could be forced to enter the login password. Once authenticated, they could manually start SLIP by entering the Set SLIP command.

To configure SLIP authentication, see Chapter 11 - Security

To enable PPP autodetection, use the Set/Define Port PPPdetect command. Automatic detection of SLIP is configured with the Set/Define Port SLIPdetect command.

Figure 8-7: Enabling Automatic Protocol Detection

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 PPPDETECT ENABLED
Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 SLIPDETECT ENABLED
If a port is dedicated to PPP or SLIP (see Preferred/Dedicated Services and Protocols ), the protocol will run automatically when the port is started. The autodetection setting will be ignored.

8.7 Sessions

When you log into an LRS port to connect to a network service, your connection is referred to as a session. A network service may be an interactive login to a TCP/IP host, a connection to a modem on the LRS, another server, etc. (Sessions describe interactive connections; PPP or SLIP connections are not referred to as sessions.)

Session configurations may apply only to the current session, or to all sessions run on a particular port. Session-specific configurations meet needs that apply only to an active session; for example, if binary files were being transferred, interpretation of the switch characters, XON/XOFF flow control characters, and messages could be disabled.

Only one session at a time will be displayed.

Port-specific session configurations include the number of sessions permitted on a port, the keys used to switch backward and forward between sessions, and the key used to exit from a session to character mode. The commands used to make these configurations are discussed in the following sections.

8.7.1 Multiple Sessions

Each port may have a number of sessions running at once. By default, each port is configured to permit up to 4 simultaneous sessions. The maximum number of simultaneous sessions, called the session limit, may be changed; up to 8 sessions may be run on each port.

To change the session limit, use the Set/Define Port Session Limit command.

Figure 8-8: Changing Session Limit

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 SESSION LIMIT 6

8.7.2 Switching Between Sessions

The sessions are organized in the order that they were created; commands or keyboard equivalents are used to switch back and forth between active sessions. Switching to a session with an earlier creation date is called switching backward; conversely, switching to a later session is called switching forward. Sessions are arranged in a circular list; switching forward from the last session created will switch to the first session in the list, and vice-versa.

The command used to switch to the previous session is Backwards. Its keyboard equivalent is called the backward switch. To define a backward switch, use the following command:

Figure 8-9: Defining Backward Switch

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 BACKWARD SWITCH ^O
The Forwards command is used to switch to the next session. Its keyboard equivalent, the forward switch, is specified as follows:

Figure 8-10: Specifying Forward Switch

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 FORWARD SWITCH ^N
The backward switch and forward switch characters cannot conflict with each other or with characters used for editing commands (see Entering and Editing Commands ). In addition, the characters should not conflict with characters used on the host.

8.7.3 Exiting Sessions

The Break key is used to suspend a session. When a session is exited, the Local> prompt will be displayed. LRS commands can be entered at this prompt to configure the unit, start a new session, or display information.

8.7.3.1 Break Key Equivalent

If your keyboard doesn't have a Break key, an equivalent can be specified with the Set/Define Port Local Switch command.

Figure 8-11: Specifying Local Switch

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 LOCAL SWITCH '

8.7.3.2 Effect of Break Key

When the Break key is pressed, the port will do one of three things: suspend the session and display the Local> prompt, pass the character to the remote service, or ignore it all together (pressing the key will have no result).

To configure the processing of the Break key, use the Set/Define Port Break command. Break can be set to one of the following: Local, Remote, or Disabled.

Figure 8-12: Configuring Break Key Processing

Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 BREAK LOCAL

8.7.4 Monitoring Session Activity

When the Verification characteristic is enabled, messages will be issued whenever a session on that port is connected, disconnected, or switched. Use the following command to enable this characteristic:

Figure 8-13: Enabling Verification

Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 VERIFICATION ENABLED

8.8 Preferred/Dedicated Services and Protocols

8.8.1 Preferred Services

A preferred service is the default service (Telnet or Rlogin) for a particular port. If you use the Connect command without specifying a service, you'll be connected to the preferred service. A port can be configured to automatically connect to the preferred service upon login; this option is called Autoconnect.

To specify a preferred service, use the Set/Define Port Preferred command.

Figure 8-14: Specifying a Preferred Service

Local> DEFINE PORT 2 PREFERRED SERVICE lrs_modem
The preferred service will be used with the Connect command whenever a service isn't specified.

To automatically connect to the preferred service upon login to the port, the Autoconnect characteristic must be enabled. Use the following command:

Figure 8-15: Enabling Autoconnect

Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 AUTOCONNECT ENABLED

8.8.2 Dedicated Services

A dedicated service is a service that a port will always connect to. When a port is associated with a dedicated service (referred to as "dedicating a port"), the port cannot be used to connect to any other service. A connection to the dedicated service will automatically be started upon login to the port; when the user logs out of the service, he will be logged out of the LRS.

To specify a dedicated service, use the Define Port Dedicated command.

Figure 8-16: Specifying a Dedicated Service

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 DEDICATED lrs_modem
The dedicated service will be connected upon login to the port. When the user logs off the service (or the service cannot be reached for some reason), the user will be logged off the LRS.

8.8.3 Dedicated Protocols

A dedicated protocol is a protocol (PPP or SLIP) that will automatically run when a port is started. No other protocol can be run on the port; it will continue to run PPP or SLIP until it is logged out.

To dedicate a port to PPP or SLIP, use the following command:

Figure 8-17: Dedicating a Port to PPP/SLIP

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 PPP DEDICATED
Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 SLIP DEDICATED
When a port is dedicated, the local prompt cannot be accessed, therefore, commands can't be entered to disable the Dedicated characteristic. Caution should be used when dedicating ports; if you're going to dedicate all LRS ports, be sure that you have another way to log into the server (for example, a Telnet login).

If you cannot log into the LRS, you'll need to initialize the server, restoring factory default settings. See Initialize Server .

8.8.4 Preferred/Dedicated Telnet Hosts

A preferred or dedicated Telnet host can be specified using the Set/Define Port Preferred Telnet and Define Port Dedicated Telnet commands.

Figure 8-18: Specifying a Preferred/Dedicated Telnet Host

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 PREFERRED TELNET 192.75.1.0
Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 DEDICATED TELNET 192.0.1.221
By entering a sequence of key letters after the Telnet parameter, Set/Define Port Preferred can be used to configure the connection environment before a session is started. TCP, Rlogin, RTEL, or a port number can be specified.

8.9 Port Restrictions

Ports may be restricted in a number of ways. These methods include locking a port, username/password protection, restriction of connection type, automatic logouts, control of session interruption, restriction of commands, and receipt of broadcast messages.

8.9.1 Locking a Port

The Lock command may be used to secure a port without disconnecting sessions. When Lock is entered, the user will be prompted to enter a password. The port will then be locked until this password is used to unlock it.

Secure ports (set using the Set/Define Port Security command) cannot be locked.

Figure 8-19 displays an example.

Figure 8-19: Locking and Unlocking a Port

Local> LOCK
Password> donut (not echoed)
Verification> donut (not echoed)
Unlock password> donut (not echoed)
Local>
To unlock a port without the Lock password, a privileged user must use the Unlock Port command or log out the port using the Logout command. Logout will disconnect all sessions.

The Set/Define Server Lock command controls whether or not local users are permitted to lock ports.

8.9.2 Preventing Access Until DSR is Asserted

The Signal Check characteristic can be used to prevent remote connections to a port unless DSR is asserted. This is often used to prevent Telnet logins to a port until the device attached to the port (for example, a terminal) asserts the DSR signal, indicating that it is connected and powered on.

To enable Signal Check, use the following command:

Figure 8-20: Enabling Signal Check

Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 SIGNAL CHECK ENABLED

8.9.3 Username/Password Protection

Ports can be configured to require a password or username/password pair before a login is permitted. Two types of usernames/passwords may be used: a login password, or a username/password pair stored in an authentication database.

For detailed information on authentication, refer to Chapter 11 - Security.

8.9.3.1 Login Password

The Set/Define Port Password command controls whether or not the login password is required to log into the specified port. To require the password, use the following command:

Figure 8-21: Requiring Login Password

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 PASSWORD ENABLED
By default, incoming Telnet and Rlogin connections are not required to enter the login password. To require the login password, use the Set/Define Server Incoming command.

The login password is set with the Set/Define Server Login Password command.

8.9.3.2 Username/Password Authentication

The Set/Define Port Authenticate command is used to authenticate individual users. When this command is enabled, incoming logins will be prompted for a username/password pair. The username and password entered will be compared to authentication databases configured with the Set/Define Authentication command. If a match is found, the login will be permitted; otherwise, the login attempt will fail.

Figure 8-22: Set/Define Port Authentication Command

Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 AUTHENTICATE ENABLED

Set/Define Authentication is described in Chapter 11 - Security.

8.9.4 Automatic Logouts

When a device connected to the LRS is disconnected or powered off, the DSR signal is dropped. The LRS can be configured to automatically log out a port when this occurs; this prevents users from accessing other sessions by switching terminal lines.

Ports can also be configured to automatically log out when they've been inactive for a specified period of time.

8.9.4.1 DSR Logouts

To configure a port to log out when the DSR signal is dropped, use the Set/Define Port Dsrlogout command.

Figure 8-23: Enabling Dsrlogout

Local>> DEFINE PORT ALL DSRLOGOUT ENABLED

8.9.4.2 Inactivity Logouts

To configure a port to log out after a specified period of inactivity, use the Set/Define Port Inactivity Logout command. This command works in conjunction with the Set/Define Server Inactivity Limit command. Set/Define Server Inactivity Limit defines a particular number of minutes; after this period of time, a port with Inactivity Logout enabled will be considered inactive and automatically logged out.

To enable Inactivity Logout, use the following command:

Figure 8-24: Enabling Inactivity Logout

Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 INACTIVITY LOGOUT ENABLED
The LRS will only perform an inactivity logout when a port is in character mode (not running PPP or SLIP).

8.9.5 Interruption of Network Connections

When a port is being used for a network connection, the port will be "busy"; in other words, local users cannot use the port at that time. To permit local logins when a network connection is running, the port must have dynamic access configured and the Interrupts characteristic must be enabled. Use the following commands:

Figure 8-25: Enabling Interrupts

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 ACCESS DYNAMIC
Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 INTERRUPTS ENABLED

8.9.6 Restriction of Commands

The Security characteristic may be used to limit a user's access to information about other ports. When Security is enabled, only a limited number of commands may be typed at the Local> prompt.

To enable Security on a particular port, use the Set/Define Port Security command.

Figure 8-26: Enabling Security

Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 SECURITY ENABLED
Figure 8-27:

8.9.7 Receipt of Broadcast Messages

The Set/Define Port Broadcast command enables or disables a port's receipt of broadcast messages. Figure 8-27 displays an example.

Figure 8-28: Enabling Broadcast Messages

Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 BROADCAST DISABLED

8.10 Serial Configuration

There are a number of configurations that apply specifically to serial transmission. These configurations are a port's parity, baud rate, and bits per character. The bits per character is set using the Set/Define Port Character Size command. Set/Define Port Parity sets a port's parity, and Set/Define Port Speed sets the baud rate.

Use of these commands is relatively straightforward. Please refer to the designated page references for the appropriate syntax.

8.11 Flow Control

Flow control enables two connected devices to control the amount of data transmitted between them. When flow control is enabled on an LRS port and a connected device (for example, a modem), flow control ensures that data sent from the sending device does not overflow the receiving device's buffers. Consider the following example.

An LRS port is connected to a modem. The LRS port transfers data to the modem at 15200 bits per second, but the modem can only send data over the phone line at 15,000-30,000 bits per second. In a short period of time, the modem's buffer fills with data. The modem sends a signal to the LRS to stop sending data, and the LRS does not send data until it receives a signal from the modem that it can receive data again.

8.11.1 LRS Flow Control Support

The LRS supports hardware and software flow control. The hardware flow control option is RTS/CTS and the option for software flow control is XON/XOFF. Both flow control methods are described below.

When the LRS is communicating with a device, the LRS and the device must agree on the type of flow control used.

8.11.1.1 Hardware Flow Control

When hardware flow control is used, the flow of data is controlled by two serial port signals (typically RTS and CTS). Two connected devices will assert and deassert RTS and CTS to indicate when they are ready to accept data.

For example, the LRS will assert RTS when it is ready to accept data. When it can no longer accept data (its buffers are full) it will deassert this signal. A connected modem will monitor the assertion and deassertion of this signal; it will only send data when RTS is asserted.

A modem will assert CTS when it is ready to accept data. When its buffers are full, it will deassert CTS to indicate to the LRS that it should stop sending data. The LRS will only send data when CTS is asserted.

RTS/CTS is the most reliable method of flow control, and is the recommended method for the LRS. In the event that RTS/CTS flow control cannot be used, XON/XOFF flow control is recommended. This is explained in Software Flow Control, below.

8.11.1.2 Software Flow Control

XON/XOFF controls the flow of data by sending particular characters through the data stream. The characters sent to signify the ability or inability to accept data are Ctrl-Q (XON) and Ctrl-S (XOFF).

Applications that use the Ctrl-Q and Ctrl-S characters (for example, certain text editors) will conflict with XON/XOFF flow control. If a user enters a Ctrl-Q or Ctrl-S, these characters won't be transmitted; they'll be interpreted as flow control characters and removed from the data stream.

If your configuration requires that XON/XOFF characters remain in the data stream (rather than being removed) and you are using XON/XOFF flow control, the Passflow option must be enabled. See Figure 8-30 .

Protocols that require an 8-bit clean data path cannot use XON/XOFF flow control. An 8-bit clean data path is one that data passes through completely unchanged. SLIP and UUCP require an 8-bit clean data path; PPP may have the same requirements if the Asynchronous Character Control Map (ACCM) isn't set properly. To configure the ACCM, see Chapter 7 - PPP.

8.11.2 Setting up Flow Control

To use flow control on an LRS port, complete the following steps.

1. Set Appropriate Line/Serial Speeds

Consider the line speed and the serial speed of the modem; if data is being compressed, the serial speed should be slightly higher than the line speed. See your modem's documentation for information on configuring line and serial speeds. If you're connecting a terminal to the port, ensure that the speed of the terminal matches the port speed.

See Chapter 9 - Modems, for a detailed discussion of line and serial speeds and data compression.

2. Disable Autobaud

In order to ensure that the set speeds are always used, disable any automatic speed selection or autobaud options on your modem.

In addition, disable autobaud on the LRS port you're configuring. To do this, you'll use the Set/Define Port Autobaud command. This command requires that you be a privileged user; if you aren't currently a privileged user, use the Set Privileged command. See the example below.

Figure 8-29: Disabling Autobaud

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 AUTOBAUD DISABLED
3. Determine the Appropriate Flow Control Method

Refer to Flow Control for a description of the different flow control methods. Choose the method that's most compatible with the modem and applications you'll be using.

4. Configure Flow Control

Configure your modem to use the selected method of flow control. Refer to your modem's documentation for instructions.

To configure flow control on the LRS, the Set/Define Port Flow Control command is used. Figure 8-29 displays an example.

Figure 8-30: Configuring RTS/CTS Flow Control

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 FLOW CONTROL CTS
If you're using XON/XOFF flow control, by default, the XON/XOFF characters will be removed from the data stream. To prevent this removal, the Passflow characteristic can be enabled. Use the following command:

Figure 8-31: Enabling Passflow

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 PASSFLOW ENABLED

In most situations, Passflow does not need to be enabled.

8.12 Serial Signals

Two of the modem signals (DSR and DCD) can be used to control when the LRS ports are active. By monitoring when these signals are asserted or deasserted (dropped), LRS ports can be logged out or kept from starting. The LRS uses DTR to control attached devices.

An in-depth description of modem signals is given in Chapter 9 - Modems

All LRS DB25 and RJ45 signals are displayed in the following figures.

Figure 8-32: LRS DB25 Serial Signals

Figure 8-33: LRS RJ45 Serial Signals

8.12.1 DSR (Data Set Ready)

8.12.1.1 DSR for Automatic Logouts

An LRS port can be configured to automatically log itself out when DSR is no longer asserted; in other words, the port will log out when the modem is disconnected. This can help ensure port security; users will be prevented from unplugging terminal lines and using sessions that are still active. See Automatic Logouts for more information.

8.12.1.2 DSR for Controlling Remote Logins

The DSR signal can also be used to determine whether or not a remote login to a port will be permitted. When enabled, the Signal Check characteristic will require the assertion of the DSR signal before a remote login is permitted on a particular port.

Signal Check is generally enabled for use with printers; if the printer doesn't assert the DSR signal, it's assumed to be disconnected or powered off. In this case, the remote login isn't permitted, and print jobs are not sent from the LRS to the printer.

To enable Signal Check, use the following command:

Figure 8-34: Enabling Signal Check

Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 SIGNAL CHECK ENABLED

8.12.2 DCD (Data Carrier Detect)

The DCD signal is asserted by the local modem when it detects a connection from a remote modem. If you're using a DB25 port, no wiring is required in order to use the DCD signal.

RJ45 ports have one pin that can be used for either DSR or DCD. If you are using modems, this pin must be wired to the modem's DCD pin. If you are using another type of device (such as a terminal or printer), this pin should be wired to the device's DSR pin. Refer to the Pinouts appendix of your Installation Guide for instructions.

8.12.3 DTR (Data Terminal Ready)

The LRS asserts DTR when it is ready to accept incoming data or connections. It also uses DTR to cycle the modem when modem control is enabled by temporarily dropping the signal.

LRS ports can be configured to assert DTR only when a user logs into the port by enabling the Dtrwait characteristic. See Set/Define Port Dtrwait for details.

8.13 Controlling Modems

A number of Define Port commands are designed to control modems (for example, Define Port Modem Answer). These commands are covered in Chapter 9 - Modems.

8.14 Device Types

Communication devices (modems, printers, servers, etc.) are divided into two types: DTE (Data Terminal Equipment) and DCE (Data Communications Equipment). DTE and DCE are designed to work together, much as a male connector works with a female connector.

The LRS is a DTE device. Modems are DCE devices. This means that they transmit signals differently; the LRS will use a particular signal to send data, where the modem will use that same signal to receive data.

Some devices that the LRS will connect to (such as printers) are DTE devices. Transmitting data between two DTE devices requires the use of a null modem cable to swap the signals; for complete wiring instructions, refer to the Pinouts appendix of your Installation Guide.

8.15 Restoring Default Port Settings

To restore all ports to their default settings, use the Purge Port command. Use caution with this command; any changes that you've made with Set and Define commands will be erased.

Figure 8-35: Restoring Default Port Settings

Local>> PURGE PORT 2

8.16 Virtual Ports

Incoming Telnet and Rlogin connections are not associated with a physical port. Instead, they are associated with a virtual port, which serves for the duration of the connection.

Each virtual port is created with a default set of characteristics. The Set Port commands can be used to customize a virtual port during the Telnet/Rlogin session, however, these customizations cannot be saved.

To make configurations that apply to all virtual ports (all future Telnet/Rlogin connections), use Define Port commands, specifying port 0 as the port number. Figure 8-35 displays an example.

Figure 8-36: Configuring Virtual Ports

Local>> DEFINE PORT 0 AUTHENTICATION ENABLED
NCP and Telnet remote console sessions are considered virtual logins; configurations made with Define Port 0 commands will apply to these connections.

After logging in, users may change or clear these characteristics during their login session using Set Port commands.

When the command in Figure 8-35 is used, all future network logins will be required to enter a username and password.

Define Port 0 commands are often used to provide local switches to network logins, as they typically do not have a Break key to use after the connection is made.

To display the characteristics used for virtual ports, enter the following command:

Figure 8-37: Displaying Virtual Port Characteristics

Local>> LIST PORT 0

8.17 Additional Port Settings

8.17.1 Autodetection of Port Characteristics

The Autobaud characteristic enables a port to detect an incoming baud rate, character size, and parity and configure its characteristics to match. This characteristic cannot be enabled if Access is set to Remote or Dynamic , or if the specified port offers a service.

8.17.2 Dialback

The Dialback feature allows a system manager to set up a dialback list of authorized users for incoming modem connections. When a username matching one in the list is entered, the port will be logged out and the phone number will be sent out the serial port using the port's modem profile.

For a complete description of dialback, see Dialback .

8.17.3 Menu Mode

The Set/Define Port Menu command controls whether the Local> prompt or a menu will be displayed upon login. To enable Menu mode, use the following command:

Figure 8-38: Enabling Menu Mode

Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 MENU ENABLED
When Menu mode is enabled, the Local> prompt cannot be accessed. Be sure that you have another way to log into the LRS before enabling Menu mode on all ports.

For a complete discussion of menu mode, see Menu Mode .

8.17.4 Naming Ports

To assign a particular name to a port, use the Set/Define Port Name command:

Figure 8-39: Assigning Port Name

Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 PORT NAME "highspeed_modem"
The default name for each port is Port_n, where n denotes the port number; for example, Port_2.

8.17.5 Notification of Character Loss

When the Loss Notification characteristic is enabled, a bell character (Ctrl-G) will be sent when data error or overrun causes the loss of a character. Figure 8-39 displays an example.

Figure 8-40: Enabling Loss Notification

Local>> DEFINE PORT 2 LOSS NOTIFICATION ENABLED

8.17.6 Padding Return Characters

By default, the LRS will pad Carriage Returns entered in Telnet sessions with null characters. To disable this characteristic, use the Set/Define Port Telnet Pad command.

Figure 8-41: Disabling Telnet Pad

Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 TELNET PAD DISABLED

8.17.7 PPP Commands

A number of Set/Define Port commands apply specifically to configuration of PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol). For information about these commands, refer to Chapter 7 - PPP.

8.17.8 Setting the Device Type

The Type characteristic is used to specify the device types compatible with the port. Type must be one of the following device types: ANSI, Hardcopy, and Softcopy. To set a Type, use the following command:

Figure 8-42: Configuring the Device Type

Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 TYPE ANSI

For more information about Type options, refer to Set/Define Port Type .

8.17.9 Specifying a Terminal Type

A terminal type can be specified for a port using the Set/Define Port Termtype command. The termtype should be entered as a string, for example, VT100.

Figure 8-43: Specifying a Terminal Type

Local>> DEFINE PORT ALL TERMTYPE IBM1000

By default, a specific terminal type isn't specified.

Termtype information is used for outbound sessions; the LRS doesn't use this information. For example, a remote host might use the terminal type to configure your terminal to run a particular application.

8.17.10 Specifying a Username

A username can be specified for a port using the Set/Define Port Username command. When the username is specified with the Define Port Username command, users will not be prompted for a username upon login. Figure 8-43 displays an example.

Figure 8-44: Specifying a Username

Local>> DEFINE PORT 3 USERNAME fred

8.18 Quick Reference

Port Access
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Change a Port's Access	Set/Define Port Access	DEFINE PORT 2 ACCESS DYNAMIC	Permits incoming and outgoing connections on port 2. See Access to a Port for more information.
		DEFINE PORT 2 ACCESS LOCAL	Permits only local logins on port 2.
		DEFINE PORT 2 ACCESS REMOTE	Permits only remote logins on port 2.
		DEFINE PORT 2 ACCESS NONE	Prevents all incoming and outgoing connections on port 2.
Port Startup Procedure
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Configure a Port to Start Automatically When the LRS is Booted	Set/Define Port Autostart	DEFINE PORT 2 AUTOSTART ENABLED	Configures port 2 to automatically start when the unit is booted. See Automatic Start-up for more information.
Configure a Port to Wait for Character Input Before Starting	Set/Define Port Autostart	DEFINE PORT 2 AUTOSTART DISABLED	Delays port 2's startup procedure until the port receives a character. See Waiting For Character Input Before Starting for more information.
Running PPP/SLIP
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Enable a Port to Run PPP/SLIP	Set Port PPP	DEFINE PORT 2 PPP ENABLED	Enables use of the Set PPP command on port 2. See PPP Mode for more information.
	Set Port SLIP	DEFINE PORT 2 SLIP ENABLED	Enables use of the Set SLIP command on port 2. See SLIP Mode for more information.
Automatically Run PPP/SLIP When a PPP/SLIP Packet is Received	Define Port PPPdetect Enabled	DEFINE PORT 2 PPPDETECT ENABLED	Port 2 will automatically run PPP when it receives a PPP packet. See Automatic Protocol Detection for more information.
	Set/Define Port SLIPdetect Enabled	DEFINE PORT 2 SLIPDETECT ENABLED	Port 2 will automatically run SLIP when it receives a SLIP packet. See Automatic Protocol Detection for more information.
Sessions
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Set the Maximum Number of Simultaneous Sessions on a Port	Set/Define Port Session Limit	DEFINE PORT 2 SESSION LIMIT 6	Up to 6 sessions may be simultaneously run on port 2. See Multiple Sessions for more information.
Set the Key Used to Switch to the Previous Session	Set/Define Port Backward Switch	DEFINE PORT 2 BACKWARD SWITCH ^B	On port 2, pressing Ctrl-B will switch to the previous session. See Switching Between Sessions for more information.
Set the Key Used to Switch to the Next Session	Set/Define Port Forward Switch	DEFINE PORT 2 FORWARD SWITCH ^F	On port 2, pressing Ctrl-F will switch to the next session.
Specify a Break Key Equivalent	Set/Define Port Local Switch	DEFINE PORT 2 LOCAL SWITCH '	On port 2, pressing the apostrophe ( ' ) key will exit the current session. See Break Key Equivalent for more information.
Sessions, cont.
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Control What the Break Key Does	Set/Define Port Break	DEFINE PORT 2 BREAK LOCAL	On port 2, pressing the Break key will suspend the current session and display the Local> prompt. See Effect of Break Key for more information.
		DEFINE PORT 2 BREAK REMOTE	On port 2, when the Break key is pressed, the character will be passed to the remote service.
		DEFINE PORT 2 BREAK DISABLED	Pressing the Break key on port 2 will have no effect (the key is ignored).
Issue Messages When a Session is Connected, Disconnected, or Switched	Set/Define Port Verification	DEFINE PORT 2 VERIFICATION ENABLED	When sessions on port 2 are connected, disconnected, or switched, a message will be issued. See Monitoring Session Activity for more information.
Preferred/Dedicated Services and Protocols
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Specify a Preferred Service	Set/Define Port Preferred	DEFINE PORT 2 PREFERRED SERVICE lrs_modem	Specifies "lrs_modem" as port 2's default service. If the Connect command is used on port 2 and a service is not specified, the user will be connected to "lrs_modem". See Preferred Services for more information.
Specify a Preferred Telnet Host	Set/Define Port Preferred Telnet	DEFINE PORT 2 PREFERRED TELNET 192.75.1.0	Specifies host 192.75.1.0 as port 2's default Telnet host. If the Connect command is used on port 2 and a service is not specified, the user will be telnetted to 192.75.1.0. See Preferred/Dedicated Telnet Hosts for more information.
Preferred/Dedicated Services and Protocols, cont.
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Automatically Connect to the Preferred Service/Host at Login	Set/Define Port Autoconnect Enabled	DEFINE PORT 2 AUTOCONNECT ENABLED	When users log into port 2, they will automatically be connected to the preferred service.
Specify a Dedicated Service	Define Port Dedicated	DEFINE PORT 2 DEDICATED lrs_modem	When users log into port 2, they will automatically be connected to the "lrs_modem" service. If they log out of the service, they will be logged out of the LRS. See Dedicated Services for more information.
Specify a Dedicated Protocol (PPP or SLIP)	Define Port PPP Dedicated or Define Port SLIP Dedicated	DEFINE PORT 2 PPP DEDICATED	When port 2 is started, it will automatically run PPP. SLIP may not be run on this port, and the Local> prompt cannot be accessed. See Dedicated Protocols for more information.
Specify a Dedicated Telnet Host	Define Port Dedicated Telnet	DEFINE PORT 5 DEDICATED TELNET hermes	When users log into port 2, they will automatically be connected to host "hermes". If they log out of the host, they will be logged out of the LRS. See Dedicated Protocols for more information.
Port Restrictions
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Prevent Remote Connections to a Port Until the DSR Signal is Asserted	Set/Define Port Signal Check	DEFINE PORT 2 SIGNAL CHECK ENABLED	Remote connections may not be made to port 2 until the DSR signal is asserted. See Preventing Access Until DSR is Asserted for more information.
Port Restrictions, cont.
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Lock a Port	Set/Define Server Lock	LOCK	Prompts for a "locking" password; when one is entered and confirmed, the port is locked. To unlock the port, this password must be entered. See Locking a Port for more information.
Force Users to Enter a Login Password	1. Set/Define Server Login Password	DEFINE SERVER LOGIN PASSWORD "badger"	Defines "badger" as the login password. See Login Password or Chapter 11 - Security for more information.
	2. Set/Define Port Password Enabled	DEFINE PORT 3 PASSWORD ENABLED	Incoming callers on port 3 will be forced to enter the login password, "badger".
Force Telnet/Rlogin Users to Enter the Login Password	Set/Define Server Incoming Password	DEFINE SERVER INCOMING PASSWORD	Incoming Telnet/Rlogin users will be required to enter the login password, "badger". See Login Password for more information.
Force Users to Enter a Username/Password Pair Before PPP/SLIP Runs	1. Define Port PPPdetect Disabled or Set/Define Port SLIPdetect Disabled	DEFINE PORT 3 PPPDETECT DISABLED DEFINE PORT 3 SLIPDETECT DISABLED	Disables autodetection of PPP/SLIP on port 3. See Automatic Protocol Detection for more information.
	2. Set/Define Port Authenticate	DEFINE PORT 3 AUTHENTICATE ENABLED	Incoming callers on port 3 will be forced to enter a username/password pair. This pair will be checked against any configured authentication databases. See Username/Password Authentication or Chapter 11 - Security for more information.
Automatically Log Out a Port When the DSR Signal is Dropped	Set/Define Port Dsrlogout Enabled	DEFINE PORT 2 DSRLOGOUT ENABLED	When the DSR signal is dropped (deasserted), port 2 will be logged out. See Automatic Logouts for more information.
Port Restrictions, cont.
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Configure Port Inactivity Logouts	1. Set/Define Server Inactivity Limit	DEFINE SERVER INACTIVITY LIMIT 15	Sets a server-wide inactivity limit of 15 minutes. See Inactivity Logouts for more information.
	2. Set/Define Port Inactivity Logout	DEFINE PORT 2 INACTIVITY LOGOUT ENABLED	Enables inactivity logouts on port 2. When port 2 is inactive for 15 minutes, the port will be logged out. Any active connections will be disconnected.
Permit Local Logins While a Network Connection is Running	1. Set/Define Port Access Dynamic	DEFINE PORT 2 ACCESS DYNAMIC	Permits incoming and outgoing connections on port 2. See Access to a Port for more information.
	2. Set/Define Port Access Enabled	DEFINE PORT 2 INTERRUPTS ENABLED	Local logins to port 2 will disconnect any current network sessions. See Interruption of Network Connections for more information.
Restrict a User's Use of Commands	Set/Define Port Security Enabled	DEFINE PORT 2 SECURITY ENABLED	Users on port 2 will only be able to enter a limited number of commands at the Local> prompt. See Restriction of Commands for more information.
Enable/Disable a Port's Receipt of Broadcast Messages	Set/Define Port Broadcast Enabled/Disabled	SET PORT 2 BROADCAST DISABLED	Blocks port 2's receipt of broadcast messages. See Receipt of Broadcast Messages for more information.
Flow Control: Step by Step Configuration
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Set the Appropriate Line and Serial Speeds	See your modem's documentation or Chapter 9 - Modems.
Disable Autobaud	Set/Define Port Autobaud Disabled	DEFINE PORT 2 AUTOBAUD DISABLED	Disables Autobaud on port 2. See Flow Control for more information.
Enable RTS/CTS or XON/XOFF Flow Control	Set/Define Port Flow Control	DEFINE PORT 2 FLOW CONTROL CTS	Enables RTS/CTS flow control on port 2. See Flow Control for more information.
Modem Signals
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Automatically Log Out a Port When the DSR Signal is Dropped	Set/Define Port Dsrlogout Enabled	DEFINE PORT 2 DSRLOGOUT ENABLED	When the DSR signal is dropped (deasserted), port 2 will be logged out. See Automatic Logouts for more information.
Require the Assertion of the DSR Signal for Remote Logins	Set/Define Port Signal Check Enabled	DEFINE PORT 2 SIGNAL CHECK ENABLED	Before remote connections to port 2 will be permitted, the DSR signal must be asserted. See DSR (Data Set Ready) for more information.
Assert the DTR Signal Only When a User Logs Into a Port	Set/Define Port Dtrwait	DEFINE PORT 2 DTRWAIT ENABLED	On port 2, the DTR signal will not be asserted until a user logs into the port. See DTR (Data Terminal Ready) for more information.
Control Modem Operation	See Chapter 9 - Modems.
Restoring Default Port Settings
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Restore Default Port Settings	Purge Port	PURGE PORT 2	Restores port 2's default settings. See Restoring Default Port Settings for more information.
Misc. Port Settings
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Automatically Detect and Match the Incoming Baud Rate, Parity, and Character Size	1. Set/Define Port Access Local	DEFINE PORT 2 ACCESS LOCAL	Sets port 2's access to local. This is required in order to enable Autobaud. See Access to a Port for more information.
	2. Set/Define Port Autobaud Enabled	DEFINE PORT 2 AUTOBAUD ENABLED	Enables Autobaud on port 2. The port will automatically detect and match the incoming baud rate, parity, and character size. See Autodetection of Port Characteristics for more information.
Secure Ports Using Automatic Dialback	See Dialback.
Display a Menu (Instead of the Local> Prompt) Upon Login	Set/Define Port Menu Enabled	DEFINE PORT 2 MENU ENABLED	When users log into port 2, a menu will be displayed (rather than the Local> prompt). See Menu Mode, Menu Mode, or Set/Define Menu for more information.
Assign a Name to a Port	Set/Define Port Name.	DEFINE PORT 2 PORT NAME "highspeed_modem"	Assigns the name "highspeed_modem" to port 2. See Naming Ports for more information.
Misc. Port Settings
To	Use This Command	Example(s)	What Example Does
Send a Character When an Error or Data Overrun Causes the Loss of a Character	Set/Define Port Loss Notification Enabled	DEFINE PORT 2 LOSS NOTIFICATION ENABLED	When a character is lost during a connection to port 2, a Ctrl-G character will be sent. See Notification of Character Loss for more information.
Disable the Padding of Carriage Returns During Telnet Sessions	Set/Define Port Telnet Pad Disabled	DEFINE PORT 2 TELNET PAD DISABLED	Disables the padding of Carriage Returns on port 2. See Padding Return Characters for more information.
Configure the Device Types Compatible With a Port	Set/Define Port Type	DEFINE PORT 2 TYPE ANSI	Specifies that port 2 is compatible with ANSI devices. See Setting the Device Type for more information.
Specify a Default Username for a Port	Set/Define Port Username	DEFINE PORT 2 USERNAME fred	Defines "fred" as port 2's default username. When users log into port 2, they will not be prompted to enter a username. See Specifying a Username for more information.

LRS Reference Manual - 4 MARCH 1996

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