Lantronix Device Server MSS 485 Installation Manual - 1.3 Protocols

Introduction

Protocols 

1 - 5

1.3 Protocols

A network protocol is a method of communicating over the Ethernet. 

Each protocol specifies a certain arrangement of data in the Ethernet 

packets, and provides different services for its users. The MSS supports 

the following protocols: 

•

TCP/IP

Support includes Telnet, Rlogin, UDP, and DNS. The Telnet 

terminal protocol, supported on most UNIX systems, is an easy-

to-use interface that creates terminal connections to any network 

host supporting Telnet. Rlogin is a protocol that allows users to 

initiate a TCP/IP login session. UDP (User Datagram Protocol) is 

a connectionless protocol that results in smaller packet headers, 

no session overhead, and the ability to send to multiple hosts. 

The MSS also supports the use of Domain Name Servers (DNS), 

allowing a network nameserver to translate text node names into 

numeric IP addresses. 

The MSS also implements basic Simple Network Management 

Protocol (SNMP) functionality. SNMP commands enable users, 

usually system administrators, to get information from and 

control other nodes on a local area network (LAN), and respond 

to queries from other network hosts. The MSS allows 

configuration of one community name with read/write access.

•

IPX/ SPX (NetWare)

The MSS provides IPX/SPX access to the serial device from 

NetWare and any other IPX/SPX nodes. It allows users to 

download system files from NetWare hosts and log into the MSS 

via NetWare for remote configuration.

The MSS supports all four NetWare frame types: Ethernet v2, 

Native mode, 802.2, and 802.2 SNAP.

•

Local Area Transport (LAT)

LAT is a protocol developed by Digital Equipment Corporation 

(DEC) for local network connections and is supported on most 

DEC operating systems. The MSS provides logins to remote hosts 

and host-initiated connections, as well as access to the MSS serial 

port from LAT hosts.