Lantronix Device Server MSS 485 Installation Manual - 5.1.3 Host Applications

Host-Initiated Connections

Using the MSS

5 - 4

5.1.3 Host Applications

The MSS can be used with applications on Unix, Windows, Windows NT, 

OS/2, LAT, and Macintosh hosts, and any other hosts that have a TCP/IP 

or SPX socket interface. 

When a host application makes a socket connection to the MSS, it uses the 

socket as a data pipe to send and receive data. The host application 

performs general read/write tasks, and works with the MSS as if it were a 

directly-attached serial device.

There are some important points to remember when making a socket 

connection.

•

Port access must be set to either Dynamic or Remote to allow 

network connection requests. Local access does not allow a 

port to receive connection requests from the network.

To change the port’s access type, use the Change Access 

command followed by either Dynamic or Remote. 

•

The port must be idle. Use the Show Ports command to verify 

that the port is not in use.

NOTE:

To ensure that the port will be idle, do not attach a terminal to 

the serial port to issue the socket connection command.Telnet 

to the remote console port instead.

•

Only one serial port connection is allowed at a time.

•

Timing and serial signals are not preserved.

5.1.4 Code Examples

The MSS distribution CD-ROM includes examples of code for TCP/IP 

and SPX/IPX applications. Refer to the Readme file included with the 

code examples for further information and instructions.