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Device Servers Tutorial

Device Server Technology -Understanding and Imagining its
Possibilities

For easy reference, please consult the glossary of terms at the end of this paper.*

The ability to manage virtually any electronic device over a network or the Internet is changing
our world. Companies want to remotely manage, monitor, diagnose and control their equipment
because doing so adds an unprecedented level of intelligence and efficiency to their businesses.

With this trend, and as we rely on applications like e-mail and database management for core
business operations, the need for more fully-integrated devices and systems to monitor and
manage the vast amount of data and information becomes increasingly more important. And, in
a world where data and information is expected to be instantaneous, the ability to manage,
monitor and even repair equipment from a distance is extremely valuable to organizations in
every sector.

This need is further emphasized as companies with legacy non-networked equipment struggle
to compete with organizations equipped with advanced networking capabilities such as
machine-to-machine (M2M) communications. Theres no denying that advanced networking
provides an edge to improving overall efficiencies.

This tutorial will provide an overview and give examples of how device servers make it easy to
put just about any piece of electronic equipment on an Ethernet network. It will highlight the use
of external device servers and their ability to provide serial connectivity for a variety of
applications. It will touch on how device networking makes M2M communication possible and
wireless technology even more advanced. Finally, as any examination of networking
technologies requires consideration of data security, this paper will provide an overview of some
the latest encryption technologies available for connecting devices securely to the network.
Moving from Serial to EthernetAn Introduction to Device
Server Technology
For some devices, the only access available to a network manager or programmer is via a serial
port. The reason for this is partly historical and partly evolutionary. Historically, Ethernet
interfacing has usually been a lengthy development process involving multiple vendor protocols
(some of which have been proprietary) and the interpretation of many RFCs. Some vendors
believed Ethernet was not necessary for their product which was destined for a centralized
computer center others believed that the development time and expense required to have an
Ethernet interface on the product was not justified.

From the evolutionary standpoint, the networking infrastructure of many sites has only recently
been developed to the point that consistent and perceived stability has been obtained as users
and management have become comfortable with the performance of the network, they now
focus on how they can maximize corporate productivity in non-IS capacities.

Device server technology solves this problem by providing an easy and economical way to
connect the serial device to the network.

Lets use the Lantronix UDS100 Device Server as an example of how to network a RAID
controller serial port. The user simply cables the UDS100 s serial port to the RAID controllers
serial port and attaches the UDS100s Ethernet interface to the network. Once it has been
configured, the UDS100 makes that serial port a networked port, with its own IP address. The
user can now connect to the UDS100 s serial port over a network, from a PC or terminal
emulation device and perform the same commands as if he was using a PC directly attached to
the RAID controller. Having now become network enabled, the RAID can be managed or
controlled from anywhere on the network or via the Internet.

The key to network-enabling serial equipment is in a device servers ability to handle two
separate areas:

1. the connection between the serial device and the device server
2. the connection between the device server and the network (including other network
devices)

Traditional terminal, print and serial servers were developed specifically for connecting
terminals, printers and modems to the network and making those devices available as
networked devices. Now, more modern demands require other devices be network-enabled, and
therefore device servers have become more adaptable in their handling of attached devices.
Additionally, they have become even more powerful and flexible in the manner in which they
provide network connectivity.

Device Servers Defined

A device server is a specialized network-based hardware device designed to perform a single
or specialized set of functions with client access independent of any operating system or
proprietary protocol.

Device servers allow independence from proprietary protocols and the ability to meet a number
of different functions. The RAID controller application discussed above is just one of many
applications where device servers can be used to put any device or machine on the network.

PCs have been used to network serial devices with some success. This, however, required the
product with the serial port to have software able to run on the PC, and then have that
application software allow the PCs networking software to access the application. This task
equaled the problems of putting Ethernet on the serial device itself so it wasnt a satisfactory
solution.

To be successful, a device server must provide a simple solution for networking a device and
allow access to that device as if it were locally available through its serial port. Additionally, the
device server should provide for the multitude of connection possibilities that a device may
require on both the serial and network sides of a connection. Should the device be connected all
the time to a specific host or PC? Are there multiple hosts or network devices that may want or
need to connect to the newly-networked serial device? Are there specific requirements for an
application which requires the serial device to reject a connection from the network under
certain circumstances? The bottom line is a server must have both the flexibility to service a
multitude of application requirements and be able to meet all the demands of those
applications.

Capitalizing on Lantronix Device Server Expertise and

Proven Solutions
Lantronix is at the forefront of M2M communication technology. The company is highly
focused on enabling the networking of devices previously not on the network so they can be
accessed and managed remotely.

Lantronix has built on its long history and vast experience as a terminal, print and serial server
technology company to develop more functionality in its servers that cross the boundary of
what many would call traditional terminal or print services. Our technology provides:

The ability to translate between different protocols to allow non-routable protocols to be

routed
The ability to allow management connections to single-port servers while they are
processing transactions between their serial port and the network
A wide variety of options for both serial and network connections including serial tunneling
and automatic host connection make these servers some of the most sophisticated
Ethernet-enabling devices available today.

Ease of Use
As an independent device on the network, device servers are surprisingly easy to manage.
Lantronix has spent years perfecting Ethernet protocol software and its engineers have provided
a wide range of management tools for this device server technology. Serial ports are ideal
vehicles for device management purposes a simple command set allows easy configuration.
The same command set that can be exercised on the serial port can be used when connecting
via Telnet to a Lantronix device server.

An important feature to remember about the Lantronix Telnet management interface is that it
can actually be run as a second connection while data is being transferred through the server
this feature allows the user to actually monitor the data traffic on even a single-port servers
serial port connection while active. Lantronix device servers also support SNMP, the recognized
standard for IP management that is used by many large network for management purposes.

Finally, Lantronix has its own management software utilities which utilize a graphical user
interface providing an easy way to manage Lantronix device servers. In addition, the servers all
have Flash ROMs which can be reloaded in the field with the latest firmware.

Device Servers for a Host of Applications

This section will discuss how device servers are used to better facilitate varying applications
such as:
 Data Acquisition
M2M
Wireless Communication/Networking
Factory/Industrial Automation
Security Systems
Bar Code Readers and Point-of-sale Scanners
Medical Applications

Data Acquisition
Microprocessors have made their way into almost all aspects of human life, from automobiles
to hockey pucks. With so much data available, organizations are challenged to effectively and
efficiently gather and process the information. There are a wide variety of interfaces to support
communication with devices. RS-485 is designed to allow for multiple devices to be linked by a
multidrop network of RS-485 serial devices. This standard also had the benefit of greater
distance than offered by the RS-232/RS-423 and RS-422 standards.

However, because of the factors previously outlined, these types of devices can further benefit
from being put on an Ethernet network. First, Ethernet networks have a greater range than serial
technologies. Second, Ethernet protocols actually monitor packet traffic and will indicate when
packets are being lost compared to serial technologies which do not guarantee data integrity.

Lantronix full family of device server products provides the comprehensive support required for
network enabling different serial interfaces. Lantronix provides many device servers which
support RS-485 and allow for easy integration of these types of devices into the network
umbrella. For RS-232 or RS-423 serial devices, they can be used to connect equipment to the
network over either Ethernet or Fast Ethernet.

An example of device server collaboration at work is Lantronixs partnership with Christie Digital
Systems, a leading provider of visual solutions for business, entertainment and industry. Christie
integrates Lantronix SecureBox secure device server with feature-rich firmware designed and
programmed by Christie for its CCM products. The resulting product line, called the ChristieNET
SecureCCM, provided the encryption security needed for use in the companys key markets,
which include higher education and government. Demonstrating a convergence of AV and IT
equipment to solve customer needs, ChristieNET SecureCCM was the first product of its kind to
be certified by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

M2M and Wireless Communications

Two extremely important and useful technologies for communication that depend heavily on
device servers are M2M andwireless networking.
Made possible by device networking technology, M2M enables serial-based devices throughout
a facility to communicate with each other and humans over a Local Area Network/Wide Area
Network (LAN/WAN) or via the Internet. The prominent advantages to business include:

Maximized efficiency
More streamlined operations
Improved service

Lantronix Device Servers enable M2M communications either between the computer and serial
device, or from one serial device to another over the Internet or Ethernet network using serial
tunneling. Using this serial to Ethernet method, the tunnel can extend across a facility or to
other facilities all over the globe.

M2M technology opens a new world of business intelligence and opportunity for organizations
in virtually every market sector. Made possible through device servers, M2M offers solutions for
equipment manufacturers, for example, who need to control service costs. Network enabled
equipment can be monitored at all times for predictive maintenance. Often when something is
wrong, a simple setting or switch adjustment is all that is required. When an irregularity is noted,
the system can essentially diagnose the problem and send the corrective instructions. This
negates a time-consuming and potentially expensive service call for a trivial issue. If servicing is
required, the technician leaves knowing exactly what is wrong and with the proper equipment
and parts to correct the problem. Profitability is maximized through better operating efficiencies,
minimized cost overruns and fewer wasted resources.
M2M technology also greatly benefits any organization that cannot afford downtime, such as
energy management facilities where power failures can be catastrophic, or hospitals who cant
afford interruptions with lives at stake. By proactively monitoring networked-enabled equipment
to ensure it is functioning properly at all times, business can ensure uptime on critical systems,
improve customer service and increase profitability.

Wireless Networking
Wireless networking, allows devices to communicate over the airwaves and without wires by
using standard networking protocols. There are currently a variety of competing standards
available for achieving the benefits of a wireless network. Here is a brief description of each:

Bluetoothis a standard that provides short-range wireless connections between

computers, Pocket PCs, and other equipment.
ZigBeeis a proprietary set of communication protocols designed to use small, low power
digital radios based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard for wireless personal area networking.
 802.11is an IEEE specification for a wireless LAN airlink.
802.11b (or Wi-Fi)is an industry standard for wireless LANs and supports more users and
operates over longer distances than other standards. However, it requires more power and
storage. 802.11b offers wireless transmission over short distances at up to 11 megabits
per second. When used in handheld devices, 802.11b provides similar networking
capabilities to devices enabled with Bluetooth.
802.11gis the most recently approved standard and offers wireless transmission over
short distances at up to 54 megabits per second. Both 802.11b and 802.11g operate in the
2.4 GHz range and are therefore compatible.

For more in-depth information, please consult the Lantronix wireless whitepaper which is
available online.

Wireless technology is especially ideal in instances when it would be impractical or cost-

prohibitive for cabling; or in instances where a high level of mobility is required.

Wireless device networking has benefits for all types of organizations. For example, in the
medical field, where reduced staffing, facility closures and cost containment pressures are just a
few of the daily concerns, device networking can assist with process automation and data
security. Routine activities such as collection and dissemination of data, remote patient
monitoring, asset tracking and reducing service costs can be managed quickly and safely with
the use of wireless networked devices. In this environment, Lantronix device servers can
network and manage patient monitoring devices, mobile EKG units, glucose analyzers, blood
analyzers, infusion pumps, ventilators and virtually any other diagnostic tool with serial
capability over the Internet.
Forklift accidents in large warehouses cause millions of dollars in damaged product, health
claims, lost work and equipment repairs each year. To minimize the lost revenue and increase
their profit margin and administrative overhead, a company has utilized wireless networking
technology to solve the problem. Using Lantronix serial-to-802.11 wireless device server the
company wirelessly network-enables a card reader which is tied to the ignition system of all the
forklifts in the warehouse. Each warehouse employee has an identification card. The forklift
operator swipes his ID card before trying to start the forklift. The information from his card is
sent back via wireless network to computer database and it checks to see if he has proper
operators license, and that the license is current. If so, forklift can start. If not the starter is
disabled.

Factory Floor Automation

For shops that are running automated assembly and manufacturing equipment, time is money.
For every minute a machine is idle, productivity drops and the cost of ownership soars. Many
automated factory floor machines have dedicated PCs to control them. In some cases,
handheld PCs are used to reprogram equipment for different functions such as changing
computer numerically controlled (CNC) programs or changing specifications on a bottling or
packaging machine to comply with the needs of other products. These previously isolated
pieces of industrial equipment could be networked to allow them to be controlled and
reprogrammed over the network, saving time and increasing shop efficiency. For example, from
a central location (or actually from anywhere in the world for that matter) with network
connectivity, the machines can be accessed and monitored over the network. When necessary,
new programs can be downloaded to the machine and software/firmware updates can be
installed remotely.

One item of interest is how that input programming is formatted. Since many industrial and
factory automation devices are legacy or proprietary, any number of different data protocols
could be used. Device servers provide the ability to utilize the serial ports on the equipment for
virtually any kind of data transaction.

Lantronix device servers support binary character transmissions. In these situations, managing
the rate of information transfer is imperative to guard against data overflow. The ability to
manage data flow between computers, devices or nodes in a network, so that data can be
handled efficiently is referred to as flow control. Without it, the risk of data overflow can result in
information being lost or needing to be retransmitted.

Lantronix accounts for this need by supporting RTS/CTS flow control on its DB25 and RJ45
ports. Lantronix device servers handle everything from a simple ASCII command file to a
complex binary program that needs to be transmitted to a device.
Security Systems
One area that every organization is concerned about is security. Card readers for access control
are commonplace, and these devices are ideally suited to benefit from being connected to the
network with device server technology. When networked, the cards can be checked against a
centralized database on the system and there are records of all access within the organization.
Newer technology includes badges that can be scanned from a distance of up to several feet
and biometric scanning devices that can identify an individual by a thumbprint or handprint.
Device servers enable these types of devices to be placed throughout an organizations network
and allow them to be effectively managed by a minimum staff at a central location. They allow
the computer controlling the access control to be located a great distance away from the actual
door control mechanism.

An excellent example is how ISONAS Security Systems utilized Lantonix WiPort embedded
device server to produce the Worlds first wireless IP door reader for the access control and
security industry. With ISONAS reader software, network administrators can directly monitor and
control an almost unlimited number of door readers across the enterprise. The new readers,
incorporating Lantronix wireless technology, connect directly to an IP network and eliminate the
need for traditional security control panels and expensive wiring. The new solutions are easy to
install and configure, enabling businesses to more easily adopt access control, time and
attendance or emergency response technology. What was traditionally a complicated
configuration and installation is now as simple as installing wireless access points on a network.

One more area of security systems that has made great strides is in the area of security
cameras. In some cases, local municipalities are now requesting that they get visual proof of a
security breach before they will send authorities. Device server technology provides the user
with a host of options for how such data can be handled. One option is to have an open data
pipe on a security camera this allows all data to be viewed as it comes across from the
camera. The device server can be configured so that immediately upon power-up the serial port
attached to the camera will be connected to a dedicated host system.

Another option is to have the camera transmit only when it has data to send. By configuring the
device server to automatically connect to a particular site when a character first hits the buffer,
data will be transmitted only when it is available.

One last option is available when using the IP protocol a device server can be configured to
transmit data from one serial device to multiple IP addresses for various recording or archival
concerns. Lantronix device server technology gives the user many options for tuning the device
to meet the specific needs of their application.
Scanning Devices
Device server technology can be effectively applied to scanning devices such as bar code
readers or point-of-sale debit card scanners. When a bar code reader is located in a remote
corner of the warehouse at a receiving dock, a single-port server can link the reader to the
network and provide up-to-the-minute inventory information. A debit card scanner system can
be set up at any educational, commercial or industrial site with automatic debiting per employee
for activities, meals and purchases. A popular amusement park in the United States utilizes such
a system to deter theft or reselling of partially-used admission tickets.

Medical Applications
The medical field is an area where device server technology can provide great flexibility and
convenience. Many medical organizations now run comprehensive applications developed
specifically for their particular area of expertise. For instance, a group specializing in orthopedics
may have x-ray and lab facilities onsite to save time and customer effort in obtaining test
results. Connecting all the input terminals, lab devices, x-ray machines and developing
equipment together allows for efficient and effective service. Many of these more technical
devices previously relied upon serial communication or worse yet, processing being done locally
on a PC. Utilizing device server technology they can all be linked together into one seamless
application. And an Internet connection enables physicians the added advantage of access to
immediate information relevant to patient diagnosis and treatment.

Larger medical labs, where there are hundreds of different devices available for providing test
data, can improve efficiency and lower equipment costs by using device server technology to
replace dedicated PCs at each device. Device servers only cost a fraction of PCs. And, the cost
calculation is not just the hardware alone, but the man-hours required to create software that
would allow a PC-serial-port-based applications program to be converted into a program linking
that information to the PCs network port. Device server technology resolves this issue by
allowing the original applications software to be run on a networked PC and then use port
redirector software to connect up to that device via the network. This enables the medical
facility to transition from a PC at each device and software development required to network
that data, to using only a couple of networked PCs doing the processing for all of the devices.

Additional Network Security

Of course, with the ability to network devices comes the risk of outsiders obtaining access to
important and confidential information. Security can be realized through various encryption
methods.
There are two main types of encryption: asymmetric encryption (also known as public-key
encryption) and symmetric encryption. There are many algorithms for encrypting data based on
these types.

AES

AES (Advanced Encryption Standards) is a popular and powerful encryption standard that
has not been broken. Select Lantronix device servers feature a NIST-certified
implementation of AES as specified by the Federal Information Processing Specification
(FIPS-197). This standard specifiesRijndael as a FIPS-approved symmetric encryption
algorithm that may be used to protect sensitive information. A common consideration for
device networking devices is that they support AES and are validated against the standard
to demonstrate that they properly implement the algorithm. It is important that a validation
certificate is issued to the products vendor which states that the implementation has been
tested. Lantronix offers several AES certified devices including the AES Certified SecureBox
SDS1100 and the AES Certified SecureBox SDS2100.

Secure Shell Encryption

Secure Shell (SSH) is a program that provides strong authentication and secure
communications over unsecured channels. It is used as a replacement for Telnet, rlogin,
rsh, and rcp, to log into another computer over a network, to execute commands in a
remote machine, and to move files from one machine to another. AES is one of the many
encryption algorithms supported by SSH. Once a session key is established SSH uses AES
to protect data in transit.
Both SSH and AES are extremely important to overall network security by maintaining strict
authentication for protection against intruders as well as symmetric encryption to protect
transmission of dangerous packets. AES certification is reliable and can be trusted to
handle the highest network security issues.

WEP
 Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) is a security protocol for wireless local area networks
(WLANs) which are defined in the 802.11b standard. WEP is designed to provide the same
level of security as that of a wired LAN, however LANs provide more security by their
inherent physical structure that can be protected from unauthorized access. WLANs, which
are over radio waves, do not have the same physical structure and therefore are more
vulnerable to tampering. WEP provides security by encrypting data over radio waves so that
it is protected as it is transmitted from one end point to another. However, it has been
found that WEP is not as secure as once believed. WEP is used at the data link and physical
layers of the OSI model and does not offer end-to-end security.

WPA

Supported by many newer devices, Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) is a Wi-Fi standard that
was designed to improve upon the security features of WEP. WPA technology works with
existing Wi-Fi products that have been enabled with WEP, but WPA includes two
improvements over WEP. The first is improved data encryption via the temporal key
integrity protocol (TKIP), which scrambles keys using a hashing algorithm and adds an
integrity-checking feature to ensure that keys havent been tampered with. The second is
user authentication through the extensible authentication protocol (EAP). EAP is built on a
secure public-key encryption system, ensuring that only authorized network users have
access. EAP is generally missing from WEP, which regulates access to a wireless network
based on the computers hardware-specific MAC Address. Since this information can be
easily stolen, there is an inherent security risk in relying on WEP encryption alone.

Incorporating Encryption with Device Servers

In the simplest connection scheme where two device servers are set up as a serial tunnel, no
encryption application programming is required since both device servers can perform the
encryption automatically. However, in the case where a host-based application is interacting
with the serial device through its own network connection, modification of the application is
required to support data encryption.

Applications Abound
While this paper provides a quick snapshot of device servers at work in a variety of applications,
it should be noted that this is only a sampling of the many markets where these devices could
be used. With the ever-increasing requirement to manage, monitor, diagnose and control many
and different forms of equipment and as device server technology continues to evolve, the
applications are literally only limited by the imagination.
Glossary of terms *
Serial server traditionally, a unit used for connecting a modem to the network for shared
access among users.
Terminal server traditionally, a unit that connects asynchronous devices such as
terminals, printers, hosts, and modems to a LAN or WAN.
Device server a specialized network-based hardware device designed to perform a single
or specialized set of functions with client access independent of any operating system or
proprietary protocol.
Print server a host device that connects and manages shared printers over a network.
Console server software that allows the user to connect consoles from various equipment
into the serial ports of a single device and gain access to these consoles from anywhere
on the network.
Console manager a unit or program that allows the user to remotely manage serial
devices, including servers, switches, routers and telecom equipment.