Avocent User Manual

ESP Serial Hub
For Technical Support:

www.avocent.com/support
Installer/User Guide
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INSTRUCTIONS
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
PROTECTIVE GROUNDING TERMINAL

This symbol indicates a terminal which must be connected to earth ground
prior to making any other connections to the equipment.
ESP Serial Hub
Avocent, the Avocent logo and The Power of Being There are registered
trademarks of Avocent Corporation. All other marks are the property of
their respective owners.
© 2005 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved. 590-587-501A

USA Notification
WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compli-
ance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pur-
suant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction man-
ual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in the residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at
his own expense.
Canadian Notification
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set
out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux
appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le
Ministère des Communications du Canada.
European Union
WARNING: This is a Class A product. In domestic environment, this product may cause radio interference in
which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
iii
T A B L E O F C ON T E N T S
Table of Contents
List of Tables .................................................................................................................. vii
Chapter 1: Introduction ................................................................................................... 1
Features ............................................................................................................................................. 1
Serial port access........................................................................................................................ 1
Management tools....................................................................................................................... 2
Version........................................................................................................................................ 3
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation and Network Configuration..................................... 5
ESP Serial Hub Kit Contents ............................................................................................................. 5
LEDs and Buttons .............................................................................................................................. 5
Physical Interfaces............................................................................................................................. 6
Termination ................................................................................................................................ 7
RS-485 transmitter and receiver transfer modes........................................................................ 7
Serial port pin assignments ........................................................................................................ 7
Network Interface .............................................................................................................................. 9
Electrical.......................................................................................................................................... 10
Installing the Hub ............................................................................................................................ 10
Startup ...................................................................................................................................... 11
Configuring network information ............................................................................................. 11
After startup and address configuration................................................................................... 12
When Changes Take Effect .............................................................................................................. 12
Reinitializing and Resetting the Hub ............................................................................................... 13
Reinitializing............................................................................................................................. 13
Resetting ................................................................................................................................... 13
Chapter 3: Connection Methods, Attributes and Configurable Features ................. 15
Serial Port Connection Methods...................................................................................................... 15
Serial port redirection .............................................................................................................. 16
Telnet server ............................................................................................................................. 16
Raw TCP server........................................................................................................................ 17
Raw TCP client ......................................................................................................................... 19
Modem emulation ..................................................................................................................... 21
iv ESP Serial Hub Installer/User Guide
Configuration utility ................................................................................................................. 28

Serial Port Attributes ....................................................................................................................... 28
Configurable Features ..................................................................................................................... 29
Chapter 4: Web Interface............................................................................................... 31
Accessing the Web Interface ............................................................................................................ 31
Passwords ........................................................................................................................................ 31
Displaying or Changing Network Configuration Values ................................................................ 32
Displaying or Changing Serial Port Attributes ............................................................................... 33
Displaying or Changing Port Connection Methods ........................................................................ 33
Displaying or Changing the Serial Port Physical Interface............................................................ 34
Sending a Break to a Port................................................................................................................ 36
Displaying Hardware Information .................................................................................................. 36
Displaying or Updating Flash Memory........................................................................................... 36
Displaying or Changing Configurable Features ............................................................................. 37
Downloading a Configuration File.................................................................................................. 37
Launching the ESP-View Diagnostic Utility ................................................................................... 38
Displaying General Statistics .......................................................................................................... 38
Displaying Port Statistics ................................................................................................................ 39
Displaying Connection Status.......................................................................................................... 39
Rebooting the Hub ........................................................................................................................... 41
Reinitializing the Hub ...................................................................................................................... 41
Chapter 5: Configuration Utility.................................................................................... 43
Accessing the Configuration Utility................................................................................................. 43
Accessing with Telnet ............................................................................................................... 43
Accessing a hub with no configured IP address....................................................................... 43
Accessing on a port using the configuration utility connection method................................... 44
About the Configuration Utility Interface ................................................................................ 44
Passwords ........................................................................................................................................ 45
Displaying or Changing Network Configuration Values ................................................................ 45
Displaying or Changing Serial Port Attributes ............................................................................... 46
Displaying or Changing Connection Methods ................................................................................ 46
Displaying or Changing the Serial Port Physical Interface............................................................ 48
Sending a Break to a Port................................................................................................................ 49
Table of Contents v
Displaying Hardware Information .................................................................................................. 49

Displaying or Updating Flash Memory........................................................................................... 49
Displaying or Changing Configurable Features ............................................................................. 50
Downloading a Configuration File.................................................................................................. 50
Rebooting the Hub ........................................................................................................................... 51
Reinitializing the Hub ...................................................................................................................... 51
Displaying General Statistics .......................................................................................................... 51
Displaying Port Statistics ................................................................................................................ 52
Displaying Connection Status.......................................................................................................... 52
Displaying and Using Debug Features ........................................................................................... 52
Chapter 6: Configuration Files...................................................................................... 55
Sample Configuration File............................................................................................................... 55
File Format and Command Syntax .................................................................................................. 56
Port Interface Command ................................................................................................................. 57
Port Connection Method Commands............................................................................................... 57
Port Redirection command ....................................................................................................... 57
Port Telnet Server command .................................................................................................... 57
Port TCP Server command....................................................................................................... 57
Port TCP Client command ....................................................................................................... 58
Port Modem Emulation command ............................................................................................ 58
Dialout Translation command.................................................................................................. 58
Port Configuration Utility command........................................................................................ 58
Port Attributes Command ................................................................................................................ 58
Network Command .......................................................................................................................... 59
Configurable Features Commands .................................................................................................. 59
Initiating a Configuration File Download....................................................................................... 59
Completion Status ............................................................................................................................ 60
Chapter 7: ESP-Install Program.................................................................................... 61
Running the ESP-Install Program ................................................................................................... 61
Creating Installation/Update Command Blocks.............................................................................. 62
Updating ESP Hub Configurations ................................................................................................. 63
Removing ESP Hubs ........................................................................................................................ 63
Commands ....................................................................................................................................... 64
Sample Script File............................................................................................................................ 65
vi ESP Serial Hub Installer/User Guide
Chapter 8: ESP-View Diagnostic Utility ....................................................................... 67

Accessing and Exiting the ESP-View Utility.................................................................................... 67
Datascope ........................................................................................................................................ 67
Loopback.......................................................................................................................................... 70
Status................................................................................................................................................ 71
Appendices..................................................................................................................... 73
Appendix A: Technical Specifications ............................................................................................. 73
Appendix B: Changing the Serial Port Interface on
ESP-2 MI Hubs ................................................................................................................................ 75
Appendix C: Adaptors...................................................................................................................... 77
Appendix D: Technical Support....................................................................................................... 80
Index................................................................................................................................ 81
vii
LIST OF TABLES
List of Tables
Table 2.1: LEDs and Buttons............................................................................................................. 5
Table 2.2: Physical Interface and Connector Summary.................................................................... 6
Table 2.3: RS-232 Serial Port Pin Assignments ................................................................................ 7
Table 2.4: RS-422 and RS-485 Serial Port Pin Assignments ............................................................ 8
Table 2.5: Ethernet Connector Pin Assignments............................................................................... 9
Table 2.6: ESP Serial Hub Electrical Connectors .......................................................................... 10
Table 2.7: When Changes Take Effect............................................................................................. 12
Table 3.1: Serial Port Redirection Configurable Items................................................................... 16
Table 3.2: Telnet Server Connection Method Configurable Items .................................................. 17
Table 3.3: Raw TCP Server Connection Method Configurable Items ............................................ 18
Table 3.4: Raw TCP Client Connection Method Configurable Items ............................................. 19
Table 3.5: Modem Emulation Connection Method Configurable Items ......................................... 21
Table 3.6: Modem Commands ......................................................................................................... 24
Table 3.7: Modem Command Response Codes ............................................................................... 26
Table 3.8: Dialout Translation Set .................................................................................................. 27
Table 3.9: Configuration Utility Connection Method Configurable Items ..................................... 28
Table 3.10: Serial Port Valid and Default Values .......................................................................... 29
Table 3.11: Configurable Features ................................................................................................. 29
Table 4.1: Reference to Connection Method Rules and Values ...................................................... 34
Table 4.2: General Statistics Display .............................................................................................. 38
Table 4.3: Port Statistics Display .................................................................................................... 39
Table 4.4: Serial Port Active Connection Status Display................................................................ 39
Table 4.5: Serial Port Redirection Connections Status Display ..................................................... 40
Table 5.1: Reference to Connection Method Rules and Values ...................................................... 47
Table 6.1: Configurable Features Commands ................................................................................ 59
Table 7.1: ESP-Install Program Commands ................................................................................... 64
viii ESP Serial Hub Installer/User Guide
Table 8.1: ESP-View Utility Datascope Window Buttons ............................................................... 68

Table 8.2: ESP-View Utility Status Display .................................................................................... 71
Table A.1: ESP Serial Hub Technical Specifications ...................................................................... 73
Table C.1: RS-422 CAT 5 Adaptor Pin Assignments....................................................................... 77
Table C.2: RS-485 CAT 5 Adaptor Pin Assignments....................................................................... 77
Table C.3: Adaptors for Use with CAT 5 and CAT 6 Cable............................................................ 78
Table C.4: Reversing Adaptors and Cables .................................................................................... 78
1
CHAPTER
Introduction
1
Features
ESP Ethernet serial hubs contain an autosensing 10/100 Ethernet port and multi-interface (MI)
serial ports. MI ports may be configured to use the RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 physical interface.
• The ESP-2 MI hub contains two MI serial ports.
• The ESP-4 MI hub contains four MI serial ports.
• The ESP-8 MI hub contains eight MI serial ports.
• The ESP-16 MI hub contains eight MI serial ports and eight dedicated RS-232 ports.
Modular adaptors are available to facilitate the connection between the ESP serial hub ports and
target devices.
Serial port access
All ESP hubs support several ways to access the serial ports. Each of these connection methods is
described in Chapter 3, beginning on page 15.
• Serial port redirection
• Telnet server
• Raw TCP server
• Raw TCP client
• Modem emulation
• Configuration utility
Serial port redirection uses drivers installed on a host computer. The ESP serial hub drivers are
supported on the following operating systems:
Windows® 2000 Windows XP
®
Windows NT 4.0 Windows Server 2003
OpenServer™ 5.0.5a or higher UnixWare® 7.0.1a or higher
Linux® AIX® 4.3 and 5.1/5.2
® ™
Sun Solaris for X86 or SPARC 8 or higher
2 ESP Serial Hub Installer/User Guide
For serial port redirection, the ESP hub is configured using the appropriate drivers running on any
Microsoft Windows host, or espdiag and espcfg for OpenServer, UnixWare, Linux, Sun or AIX
systems. Certain configuration values are set during driver installation.
The file-driven ESP-Install program may be used to install, modify and remove Windows drivers
for ESP serial hubs without the need for on-site technical personnel. See ESP-Install Program on
page 61.
All other connection methods do not require the use of drivers.
Management tools
You may configure and manage an ESP serial hub using the following tools:
• Web interface - see Chapter 4, beginning on page 31
• Configuration utility - see Chapter 5, beginning on page 43
• Configuration files - see Chapter 6, beginning on page 55
• Unix system utilities espcfg and espdiag (Unix systems) - these utilities have limited support
for connection methods other than port redirection
• Socket Application Program Interface (API)
The web interface and the configuration utility offer the most comprehensive sets of available
operations, including:
• Displaying and changing network configuration values
• Displaying and changing a port’s physical interface (ESP-4 MI, ESP-8 MI and ESP-16
MI hubs)
• Displaying and changing a port’s attributes
• Displaying, enabling/disabling and configuring connection methods for each port
• Sending a line break to a port
• Displaying hardware information
• Displaying or updating Flash memory
• Displaying or enabling/disabling configurable features
• Downloading a configuration file
• Rebooting or reinitializing the hub
• Displaying general and port statistics
• Displaying connection status
• Diagnostics
• Using the web interface, you may launch the ESP-View diagnostic utility that provides
datascope, loopback and status functions; see Chapter 8, beginning on page 67
• The configuration utility also supports diagnostic features; see Displaying and Using
Debug Features on page 52
Chapter 1: Introduction 3
The ESP hubs support attended and unattended configuration. With attended configuration, you set
values and request actions directly through the web interface or the configuration utility.
Unattended configuration uses a flat text file containing configuration commands. The commands
are processed as if they were requested using the web interface or the configuration utility. The
command file may be read by BootP/DHCP during initial ESP hub configuration. Downloading a
command file may also be initiated using the web interface and configuration utility. See Chapter 6,
beginning on page 55.
The ESP serial hub also provides a socket API for on-the-fly serial port operations. This API is an
extension of the raw TCP interface, which allows data to be read from or written to an ESP hub
serial port. Using socket calls, an application is able to alter port settings (such as baud rate) or read
current serial control signals (such as DTR). For details on the API specification, contact Avocent
Technical Support.
Version
This document covers features available with the ESP hub application version 3.05 or later.
ESP-2 MI serial hubs and Avocent ESP MI serial hubs will accept the new firmware; check the CD
that ships with the hub (and the www.avocent.com web site) to verify the current boot and
application versions.
Older hubs are not compatible with the new firmware. For information about older hubs, you can
reference the manual that shipped with the hub, download the original manual from the web site or
contact Technical Support.
5
CHAPTER
Hardware Installation and

2 Network Configuration
ESP Serial Hub Kit Contents

• ESP serial hub.
• SuperSerial CD-ROM.
• For ESP-2 MI and ESP-4 MI hubs: External power supply (PS) with attached PS-to-unit barrel
connector. The line cord for the power supply is appropriate to the intended country
of operation.
• For ESP-8 MI and ESP-16 MI hubs: AC power cord.
Modular adaptors are available from Avocent; see Adaptors on page 77.
LEDs and Buttons

All LEDs and buttons are on the front of the ESP serial hub.
Table 2.1: LEDs and Buttons
Item Models Description
POWER All The POWER LED is lit when the hub is connected to a power source.
The ONLINE LED is lit (not blinking) when the hub’s self-test and initialization
procedures have completed successfully.
ONLINE All
On ESP-4 MI hubs at power up, the LED will blink rapidly until the hub is
initialized, then it will be lit (not blinking). If a problem occurs, the LED will turn off.
ESP-2 MI and The 10 LED is lit when the hub is connected to a 10 Mbps LAN, and the 100 LED
10
ESP-4 MI blinks when traffic is present on the 10 Mbps LAN.
The 100 LED is lit when the hub is connected to a 100 Mbps LAN.
100 All On ESP-2 MI and ESP-4 MI hubs, the 10 LED blinks when traffic is present on
the 100 Mbps LAN.
ESP-8 MI and
LINK The LINK LED is lit when the hub establishes a connection to the network.
ESP-16 MI
Table 2.1: LEDs and Buttons (Continued)
Item Models Description
ESP-8 MI and
TRAFFIC The TRAFFIC LED blinks when there is traffic on the LAN.
ESP-16 MI
Pushing (and holding for ESP-8 MI and ESP-16 MI hubs) the RESET button
RESET All
reboots the hub; see Resetting on page 13.
Pushing and holding the INIT button restores the hub to factory defaults; see
INIT All
Reinitializing on page 13.
Physical Interfaces
Table 2.2 summarizes the ESP serial hub physical interfaces and connector information. Details
follow the table.
Table 2.2: Physical Interface and Connector Summary
Physical interfaces can be configured on Where physical

Connector type
Model interface is
and location RS-232 RS-422 RS-485 configured
DB-9
ESP-2 MI all ports (1-2) all ports (1-2) all ports (1-2) hardware
Front of hub
DB-9
ESP-4 MI all ports (1-4) all ports (1-4) all ports (1-4) software
Front of hub
RJ-45
ESP-8 MI all ports (1-8) all ports (1-8) all ports (1-8) software
Back of hub
RJ-45
ESP-16 MI all ports (1-16) only ports 1-8 only ports 1-8 software
Back of hub
All of the serial ports on the ESP-2 MI, ESP-4 MI and ESP-8 MI hubs may be configured to
support the following physical interfaces:
• RS-232 DTE signaling
• RS-422 signaling (default)
• RS-485 2-wire half duplex (HD) signaling
On ESP-16 MI hubs, the first eight serial ports (ports 1-8) may be configured to support any of the
physical interfaces noted above. The remaining eight ports (ports 9-16) are dedicated RS-232 ports.
By default, RS-232 is enabled on all serial ports.
For ESP-2 MI hubs, internal jumper settings select the physical interface for each port. See
Changing the Serial Port Interface on ESP-2 MI Hubs on page 75.
Chapter 2: Hardware Installation and Network Configuration 7
For ESP-4 MI, ESP-8 MI and ESP-16 MI hubs, the physical interface can be changed in software,
using any of the available tools.
• Web interface - see Displaying or Changing the Serial Port Physical Interface on page 34.
• Configuration utility - see Displaying or Changing the Serial Port Physical Interface on
page 48.
• Configuration file - see Port Interface Command on page 57.
Termination
When the RS-422 or RS-485 interface is enabled for a serial port, you may also enable/disable 100
ohm termination of the differential receive signal pair on that port. This termination is typically
used in RS-485 environments when the device is the first or last on a multi-drop line for a 2-wire
configuration. This termination should always be set when the hub is configured for RS-422, as this
is a point-to-point configuration.
If your configuration includes supplying your own external termination, the termination on the hub
should not be used.
On ESP-2 MI hubs, termination is enabled or disabled in hardware; see Changing the Serial Port
Interface on ESP-2 MI Hubs on page 75. On ESP-4 MI, ESP-8 MI and ESP-16 MI hubs,
termination is enabled or disabled using any of the available tools.
RS-485 transmitter and receiver transfer modes
On ESP-4 MI, ESP-8 MI and ESP-16 MI hubs, the RS-485 physical interface always uses the
ADDC (Automatic Data Detection Control) transfer mode. The transmitter is enabled and the
receiver is disabled when a space (zero) bit is sent. The transmitter is disabled and the receiver is
enabled when a mark (one) is sent. This allows rapid turnaround and release of the data pair.
On ESP-2 MI hubs, the RS-485 physical interface can use the ADDC or RTS (Request to Send)
transfer mode. In RTS mode, the transmitter is enabled and the receiver is disabled when RTS is
true. The transmitter is disabled and the receiver is enabled when RTS is false. The RS-485 transfer
mode on ESP-2 MI hubs may be specified using any of the available tools.
Serial port pin assignments
Serial port pin assignments are provided on a label on the bottom of the hub.
Table 2.3 lists the pin assignments for the RS-232 interface.
Table 2.3: RS-232 Serial Port Pin Assignments
Pin Number RS-232 Description Direction
1 DCD Data Carrier Detect Input
2 RxD Receive Data Input
3 TxD Transmit Data Output

Table 2.3: RS-232 Serial Port Pin Assignments (Continued)
Pin Number RS-232 Description Direction
4 DTR Data Terminal Ready Output
5 GND Ground N/A
6 DSR Data Set Ready Input
7 RTS Request to Send Output
8 CTS Clear to Send Input
9 N/C N/C N/A
Not supported: RI, RS-422 RTS and CTS differential control signals.
Unused pins (labeled N/C) should not have wires attached to them. Floating wires could cause unbalanced
noise, shorten overall distances and degrade performance.
Table 2.4 lists the pin assignments for the RS-422 and RS-485 interfaces.
Table 2.4: RS-422 and RS-485 Serial Port Pin Assignments
Pin Number RS-422/485 * Description Direction
1 RxD (+) Receive Data (pos) Input
2 RxD (-) Receive Data (neg) Input
3 TxD (+) Transmit Data (pos) Output
4 TxD (-) Transmit Data (neg) Output
5 GND Ground N/A
6 DSR (RS-232) Data Set Ready (remains RS-232) Input
7 RTS * (RS-232) Request to Send (remains RS-232) * Output
8 CTS * (RS-232) Clear to Send (remains RS-232) * Input
9 N/C N/A N/A
* The RS-485 interface is implemented by using special cables that connect RxD(+) to TxD(+) and RxD(-) to
TxD(-), thus providing the 2-wire bidirectional interface. In addition, pins 7 and 8 should be jumpered together
to signal that the port is configured for RS-485. Pins 7 and 8 should be left open for an RS-422 configuration.
Network Interface
The Ethernet port supports 10/100 auto detect (speed and duplex) connections. The LAN connector
accepts 10BaseT or 100BaseT LAN interface cable. On an ESP-2 MI or ESP-4 MI hub, the LAN
connector is on the front of the hub. On an ESP-8 MI or ESP-16 MI hub, the LAN connector is on
the back of the hub. A CAT 5 cable is required for 100BaseT operation.
Table 2.5 lists the pin assignments for the RJ-45 shielded Ethernet connector.
Table 2.5: Ethernet Connector Pin Assignments
Pin Signal
1 Transmit Data +
2 Transmit Data -
3 Receive Data +
4 *
5 *
6 Receive Data -
7 *
8 *
* These pins are usually connected in a standard Ethernet CAT 5 cable. Special termination for these signals
is in the interface to eliminate any problems if they are connected.
The network interface speed may be configured with the following values.
Auto-negotiate
10 Mb/second half or full duplex 100 Mb/second half or full duplex
10 Mb/second half duplex 100 Mb/second half duplex
10 Mb/second full duplex 100 Mb/second full duplex
By default, auto-negotiate and all settings are enabled. The setting that will be used is determined
by which settings are available and also by priority. For a standard CAT 5 twisted pair cable, the
priority is (from highest to lowest):
100 Mb/second, full duplex
100 Mb/second, half duplex
10 Mb/second, full duplex
10 Mb/second, half duplex
The network interface speed may be specified using any of the available tools.
• Web interface - see Displaying or Changing Network Configuration Values on page 32.
• Configuration utility - see Displaying or Changing Network Configuration Values on page 45.
• Configuration file - see Network Command on page 59.
Electrical
Table 2.6 describes the electrical connector information for the ESP serial hubs. For electrical
specifications, see Technical Specifications on page 73.
Table 2.6: ESP Serial Hub Electrical Connectors
Model Electrical Connector
Two electrical power connectors are located on the front of the hub under the label POWER
9-30 VDC 4W. You may use either one of the connectors, but not both.
The hub ships with an external power adaptor. This adaptor includes a barrel plug that is
inserted into the left power connector.
ESP-2 MI The hub also contains a 3-pin screw terminal block connector which provides connection for
a 9-30 VDC power source. The locations of the positive, ground and negative pins are
printed next to the connector.
Surge protection is provided for each serial port up to 15,000 volts electrostatic discharge
(ESD).
The power connector is located on the front of the hub. An external universal 5 VDC power
supply, which must be provided by Avocent, has a standard IEC AC input connector that
ESP-4 MI accepts power cords with country-dependent plugs.
Surge protection is provided for every signal on each serial port and meets or exceeds the
applicable European CE Immunity Standards.
ESP-8 MI and An AC line cord connector is located on the back of the hub. The hub ships with an 18 AWG
three-wire cable, with a three-lead IEC-320 receptacle on the power supply end and a
ESP-16 MI country dependent plug on the power resource end.
Installing the Hub

All ESP hubs ship ready to use in a tabletop environment.
ESP-2 MI hubs may be installed on a DIN rail. Contact your Avocent representative for
information about an Industrial Mounting Kit.
ESP-8 MI and ESP-16 MI hubs may be rack mounted.
You may replace an existing ESP hub with a similarly configured hub without affecting the server
or having to reconfigure the ports.
NOTE: The power outlet should be near the equipment and be easily accessible.
NOTE: ESP-8 MI and ESP-16 MI hubs are not user serviceable. To avoid electric shock, do not attempt to open
the unit or operate with the cover off. Do not attempt to make any repairs. See Technical Support on page 80
for information.
Startup
To initiate the startup sequence:
1. The MAC address is printed on a label on the hub. This address is used as a Unit ID to
distinguish different ESP hubs on the network. Record the MAC address.
00 - ____ - ____ - ____ - ____ - ____
2. Attach a 10BaseT or 100BaseT LAN interface cable to the LAN connector on the hub. A CAT
5 cable is required for 100BaseT operation. Then, attach the other end of the LAN interface
cable to the Ethernet hub or switch.
3. Connect devices to the serial ports on the hub, using appropriate cables (and adaptors,
if needed).
4. Attach the electrical power connector to the hub, and then to an appropriate power source.
Configuring network information
Configuring network information includes setting the IP address, subnet mask and gateway. You
may also change the network interface setting (see Network Interface on page 9 for
more information).
To configure network information:
• Using the web interface - You may initially access the hub using the predefined IP address (see
Accessing the Web Interface on page 31), then configure the network information (see
Displaying or Changing Network Configuration Values on page 32).
• Using the configuration utility - The configuration utility is automatically enabled on port 1.
Using a terminal emulation program of your choice (with a serial connection at 19200 baud, 8
bits, no parity and one stop bit), you may access the configuration utility on this port (see
Accessing the Configuration Utility on page 43). Then, configure the network information (see
Displaying or Changing Network Configuration Values on page 45).
• Using the serial port redirection connection method - Install the ESP drivers included on the
SuperSerial CD (be sure to check the Avocent web site, www.avocent.com, for the
latest version).
You may also use the ESP-Install program with a script file to automate the installation; see
ESP-Install Program on page 61.
• Using a configuration file - If you are using a configuration file with a BootP or DHCP server,
consult your operating system documentation to determine how to configure the BootP or
DHCP server.
• After the ESP hub acquires an IP address (by any method), it will no longer use BootP or
DHCP. Therefore, you cannot change the network values using this method.
• The ESP hub requires a permanent IP allocation. If you are using DHCP, it must have an
infinite lease on the assigned IP address; an IP address with a finite lease will not
be accepted.
The BootP or DHCP server may also specify a configuration file using the “bootfile”
parameter. See Chapter 6, beginning on page 55, for more information.
After startup and address configuration
After the ESP serial hub’s network information has been configured, you may configure each of the
ports. Most port operations may be initiated for one port or all ports.
To configure ports:
• Using the web interface - see Displaying or Changing Serial Port Attributes on page 33,
Displaying or Changing Port Connection Methods on page 33 and Displaying or Changing the
Serial Port Physical Interface on page 34.
• Using the configuration utility - see Displaying or Changing Serial Port Attributes on page 46,
Displaying or Changing Connection Methods on page 46 and Displaying or Changing the
Serial Port Physical Interface on page 48.
• Using a configuration file - see Port Interface Command on page 57, Port Connection Method
Commands on page 57 and Port Attributes Command on page 58.
When Changes Take Effect

When you change values, the ESP serial hub’s memory is updated immediately. Some changes take
effect immediately; others take effect when the next connection is established with a port or after
the hub is rebooted.
Table 2.7 indicates when each type of change takes effect.
Table 2.7: When Changes Take Effect
On next
Action Immediately After reboot
connection
Network address changes (IP, gateway, subnet) X
Network interface speed X
Enabling/disabling the hub’s configurable features X
Changing a port’s physical interface X
Enabling/disabling a port’s connection methods X
Changing a port’s attributes X
Updating a Flash image X
Downloading a configuration file X
Changing a web interface/configuration utility password takes effect the next time the web
interface or the configuration utility is accessed.
Reinitializing and Resetting the Hub

The information in this section is not a standard part of the startup sequence; however, it is
provided for reference if the ESP serial hub must be reinitialized or reset.
Reinitializing
The INIT button on the front of the hub may be used to remove configured information from an
ESP hub. The hub stores nonvolatile data such as the SNMP community name, admin password,
system contact and IP address in memory. This information is erased by pressing and holding the
INIT button until reinitialization occurs.
When the INIT button is first pressed, the ONLINE LED will begin to blink to confirm that you
have pressed the INIT button. As the INIT button remains pressed, the ONLINE LED will blink at a
faster rate. After approximately 12 seconds, the ONLINE LED will turn off. At this point, all
nonvolatile information will be reset to the factory defaults and the hub will immediately reboot.
You may also reinitialize the hub using the web interface (see Reinitializing the Hub on page 41) or
the configuration utility (see Reinitializing the Hub on page 51).
Resetting
The RESET button on the front of the hub may be used to reset the serial hub.
• On ESP-2 MI and ESP-4 MI hubs, pressing this button will cause an immediate reboot.
• On ESP-8 MI and ESP-16 MI hubs, pressing and holding this button for approximately one
second will cause an immediate reboot if the master application is running. If the master appli-
cation is not able to run (that is, only the bootloader is operational), pressing the RESET button
will have no effect. However, if this condition persists for more than 15 seconds, the watchdog
timer will cause the hub to reset.
You may also reset (reboot) the hub using the web interface (see Rebooting the Hub on page 41) or
the configuration utility (see Rebooting the Hub on page 51).
15
CHAPTER
Connection Methods, Attributes

3 and Configurable Features
This chapter describes:

• Connection methods, which are configured for each serial port
• Attributes, which are configured for each serial port
• Configurable features, which are enabled/disabled for the entire hub
Serial Port Connection Methods

There are several methods to access a serial port on an ESP hub.
• Serial port redirection - see page 16
• Telnet server - see page 16
• Raw TCP server - see page 17
• Raw TCP client - see page 19
• Modem emulation - see page 21
• Configuration utility - see page 28
You may configure port connection methods using any of the available tools.
• Web interface - see Displaying or Changing Port Connection Methods on page 33
• Configuration utility - see Displaying or Changing Connection Methods on page 46
• Configuration file - see Port Connection Method Commands on page 57
Exclusivity and restrictions
Each connection method may be enabled or disabled for each ESP port. A port may have multiple
connection methods enabled, with the following exceptions.
• The raw TCP client connection method is exclusive; when it is enabled on a port, no other con-
nection methods can be enabled for that port. (Conversely, if other connection methods are
enabled for a port, you cannot enable the raw TCP client connection method on that port until
you disable the other methods.)
• If you enable the raw TCP server connection method and enable the idle TCP buffering option
on a port, then the TCP server connection method becomes exclusive; no other connection
methods can be enabled for that port.
• The modem emulation connection method is valid only on an RS-232 port. This method is
exclusive; when it is enabled on a port, no other connection methods can be enabled for
that port.
In any case, a port may be actively open and used by only one method at a time.
Serial port redirection
The serial port redirection connection method uses an ESP serial redirection driver on a host
computer to communicate with the hub. The driver creates a virtual COMM or TTY port interface
within the host’s operating system.
Table 3.1 describes this method’s configurable items for each serial port.
Table 3.1: Serial Port Redirection Configurable Items
Item Description
Enables or disables the serial port redirection connection method on the serial port. (See
Enable/
Exclusivity and restrictions on page 15.)
disable
The default value is enabled.
Specifies the length of time accumulated serial data should be buffered before being sent to
the remote server. Valid values are 0-65535 hundredths of a second. A 0 value indicates that
data will be sent as soon as it is available.
Serial
For example, a value of 100 indicates that once serial data is received, it will remain buffered
buffering
up to 1 second (100 hundredths of a second), at which time all data will be sent.
If the buffer becomes half full, the time is ignored and the data is sent.
The default value is 0 (send immediately).
To use the serial port redirection connection method, you must install drivers on the host computer.
See the SuperSerial CD for information. You may also use the ESP-Install program; see ESP-
Install Program on page 61.
Telnet server
The Telnet server connection method allows a user to make a Telnet connection to a serial port on
the ESP hub and then transmit/receive data using the standard Telnet protocol. This method is also
known as reverse Telnet.
When this method is enabled, the Telnet server within the hub will accept a connection from any
valid remote IP address. There is no filtering of remote addresses. The connection will be accepted
only if the port is not already open and in use by any connection method, including an existing
Telnet session on that port. If the port is currently in use, the connection request will be rejected.
The Telnet session will remain established until the remote client ends the session, the Telnet TCP
socket is broken or the inactivity time-out (if enabled) occurs.
Chapter 3: Connection Methods, Attributes and Configurable Features 17
Table 3.2: Telnet Server Connection Method Configurable Items
Item Description
Enables or disables the Telnet server connection method on the port. (See Exclusivity and
Enable/disable restrictions on page 15.)
The default value is disabled.
Specifies the IP port number on which the Telnet server will listen.
If the all ports option is being used for configuration, this value specifies the local IP port
base. Each port’s actual local IP port number will be the base plus the port number. For
example, if 6000 is specified as the base, the local IP port number for port 1 will be 6001,
port 2 will be 6002 and so on.
This value (or its result when using the all ports option) must meet the following criteria:
Local IP port • It cannot conflict with the port numbers specified for other enabled connection methods
number [base] on any port.
• Valid values are 1024-65535, except 4000 and 4100, which are reserved.
• When using the all ports option, 4000 or 4100 may be used as the base. However, you
cannot specify a base that, when added to a port number, will equal 4000 or 4100.
When using the all ports option, all ports must be valid or the entire selection will not
be accepted.
The default value is 3001 for port 1, 3002 for port 2 and so on.
Specifies the length of time before the Telnet session is disconnected if there is no activity.
Valid values are 0-65535 seconds. A 0 value disables the inactivity time-out.
Inactivity time-
For example, a value of 60 indicates the Telnet session will be disconnected if there is no
out
activity for a period of 60 seconds.
The default value is 0 (disabled).
Specifies the length of time accumulated serial data should be buffered before being sent
across the network to the Telnet client. Valid values are 0-65535 hundredths of a second. A
0 value indicates that data will be sent as soon as it is available.
Serial buffering For example, a value of 100 indicates that once serial data is received, it will remain
buffered up to 1 second (100 hundredths of a second), at which time all data will be sent.
Raw TCP server

The raw TCP server connection method allows a remote client to make a TCP socket connection to
a serial port on the ESP hub and then transmit/receive data using standard TCP. The remote client
initiates the TCP session, using a predefined IP port number.
When this method is enabled, the TCP server will accept a connection from any valid remote IP
address. There is no filtering of remote addresses. When a remote raw TCP client attempts to
establish a connection, the raw TCP server will accept the connection only if the port is not already
open and in use by any connection method, including an existing raw TCP server connection on
that port. If the port is currently in use, the connection request will be rejected.
The TCP session will remain active until the remote client closes the TCP socket, the TCP
connection is broken or the inactivity time-out (if enabled) occurs.
Table 3.3: Raw TCP Server Connection Method Configurable Items
Item Description
Enables or disables the raw TCP server connection method on the port. (See Exclusivity
Enable/disable and restrictions on page 15.)
Specifies the IP port number on which the TCP server will listen.
example, if 6000 is specified as the base, the local IP port number for port 1 will be 6001,
port 2 will be 6002 and so on.
Local IP port • It cannot conflict with the port numbers specified for other enabled connection methods
number [base] on any port.
be accepted.
Specifies the length of time before the TCP session is disconnected if there is no activity.
Inactivity time-
For example, a value of 60 indicates the TCP session will be disconnected if there is no
out
(Valid only on RS-232 ports.) Enables or disables monitoring of the DCD signal, which is an
indication that a serial device is attached and powered on. When enabled, the TCP server
will refuse the TCP connection if the inbound DCD signal is logically low at the time the
Monitor DCD connection is initiated. If the inbound DCD signal changes from logically high to low while a
TCP session is active, the TCP connection will be closed.
Table 3.3: Raw TCP Server Connection Method Configurable Items (Continued)
Item Description
Specifies the length of time accumulated serial data should be buffered before being sent
to the remote server. Valid values are 0-65535 hundredths of a second. A 0 value indicates
that data will be sent as soon as it is available.
Serial buffering For example, a value of 100 indicates that once serial data is received, it will remain
buffered up to 1 second (100 hundredths of a second), at which time all data will be sent.
Enables or disables buffering of received serial data while waiting for a TCP connection to
be established. When enabled, the most recent 20K bytes of data are held in an internal
Idle TCP buffer. After the connection is established, the buffered serial data is sent to the TCP client.
buffering When this option and this connection method are enabled, you may not enable any other
connection method for the port.
Raw TCP client

The raw TCP client connection method allows the ESP hub to make a TCP-based connection to a
remote server and then transmit/receive data using standard TCP. The client hub initiates the
TCP session.
When this method is enabled, the raw TCP client will attempt to establish a connection with the
configured server when the connection mode requirement has been satisfied. The TCP session will
remain active until the client closes the TCP socket, the TCP connection is broken, the inactivity
time-out (if enabled) occurs or if the connection mode is Connect on DCD and the DCD signal
is lowered.
Table 3.4: Raw TCP Client Connection Method Configurable Items
Item Description
Enables or disables the raw TCP client connection method on the port. (See Exclusivity and
Enable/disable restrictions on page 15.)
Specifies the IP address of the raw TCP server. This is a required item; there is no default
Destination IP
value. Only one destination address can be configured for each serial port. The address
address
cannot be 0.0.x.x, 127.x.x.x, 192.1.1.1, 248-255.x.x.x or the IP address of the ESP hub.
Table 3.4: Raw TCP Client Connection Method Configurable Items (Continued)
Item Description
Specifies the IP port number on which the remote server is listening. Valid values are 0-65535.
(If the destination IP port is on an ESP hub, 4000 and 4100 should not be used.)
Destination IP If the all ports option is being used for configuration, this value specifies the destination IP
port number port base. Each port’s actual destination IP port number will be the base plus the port
[base] number. For example, if 6000 is specified as the destination IP port base, the destination IP
port number for port 1 will be 6001, port 2 will be 6002 and so on.
Specifies the IP port number for the embedded TCP client.

If the all ports option is being used for configuration, this value specifies the local IP port base.
Each port’s actual local IP port number will be the base plus the port number. For example, if
6000 is specified as the base, the local IP port number for port 1 will be 6001, port 2 will be
6002 and so on.
Local IP port • It cannot conflict with the port numbers specified for other enabled connection methods on
number [base] any port.
be accepted.
Inactivity time-
For example, a value of 60 indicates the TCP session will be disconnected if there is no
out
Specifies the criteria for establishing the TCP connection. Valid values are:
Always Connect Always attempt to establish the TCP connection.
Connect on Data The TCP connection will be established upon receiving the first data
Connection
character from the serial port.
mode
Connect on DCD (Valid only on RS-232 ports.) The TCP connection will be established
when the DCD signal is logically high.
The default value is Always Connect
Serial
For example, a value of 100 indicates that once serial data is received, it will remain buffered
buffering
Table 3.4: Raw TCP Client Connection Method Configurable Items (Continued)
Item Description
Enables or disables buffering of received serial data while waiting for a TCP connection to be
established. When enabled, the most recent 20K bytes of data are held in an internal buffer.
Idle TCP Once the connection is established, the buffered serial data is sent to the remote endpoint of
buffering
the TCP connection.
Modem emulation
ESP serial hubs may be used to replace costly POTS-line calls with cost-effective raw TCP
sessions. To accomplish this, the ESP hub provides a connection method called modem emulation.
Two ESP hubs work in conjunction to emulate the connection. One ESP hub will establish the
connection in response to AT commands. The other ESP hub will emulate a modem that has
received an incoming call.
The modem emulation connection method enables an ESP hub serial port to emulate modem dial
and answer functionality. The hub presents a Hayes-compatible modem interface to the attached
serial device by accepting AT modem commands and performing the required functions.
This connection method is valid only on RS-232 ports. For information about available adaptors
that can be used with modem emulation, see Adaptors on page 77.
Table 3.5: Modem Emulation Connection Method Configurable Items
Item Description
Enables or disables the modem emulation connection method on the port. (See Exclusivity
Enable/
and restrictions on page 15.)
Disable
Enables or disables incoming calls (that is, raw TCP sessions originating remotely). When
Allow enabled, the ESP hub will listen for inbound raw TCP connection requests. See Incoming
Incoming
calls on page 28 for more information.
Calls
(Used only when Allow Incoming Calls is enabled.) Enables or disables auto answer. When
enabled, a connection will be accepted without interaction with the serial port. When disabled,
the ESP hub will send the appropriate string (RING or 2, depending on the ATV command or
Auto Answer
configured Verbose Response value). Upon receipt of an ATA modem command, the call will
be accepted.
Table 3.5: Modem Emulation Connection Method Configurable Items (Continued)
Item Description
(Used only when Allow Incoming Calls is enabled.) Specifies the port where the ESP hub will
listen for incoming connection requests.
example, if 6000 is specified as the base, the local IP port number for port 1 will be 6001, port
2 will be 6002 and so on.
Local IP Port
• It cannot conflict with the port numbers specified for other enabled connection methods on
[base] any port.
be accepted.
Enables or disables outgoing calls (that is, establishing a raw TCP connection in response to
AT commands received on the serial port). When this option is enabled, you may also set the
Allow Default IP Address and Default IP Port options, which will be used if an ATDT modem
Outgoing
command is issued without parameters. When this option is disabled, valid ATDT strings will
Calls
be ignored. See Outgoing calls on page 26 for more information.
(Used only when Allow Outgoing Calls is enabled.) Specifies the IP address to be used when
Destination IP
an ATDT modem command is entered without an IP address. The address cannot be 0.0.x.x,
Address
127.x.x.x, 248-255.x.x.x or the IP address of the ESP hub.
(Used only when Allow Outgoing Calls is enabled.) Specifies the IP port number to be used
when an ATDT modem command is entered without an IP port. Valid values are 0-65535. (If
the destination IP port is on an ESP MI hub, 4000 and 4100 should not be used.)
Destination IP If the all ports option is being used for configuration, this value specifies the destination IP
Port [base] port base. Each port’s actual destination IP port number will be the base plus the port
number. For example, if 6000 is specified as the destination IP port base, the destination IP
port number for port 1 will be 6001, port 2 will be 6002 and so on.
Enables or disables echo mode. When enabled, modem commands are echoed to the
attached serial device. When disabled, modem commands are not echoed. (This option
affects only modem commands, not session data.)
Echo The default value is enabled.
This option is equivalent to an ATE modem command. If an ATE command is issued with a
different value, the new value will be used during that connection but it will not replace this
configured value. The configured Echo value will be used for subsequent connections.
Table 3.5: Modem Emulation Connection Method Configurable Items (Continued)
Item Description
Specifies whether text or numeric codes will be sent to the serial device in response to
modem AT commands and how unknown commands will be handled. Valid values are:
ATV0 - text codes will be used; unknown commands will cause an error
ATV1 - numeric codes will be used; unknown commands will cause an error
ATV2 - numeric codes will be used; unknown commands will be discarded
Verbose ATV3 - text codes will be used; unknown commands will be discarded
Response The default value is ATV0.
Table 3.7 on page 26 lists the numeric and text codes.
This option is equivalent to issuing an ATV modem command. If an ATV command is issued
with a different value, the new value will will be used during that connection but it will not
replace this configured value. The configured Verbose Response value will be used for
subsequent connections.
Specifies whether response codes will be displayed on the serial device. Valid values are:
ATQ0 - response codes will be displayed (enabled)
ATQ1 - response codes will not be displayed (disabled)
Response The default value is ATQ0 (enabled).
Codes
This option is equivalent to issuing an ATQ modem command. If an ATQ command is issued
with a different value, the new value will be used during that connection but it will not replace
this configured value. The configured Response Codes value will be used for
subsequent connections.
Enables or disables monitoring of the DCD signal. When enabled, if the inbound DCD signal
is logically low, the ESP hub will not allow the TCP session to be created. If the inbound DCD
Monitor DCD signal changes from logically high to low while a session is active, the connection will
be closed.
Serial For example, a value of 100 indicates that once serial data is received, it will remain buffered
buffering
Inactivity time-
For example, a value of 60 indicates the session will be disconnected if there is no activity for
out
a period of 60 seconds.
Modem commands
Table 3.6 lists the supported AT modem commands. All other AT commands will be ignored or
cause an error, depending on the configured response code and verbose response settings. With the
exception of the ? and ATDT commands, multiple commands may be entered on the same line,
separated by a space. (If a question mark is entered on a line with other commands, it is interpreted
as AT?. If an ATDT command is followed by other commands on the same line, ATDT will be
recognized, but the remaining commands on the line will be ignored.)
Information about command mode follows the table.
Table 3.6: Modem Commands
Command Description
? Help. Displays a list of valid AT commands.
AT? Returns the value of register S0.
ATA Instructs the ESP hub to answer an incoming call.
Initiates a TCP connection to the specified host. A comma, period or nothing may be used to
separate IP address octets. TCP ports may be delimited by a comma or colon.
For example, the following commands are all valid:
ATDT 10,100,128,129:3001
ATDT 10.100.128.129,3001
ATDT<ip>[,|:]
ATDT 010100128129:3001
<socket>
The IP address and socket number are required unless they were configured when the
modem emulation connection method was enabled; see Modem Emulation Connection
Method Configurable Items on page 21.
The dialout translation feature may be enabled to translate from an input string (usually a
telephone number) to an IP address/IP port; see Dialout translation on page 27.
Enables (ATE0) or disables (ATE1) echo mode. The default value is ATE1.
This command is equivalent to the Echo option that is specified when configuring the modem
ATE emulation connection method. If you issue this command with a value that differs from the
configured option value, the new value will override the configured value only for this
connection. Subsequent connections will use the configured Echo option value.
Disconnects the network session. The ESP hub will close the active TCP session and return
ATH
the appropriate code (No Carrier or 3), depending on the ATV value.
Returns the ESP hub to data mode. When the hub returns to data mode, it once again listens
ATO for incoming data from the ESP hub at the other end of the connection. The remote hub will
then send any data it may have stored.
Enables (ATQ0) or disables (ATQ1) response codes. The default value is ATQ0.
This command is equivalent to the Response Codes option that is specified when configuring
ATQ the modem emulation connection method. If you issue this command with a value that differs
from the configured option value, the new value will override the configured value only for this
connection. Subsequent connections will use the configured Response Codes option value.
Table 3.6: Modem Commands (Continued)
Command Description
Sets the value in register S0, which specifies the number of rings before auto answer.
ATS0=n
The default value is 1.
Specifies whether text or numeric codes will be returned in response to modem AT

commands and how unknown commands will be handled. Valid values are:
ATV0 = text codes will be used, unknown commands cause an error
ATV1 = numeric codes will be used, unknown commands cause an error
ATV2 = numeric codes will be used, unknown commands discarded
ATV3 = text codes will be used, unknown commands discarded
ATV The default value is ATV0.
Table 3.7 on page 26 lists the numeric and text codes.
This command is equivalent to the Verbose Response option that is specified when
configuring the modem emulation connection method. If you issue this command with a value
that differs from the configured option value, the new value will override the configured value
only for this connection. Subsequent connections will use the configured Verbose Response
option value.
Activates command mode when entered from the serial port during a remote host connection.
+++
See Command mode on page 25 for more information.
If the Verbal Response/ATV value is set to 0 or 1, any AT command other than those listed in
Table 3.6 will cause an ERROR or 4 response string to be sent to the attached serial device. Any
commands parsed up to the point of the unknown command will be processed. Commands on the
same line after the unknown command will not be processed.
For example, in the following command, V1 will be accepted, &W1 will cause an error and E0 will
not be processed.
AT V1 &W1 E0
However, if the Verbal Response/ATV value is set to 2 or 3, unknown commands will be ignored/
discarded. Commands on the same line after the unknown command, if valid, will be processed. In
the previous example, V1 and E0 will be accepted; &W1 will be discarded.
Command mode
When an ESP hub serial port is configured for the modem emulation connection method but no
TCP connection is established, the port is in command mode. When an ATDT command is
received and a session is established, the port is in data mode. Data from the network endpoint will
be forwarded to the serial port and data from the serial port will be forwarded to the
network endpoint.
The data being received from the serial port is scanned for the string that activates command mode
(+++). When this string is detected, the hub will reply OK to the device and will enter
command mode.
The following rules must be followed to enter command mode.

• There must be a one-second guard time (no data traffic) before sending the +++.
• There must not be a delay longer than one second between each +.
• There must be another one-second guard time after the last +.
When a port enters command mode, the remote ESP hub will not be aware of this state change. The
remote hub will obviously not be receiving any data from the TCP connection, but if it receives
serial data from its attached device, it will attempt to send it to the ESP hub that is not listening
because it is in command mode. In this case, the data will be buffered until the port on the intended
recipient ESP hub returns to data mode.
Response codes
The ESP hub will respond to an AT command from the serial device with OK or ERROR plus the
status of the TCP connection to the remote endpoint.
Table 3.7 lists the possible response values; that is, when response codes are enabled and the
applicable format (numeric or text) is enabled.
Table 3.7: Modem Command Response Codes
Numeric Codes (ATV1 or ATV2) Text Code (ATV0 or ATV3)
0 OK
2 Ring
3 No Carrier
4 Error
5 Connect
6 No Dialtone
7 Busy
8 No Answer
Outgoing calls
When the Allow Outgoing Calls option is enabled and the ESP hub is idle, input will be parsed for
valid ATDT strings and a TCP connection will be attempted to the remote end. If another call is
active, any connection request will be ignored, even if the Escape to Command Mode string (+++)
is detected.
If the Monitor DCD option is enabled, the connection will be rejected if the control signal is
logically low. The connection will be closed if the inbound control signal transitions from logically
high to low during the call.
In all cases, when a TCP connection is active, the ESP hub will raise the outbound DTR signal to
indicate that the connection is valid (which should be seen as inbound DCD by the serial device,
which is usually a PC when modem emulation is used). If the TCP connection drops, DTR will be
lowered to indicate a Carrier Drop to the attached serial device.
Dialout translation
When the Allow Outgoing Calls option is enabled, the attached serial device usually specifies the
IP address and IP port number of the remote application with the ATDT command. However, some
devices that attach to modems may be unable to specify the IP address. In these cases, the ESP hub
modem emulation provides an optional phone number translation mechanism for
dialout applications.
A dialout translation set consists of a translate string (usually containing all or part of a telephone
number), an IP address and an IP port. You may configure up to eight translation sets for each ESP
hub serial port.
When an ATDT command is received, the modem emulation code first checks each of the eight
dialout translation sets. If the translate string is non-null, it is compared against the ASCII data
received after the ATDT command (that is, the target string). If it matches, an outgoing connection
is made to the specified IP address and IP port, instead of the target string. Dialout is only done on
the first translation set that matches the target string.
Table 3.8 lists the valid values for a translation set’s parts.
Table 3.8: Dialout Translation Set
Translation Set Part Description
A string of from 1-16 printable ASCII characters. The string may contain the
following wildcard characters:
? - to match any single ASCII character
* - to match multiple ASCII characters, including null characters
Examples of translate strings are:
Translate_string 1800-5551234
180055512??
1800*4
A null string creates a disabled translation set, and no other information
(IP address/port) is required.
The default is a null string.
IP address of the remote application, in standard dot notation. The address cannot
IP address be 0.0.x.x, 127.x.x.x, 248-255.x.x.x or the IP address of the ESP hub.
The default is 0.0.0.0.
IP port number in the range 0-65535. If the destination IP port is on an ESP MI

IP port hub, 4000 and 4100 should not be used.
The default is 0.
The translation sets are configured when the modem emulation connection method and outgoing
calls are enabled.
Incoming calls
When the Allow Incoming Calls option is enabled, the ESP hub will listen on the specified TCP
port for connection requests from the network. If another call is active, an incoming connection
request will be rejected.
If the Monitor DCD option is enabled, the connection will be rejected if the control signal is
logically low. The connection will be closed if the inbound control signal changes from logically
high to low.
When a TCP connection is active, the ESP hub will raise the outbound DTR signal to indicate that
the connection is valid (which should be seen as inbound DCD by the serial device). If the remote
end breaks the TCP connection, DTR will be lowered to indicate a Carrier Drop to the attached
serial device.
Configuration utility
The configuration utility connection method may be used on any of the ESP serial ports. Using the
internal configuration utility, you may specify attributes of the ESP hub and its serial ports. This
includes enabling serial port connection methods and specifying their configurable items, plus
configuring serial port attributes. The menu-based interface also allows you to configure network
parameters, download and install Flash images, reboot, reinitialize and monitor ESP hub status. For
more information, see Chapter 5, beginning on page 43.
Table 3.9: Configuration Utility Connection Method Configurable Items
Item Description
Enables or disables the configuration utility connection method on the port. (See
Enable/disable Exclusivity and restrictions on page 15.)
The default value is enabled for port 1 and disabled for other ports.
Specifies the length of time before the configuration utility is disconnected if there is no
activity. Valid values are 0-65535 seconds. A 0 value disables the inactivity time-out.
Inactivity time-out For example, a value of 60 indicates the configuration utility will be disconnected if there
is no activity for a period of 60 seconds.
Serial Port Attributes

Each serial port has a set of attributes. You may change the attribute values using any of the
available tools.
• Web interface - see Displaying or Changing Serial Port Attributes on page 33
• Configuration utility - see Displaying or Changing Serial Port Attributes on page 46
• Configuration file - see Port Attributes Command on page 58
NOTE: When a port is configured for the serial port redirection connection method, the attributes are specified
within the protocol. Therefore, although you may change the attributes, any changes you specify will not
take effect.
Table 3.10 lists the serial port attributes with their valid and default values.
Table 3.10: Serial Port Valid and Default Values
Attribute Valid and Default Values
Valid values: 50, 75, 110, 134, 150, 200, 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200,
38400, 57600, 76800, 115200 and 230400 *
Baud rate Default value: 19200
* The 230400 baud rate is not supported on ESP-8 MI or ESP-16 MI hubs. On ESP-2 MI
hubs, the aggregate rate of both ports cannot exceed 230400.
Bits per character Valid values: 5, 6, 7 and 8

(size) Default value: 8
Valid values: None, Even, Odd, Mark and Space

Parity
Default value: None
Valid values: 1 and 2

Stop bits
Default value: 1
Valid values: None, XON/XOFF and RTS/CTS

Flow control Flow control settings are full duplex. RTS/CTS flow control is valid only on RS-232 ports.
Default value: None
Configurable Features
The Configurable Features display includes the current settings of the features described in
Table 3.11.
You may enable/disable these features using any of the available tools.
• Web interface - see Displaying or Changing Configurable Features on page 37
• Configuration utility - see Displaying or Changing Configurable Features on page 50
• Configuration file - see Configurable Features Commands on page 59
When the ESP serial hub is reinitialized, all configurable features are restored to their default
setting (enabled).
Table 3.11: Configurable Features
Feature Description
When enabled, the IP address may be set using DHCP/BootP. When disabled, the
Acquire IP address via
IP address must be set using the web interface, the configuration utility or the UDP
DHCP
protocol (espcfg or NT driver coinstaller). The default value is enabled.
Table 3.11: Configurable Features (Continued)
Feature Description
When enabled, the SNMP interface is used for monitoring and limited
Allow administrative
configuration of the ESP hub. When disabled, tools such as espdiag will not work.
functions via SNMP
Allow web When enabled, the web interface may be used. When disabled, that interface is
based interface not available. The default value is enabled.
When enabled, the configuration utility may be accessed with Telnet. When
Allow Telnet to
disabled, the configuration utility is not accessible with Telnet. The default value
configuration utility
is enabled.
When enabled, the sockets-based interface for administrative functions such as

Allow sockets based
the ESP-View diagnostic utility may be used. When disabled, those administrative
network administration
functions cannot be used. The default value is enabled.
31
CHAPTER
Web Interface
4
You may use a standard web browser to access the ESP hub embedded web server. Any browser
that supports frames may be used, and the web interface is accessible from any system, regardless
of operating system type.
For information about when changes take effect, see When Changes Take Effect on page 12.
Accessing the Web Interface

The web interface may be accessed using any standard web browser with the IP address of the hub
as the URL. For example, if an ESP serial hub has an IP address of 192.168.0.5, entering the URL
http://192.168.0.5 will connect to the web interface.
The ESP-8 MI and ESP-16 MI serial hubs also support secure connections to the web interface. For
example, with an ESP-16 MI hub with an IP address of 192.168.0.5, entering https://192.168.0.5
will initiate a secure connection. The browser will display the security certificate (self-signed) from
the ESP hub. Once the certificate is accepted, the web interface will open.
If the hub still has a default IP address (because it has not yet been configured or the hub has been
reinitialized), you may enter the URL http://192.1.1.1 to access the hub (or https://192.1.1.1 for a
secure connection to an ESP-8 MI or ESP-16 MI hub).
NOTE: The predefined IP address (192.1.1.1) is fixed, and unexpected errors may occur if another device has
the same IP address or if there is more than one uninitialized ESP hub on the network. After the hub’s web
interface is accessed, you must configure an IP address before the hub becomes operational. After the IP
address is configured, the hub will no longer be accessible with the predefined IP address.
The ability to access the web interface is a configurable feature which is enabled by default; see
Configurable Features on page 29.
If you click the Documentation link in the Main Menu, you may then choose to download a copy of
this document (Installer/User Guide) or a sample configuration file.
Passwords
The web interface requires an administration password for access. When the ESP serial hub ships
(and after it is reinitialized), there is no configured password. When you access the hub, you are
prompted for a username and password. The username field is ignored. If a password has not yet
been set, any alphanumeric password will be accepted. Once you enter the web interface, you will
be required to configure a password before requesting any other operations.
Some browsers have a feature to remember the password. If this is enabled, you will not need to
enter the password at the username/password prompt in future sessions.
The administration password is common between the web interface and the configuration utility.
When using the web interface, the password is encrypted by the browser when it is sent to the
interface (regardless of whether the web interface connection is secure).
If you reinitialize the serial hub, the password is lost. You will be required to create a password the
next time you access the web interface or the configuration utility.
To set or change the password:
1. From the Main Menu, select Change Password.
2. Enter the new 5-32 character password in the New Password field. Passwords are case
sensitive and may contain any alphanumeric characters.
3. Repeat the new password in the New Password (re-enter) field.
4. Click Apply.
Once the password is validated, the configuration will be updated. A reboot is not required. The
new password will be required the next time the web interface or the configuration utility
is accessed.
Displaying or Changing Network Configuration Values

The Network Configuration display includes the ESP serial hub IP address, subnet mask, gateway
address and network interface settings. You must configure a nondefault IP address for the hub to
become operational.
To display or change network configuration values:
1. From the Main Menu, select Network Configuration.
2. To change an entry, enter a valid value in the IP Address, Subnet Mask, Gateway Address and/
or Interface Mode fields.
Addresses must be entered in standard IP dot notation. The gateway address must be in the
same subnet as the IP address. You cannot set the IP address to: a Class A address of 0.0.x.x, a
loopback address of 127.x.x.x, the default value of 192.1.1.1 or an address at or above
248.x.x.x. The subnet mask cannot be 0.0.0.0.
The default interface setting value is auto-negotiate. To change it, select another value from the
listbox. See Network Interface on page 9 for more information.
3. If you changed any values, click Apply. If you changed the address information, it will not take
effect until the next reboot of the ESP hub. To reboot, click Reboot. If the IP address had not
been previously set or the hub has been reinitialized, the hub reboots automatically.
Chapter 4: Web Interface 33
Displaying or Changing Serial Port Attributes

You may display or change the attributes of one or all ESP hub serial ports. See Serial Port
Attributes on page 28 for more information.
To display or change serial port attributes:
1. From the Main Menu, select Port Attributes. The Serial Port Selection window will open.
2. Select a port number or all ports, then click Apply. The Serial Attributes window will open.
• If a single port was selected, the display contains the current values of the port’s attributes.
• If all ports was selected, the display contains the default values for the port attributes,
which may differ from the current values for any port.
3. To change any of the attributes, select a value from the appropriate listbox. See Table 3.10 on
page 29 for valid and default values.
4. If you changed any values, click Apply. The change will take effect during the next connection
to that port.
Warnings and errors
A warning will be displayed (but the change will be allowed) if hardware flow control is specified
for a port that is not configured with the RS-232 interface. If the change was applied to all ports, the
warning will indicate the affected ports.
Displaying or Changing Port Connection Methods

You may display or change the port connection methods for one or all ESP hub serial ports. See
Serial Port Connection Methods on page 15 for more information.
To display or change port connection methods:
1. From the Main Menu, select Port Connections. The Serial Port Selection window will open.
2. Select a port number of all ports, then click Apply. The Connection Methods window will
open. Radio buttons indicate if a connection method is enabled or disabled. Text boxes contain
values for applicable features.
• If a single port was selected, the display contains the current values of the port’s
connection methods.
• If all ports was selected, the display contains the default values for the connection method
parameters, which may differ from the current values for any port.
3. To change a field, click the appropriate radio button, enter a valid value or choose from a
listbox. Table 4.1 indicates where to find more information.
Table 4.1: Reference to Connection Method Rules and Values
For this method See this table for descriptions, rules and values
Serial port redirection Table 3.1 on page 16
Telnet server Table 3.2 on page 17
Raw TCP server Table 3.3 on page 18
Raw TCP client Table 3.4 on page 19
Modem emulation Table 3.5 on page 21
Configuration utility Table 3.9 on page 28
4. If you enable the modem emulation connection method and enable outgoing calls, you may
also configure dialout translation by clicking the Configure Dialout Translation link.
The dialout translation table for that port will be displayed. You may configure up to eight sets
for each port. For each set, enter a translate string, an IP address and a port number. A null
string disables that translation set. If you changed any values, click Apply.
See Dialout translation on page 27 for more information.
5. If you changed any values, click Apply. You will be prompted to confirm. When confirmed,
the configuration is updated immediately. The change will take effect during the next
connection to that port.
Warnings and errors
A warning will be displayed (and the change will not be allowed) if:
• The TCP client or modem emulation connection method is enabled and any other connection
method is also enabled.
• The TCP server connection method is enabled, the idle buffering feature is enabled and any
other connection method is also enabled.
• There is a conflict on the local IP ports between two or more enabled connection methods.
A warning will be displayed (but the change will be allowed) if:
• The TCP server or TCP client connection method is enabled and monitor DCD is enabled, but
the port interface is not RS-232.
• The modem emulation connection method is enabled but the port interface is not RS-232.
If changes were applied to all ports, the warning will indicate the affected ports.
Displaying or Changing the Serial Port Physical Interface

You may change the physical interface for one or all serial ports on an ESP-4 MI or ESP-8 MI hub.
On an ESP-16 MI hub, you may change the physical interface for one port or the first eight serial
ports. See Physical Interfaces on page 6 for more information.
NOTE: On ESP-2 MI hubs, the physical interface and termination are changed in hardware. See Changing the
Serial Port Interface on ESP-2 MI Hubs on page 75 for more information.
To display or change the port interface:

1. From the Main Menu, select Port Interface. The Serial Port Selection window will open.
2. Select a port number or all ports, then click Apply.
• On ESP-2 MI hubs, you may display interface information for port 1 or port 2 (the all
ports option is not available). If the RS-485 interface was configured in hardware, you
may change the transfer mode.
• On ESP-16 MI hubs, ports 1-8 support multi-interface (ports 9-16 are dedicated RS-232),
so only 1-8 will be displayed. If all ports is selected, only ports 1-8 will be affected.
The Serial Attributes window will open.
• If a single port was selected, the display contains the current port interface value.
• If all ports was selected, the display contains the default port interface mode (RS-232),
3. To change the interface, select a value from the Port Interface listbox.
4. If you select RS-422 or RS-485, you may also set a radio button in the RS422/RS485
Termination field to enable or disable 100 ohm termination. See Termination on page 7 for
more information.
5. For ESP-2 MI hubs configured for RS-485 in hardware, the Transfer Mode (RS485) field
indicates the current transfer mode. (If the port is hardware-configured for another interface
type, this field indicates Not Applicable.) To change the transfer mode, select RTS or ADDC
from the listbox. See RS-485 transmitter and receiver transfer modes on page 7 for
more information.
6. If you changed the interface, click Apply. The change will take effect immediately.
Warnings and errors
A warning will be displayed (but the change will be allowed) if the RS-422 or RS-485 interface is
enabled and:
• Hardware flow control is enabled in the port attributes.
• Monitor DCD is enabled for the TCP server or TCP client connection methods, and those
methods are enabled.
• Modem emulation is enabled.
If these changes were applied to all ports, the warning will indicate the affected ports.
Sending a Break to a Port

The Send Break feature sends a line break to an attached device on one or all ports.
To send a break to one or all ports:
1. From the Main Menu, select Port Break. The Serial Port Selection window will open.
A break will be sent to the specified port(s).
Displaying Hardware Information

The Hardware Information display includes the following items.
• Model number
• Hardware revision number
• Number of serial ports
• EEPROM revision number
• Amount of SDRAM in megabytes
• Amount of Flash memory in megabytes
• Amount of EEPROM configuration memory in kilobytes (ESP-2 MI and ESP-4 MI hubs only)
• Hub MAC address
• Hub serial number
• Hub part number
This information cannot be modified.
To display hardware information:
Select Hardware Information from the Main Menu.
Displaying or Updating Flash Memory

The Flash Update display includes information about the current images loaded in Flash memory.
You may update the embedded application image or bootstrap image in Flash memory. Before
updating a Flash image, you must configure a TFTP server on the target server system and install
the new Flash image in the appropriate location, which is usually relative to the TFTP
root directory.
To display Flash image information or update an image:
1. From the Main Menu, select Flash.
The Application Image section includes the version number, size and internal slot number for
the Primary embedded application image. The previously installed image is maintained as a
backup; the Backup field contains its values.
The Bootstrap Image section indicates the version number, size and internal slot number for
the embedded kernel image. The previously installed image is maintained as a backup. The
Bootloader field indicates the version number and size of the bootloader image. The FPGA
field indicates the version number and size of the FPGA.
2. To update the application image:
a. Click Update Application. The Application Image Update window appears.
b. Enter the IP address of the TFTP server and the application image filename.
c. Click Apply. The update process may take up to 30 seconds to complete. After the update
completes, status will be displayed.
3. To update the bootstrap image:
a. Click Update Bootstrap. The Bootstrap Image Update window appears.
b. Enter the IP address of the TFTP server and the bootstrap image filename.
c. By default, the bootloader will only be updated if the version number of the new image is
greater than the version number currently installed.
If you wish to downrev the bootloader (that is, use a previous/earlier version), enable the
Update Bootloader Regardless of Version checkbox. It is generally recommended that this
checkbox be disabled.
d. Click Apply. The update process may take up to 30 seconds to complete. After the update
completes, status will be displayed.
The new Flash image will be used after the ESP serial hub reboots.
Displaying or Changing Configurable Features

Table 3.11 on page 29.
To view or change configurable features:
1. From the Main Menu, select Configurable Features.
2. Click the Enabled or Disabled radio button next to the feature to be changed.
3. If you changed any setting, click Apply. The change will not take effect until the next reboot.
To reboot, click the Reboot button.
When the ESP serial hub is reinitialized, all configurable features are restored to their
default settings.
Downloading a Configuration File

To ease the task of configuration, the ESP hub supports file-based configuration. The
Configuration Download operation initiates the loading of a configuration file from a TFTP server.
The commands in the file are processed and the configuration is then updated. See Chapter 6,
beginning on page 55, for more information.
To download and process a configuration file:

1. From the Main Menu, select Configuration File.
2. Enter the TFTP server IP address and the pathname of the configuration file.
The outcome of the configuration update will be displayed. If an error occurred with the TFTP
address or file pathname, the message will indicate a time-out condition. If an error was
encountered in the configuration file, the display includes the command line number and the
erroneous entry.
The Status from last operation field indicates the result of the previous unattended configuration
operation. If that operation was successful, this field will be empty; if an error occurred, a message
will be displayed.
The configuration is updated immediately, but some changes may not take effect until the next
reboot. You are notified if this applies. To reboot immediately, click the Reboot button.
Launching the ESP-View Diagnostic Utility

The ESP-View diagnostic utility may be used for datascope, loopback and status functions. See
ESP-View Diagnostic Utility on page 67 for more information.
To launch the ESP-View utility:
From the Main Menu, select Diagnostic Utility.
Displaying General Statistics

The General Statistics display includes the items described in Table 4.2. All values are cumulative
since the ESP serial hub was last reset.
Table 4.2: General Statistics Display
Item Description
Uptime Number of days, hours, minutes and seconds since the hub was last rebooted.
Number of days, hours, minutes and seconds of idle time. Idle time occurs when the
Idle Time
hub is not performing any active operations such as processing serial or network data.
Network Interface Number of bytes transmitted and received plus the number of transmit and receive
Counts errors that have occurred.
Number of UDP datagrams transmitted and received plus the number of UDP
UDP
receive errors.
Number of TCP packets transmitted and received plus the number of TCP
TCP
receive errors.
To display general statistics:

Select General Statistics from the Main Menu.
Displaying Port Statistics

The Port Statistics display includes the information described in Table 4.3 for one or all ports. All
values are cumulative since the ESP hub was last reset. This display refreshes every five seconds.
Table 4.3: Port Statistics Display
Item Description
Status Port status flags.
Destination IP Address IP address of the server that has the port open.
Receive Bytes Number of bytes received.
Transfer Bytes Number of bytes transmitted.
Current value of the RS-232 signals: RTS, CTS, DTR, DSR and CD. A signal is
Signals
listed in the display only if it is asserted (high).
Baud rate, data size (5-8 bits), parity (N=none, O=odd, E=even, M=mark or
Baudrate/Sz/Par/Stp
S=space) and number of stop bits (1 or 2).
Frame/Parity/Overrun Number of framing errors, parity errors and overruns.
To display port statistics:

1. Select Port Statistics from the Main Menu. The Serial Port Selection window will open.
Displaying Connection Status

The Connection Status display has two sections: Serial Port Active Connection Status and Port
Redirection Connections. This display refreshes every five seconds.
The Serial Port Active Connection Status section includes the information described in Table 4.4
for one or all serial ports.
Table 4.4: Serial Port Active Connection Status Display
Item Description
Connection method: serial port redirection, Telnet server, TCP server, TCP client,
Serial Connection Method modem emulation, configuration utility or idle. If a port is idle, no other values will
be displayed.
Destination IP Address IP address of the remote server.

Table 4.4: Serial Port Active Connection Status Display (Continued)
Item Description
Number of bytes received from the serial port since the current connection
Bytes Received
session was established.
Number of bytes transmitted on the serial port since the current connection
Bytes Transmitted
session was established.
Number of days, hours, minutes and seconds that the current connection has
Connect Time
been established.
Number of minutes and seconds in the configured inactivity time-out value for this
Inactivity Timeout
session. If no time-out was configured, this field indicates disabled.
Number of minutes and seconds remaining until the inactivity time-out occurs. If
Time Remaining
no time-out was configured, this field indicates not applicable.
The Port Redirection Connections section includes the information described in Table 4.5 about the
servers that are connected to one or all of the ESP serial ports. This display is meaningful only
when a serial port is being accessed using the serial redirection connection method.
Table 4.5: Serial Port Redirection Connections Status Display
Item Description
Destination IP Address Server’s IP address.
Current UDP connection state.

Initiating Server is establishing a connection.
Active Server and hub are connected.
UDP State
Timeout Connection is being dropped due to lost communication with
the server.
Terminated Connection has been dropped.
Current TCP connection state.

Initiating Server is establishing a connection.
TCP State
Connected Server and hub are connected.
Terminated Connection has been dropped.
Connect Time Number of days, hours, minutes and seconds the server has been connected.
UDP time-out value; that is, the amount of time before a connection is dropped if no
Timeout Period
heartbeat messages are received.
To display connection status information for one or all ports:

1. Select Connection Status from the Main Menu. The Serial Port Selection window will open.
Rebooting the Hub

The Reboot operation reboots the ESP serial hub. A reboot is usually required for the following
operations to take effect.
• Changing network address values
• Changing any configurable features
• Updating Flash
To reboot:
1. From the Main Menu, select Reboot.
2. Click Reboot.
After the reboot completes, the browser will try to reconnect to the hub. If this fails, or if the web
interface does not return within 30 seconds, direct your browser to the ESP serial hub IP address.
You may also reboot the hub using the configuration utility (see Rebooting the Hub on page 51) or
the RESET button on the front panel (see Resetting on page 13).
Reinitializing the Hub

The Initialize operation resets all configurable values to their factory defaults, including the IP
address and password.
To reinitialize:
1. Click Re-initialize from the Main Menu.
2. Click Reinitialize.
After the reinitialization completes, the browser will try to reconnect to the hub, using the
predefined IP address (192.1.1.1). If this fails, or if the web interface does not return within 30
seconds, direct your browser to the predefined IP address.
You may also reinitialize the serial hub using the configuration utility (see Reinitializing the Hub
on page 51) or the INIT button on the front panel (see Reinitializing on page 13).
43
CHAPTER
Configuration Utility
5
The ESP serial hub has a built-in configuration utility that you may use to manage ESP hubs.
For information about when changes take effect, see When Changes Take Effect on page 12.
Accessing the Configuration Utility

The configuration utility may be accessed three ways: with Telnet, by serial connection to port 1
when the ESP serial hub has no configured IP address or by serial connection to the port(s) that
have the configuration utility connection method enabled.
Accessing with Telnet
You may initiate a Telnet session to the IP address of the ESP serial hub and the standard Telnet
port 23. For example, if a hub has an IP address of 192.168.0.5, entering telnet 192.168.0.5 23 will
connect to the configuration utility.
If the hub still has a default IP address (because it has not yet been configured or the hub has been
reinitialized), you may use the predefined IP address of 192.1.1.1 to access the hub.
NOTE: The predefined IP address (192.1.1.1) is fixed, and unexpected errors may occur if another device has
the same IP address or if there is more than one uninitialized ESP serial hub on the network. After the
configuration utility is accessed, you must configure an IP address before the hub becomes operational. After the
IP address is configured, the hub will no longer be accessible with the predefined IP address.
The ability to access the configuration utility with Telnet is a configurable option. By default, this
option is enabled.
Accessing a hub with no configured IP address
The configuration utility is automatically enabled on port 1 after delaying several seconds to allow
an IP address to be configured using DHCP/BootP. The port will be configured at 19,200 baud, 8
bits per character, no parity, 1 stop bit and no flow control. If the ESP serial hub already has an IP
address or if the address is acquired through DHCP/BootP, this access method will not be active.
Accessing on a port using the configuration utility connection method

After the ESP serial hub has a configured IP address, the administrator may enable the serial
configuration utility on any serial port. When this connection method is enabled, the configuration
utility will become active if the port is not in use and the Enter key is pressed three times in a row.
This access method is enabled on port 1 and disabled on other ports by default. You may enable/
disable the configuration utility access method on each port using the configuration utility (see
Displaying or Changing the Serial Port Physical Interface on page 48), the web interface (see
Displaying or Changing the Serial Port Physical Interface on page 34) or a configuration file (see
Port Configuration Utility command on page 58).
About the Configuration Utility Interface
The configuration utility has a menu-based text interface. Each menu contains a numbered list of
operations. When you enter the number associated with an operation and then press Enter, you are
either presented with another menu containing a numbered list of operations or the selected
command is initiated.
For example, the following is the Top Menu, which is displayed when you access the utility.
0 -> Server Configuration
1 -> Serial Port Attributes
2 -> Serial port connection methods
3 -> Port interface
4 -> Send break
5 -> Status
6 -> Debug
7 -> Change password
99 -> Exit
enter command :
If you enter 0 and then press Enter, the Server Configuration Menu appears. The following is an
excerpt from the Server Configuration Menu:
0 -> Return to Top Menu
1 -> Network configuration
2 -> Flash status and update
3 -> Configurable features
4 -> Configuration File Download
5 -> Hardware information
6 -> Reboot
7 -> Re-Initialize (factory defaults)
99 -> Exit
enter command:
From the Server Configuration Menu, you may enter selection numbers for a desired operation,
return to the Top Menu or exit the configuration utility.
Chapter 5: Configuration Utility 45
The configuration utility will remain active until you enter the command to exit the utility (usually
99). If the serial configuration utility connection method is used to access the utility and an
inactivity time-out is enabled, a session will end if the inactivity period is reached.
Passwords
The configuration utility requires an administration password for access. When the hub ships (or
after it is reinitialized), there is no configured password. After you create a password, you will be
prompted for it each time you access the configuration utility.
The administration password is common between the configuration utility and the web interface.
No encryption is used when entering the password with the configuration utility.
If you reinitialize the ESP serial hub, the password is lost; you will be required to create a password
the next time you access the configuration utility or the web interface.
To set or change the password:
1. From the Top Menu, enter 7 to select Change password.
2. You are prompted for the new password. Enter a 5-32 character password. Passwords are case
sensitive and may contain any alphanumeric characters.
3. You are prompted to re-enter the new password. Retype the new password. A confirmation
message will appear.
Displaying or Changing Network Configuration Values

The Network Configuration display includes the ESP serial hub IP address, subnet mask, gateway
address and network interface settings. You must configure a nondefault IP address for the hub to
become operational.
To display or change network configuration values:
1. From the Top Menu, enter 0 to select Server Configuration. The Server Configuration Menu
will be displayed.
2. Enter 1 to select Network configuration. The display shows the IP address, subnet mask, gate-
way address and interface setting.
3. You are prompted to modify any values. Enter y for yes or n for no.
To change an entry, enter a valid value when prompted. Addresses must be entered in standard
IP dot notation. The gateway address must be in the same subnet as the IP address. You cannot
set the IP address to: a Class A address of 0.0.x.x, a loopback address of 127.x.x.x, the default
value of 192.1.1.1 or an address at or above 248.x.x.x. The subnet mask cannot be 0.0.0.0.
The default network interface setting is auto-negotiate. To change it, select another value from
the listbox. See Network Interface on page 9 for more information.
4. If you changed any values, the new values are displayed and you are prompted to confirm the
changes. Confirm or cancel the changes.
If you changed the address information, it will not take effect until the ESP hub is rebooted (see
Rebooting the Hub on page 51). If the IP address had not been previously set or the hub has been
reinitialized, the hub reboots automatically.
Displaying or Changing Serial Port Attributes

You may display or change the attributes for one or all ESP hub serial ports. See Serial Port
Attributes on page 28 for more information.
To display or change serial port attributes for one or all ports:
1. From the Top Menu, enter 1 to select Serial port attributes. The Port Selection Menu will
be displayed.
2. Enter the number corresponding to a port or 0 to select all ports.
• If a single port was selected, the display contains the current values of the port’s attributes.
• If all ports was selected, the display contains the default values for the port attributes,
3. You are prompted to modify each attribute. Enter y for yes or n for no.
If you choose to modify an attribute, a menu will be displayed (Table 3.10 on page 29 lists all
valid and default values). Each attribute menu will contain a numbered list of valid values.
Either enter the number corresponding to the desired value, or press Enter to leave the
value unchanged.
4. When the port attribute menus are completed, you are prompted to confirm the changes.
Confirm or cancel the changes.
Warnings and errors
A warning will be displayed (but the change will be allowed) if hardware flow control is specified
for a port that is not configured with the RS-232 interface. If the change was applied to all ports, the
warning will indicate the affected ports.
Displaying or Changing Connection Methods

You may display or change the connection methods for one or all ESP hub serial ports. See Serial
Port Connection Methods on page 15 for more information.
To display or change the connection methods for one or all ports:
1. From the Top Menu, enter 2 to select Serial port connection methods. The Port Selection Menu
will be displayed.
• If a single port was selected, the display contains the current values of the port’s connec-
tion method parameters.
• If all ports was selected, the display contains the default values for the connection method
parameters, which may differ from the current values for any port.
If a connection method is enabled, its configurable options are also displayed. If a method is
disabled, no configurable options are displayed.
3. You are prompted to modify each connection method. Enter y for yes or n for no.
If you choose to modify the connection values, the utility will prompt for all connection
parameters. The utility will prompt to enable each connection method, regardless of whether
the method is currently enabled. Enter y for yes or n for no. If you reply no, nothing more is
displayed for that connection method. If you reply yes (that is, you want to enable that
method), the configurable parameters are displayed and you are prompted for values.
Table 5.1 indicates where to find more information.
Table 5.1: Reference to Connection Method Rules and Values
For this method See this table for descriptions, rules and values
Serial port redirection Table 3.1 on page 16
Telnet server Table 3.2 on page 17
Raw TCP server Table 3.3 on page 18
Raw TCP client Table 3.4 on page 19
Modem emulation Table 3.5 on page 21
Configuration utility Table 3.9 on page 28
4. If you enable the modem emulation connection method and enable outgoing calls, you will be
prompted for values for each of eight dialout translation sets. If you specify a null translate
string for a set, that set will be disabled. See Dialout translation on page 27 for
more information.
5. When the port connection method menus are completed, you are prompted to confirm any
changes. Confirm or cancel the changes.
Warnings and errors
A warning will be displayed (and the change will not be allowed) if:
• The TCP client or modem emulation connection method is enabled and any other connection
method is also enabled.
• The TCP server connection method is enabled, the idle buffering feature is enabled and any
other connection method is also enabled.
• There is a conflict on the local IP ports between two or more enabled connection methods.
A warning will be displayed (but the change will be allowed) if:
• The TCP server or TCP client connection method is enabled and monitor DCD is enabled, but
the port interface is not RS-232.
• The modem emulation connection method is enabled but the port interface is not RS-232.
If changes were applied to all ports, the warning will indicate the affected ports.
Displaying or Changing the Serial Port Physical Interface

You may change the physical interface for one or all serial ports on an ESP-4 MI or ESP-8 MI hub.
You may change the physical interface for one or the first eight serial ports on an ESP-16 MI hub.
See Physical Interfaces on page 6 for more information.
NOTE: On ESP-2 MI hubs, the serial port interface and termination are changed in hardware. See Changing the
Serial Port Interface on ESP-2 MI Hubs on page 75 for more information.
To display or change the serial port interface:

1. From the Top Menu, enter 3 to select Port interface. The Port Selection Menu will
be displayed.
• On ESP-2 MI hubs, you may display interface information for port 1 or port 2 (the all
ports option is not available). If the RS-485 interface was configured in hardware, you
may change the transfer mode.
• On ESP-16 MI hubs, ports 1-8 support multi-interface (ports 9-16 are dedicated RS-232),
so only 1-8 will be displayed. If all ports is selected, only ports 1-8 will be affected.
If a single port was selected, the display contains the current port interface value.
If all ports was selected, the display contains the default port interface mode (RS-232), which
may differ from the current values for any port.
3. You are prompted to modify the interface. Enter y for yes or n for no.
If you choose to modify the interface, a numbered list of interface types will be displayed.
Enter the number corresponding to the desired interface, or press Enter to leave the
value unchanged.
4. If you entered a number corresponding to the RS-422 or RS-485 interface, you are prompted to
enable or disable 100 ohm termination. Enter y for yes or n for no. See Physical Interfaces on
page 6 for more information.
5. For ESP-2 MI hubs configured for RS-485 in hardware, you are prompted to modify the Trans-
fer Mode (RS485). Enter the number corresponding to RTS or ADDC. See RS-485 transmitter
and receiver transfer modes on page 7 for more information.
6. You are prompted to confirm changes. Confirm or cancel the changes.
Warnings and errors
A warning will be displayed (but the change will be allowed) if the RS-422 or RS-485 interface is
selected and:
• Hardware flow control is enabled in the port attributes.
• Monitor DCD is enabled for the TCP server or TCP client connection methods, and those
methods are enabled.
• Modem emulation is enabled.
If these changes were applied to all ports, the warning will indicate the affected ports.
Sending a Break to a Port

The Send Break feature sends a line break to an attached device on one or all ports.
To send a break to a port:
1. From the Top Menu, enter 4 to select Send Break. The Port Selection Menu will be displayed.
3. A break will be sent to the specified port(s), and a confirmation message will be displayed.
Press any key to continue.
Displaying Hardware Information

The Hardware Information display includes the following items.
• Model number
• Hardware revision number
• Number of serial ports
• EEPROM revision number
• Amount of SDRAM in megabytes
• Amount of Flash memory in megabytes
• Amount of EEPROM configuration memory in kilobytes (ESP-2 MI and ESP-4 MI hubs only)
• Hub MAC address
• Hub serial number
• Hub part number
This information cannot be modified.
To display hardware information:
will be displayed.
2. Enter 5 to select Hardware Information.
Displaying or Updating Flash Memory

The Flash Update display includes information about the current images loaded in Flash memory.
You may update the embedded application image or bootstrap image in Flash memory. Before
updating a Flash image, you must configure a TFTP server on the target server system and install
the new Flash image in the appropriate location, which is usually relative to the TFTP
root directory.
To display Flash image information or update an image:
will be displayed.
2. Enter 2 to select Flash status and update.

3. All application and kernel image information is displayed (version, size and status), plus the
FPGA version and size.
4. You are prompted to update the application image. Enter y for yes or n for no.
If you indicate yes, you are prompted for the IP address of the TFTP server and the application
image filename. After you enter these, the application image upgrade is initiated.
5. You are prompted to update the boot image. Enter y for yes or n for no.
If you indicate yes, you are prompted for the IP address of the TFTP server and the boot image
filename. You are also prompted to update the bootloader regardless of version. It is
recommended that this option not be enabled (that is, enter n). After the prompts are answered,
the boot image upgrade is initiated.
The new Flash image(s) will be used after the ESP hub reboots.
Displaying or Changing Configurable Features

Table 3.11 on page 29.
To view or change configurable features:
will be displayed.
2. Enter 3 to select Configurable features.
3. The current state (enabled or disabled) of each feature is displayed, and the default value is
shown in square brackets (enabled = [y], disabled = [n]).
You are prompted to enable each feature (even if the feature is already enabled). Enter y for
yes or n for no.
For example, if the SNMP feature is currently enabled, you will be prompted to enable that
feature. If you enter y, SNMP will remain enabled; if you enter n, SNMP will be disabled.
When the ESP serial hub is reinitialized, all configurable features are restored to their
default settings.
Downloading a Configuration File

To ease the task of configuration, the ESP hub supports file-based configuration. The
Configuration Download operation initiates the loading of a configuration file from a TFTP server.
The commands in the file are processed and the configuration is then updated. See Chapter 6,
beginning on page 55, for more information.
To download and process a configuration file:
will be displayed.
2. Enter 4 to select Configuration File Download.

3. You are prompted to specify the TFTP server IP address and the pathname of the configuration
file. Enter those values.
The outcome of the configuration update will be displayed. If an error occurred with the TFTP
address or file pathname, the message will indicate a time-out condition. If an error was
encountered in the configuration file, the display includes the command line number and the
erroneous entry.
The configuration is updated immediately, but some changes may not take effect until the next
reboot. The display will indicate if a reboot is required.
Rebooting the Hub

The Reboot operation reboots the ESP serial hub. A reboot is usually required for the following
operations to take effect:
• Changing network address values
• Changing any configurable features
• Updating Flash
To reboot:
will be displayed.
2. Enter 6 to select Reboot.
You may also reboot the hub using the web interface (see Rebooting the Hub on page 41) or the
RESET button on the front panel (see Resetting on page 13).
Reinitializing the Hub

The Reinitialize operation resets all configurable values to their factory defaults, including the IP
address and password.
To reinitialize:
will be displayed.
2. Enter 7 to select Re-Initialize (factory defaults).
You may also reinitialize the hub using the web interface (see Reinitializing the Hub on page 41) or
the INIT button on the front panel (see Reinitializing on page 13).
Displaying General Statistics

The General Statistics display includes the items described in Table 4.2 on page 38. All values are
cumulative since the ESP serial hub was last reset.
To display general statistics:

1. From the Top Menu, enter 5 to select Status. The Status Menu will be displayed.
2. Enter 1 to select General statistics.
Displaying Port Statistics

The Port Statistics display includes the information described in Table 4.3 on page 39 for one or all
ports. All values are cumulative since the ESP serial hub was last reset.
To display port statistics:
2. Enter 2 to select Port statistics. The Port Selection Menu will be displayed.
Displaying Connection Status

The Connection Status display has two sections: Serial Port Active Connection Status and Port
Redirection Connections.
The Serial Port Active Connection Status section includes the information described in Table 4.4
on page 39 for one or all ports.
The Port Redirection Connections section includes the information described in Table 4.5 on
page 40 about the servers that are connected to one or all of the ESP serial ports. This display is
meaningful only when a serial port is being accessed using the serial redirection
connection method.
To display connected server information:
2. Enter 3 to select Connection Status. The Port Selection Menu will be displayed.
Displaying and Using Debug Features

The Debug Menu contains commands to display or control log information, run the datascope
feature or escape to a shell.
NOTE: Debug Menu commands should only be used on the advice of Avocent service personnel.
These debug operations are not available in the web interface. You may use the ESP-View
diagnostic utility from the web interface; see ESP-View Diagnostic Utility on page 67.
To display or control log information:
1. From the Top Menu, enter 6 to select Debug. The Debug Menu will be displayed.
2. To display log information provided by the ESP hub applications, enter 1.
3. To set the level of logging performed by the ESP hub applications, enter 2. You may select a
log level in the range of no logging to verbose.
4. To display log information provided by the ESP hub kernel, enter 3.
5. To run the datascope feature, enter 4. You will be prompted to select a port. Once the port is
selected, the datascope function will run until you press any key on the keyboard.
The datascope shows all data sent and received on the specified serial port. Each line displays
16 bytes in hex and ASCII.
6. To escape to a shell, enter 5. This feature requires a hardware jumper and should be used only
on the advice of Avocent Technical Support.
55
CHAPTER
Configuration Files
6
The ESP serial hub will accept a DOS or UNIX style text file containing configuration commands.
A configuration file may be loaded from a BootP or DHCP server for initial configuration. A
download may also be initiated using the web interface or the configuration utility.
A file-based reconfiguration of an ESP hub may also be initiated using a third party SNMP agent.
An SNMP MIB is available through Avocent Technical Support.
The configuration file is processed one line at a time. If an error is encountered, the line containing
the error and all remaining lines in the file will be ignored. Commands in lines that were parsed
before the errored line will be executed.
Sample Configuration File

A sample configuration file is available through the web interface. This file contains every
supported command with most of the required and optional parameters for one serial port. All lines
are preceded by a comment character (#).
To use the sample configuration file as a template:
1. Access the web interface. See Accessing the Web Interface on page 31.
2. Select Documentation from the Main Menu.
3. On the Available Documentation page, enable the Sample Configuration File radio button,
then click Apply. The sample file will be displayed.
4. Copy the sample file. You may either select and paste the content or save the frame to
your system.
5. Using an editor of your choice, remove the comment character (#) from the beginning of each
line containing a command you want to execute.
6. Following the rules listed in File Format and Command Syntax on page 56, tailor the required
and optional parameters to meet your requirements. For example, if the sample command
enables a feature and you want to disable it, replace the word enable with disable. Replace
address and port parameters with values that are meaningful to your configuration.
7. Copy and edit the commands as needed to configure all serial ports.
8. Save the customized file.
File Format and Command Syntax

Configuration files must conform to the following conventions:
• Each command must begin on a new line.
• Command words are not case sensitive.
• Parameters are separated by one or more spaces.
• Parameters with values that enable or disable connection methods or features use a space
between the keyword and the value. For example:
port 2 tcpserver enable monitordcd enable ipviadhcp disable
• When enabling/disabling a connection method, the Enable or Disable keyword must be the
first parameter specified after the connection method name. Additional required or optional
parameters may appear in any order following the Enable or Disable keyword.
For example, both of the following commands will result in the same connection method
configuration for port 1.
port 1 telserver enable localipport=2000 timeout=400 buffering=10000
port 1 telserver enable buffering=10000 localippoprt=2000 timeout=400
• Parameters that include an equal sign and a value (for example Parity=Even) may not contain
embedded spaces.
• If you want to enable a connection method that is mutually exclusive of other connection
methods, and one or more of those other methods was enabled previously (either earlier in this
or another configuration file, or through another tool such as the web interface or configuration
utility), you should expressly disable the other connection method in the configuration file
before enabling the mutually exclusive method.
For example, if you want to enable the modem emulation connection method on a port that
currently has the TCP client connection method enabled, you must first disable the TCP
client method:
port 1 tcpclient disable
port 1 modem enable . . .
• In commands that require a port number, you may specify All instead of a port number if you
want the command to be applied to all serial ports on the hub. If you specify All in a Port
Interface command, the operation will be applied to all multi-interface serial ports (all ports on
an ESP-2 MI, ESP-4 MI or ESP-8 MI hub; ports 1-8 on an ESP-16 MI hub).
• If an optional parameter is not specified in a command, its value remains as is.
The command syntax in this manual uses the following conventions:
• Variables are shown in italic type surrounding by angle brackets (< >).
• Choices are separated by a vertical bar (|).
• Optional parameters are enclosed in brackets ([ ]).
Chapter 6: Configuration Files 57
Port Interface Command

NOTE: On ESP-2 MI hubs, the serial port interface and termination are set in hardware. See Changing the Serial
Port Interface on ESP-2 MI Hubs on page 75 for more information. However, if an ESP-2 MI hub is configured
with the RS-422 or RS-485 interface, you may change the transfer mode with this command.
The Port Interface command specifies the physical interface for one or all ports. If the RS-422 or
RS-485 interface is specified, you may enable or disable termination by including Termination
Enable or Disable. Omitting the Termination keyword leaves the setting as is. See Physical
Interfaces on page 6 for more information. The Transfer keyword and values are valid only for
ESP-2 MI hubs.
PORT <port>|ALL INTERFACE=[RS232|RS422|RS485] [TRANSFER=RTS|ADDC]
[TERMINATION ENABLE|DISABLE]
Port Connection Method Commands

The port connection method commands enable or disable connection methods to one or all ESP hub
serial ports. See Serial Port Connection Methods on page 15 for information about enabling
multiple connection methods.
Port Redirection command
The Port Redirection command enables or disables the port redirection connection method on one
or all serial ports. See Table 3.1 on page 16 for parameter descriptions and rules for use.
PORT <port>|ALL REDIRECT ENABLE|DISABLE [BUFFERING=<hsec>]
Port Telnet Server command
The Port Telnet Server command enables or disables the Telnet server connection method on one
PORT <port>|ALL TELSERVER ENABLE|DISABLE
[LOCALIPPORT=<lport>] [TIMEOUT=sec>] [BUFFERING=<hsec>]
Port TCP Server command
The Port TCP Server command enables or disables the raw TCP server connection method on one
PORT <port>|ALL TCPSERVER ENABLE|DISABLE
[LOCALIPPORT=<lport>] [TIMEOUT=<sec>] [MONITORDCD ENABLE|DISABLE]
[BUFFERING=<hsec>] [IDLEBUFFERING ENABLE|DISABLE]
Port TCP Client command

The Port TCP Client command enables or disables the raw TCP client connection method on one or
all serial ports. See Table 3.4 on page 19 for parameter descriptions and rules for use.
PORT <port>|ALL TCPCLIENT ENABLE|DISABLE
DESTIP=<dest_ip> [DESTPORT=<dest_port>] [LOCALPORT=<lport>]
[CONNECTMODE=AUTO|DATA|DCD] [TIMEOUT=<sec>] [BUFFERING=<hsec>]
[IDLEBUFFERING ENABLE|DISABLE]
Port Modem Emulation command
The Port Modem Emulation command enables or disables the modem emulation connection
method on one or all serial ports. See Table 3.5 on page 21 for parameter descriptions and rules
for use.
PORT <port>|ALL MODEM ENABLE|DISABLE
[INCOMING ENABLE|DISABLE] [AUTOANSWER ENABLE|DISABLE]
[LOCALPORT=<port>] [OUTGOING ENABLE|DISABLE] [DESTIP=<ip_add>]
[DESTPORT=<dest_port>] [ECHO ENABLE|DISABLE] [VERBOSE=0|1|2|3]
[RESPONSECODES ENABLE|DISABLE] [MONITORDCD ENABLE|DISABLE]
[BUFFERING=<hsec>] [TIMEOUT=<sec>]
Dialout Translation command
The Dialout Translation command is used to translate telephone numbers to an IP address and IP
port. This command is valid only when the modem emulation connection method is enabled and
outgoing calls are enabled. You may configure up to eight sets for each ESP hub serial port. See
Dialout translation on page 27 for more information.
DIALOUT_TRANSLATION PORT=<port>|ALL SET=<set_number>
NUMBER=<translate_string> IPADDR=<ip_add> IPPORT=<dest_port>
Port Configuration Utility command
The Port Configuration Utility command enables or disables the configuration utility connection
method on one or all serial ports. See Table 3.9 on page 28 for parameter descriptions and rules
for use.
PORT <port>|ALL CONFIGUTIL ENABLE|DISABLE [TIMEOUT=<sec>]
Port Attributes Command

The Port Attributes command specifies attributes for one or all serial ports.
PORT <port>|ALL [BAUD=<baud>] [SIZE=<size>]
[PARITY=NONE|EVEN|ODD|MARK|SPACE] [STOP=1|2]
[FLOW=NONE|XON/XOFF|RTS/CTS]
See Table 3.10 on page 29 for serial port parameter descriptions and rules for use.
Chapter 6: Configuration Files 59
Network Command
The Network command specifies the ESP hub’s network address and interface information.
NETWORK IP=<ip> MASK=<mask> GATEWAY=<gateway>
INTERFACE=AUTO|10|10HD|10FD|100|100HD|100FD
The addresses must be entered in standard IP dot notation. The gateway address must be in the
same subnet as the IP address. You cannot set the IP address to: a Class A address of 0.0.x.x, a
loopback address of 127.x.x.x, the default value of 192.1.1.1 or an address at or above 248.x.x.x.
The subnet mask cannot be 0.0.0.0.
The interface value is used for the network connection. See Network Interface on page 9 for
more information.
AUTO = auto-negotiate 100 = 100 Mb/second, full or half duplex
10 = 10 Mb/second, full or half duplex 100HD = 100 Mb/second, half duplex
10HD = 10 Mb/second, half duplex 100FD = 100 Mb/second, full duplex
10FD = 10 Mb/second, full duplex
Configurable Features Commands

Table 6.1 shows the syntax of the configurable features commands. Table 3.11 on page 29
describes each feature.
Table 6.1: Configurable Features Commands
Command Syntax Description
IPVIADHCP ENABLE|DISABLE Enables or disables acquiring the IP address using DHCP.
ADMINVIASNMP ENABLE|DISABLE Enables or disables administrative functions using SNMP.
WEBINTERFACE ENABLE|DISABLE Enables or disables use of the web interface.
CONFIGVIATELNET ENABLE|DISABLE Enables or disables use of the configuration utility.
Enables or disables the sockets-based interface for

NETADMIN ENABLE|DISABLE
administrative functions such as the ESP-View diagnostic utility.
Initiating a Configuration File Download

When used from a BootP or DHCP server, no user interaction is required to initiate a configuration
file download if the hub does not have a unique IP address. Specify the configuration file as the
“bootfile” option on the server. To use a DHCP server, the ESP hub must have an infinite lease on
its assigned IP address.
If the hub has a unique IP address, the user must manually clear the IP address and then reboot the
hub, or otherwise manually force the BootP request.
When using the web interface, follow the instructions in Downloading a Configuration File on
page 37. When using the configuration utility, follow the instructions in Downloading a
Configuration File on page 50.
Completion Status
To verify the completion status of a configuration file download:
If the web interface or the configuration utility was used to initiate the download of the
configuration file, the completion status of the operation will be displayed.
If the configuration file download was initiated from BootP, DHCP or a third party SNMP agent,
access the web interface (see Accessing the Web Interface on page 31), then select Configuration
File Download from the Main Menu. Any errors will be posted in the Status from last operation
field. If the last operation completed successfully, the field will be blank.
61
CHAPTER
ESP-Install Program
7
The ESP-Install program may be used to install, modify and remove redirected serial ports and ESP
drivers on supported Windows systems. By using a script file, you may streamline the process of
installing multiple hubs. The program uses a series of commands (keywords and keyword/value
pairs) to identify address information, assign logical COM ports to physical ports and specify other
driver-related information.
You may also use this program to remove (uninstall) previously installed drivers for ESP serial
hubs. A hub may be removed in the same script file that installs other ESP hubs. This allows you to
update a driver without having to reboot the ESP hubs.
This chapter describes the available commands and how to use them. It is written for administrators
who are familiar with Windows driver features and terminology.
Running the ESP-Install Program

There are two ways to run the ESP-Install program at the command prompt.
• When you type espinstall.exe at the command prompt with no parameters, a help screen will
be displayed. You may then enter commands to install one hub at a time.
During this process, you may access help information by entering espinstall /help. You may
generate a current list of port mappings by entering espinstall /list.
• To automate the installation process, you may specify a script file by entering espinstall.exe /
text <filename> that contains all the commands to install up to 256 serial ports when you start
the program. (If the script file is not located in the same subdirectory as the ESP-Install
program, the <filename> parameter should specify the full pathname of the script file.)
The results of the ESP-Install program commands are written to the files ESPsummary.log (if the
requested operations completed successfully) and ESPinstall.log, which are located in the same
subdirectory as ESPinstall.exe.
• 0 = the command(s) completed successfully
• 2 = the ESP-Install program could not communicate with the ESP hub (check the Ethernet
cable connection)
• 3 = an ESP hub with the specified address is already installed
• 8 = an error occurred
You may log additional information with the Debug and Windowdebug commands (see Table 7.1).
The ESP hubs do not have to be rebooted for changes to take effect.
Creating Installation/Update Command Blocks

Installation or update information for an ESP serial hub is delimited using the terms ESP and END.
The opening delimiter is ESP on a line by itself - this identifies the start of an installation block for
a hub. The next command must be TYPE, which indicates the ESP hub model. You may then
specify commands such as address information, logical port assignments and feature enabling/
disabling. The closing delimiter for an ESP hub installation block must be END on a line by itself.
ESP
TYPE
.
.
.
END
For example, the following excerpt from a script file contains address and port assignment
commands for an ESP-2 MI serial hub.
ESP
TYPE = ESP-2 MI
IP = 10.0.0.115
MAC = 00-80-7D-94-65-00
P1 = COM30
P2 = COM40
END
Type and address information
• The IP address (IP command) is mandatory to uniquely identify the ESP hub, even if the
address is already assigned.
• The IP and MAC addresses (IP and MAC commands) are both required if the ESP hub does
not yet have an IP address, but is installed on a local subnet.
• The IP, MAC, gateway and subnet addresses (IP, MAC, GATEWAY and SUBNET com-
mands) are all required if the ESP hub does not yet have an IP address and the hub is not
located on a local subnet.
You may specify an address even if it is not required. For example, if you are updating information
for a previously defined ESP on the local subnet, you may include the MAC address, even though it
is not required.
Physical to logical port numbering
Each physical port number on the ESP hub must be mapped to a logical port number using a
P command.
P<p_port>=COM<l_port>
Chapter 7: ESP-Install Program 63
For example, in the preceding ESP-2 hub example, physical port 1 was mapped to logical port
COM30 and physical port 2 was mapped to logical port COM40. The specified logical (COM) port
number must be in the range 0-255 and it must be unique; only one physical port may be assigned
to a particular logical (COM) port number.
The current mapping may be obtained from the Windows Device Manager on the ESP property
page and the Starting COM Port listboxes. A current list may also be generated by
entering espinstall /list.
You may remap logical port numbers at any time, as long as they do not conflict with any
existing mappings.
Updating ESP Hub Configurations

You may use the ESP-Install program to update the information used by drivers for an ESP
serial hub.
Update information for each hub is also specified within an ESP-END block. The first command is
ESP. The IP and Type commands are required to identify the serial hub to update.
NOTE: If you wish to change a hub’s IP address, the hub must first be initialized with no IP address.
Enter additional commands as needed to modify/update the configuration. The last command for
each hub’s block must be END.
Changes take effect immediately; you do not need to reboot the hub.
Removing ESP Hubs

You may use the Remove command to uninstall/remove a previously installed ESP serial hub. The
Remove command specifies the IP address of the hub to be removed. This command is issued
outside of an ESP-END command block, but it may be included in a script file that also contains
ESP-END command blocks that install/update hubs.
To update a driver without having to reboot the computer, you may remove information about all
previously installed ESP hubs and then put it back, all in the same script file. This will also load a
new esp.sys driver in the computer’s memory. This provides an easy way to update a driver without
having to reboot the computer when more than one ESP hub is installed.
To remove and replace existing information:
1. Run espinstall /list to obtain a list of currently installed hubs.
2. Edit your original script file, adding a Remove command at the beginning of the file for each
installed ESP hub.
3. Run espinstall /text <filename> on the edited file.
Commands
Table 7.1 describes the commands that may be used in the ESP-Install program. Many of the
commands contain detailed driver specifications; contact Technical Support for more information.
Syntax conventions
Keywords and values are not case sensitive.
A command must start on a line by itself. A carriage return marks the end of a command.
A comment must be on a line by itself, and must be preceded with a double slash (//).
Keyword/value pairs may have intervening spaces for readability. For example, all of the following
forms are valid:
type=esp-8 f1=sendmodemstatus off
type = esp-8 f1 = sendmodemstatus off
Table 7.1: ESP-Install Program Commands
Command Description
Enables (ON) or disables (OFF) automatic responses for an unsigned

AUTO DEVICE ON|OFF
driver. The default value is ON.
Enables (1) or disables (0) inclusion of addition debug information in the

DEBUG=[0|1]
ESPinstall.log file.The default is enabled.
END Designates the end of the installation/update commands for an ESP hub.
Designates the beginning of the installation/update commands for an

ESP
ESP hub.
Enables (ON) or disables (OFF) the NOFLUSH feature for the specified
F<port>=NOFLUSH ON|OFF
physical port.
Enables (ON) or disables (OFF) the NOPURGE feature for the specified
F<port>=NOPURGE ON|OFF
physical port.
F<port>=SENDCOMMSTATUS Enables (ON) or disables (OFF) the SENDCOMMSTATUS feature for the
ON|OFF specified physical port.
F<port>=SENDMODEMSTATUS Enables (ON) or disables (OFF) the SENDMODEMSTATUS feature for the
ON|OFF specified physical port.
Enables (ON) or disables (OFF) the TXDRAIN feature for the specified
F<port>=TXDRAIN ON|OFF
physical port.
Gateway address, in dot notation. This command is required when

GATEWAY=<gateway> installing an ESP hub that does not yet have an IP address and is not
located on the local subnet.
I<port>=RS-232|RS-485| Interface type of the physical port. This command is valid only on multi-
RS-485RTS|RS-422 interface hubs that support the specified interface type.
Chapter 7: ESP-Install Program 65
Table 7.1: ESP-Install Program Commands (Continued)
Command Description
IP address, in dot notation. This command is required when adding a hub

IP=<ip>
or modifying a hub’s configuration.
MAC address, in dash notation. This command is required when installing

MAC=<mac>
an ESP hub that does not yet have an IP address.
Subnet mask, in dot notation. This command is required when installing an

MASK=<mask> ESP hub that does not yet have an IP address and is not located on the
local subnet.
Enables the one port option. This command is valid only for
ONEPORTOPTION
ESP-2 MI hubs.
Enables (ON) or disables (OFF) the persistent open feature for this
OPENPERSIST ON|OFF
ESP hub.
Physical port number (p_port) and unique logical port (l_port) mapping.
The logical port must be in the range 0-255.
P<p_port>=COM<l_port> The current mapping may be obtained from the Windows Device Manager
on the ESP property page and the Starting COM Port listboxes. A current
list may also be generated by running espinstall /list.
RATE=<sec> Specifies the heartbeat rate for the ESP hub, in the range 1-100.
Removes a previously installed ESP hub. This command does not need to
REMOVE=<ip>
be inside an ESP-END block.
Specifies the heartbeat time-out for the ESP hub. This value must be 3
TIMEOUT=<sec>
times the heartbeat rate specified in the Rate command.
ESP hub type. Valid values include ESP-2 MI, ESP-4 MI, ESP-8 MI and
TYPE=<type>
ESP-16 MI.
Enables (1) or disables (0) inclusion of addition debug information in the

WINDOWDEBUG=[0|1] ESPinstall.log file, related to the automated responses to the Windows
dialogs for an unsigned driver. The default is disabled.
Sample Script File

The following sample script file:
• Removes the driver information for the ESP hub with address 10.0.0.116.
• Installs the driver information for the ESP-2 MI hub with address 10.0.0.115.
This hub’s MAC address is 00-80-7D-94-65-00. This hub is on the local gateway and subnet.
Physical port 1 is mapped to logical port COM30, and physical port 2 is mapped to logical
port COM40.
The interface for port 1 is RS-485 and the interface for port 2 is RS-232.
The heartbeat rate is 10 seconds and the heartbeat time-out is 80 seconds.

All other values (transmit drain, no flush, send modem status, send comms status, no purge and
open persist) assume their default values.
• Updates (modifies) the driver information for the ESP-4 MI hub at address 10.0.0.117.
Physical port 3 is remapped to logical port COM100 and physical port 4 is remapped to logical
port 110.
The transmit drain feature is disabled for port 1.
// The following command removes information about the ESP hub

// at IP address 10.0.0.116
remove=10.0.0.116
// The following commands provide driver installation information
// about the ESP hub at IP address 10.0.0.115
esp
type = esp-2 mi
ip = 10.0.0.115
mac = 00-80-7d-94-54-00
p1 = com30
p2 = com40
i1 = rs-485
i2 = rs-232
rate = 10
timeout = 80
end
//The following commands update driver information for the ESP-4 MI
//serial hub at IP address 10.0.0.117.
esp
type=esp-4 mi
address=10.0.0.117
p3=com100
p4=com110
f1=txdrain off
end
67
CHAPTER
ESP-View Diagnostic Utility

8
The ESP-View diagnostic utility is launched from the web interface. This utility may be used for
datascope, loopback and status functions.
Requirements
• One of the following browsers:
• Internet Explorer 6.0 with service pack 1 or later (Windows systems only)
• Mozilla version 1.7.3 or later
• Firefox version 1.0 or later
• Netscape version 7.2 or later
• JRE (Java Runtime Environment) version 1.4 or higher on the system where the browser is
being used.
• The sockets-based network administration configurable feature must be enabled. See
Configurable Features on page 29 for more information.
Accessing and Exiting the ESP-View Utility

To launch the ESP-View utility:
1. Access the ESP hub web interface (see Accessing the Web Interface on page 31).
2. From the Main Menu of the web interface, select Diagnostic Utility.
The ESP-View utility will launch and the datascope will open.
To exit the ESP-View utility:
From the ESP-View utility menu, select File - Exit.
Datascope
The datascope function collects, displays and saves received data, transmitted data and control
signals from an ESP serial hub. Only a single datascope session may be active at any one time on
a hub.
You may display data from either the most recent collection session or from a previously
saved session.
Datascope window
The Settings panel contains listboxes for selecting the serial hub port number and the maximum
number of the sample “buckets” in the buffer (see Sample buckets on page 69 for
more information).
The main panel contains 16 rows of data during operation or review - 8 receive data rows and 8
transmit data rows, arrayed in Rx/Tx pairs. Each row contains 16 characters of hexadecimal data
plus the equivalent ASCII characters. Nonprintable ASCII data is displayed as a period (.). Blanks
are written in fields where no valid data exists.
The right panel contains a graphical display of a DB-9 connector that indicates the state of the
control signals (red = low, green = high). The transmit and receive signals are always red. If control
signals change between samples, the colors will change at the start of the next sample display.
When samples are being collected, the area under the connector display contains a timestamp,
recorded in milliseconds at the beginning of each sample. During playback, timestamps are
displayed relative to the start time of the datascope session, not the time of day or date. The
accuracy of the timestamp is dependent on the Java Virtual Machine and the environment where
the datascope is being used.
The display advances in real time. Data from the next sample follows the last received data,
regardless of whether it was transmit or receive data.
Table 8.1 describes each of the buttons in the lower left panel (from left to right).
Table 8.1: ESP-View Utility Datascope Window Buttons
Button Description
Beginning (double left arrow with bar) Goes to the beginning of the table (view mode)
Reverse (double left arrow) Goes up 16 rows in the table (view mode)
Play (right arrow) Starts sample collection
Stop (square) Stops sample collection and closes the connection
Stops sample collection but maintains the connection, waiting for a

Pause (two bars)
command to resume or stop
Forward (double right arrow) Goes forward 16 rows in the table (view mode)
End (double right arrow with bar) Goes to the end of the table (view mode)
The counters in the lower right panel display the number of saved samples, the number of buffered
receive data bytes and the number of buffered transmit data bytes.
The lower right panel will also contain a rotating circle when samples are being collected.
Chapter 8: ESP-View Diagnostic Utility 69
How it works
A data request is sent to the ESP hub. The response may contain either receive or transmit data, but
not both; it will also contain status. If data is available, it is read and saved in a receive or transmit
data bucket. If there is no data available, the state of the control signals will be checked. If there
was a control signal change, the sample will be saved, even if there is no data to save.
Once a successful sample is collected, the most recent status is checked to see if there is any more
data pending to be read. If there is, the next sample is requested immediately. If not, a 50
millisecond delay is invoked before the next sample. This mitigates the amount of TCP traffic
generated by the datascope when the serial port is not busy.
Sample buckets
Each sample is collected in a bucket that may contain up to 1024 characters, plus the corresponding
control signals. Buckets are stored in a circular buffer. You may configure the maximum number of
buckets in the buffer. If the maximum is exceeded, the oldest buckets are overwritten.
Data is saved only if there has been a change in state during the five second time-out interval, that
is, if data has been transmitted or received or a change in the control signals is detected.
(Theoretically, if there is no data traffic on the serial interface, buckets could be filled with only
control signals, and no data would be available for later analysis. This occurrence is unlikely,
but possible.)
The sampling rate is driven by data or time-outs, not the control signals. It is therefore possible that
multiple control signal transitions could occur and not be recorded. However, this prevents rapidly
filling all the buckets if there is a floating signal or if many flow control transitions occur.
When data is being sampled, it is requested with a five second time-out. If there is no data
movement and a sampling exchange returns due to a time-out, the state of the control signals is
checked and compared to the previous sample. If the control signals have changed, a sample bucket
will be filled with zero data and the new state of the control signals. So, even when there is no data
traffic on the serial interface, the control signals will be checked every five seconds.
To use the datascope function:
1. Launch the ESP-View utility.
2. Click the Datascope tab or select Tools - Datascope from the ESP-View utility menu.
3. In the Settings panel, select a port in the ESP Port listbox.
4. In the Size listbox, change the maximum number of sample buckets in the circular buffer.
5. To start polling, click Start. A rotating circle will appear in the lower right corner of the win-
dow to indicate that the datascope is running.
6. To pause polling, click Pause. To resume, click Pause again.
7. To stop polling, click Stop.
You will be prompted to Review, Save or Cancel the session.
• Review - The display will be refreshed with a table containing all the data collected since
this sampling was started. To view all the data, you may use the scroll bar, Arrow keys or
the Beginning, Reverse, Forward or End buttons.
When you are finished viewing the data, you may:
Save the data by selecting File - Save from the ESP-View utility menu.
-or-
Start a new session by clicking Start. A message is displayed, prompting you to confirm
the start of a new session. If you agree, all of the data you just collected/viewed will
be discarded.
• Save - A dialog box will appear, in which you may specify where the data should be
saved. If you do not save the data, it will be lost when the datascope is restarted.
• Cancel - The polling resumes at the point where the Stop button was clicked.
To display a previously saved datascope file:
From the ESP-View utility menu, click File - Open. In the dialog box, indicate the location of the
datascope file. The file’s contents will be displayed in the ESP-View utility window. To view all
the data, you may use the scroll bar, arrow keys or the Beginning, Reverse, Forward or
End buttons.
Loopback
The loopback function runs loopback tests on one or all ESP hub ports and displays the resulting
statistics. You may configure the port operating values, the loopback mode and the pattern.
The main panel of the Loopback window contains the statistical results of the tests.
• Port - port number
• Tx Bytes - number of data bytes transmitted
• Rx Bytes - number of data bytes received
• Errors - number of verification errors
• Rate - calculated throughput rate, that is, the number of data bytes per second (this calculation
will not be the same as the fixed Speed value)
The lower left panel contains the Duration (seconds) field, plus the Play, Pause and Stop buttons.
The lower right panel will contain a rotating circle when the loopback tests are running.
To use the loopback function:
2. Click the Loopback tab or select Tools - Loopback from the ESP-View utility menu.
3. In the Settings area, select the ESP hub port number or All.
4. Select the desired operating values from the listboxes (Speed, Data, Parity and Flow Control).
5. Select a Loopback Mode.
Chapter 8: ESP-View Diagnostic Utility 71
• Internal - the data will be looped back internally.

• External - the data will go out the port to a loopback apparatus such as a wrap plug.
6. Select a Pattern.
• Barber Pole - the data is provided by the ESP hub.
• User Defined - the ESP hub will use whatever is specified in the adjacent Data text field
(up to 256 characters).
7. In the Duration (seconds) field, enter the number of seconds the loopback tests will run. If you
specify zero, the tests will run continuously until the Stop button is clicked.
8. Click Start. Polling requests will be sent to the hub every 50 milliseconds. When a reply is
received, the display counts are updated. A rotating circle in the lower right corner of the win-
dow indicates that the loopback tests are running.
9. To pause the tests, click Pause. To resume, click Pause again.
10. The loopback tests will stop automatically when the configured Duration interval elapses (if
non-zero). You may stop the tests at any time by clicking the Stop button.
Status
The Status function displays configuration information and traffic statistics for one or all ESP hub
serial ports.
Table 8.2 describes the fields in the main panel of the ESP-View utility Status window. Some
information is not valid if the port is not currently in use. In those cases, those fields will be empty.
Table 8.2: ESP-View Utility Status Display
Field Description
IP address of the connected remote client, in network order. If not connected, 0.0.0.0
Remote IP
is displayed.
Current connection method: Idle, serial port redirection, Telnet server, TCP server,
Connection Method
TCP client, serial configuration or modem emulation.
Total Rx Bytes Number of bytes sent to the serial port since the last reboot.
Total Tx Bytes Number of bytes received from the serial port since the last reboot.
Number of bytes received from the serial port since the current connection was
Rx Bytes
established. If not connected, 0 is displayed.
Number of bytes sent to the serial port since the current connection was established.
Tx Bytes
If not connected, 0 is displayed.
Parity Errors Number of parity errors on the serial port since the last reboot.
Framing Errors Number of framing errors on the serial port since the last reboot.
Overrun Errors Number of overruns on the serial port since the last reboot.
Table 8.2: ESP-View Utility Status Display (Continued)
Field Description
Speed Configured baud rate for the serial port.
Size Configured data size (bits per character) for the serial port.
Parity Configured parity for the serial port.
Stop Configured number of stop bits for the serial port.
Flow Control Configured flow control for the serial port.
The right panel contains a graphical display of a DB-9 connector, which indicates the state of the
control signals (red = low, green = high). The transmit and receive signals are always red. If any
control signals change, the colors will reflect the change.
The area under the connector graphic will contain a rotating circle when status is being monitored.
To use the status function:
2. Click the Diagnostics tab or select Diagnostics form the ESP-View utility menu.
3. In the Settings area, select the ESP hub port number or All.
4. Enter a sampling rate, which specifies how often the hub will be polled.
5. To start polling, click Play. A rotating circle in the lower right corner of the window indicates
that polling and display updating are occurring.
6. To pause polling, click Pause. To resume, click Pause again.
7. To stop polling, click Stop.
73
APP ENDICE S
Appendices
Appendix A: Technical Specifications
Table A.1: ESP Serial Hub Technical Specifications
Item Description
Serial Ports
ESP-2 MI hubs: 2
ESP-4 MI hubs: 4
Number
ESP-8 MI hubs: 8
ESP-16 MI hubs: 16
Type Serial - RS-232, RS-422 or RS-485 (RS-232 only on ports 9-16 of ESP-16 MI hub)
ESP-2 MI and ESP-4 MI hub: DB-9

Connectors
ESP-8 MI and ESP-16 MI hub: RJ-45
Network Connection
Number 1
Type Ethernet: IEEE 802.3, 10/100BaseT; Fast Ethernet: IEEE 802.3U, 100Base T
Connector RJ-45
Dimensions
ESP-2 MI hubs: 4.11 x 12.07 x 11.13 cm (1.62” x 4.75” x 4.38”)

HxWxD
ESP-2 MI and ESP-4 MI hubs: 0o to 50o C (32o to 122o F)

Temperature (operating)
ESP-8 MI and ESP-16 MI hubs: 0o to 40o C (32o to 104o F)
Humidity 10 to 90% non-condensing
ESP-2 MI hubs: 9 to 30 VDC at less than 4W

ESP-4 MI hubs: 5 VDC, 1 amp
Power
ESP-8 MI hubs: 100-240 VAC, 0.5A, 50-60 Hz
ESP-16 MI hubs: 100-240 VAC, 0.5A, 50-60Hz
Safety and EMC

ANSI/UL 60950-1, CAN/CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1, EN 60950-1, EN 55022:1998
Approvals and
Class A, EN 61000-3-3, FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A, EN 55024-1998
Markings
Table A.1: ESP Serial Hub Technical Specifications (Continued)
Item Description
73/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive

89/336/EEC EMC Directive
2002/95/EC “RoHS” Restriction of Hazardous Substances
Application of Council The product herewith complies with the requirements of the above Directives
Directives and Standards.
To maintain EN 55024 Product Family Immunity compliance, it is recommended
that quality Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) or Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cabling
be used, such as that recognized by the ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A Standard for the
serial port media.
Appendices 75
Appendix B: Changing the Serial Port Interface on

ESP-2 MI Hubs
The factory default interface setting for both ports on an ESP-2 MI serial hub is RS-232. To enable
the RS-422 or RS-485 interface for one or both serial ports (or, if you previously enabled one of
these interfaces and now want to enable another interface), use the following procedure.
You will need a Phillips screwdriver. Proper electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection should be
used at all times. Use Figure B.1 as a guide.
NOTE: The physical interface for the ESP-4 MI, ESP-8 MI and ESP-16 MI hubs is changed in software. See
Physical Interfaces on page 6 for more information.
RS-232 100 Ohm

Termination
RS-422
Port 1 Port 2
RS-485HD
Figure B.1: Jumper Locations and Settings

To change the physical interface settings:

1. Place the unplugged ESP-2 MI hub on a flat surface. Use the screwdriver to loosen the two
screws on either side of the hub (total of four screws). Remove the screws. Lift the cover up
and off the unit.
2. Locate the two ganged headers on the printed circuit board (PCB). Each ganged header
contains four columns of five pins. The jumper for each port is ganged and covers
two columns.
• Installing the jumper over the two right pin columns enables the RS-232 interface.
• Installing the jumper over the two middle pin columns enables the RS-422 interface.
• Installing the jumper over the two left pin columns enables the RS-485 2-wire
HD interface.
To change a port’s interface, lift the jumper off its current interface setting and place it on the
columns indicated above for the desired interface setting. The interface settings are also
printed on the PCB.
3. If you are enabling the RS-422 or the RS-485HD interface on a port, you may also enable/
disable 100 ohm termination of the differential receive signal pair on that port. This
termination is enabled by placing a jumper on the two pins adjacent to the ganged jumper for
the port; see the location noted in Figure B.1.
Termination is enabled by factory default, that is, the jumper covers both pins for each port.
To disable termination, remove the jumper entirely.
See Termination on page 7 for more information.
4. When the RS-485HD interface is enabled in hardware, you will be able to select the
transmitter/receiver mode. For more information on these software-configurable options, see
RS-485 transmitter and receiver transfer modes on page 7.
5. Replace the cover on the hub and reinstall the four screws.
Appendices 77
Appendix C: Adaptors
Avocent offers a variety of adaptors. Contact Technical Support for more information.
RS-422 CAT 5 adaptor
Table C.1 lists the pin assignments for the RS-422 CAT 5 adaptor, which enables use of standard
CAT 5 cable twisted pairs for RS-422 receive and transmit signals.
Table C.1: RS-422 CAT 5 Adaptor Pin Assignments
Pin Number - DB-9 RS-422 Description Pin Number - RJ-45
1 RxD (+) Receive Data (pos) 1
2 RxD (-) Receive Data (neg) 2
3 TxD (+) Transmit Data (pos) 4
4 TxD (-) Transmit Data (neg) 5
5 GND Ground N/C
6 DSR (RS-232) Data Set Ready N/C
7 RTS (RS-232) Request to Send N/C
8 CTS (RS-232) Clear to Send N/C
9 N/C N/A N/C
RS-485 CAT 5 adaptor

Table C.2 lists the pin assignments for the RS-485 CAT 5 adaptor, which enables use of one of the
pairs of the standard CAT 5 cable twisted pairs for the RS-485 signal pair.
Table C.2: RS-485 CAT 5 Adaptor Pin Assignments
1 RxD (+) Receive Data (pos) 4
2 RxD (-) Receive Data (neg) 5
3 TxD (+) Transmit Data (pos) 4
4 TxD (-) Transmit Data (neg) 5
5 GND Ground N/C
6 DSR (RS-232) Data Set Ready N/C
7 RTS (RS-232) * Request to Send N/C

Table C.2: RS-485 CAT 5 Adaptor Pin Assignments (Continued)
8 CTS (RS-232) * Clear to Send N/C
9 N/C N/A N/C
RxD(+) and TxD(+) are both connected to pin 4 of the RJ-45 connector.
RxD(-) and TxD(-) are both connected to pin 5 of the RJ-45 connector.
* RTS is tied to CTS inside the adaptor to indicate an RS-485 connection.
Other CAT 5 adaptors

Table C.3: Adaptors for Use with CAT 5 and CAT 6 Cable
Part Number Description
210122 RJ-45 to DB-9M (DTE) Adaptor
210120 RJ-45 to DB-9F (DCE) Adaptor
210123 RJ-45 to DB-25M (DCE) Adaptor
210125 RJ-45 to DB-25F (DTE) Adaptor
210127 RJ-45 to RJ-45 Male Adaptor for Cisco and Sun Netra console port
750238 CAT 5 Serial Starter Kit - includes all the above adaptors
210129 DB-9 Female to RJ-45 Adaptor for modem emulation
210133 RJ-45 Male to RJ-45 Female Adaptor for modem emulation
Reversing adaptors and reversing cables

Table C.4: Reversing Adaptors and Cables
210092 RJ-45 to DB-25M (DCE) Adaptor
210091 RJ-45 to DB-25F (DTE) Adaptor

Appendices 79
Table C.4: Reversing Adaptors and Cables (Continued)
210105 RJ-45 to RJ-45 Male Adaptor for Cisco and Sun Netra console port
690226 10 foot 8-wire Reversing Modular Cable
750122 Wiring Starter Kit (8-wire) - includes all the above adaptors and one 690226 cable
210128 DB-9 Female to RJ-45 Adaptor for modem emulation
210134 RJ-45 Male to RJ-45 Female for modem emulation
If you choose to use a third party reversing cable, make sure the cable is reversing, as shown in
Figure C.1.
8-WIRE
RTS 1 8 RTS
DSR 2 7 DSR
CD 3 6 CD
RD 4 5 RD
TD 5 4 TD
GND 6 3 GND
DTR 7 2 DTR
CTS 8 1 CTS
ESP Port Modular Adaptor
Figure C.1: 8-wire RJ-45 Reversing Cable

Appendix D: Technical Support

Our Technical Support staff is ready to assist you with any installation or operating issues you
encounter with your Avocent product. If an issue should develop, follow the steps below for the
fastest possible service.
To resolve an issue:
1. Check the pertinent section of the manual to see if the issue can be resolved by following the
procedures outlined.
2. Check our web site at www.avocent.com/support to search the knowledge base or use the on-
line service request.
3. Call the Avocent Technical Support location nearest you.
81
INDE X
Index
A changing the port interface 48
displaying connection status 52
Adaptors
displaying general statistics 51
for use with CAT 5 cable 78
displaying hardware information 49
reversing 78
displaying port statistics 52
AT commands 24
downloading a configuration file 50
B enabling configurable features 50
rebooting 51
Baud rate 29
reinitializing 51
Bits per character 29
setting a password 45
BootP 11, 60
setting connection methods 46
Buttons 5
setting network address and interface values 45
C setting port attributes 46
Configurable features updating Flash 49
enabling in a configuration file 59 using debug features 52
enabling in the configuration utility 50 Configuration utility connection method
enabling in the web interface 37 about 28
Configuration file configurable items description 28
about 55 enabling in a configuration file 58
changing the port interface 57 enabling in the configuration utility 46
command syntax and file format 56 enabling in the web interface 33
completion status 60 Connection methods
downloading in the configuration utility 50 about 15
downloading in the web interface 37 configuration utility 28
enabling configurable features 59 enabling in a configuration file 57
enabling connection methods 57 enabling in the configuration utility 46
sample 55 enabling in the web interface 33
setting network address and interface values 59 modem emulation 21
setting port attributes 58 restrictions and exclusivity 15
ways to initiate a download 59 serial port redirection 16
Configuration utility TCP client 19
about 44 TCP server 17
accessing 43 Telnet server 16
Connection status predefined 31

displaying in the configuration utility 52 setting in a configuration file 59
displaying in the web interface 39 setting in the configuration utility 45
setting in the web interface 32
D
DHCP 11, 60 L
Documentation link 31 LEDs 5
E M
Electrical 10 Modem emulation connection method
EquiView Plus 2 about 21
ESP-Install program 61 command mode 25
ESP-View diagnostic utility 67 configurable items description 21
Ethernet dialout translation 27
LEDs 5 enabling in a configuration file 58
network interface value 9 enabling in the configuration utility 46
pin assignments 9 enabling in the web interface 33
incoming calls 28
F modem commands 24
Flash outgoing calls 26
updating in the configuration utility 49 response codes 26
updating in the web interface 36 Modular adaptors
Flow control 29 for use with CAT 5 cable 78
reversing 78
H
Hardware N
displaying information in the configuration utility Network address and interface values
49 setting in a configuration file 59
displaying information in the web interface 36 setting in the configuration utility 45
installation 10 setting in the web interface 32
Network interface 9
I
Installation 10 O
Interfaces Operating systems 1
network 9
physical 6 P
IP address 43 Parity 29
how to set during startup 11
Index 83
Passwords Response codes 26

setting in the configuration utility 45 RS-485 transfer mode
setting in the web interface 31 about 7
Physical interfaces 6 setting in a configuration file 58
Pin assignments setting in the configuration utility 48
Ethernet 9 setting in the web interface 34
serial ports 7
Port
S
attributes 28 Serial port redirection connection method
changing the interface in a configuration file 57 about 16
changing the interface in an ESP-2 MI hub 75 configurable items description 16
changing the interface in the configuration utility enabling in a configuration file 57
48 enabling in the configuration utility 46
changing the interface in the web interface 34 enabling in the web interface 33
displaying statistics in the configuration utility 52 Socket API 3
displaying statistics in the web interface 39 Specifications 73
interfaces 6 Startup sequence 11
pin assignments 7 Statistics (general)
setting attributes in a configuration file 58 displaying in the configuration utility 51
setting attributes in the configuration utility 46 displaying in the web interface 38
setting attributes in the web interface 33 Statistics (port)
valid and default values 29 displaying in the configuration utility 52
Power connectors 10 displaying in the web interface 39
Predefined IP address 31, 43 Stop bits 29
R T
Raw TCP client. See TCP client connection method TCP client connection method
Raw TCP server. See TCP server connection about 19
method configurable items description 19
Reinitialization enabling in a configuration file 58
in hardware 13 enabling in the configuration utility 46
in the configuration utility 51 enabling in the web interface 33
in the web interface 41 TCP server connection method
Reset/Reboot about 17
in hardware 13 configurable items description 18
in the configuration utility 51 enabling in a configuration file 57
in the web interface 41 enabling in the configuration utility 46
enabling in the web interface 33 displaying connection status 39

Technical specifications 73 displaying general statistics 38
Technical support 80 displaying hardware information 36
Telnet server connection method displaying port statistics 39
about 16 downloading a configuration file 37
configurable items description 17 enabling configurable features 37
enabling in a configuration file 57 enabling connection methods 33
enabling in the configuration utility 46 launching the ESP-View diagnostic utility 38
enabling in the web interface 33 rebooting 41
Termination 7 reinitializing 41
setting a password 31
W setting network address and interface values 32
Web interface setting port attributes 33
about 31 updating Flash 36
accessing 31 using the Documentation link 31
changing the port interface 34
INSTRUCTIONS
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
DANGEROUS VOLTAGE
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
PROTECTIVE GROUNDING TERMINAL

This symbol indicates a terminal which must be connected to earth ground
prior to making any other connections to the equipment.
ESP Serial Hub
For Technical Support:

www.avocent.com/support
Avocent Corporation Avocent International Ltd.

4991 Corporate Drive Avocent House, Shannon Free Zone
Huntsville, Alabama 35805-6201 Shannon, County Clare, Ireland
USA Tel: +353 61 715 292
Tel: +1 256 430 4000 Fax: +353 61 471 871
Fax: +1 256 430 4031
Avocent Germany
Avocent Asia Pacific Gottlieb-Daimler-Straße 2-4
Singapore Branch Office D-33803 Steinhagen
100 Tras Street, #15-01 Germany
Amara Corporate Tower Tel: +49 5204 9134 0
Singapore 079027 Fax: +49 5204 9134 99
Tel: +656 227 3773
Fax: +656 223 9155
Avocent Canada
20 Mural Street, Unit 5
Richmond Hill, Ontario
L4B 1K3 Canada
Tel: +1 877 992 9239
Fax: +1 877 524 2985
590-587-501A

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PROTECTIVE GROUNDING TERMINAL

© 2005 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved. 590-587-501A

Configuration utility ................................................................................................................. 28

Displaying Hardware Information .................................................................................................. 49

Chapter 8: ESP-View Diagnostic Utility ....................................................................... 67

Table 8.1: ESP-View Utility Datascope Window Buttons ............................................................... 68

Hardware Installation and

ESP Serial Hub Kit Contents

LEDs and Buttons

Item Models Description

Table 2.1: LEDs and Buttons (Continued)

Item Models Description

Table 2.2: Physical Interface and Connector Summary

Physical interfaces can be configured on Where physical

Pin Number RS-232 Description Direction

1 DCD Data Carrier Detect Input

2 RxD Receive Data Input

3 TxD Transmit Data Output

Table 2.3: RS-232 Serial Port Pin Assignments (Continued)

Pin Number RS-232 Description Direction

4 DTR Data Terminal Ready Output

5 GND Ground N/A

6 DSR Data Set Ready Input

7 RTS Request to Send Output

8 CTS Clear to Send Input

9 N/C N/C N/A

Table 2.4: RS-422 and RS-485 Serial Port Pin Assignments

Pin Number RS-422/485 * Description Direction

1 RxD (+) Receive Data (pos) Input

2 RxD (-) Receive Data (neg) Input

3 TxD (+) Transmit Data (pos) Output

4 TxD (-) Transmit Data (neg) Output

5 GND Ground N/A

6 DSR (RS-232) Data Set Ready (remains RS-232) Input

7 RTS * (RS-232) Request to Send (remains RS-232) * Output

8 CTS * (RS-232) Clear to Send (remains RS-232) * Input

9 N/C N/A N/A

Table 2.6: ESP Serial Hub Electrical Connectors

Model Electrical Connector

Installing the Hub

When Changes Take Effect

Table 2.7: When Changes Take Effect

Network address changes (IP, gateway, subnet) X

Network interface speed X

Enabling/disabling the hub’s configurable features X

Changing a port’s physical interface X

Enabling/disabling a port’s connection methods X

Changing a port’s attributes X

Updating a Flash image X

Downloading a configuration file X

Reinitializing and Resetting the Hub

Connection Methods, Attributes

This chapter describes:

Serial Port Connection Methods

Raw TCP server