2: Overview
XPort AR User Guide
18
You can use the XPort AR with the Lantronix Secure Com Port Redirector (SCPR) to encrypt COM
port-based communications between PCs and virtually any electronic device. SCPR is a Windows
application that creates a secure communications path over a network between the computer and
serial-based devices that are traditionally controlled via a COM port. With SCPR installed at each
computer, computers that were formerly “hard-wired” by serial cabling for security purposes or to
accommodate applications that only understood serial data can instead communicate over an
Ethernet network or the Internet.
Terminal Server/Device Management
Remote offices can have routers, PBXs, servers and other networking equipment that require
remote management from the corporate facility. The XPort AR easily attaches to the serial ports
on a server, Private Branch Exchange (PBX), or other networking equipment to deliver central,
remote monitoring and management capability.
With the Login Connect Menu feature on the XPort AR, connections to the console ports of the
attached devices as well as Ethernet hosts, such as Unix servers or another XPort AR, can easily
be picked from a user-defined menu. This allows console ports across multiple devices to be
accessed from one XPort AR.
Troubleshooting Capabilities
The XPort AR offers a comprehensive diagnostic toolset that lets you troubleshoot problems
quickly and easily. Available from the Web Manager, CLI, and XML interfaces, the diagnostic tools
let you:
View critical hardware, memory, MIB-II, buffer pool, and IP socket information.
Perform ping and traceroute operations.
Conduct forward or backup DNS lookup operations.
View all processes currently running on the XPort AR, including CPU utilization and total stack
space available.
Configuration Methods
After installation, the XPort AR requires configuration. For the unit to operate correctly on a
network, it must have a unique IP address on the network. There are four basic methods for
logging into the XPort AR and assigning IP addresses and other configurable settings:
DeviceInstaller
—Configure the IP address and related settings and view current settings on
the XPort AR using a PC GUI attached to a network.
See Using DeviceInstaller on page 21.
Web Manager
—Use a web browser to configure the XPort AR settings using the Lantronix
Web Manager.
See Configuration Using Web Manager on page 23.
Command Line Interface (CLI)
—There are two methods for accessing CLI: making a Telnet
connection or connecting a terminal (or a PC running a terminal emulation program) to the
serial port. Refer to the
XPort AR Command Reference
for instructions and available
commands.
XML
—The XPort AR supports XML-based configuration and setup records that make device
configuration transparent to users and administrators. XML is easily editable with a standard
text or XML editor. Refer to the
XPort AR Command Reference
for instructions and available
commands.
