LXE MX1-IS User manual

LXE Computers and

Wavelink Avalanche

User’s Guide

E-SW-WAVACFG-A

Notices

LXE’s Package Builder and Enablers contain software developed by LXE for use on LXE certified equipment.

Any reference, whether direct or implied, to any LXE wireless or RF equipment requires the reader to refer to the

specific equipment’s User Manuals for cautions, warnings and federal notices (e.g. FCC, EMC, UL, CE, etc.).

This manual is copyrighted. All rights are reserved. This document may not, in whole or in part, be copied,

photocopied, reproduced, translated or reduced to any electronic medium or machine-readable form without prior

consent, in writing, from LXE Inc.

125 Technology Parkway, Norcross, GA 30092 U.S.A. (770) 447-4224

Trademarks:

LXE® is a registered trademark of LXE Inc.

Microsoft, Windows and the Windows logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United

States and/or other countries.

Wavelink and Avalanche are registered trademarks of Wavelink Corporation.

All other brand or product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or

Systems Incorporated.” applies.

E-SW-WAVACFG-A LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1

About This Manual.................................................................................................... 1

Overview.................................................................................................................... 1

Avalanche Management Console .............................................................................................1

Avalanche Agent ......................................................................................................................2

Avalanche Enablers ..................................................................................................................2

Limitations of DOS Devices ..................................................................................................2

Supported Computers .............................................................................................. 3

Supported Radios ..................................................................................................... 3

Supported DOS Terminal Emulations ..................................................................... 3

Configurable Parameters ......................................................................................... 4

Radio Parameters......................................................................................................................4

Cisco 350 Radios....................................................................................................................4

Lucent/Agere P1 Radios.........................................................................................................4

Symbol 4121 Radios ..............................................................................................................4

Network Configuration Parameters ..........................................................................................4

Terminal Emulation Parameters ...............................................................................................4

Installation................................................................................................................. 5

Installation of Wavelink Software............................................................................................5

Installation of LXE Package Builder........................................................................................5

Installation of Enablers on LXE Computers.............................................................................5

Operation................................................................................................................... 6

How To Use This Guide............................................................................................ 6

Document Conventions ............................................................................................................6

Getting Help............................................................................................................... 7

LXE Manuals.............................................................................................................. 7

Wavelink Manuals ..................................................................................................... 7

HAPTER 2 LXE FEATURES 9

Introduction ............................................................................................................... 9

Communication Overview........................................................................................ 9

Communication Using a Dock or Cradle................................................................................10

Configuring the Agent..........................................................................................................10

Step 1: Detect COM Ports in Avalanche Manager ............................................................10

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LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide E-SW-WAVACFG-A

Step 2: Stop the Avalanche Service...................................................................................10

Step 3: Modify the Avalanche Properties File...................................................................10

Step 4: Restart the Avalanche Service...............................................................................11

LXE Package Builder .............................................................................................. 12

Using the GUI Interface..........................................................................................................12

Using the Command Line Interface........................................................................................14

Syntax Examples ..................................................................................................................14

Using Avalanche ..................................................................................................... 15

Software Collections...............................................................................................................17

Auto Run Software Packages...............................................................................................18

Application Software Packages............................................................................................19

Support Software Packages..................................................................................................20

Configuration .......................................................................................................... 21

Terminal Emulation Parameters .............................................................................................21

Radio and Network Parameters ..............................................................................................23

Manual Network and Radio Parameter Configuration.........................................................26

Filtering LXE Computers........................................................................................ 27

By Computer Type .................................................................................................................27

By Radio Type........................................................................................................................27

APPENDIX A DOS COMPUTER SOFTWARE LOAD 29

Minimum Software Baseline .................................................................................. 29

Upgrading LXE Computers....................................................................................................29

Directory Structure ................................................................................................. 29

\AGENT..................................................................................................................................30

\AVA.......................................................................................................................................30

\APPS......................................................................................................................................30

\APPS\AVAF..........................................................................................................................30

INDEX 31

Table of Contents iii

E-SW-WAVACFG-A LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide

Illustrations

Figure 2-1 Select G-Number..............................................................................................................................12

Figure 2-2 Select Output Directory....................................................................................................................13

Figure 2-3 End of Conversion Message.............................................................................................................13

Figure 2-4 Avalanche Management Console Components................................................................................15

Figure 2-5 Software Collection..........................................................................................................................18

Figure 2-6 Sample Auto Run Software Package ...............................................................................................18

Figure 2-7 Sample Application Software Package ............................................................................................19

Figure 2-8 Sample Support Software Package ..................................................................................................20

Figure 2-9 Accessing the TE Configuration Menu............................................................................................21

Figure 2-10 The Configuration Menu................................................................................................................21

Figure 2-11 Accessing Network Profile Configuration .....................................................................................23

Figure 2-12 Network Profile, Control Tab ........................................................................................................23

Figure 2-13 Network Profile, Routing Tab........................................................................................................24

Figure 2-14 Network Profile, Security Tab .......................................................................................................25

Figure 2-15 Static WEP Keys ............................................................................................................................26

Figure 2-16 Filtering Devices by LXE Computer Type ....................................................................................27

Figure 2-17 Filtering Devices by Radio Type ...................................................................................................27

iv Table of Contents

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E-SW-WAVACFG-A LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide

Chapter 1 Introduction

About This Manual

This document assumes the user has a basic familiarity with the Wavelink Avalanche system. For

more information on Avalanche, the user should refer to Wavelink’s Quick Start Guide or

Avalanche Users Guide. These documents are available on Wavelink’s website,

www.wavelink.com. Avalanche also has online help available by clicking on Help in the Menu

Bar while running Avalanche.

This document contains a brief overview of Avalanche and a discussion of how LXE’s DOS

computers can be managed by Avalanche. LXE provides additional functionality for LXE DOS

computers under Avalanche. This additional functionality is discussed in this document.

This chapter, “Introduction” provides a basic overview of LXE computer management using

Wavelink Avalanche. Installation instructions are also included.

Chapter 2, “LXE Features” covers the package builder used to convert conventional LXE G-

Numbers into AVA packages for Wavelink Avalanche. Include are a brief discussion of software

collections, the configurable parameters on LXE DOS computers when using Wavelink

Avalanche, references to additional LXE publications for more details on configurable parameters

and selection criteria unique to LXE computers.

Appendix A, “DOS Computer Software Load” provides details on the directory structure and files

loaded on the LXE DOS computer when Wavelink Avalanche enablers have been loaded.

Overview

Wavelink Avalanche is a remote client management system that can be used to distribute software

and configuration updates to mobile devices including LXE DOS computers. Additionally,

Avalanche may provide support for other devices on the network.

Avalanche uses a three-tier software architecture:

• Avalanche Management Console

• Avalanche Agent

• Avalanche Enabler

Avalanche Management Console

The Avalanche Management Console is a Windows desktop application. It can be run from any

location on the network and can be used with multiple agents as long as there is an IP connection

between the PC with the Management Console and the PC (or multiple PC’s) running the Agent

service. The Management Console and the Agent may also be installed on the same PC.

The Management Console does not communicate directly with the managed devices. Instead, the

Management Console communicates with the Agent and the Agent communicates with the

wireless devices.

2 Overview

LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide E-SW-WAVACFG-A

Avalanche Agent

The Avalanche Agent runs as a Windows service on a desktop PC. Once installed, the Agent

software starts automatically and monitors for communications from devices running Avalanche

Enablers on the network.

The Management Console can connect to or disconnect from the Agent. Even when the

Management Console is not connected to the Agent, the Agent continues to communicate with the

Enablers.

Avalanche Enablers

Avalanche Enablers are installed on the monitored devices, including LXE DOS computers. The

Enabler maintains a record of the software updates and configuration parameters on the monitored

device. This information is communicated to the Agent. The Agent sends updated software and

configuration parameters as necessary.

The Enabler performs several functions:

• Reports revision levels of software currently loaded

• Receives and installs software and configuration updates

• Reboots the device as necessary during the installation/configuration process.

Limitations of DOS Devices

When the Enabler is installed on a DOS device, such as an LXE DOS computer, the Enabler runs

only at boot up. After the Enabler has started during boot up, communicated with the Agent and

received and installed any updates, the Enabler exits.

For this reason, the following functions are not available with the DOS devices:

• Text messages

• Update now

• The agent does not know when the DOS device has been turned off.

Supported Computers 3

E-SW-WAVACFG-A LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide

Supported Computers

The following LXE computers are supported:

• MX1 • VX1

• MX2 • VX2

• MX3 (DOS only) • VX4 (DOS only)

Note: Please refer to Appendix A, “DOS Computer Software Load” for more information on

the minimum software revision level (baseline) necessary to use Avalanche.

Supported Radios

The following 2.4 GHz radios are supported:

• Cisco 350 LMC

• Symbol 4121-1100

• Lucent/Agere P1

Note: Please refer to Appendix A, “DOS Computer Software Load” for more information on

the minimum radio driver revision level (baseline) necessary to use Avalanche.

Supported DOS Terminal Emulations

The following 2.4GHz terminal emulations are supported

• ANSI Plus Terminal Emulation

• LDS Plus Terminal Emulation

• TN3270 Terminal Emulation

• TN5250 Terminal Emulation

4 Configurable Parameters

LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide E-SW-WAVACFG-A

Configurable Parameters

This section lists the parameters on the LXE DOS computer that may be configured using

Avalanche.

Radio Parameters

For more information on these radio parameters, please refer to the NET.CFG file and radio

parameter sections in the reference guide for the appropriate LXE computer.

Cisco 350 Radios

• SSID • WEP Transmit Key • WEP Key 3

• Encryption Type • WEP Key 1 • WEP Key 4

• WEP Key Size • WEP Key 2

Lucent/Agere P1 Radios

• Network Name • WEP Key 1 • WEP Key 3

• Encryption Type • WEP Key 2 • WEP Key 4

• WEP Transmit Key

Symbol 4121 Radios

• SSID • WEP Transmit Key • WEP Key 3

• Encryption Type • WEP Key 1 • WEP Key 4

• WEP Key Size • WEP Key 2

Network Configuration Parameters

For more information on these network parameters, please refer to the SOCKET.CFG file and

parameter sections in the reference guide for the appropriate LXE computer.

• Enable DHCP • Enable BootP • IP Address (static)

• Gateway • Subnet Mask • Default DNS Domain

• Primary DNS • Secondary DNS • Tertiary DNS

Terminal Emulation Parameters

Every parameter in the terminal emulation’s configuration utility can be configured using

Avalanche. For a complete list of parameters, descriptions and available values please refer to

Chapter 3, “Configuration Utility” in the appropriate TE reference guide

Note: Unlike the TE configuration utility on the LXE DOS computer, the TE configuration

menu within Avalanche is not password protected. To restrict user access to the

configuration menu, you must enable access control in the Avalanche Management

Console. Please refer to Wavelink’s Avalanche Manager User’s Guide for more details

on access control.

Installation 5

E-SW-WAVACFG-A LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide

Installation

To use Wavelink Avalanche, the following items are required:

• A PC on which to install the Avalanche Management Console

• A PC on which to install the Avalanche Management Agent (this can be the same

PC where the Avalanche Management Console is installed)

• Wavelink Avalanche 3.4 or newer

• License for Wavelink Avalanche

• LXE Package Builder Software (can be installed on the same PC as Agent)

• LXE DOS computers with Enablers loaded (these computers can be connected to the

Agent PC via the wireless network or via a serial COM cable)

Installation of Wavelink Software

An installation file is provided for the Wavelink Avalanche software. This file allows you to

install the Management Console, Agent software or both onto a PC. Minimum requirements for

the PC are:

• Microsoft Windows NT/2000/XP

• 200MB free disk space

• Minimum Pentium III 550 MHz processor and 256K of RAM

For complete details on system requirements and installation of the Wavelink Avalanche software,

refer to either of these Wavelink documents:

• Quick Start Guide

• Avalanche Manager Users Guide

Please make sure your license key is available to complete the installation process.

Installation of LXE Package Builder

LXE provides the package builder file. This file installs to the C:\LXE2AVA directory. Please

contact your LXE representative for details on obtaining the LXE PackageBuilder.

Installation of Enablers on LXE Computers

LXE computers shipped after August 2004 have the enablers installed as part of the factory

software load. Earlier computers must be manually upgraded. Please contact your LXE

representative for details on updating the software load.

6 Operation

LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide E-SW-WAVACFG-A

Operation

In the typical installation, the LXE computer is connected wirelessly to an access point. The

access point is then connected via a wired network to the PC running the Avalanche Management

Agent. Avalanche also can be used to communicate with an LXE computer attached to the Agent

PC with a serial cable. Communication can be limited to serially attached computers, limited to

computers connected via IP or both. The default behavior is to try to contact the LXE computer

wirelessly. If that contact fails, the available COM ports are tried at commonly used baud rates.

When an LXE DOS computer contains the Avalanche enabler, the LXE computer attempts to

contact the Agent during the boot process. Please note that for an LXE DOS computer this is the

ONLY time the LXE computer communicates with the Agent PC.

The Agent PC records the date and time of the contact and reviews the software load and

configuration settings (radio and network settings and TE parameters) on the LXE computer. If

there are any software updates or configuration setting changes scheduled for the LXE computer,

the update is performed at this time. Note that the LXE computer may be rebooted one or more

times during this update process. When the update process is complete, the LXE computer

continues to boot, launching either a terminal emulation, displaying the TE Selection Menu or

waiting at a DOS prompt, depending on software loaded.

How To Use This Guide

As the reference guide for using Wavelink Avalanche on LXE DOS computers, this guide

provides details on LXE specific functions. Use this guide as you would any other source book,

reading portions to learn about the Manager, and then referring to it when you need more

information about a particular subject.

For more information on general Avalanche functionality, please refer to Wavelink’s Avalanche

Manager Reference Guide.

Document Conventions

This reference guide uses the following document conventions:

Convention Meaning

ALL CAPS All caps are used to represent disk directories, file names, and application

names.

Menu|Choice Rather than use the phrase “choose the Save command from the File menu”,

this manual uses the convention “choose File|Save”.

“Quotes” Indicates the title of a book, chapter or a section within a chapter (for

example, “Document Conventions”).

< > Indicates a key on the keyboard (for example, <Enter> ).

Note: Keyword that indicates immediately relevant information.

Attention symbol that indicates vital or pivotal information to follow.

Getting Help 7

E-SW-WAVACFG-A LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide

Getting Help

All LXE manuals are now available on one CD and they can also be viewed/downloaded

from the LXE website. Contact your LXE representative to obtain the LXE Manuals CD.

You can also get help from LXE by calling the telephone numbers listed on the LXE Manuals

CD, in the file titled “Contacting LXE”. This information is also available on the LXE website

www.lxe.com.

Explanations of terms and acronyms used in this manual are located in the file titled “Glossary”

on the LXE Manuals CD.

LXE Manuals

The following manuals are available on the LXE Manuals CD):

LXE Computer Manuals

• MX1 Reference Guide

• MX2 Reference Guide

• MX3 Reference Guide

• VX1 Reference Guide

• VX2 Reference Guide

• VX4D Reference Guide

Terminal Emulation Manuals

• ANSI Plus Reference Guide

• LDS Plus Reference Guide

• TN3270 Terminal Emulation Reference Guide

• TN5250 Terminal Emulation Reference Guide

Miscellaneous

• Contacting LXE

• LXE Technical Glossary

Wavelink Manuals

The following manuals are available on www.wavelink.com:

• Wavelink Avalanche Quick Start Guide

• Wavelink Avalanche Manager Users Guide

8 Wavelink Manuals

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E-SW-WAVACFG-A LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide

Chapter 2 LXE Features

Introduction

This chapter discusses LXE specific features with Wavelink Avalanche. This chapter is split into

three basic areas:

• Communication Overview

• LXE Package Builder

• LXE DOS Computer Configuration

Communication Overview

There are three methods by which the enable on an LXE computer can communicate with the

Agent PC:

• Via the 2.4GHz radio

• Via a serial cable between the Agent PC and the LXE computer

• Via a dock or cradle connected serially to the Agent PC.

Note: LXE recommends serial communication with an MX3 be performed through the

communication port on the MX3 endcap rather than using a docking cradle.

By default, the enabler on the LXE computer attempts to contact the Agent by the following

methods:

• RF connection via the 2.4GHz radio

• Serial connection using COM1 at 38,400 bps

• Serial connection using COM2 at 38,400 bps

• Serial connection using COM2 at 19,200 bps

• Serial connection using COM2 at 9600 bps.

The methods are tried in the order listed until either a successful connection is made or all

methods have been attempted:

Note: Because the 2.4GHz RF connection is tried first, use care when designating Network

Profiles or Software Collections as “Serial Only”. If the enabler establishes an RF

connection, profiles or collections marked as “Serial Only” are not sent to the LXE

computer. If the LXE computer later establishes a serial connection, the serial only

profiles or collections are downloaded at that time.

10 Communication Overview

LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide E-SW-WAVACFG-A

Communication Using a Dock or Cradle

The Avalanche Agent can communicate with LXE computers in a dock or cradle, provided:

• The dock or cradle is serially connected to the Agent PC

• The Agent is configured to communicate with the dock or cradle at the appropriate

baud rate (usually 9600 bps).

Note: LXE recommends serial communication with an MX3 be performed through the

communication port on the MX3 endcap rather than using a docking cradle.

Configuring the Agent

The default COM port settings for the agent are:

• Baud rate: 38,400

• Databits: 8

• Parity: None

• Flow Control: None

• Delay: 75 milliseconds.

Please note that you cannot change these settings from within Avalanche’s Management Console.

Instead, the Avalanche.properties file must be manually edited as described below.

Step 1: Detect COM Ports in Avalanche Manager

If you have not already done so, follow this procedure to detect the available COM ports on the

Agent PC:

1. Launch the Management Console and connect with the Agent.

2. Locate and right click on “Serial Ports” in the Agent tree on the left side of the

screen.

3. From the menu that appears, select “Auto Detect Available Serial Ports”.

Step 2: Stop the Avalanche Service

The Avalanche service must be stopped before modifying the properties file:

1. Access the Windows Control Panel on the Agent PC.

2. Double click on Administrative Tools, and then double click on Services.

3. From the listed services, locate Wavelink Avalanche Manager and right click on it.

4. From the menu, select Stop.

The Avalanche service is now stopped.

Step 3: Modify the Avalanche Properties File

The Avalanche.properties file can be modified with a text editor. Microsoft WordPad is

recommended for ease of display and to preserve formatting.

1. On the Agent PC, browse to the following directory:

C:\Program Files\Wavelink\Avalanche\Service

Communication Overview 11

E-SW-WAVACFG-A LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide

The default is to install in the C:\Program Files directory. If a different directory

was used during Avalanche installation, please substitute the appropriate directory in

place of C:\Program Files.

2. Open the Avalanche.properties file using the text editor, preferably Microsoft Word

Pad.

3. Find the line listing the COM port, such as:

COM2=BAUD\:38400\ DATABITS\:8\ PARITY\:NONE\ FLOW\:\ DELAY\:75

Note that there is one line for each COM port detected. Select the appropriate line

for the COM port you wish to configure.

4. Modify the line for desired COM port as necessary:

Parameter Values

BAUD Valid Options: 300, 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600,

19200, 38400, 57600, 115000, 128000

Default: 38400

DATABITS Valid Options: 5, 6, 7, 8

Default: 8

PARITY Valid Options: NONE, EVEN, ODD, MARK, SPACE

Default: NONE

FLOW Valid Options: [null space], RTS/CTS, XON/XOFF

Default: [null space] (no flow control)

DELAY Valid Options: 0 – 250 milliseconds

Default: 75 milliseconds

Generally, it is only necessary to modify the baud rate to correspond with the

docking cradle being used. In most cases this is 9600 bps.

5. Save the file after your changes have been made.

Step 4: Restart the Avalanche Service

The Avalanche Service must be restarted in one of the following ways:

1. The service can be restarted manually by following the same procedure as detailed in

“Step 2: Stop the Avalanche Service”. However, instead of selecting “Stop” from

the menu, select “Start”.

2. The service can also be restarted by connecting to the Agent from the Management

Console.

Do not restart the Agent until you are finished modifying the Avalanche.properties file.

12 LXE Package Builder

LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide E-SW-WAVACFG-A

LXE Package Builder

The package builder is provided to convert LXE software into a format that Avalanche can

distribute to LXE computers. The general process the package builder follows is summarized

below:

• The process starts with a G-Number, such as VX1GL01.01D. The G-Number

contains several files and, in the case of terminal emulation, a configuration utility.

• After processing by the package builder, the individual files included in the G-

Number are used to create a single AVA file. In this case, that file would be named

VX1GL0101D.AVA.

Using the GUI Interface

The Graphical User Interface (GUI) provides a convenient “browse” feature for the source G-

Number and destination directory. However, this interface only allows one G-Number to be

converted at a time. To convert an entire directory containing several G-Numbers, it may be

preferable to use the command line version.

To use the GUI version, click on the LXE2AVA icon, located in C:\LXE2AVA. Next, browse to

the location of the desired G-Number.

Figure 2-1 Select G-Number

LXE Package Builder 13

E-SW-WAVACFG-A LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide

When the desired G-Number is located, click OK. Next, browse to the destination directory

where the AVA file is to be stored.

Figure 2-2 Select Output Directory

When the desired destination is located, click OK. The package builder builds an .AVA file from

the G-Number directory and displays the appropriate message upon completion.

Figure 2-3 End of Conversion Message

14 LXE Package Builder

LXE Computers and Wavelink Avalanche User’s Guide E-SW-WAVACFG-A

Using the Command Line Interface

To use the command line interface from a DOS prompt, change the to C:\LXE2AVA directory.

Type:

lxe2ava [-h] [-g GNumber | -d InputDir] [-o OutputDir]

The command line options are shown below:

• -h: display help message

• -g <dir-name>: input G-Number directory, either the full path or relative to the

directory containing the LXE Package Builder Utility, lxe2ava.exe.

• -d <dir-name>: input parent directory containing G-Numbers. All G-Numbers in the

directory are processed.

• -o <dir-name>: optional output directory for the AVA package file. The default

values vary depending on the input:

o –g <dir-name> has as the default output directory the parent directory of the

G-Number

o –d <dir-name> has as the default output directory the input directory name

Note: The –g and –d switches are mutually exclusive.

Syntax Examples

Note: All examples are typed at the C:\LXE2AVA prompt.

To display the available options for the LXE2AVA utility, type

lxe2ava –h

To build a package from a single G-Number, type

lxe2ava –g c:\lxe\vx2g007.01e

where the directory C:\LXE contains the desired G-Number, VX2G007.01E. The resulting file,

VX2G00701E.AVA, is located in the C:\LXE directory at the completion of this task.

To build a package from a single G-Number and specify the destination, type

lxe2ava –g c:\lxe\vx2g007.01e –o C:\lxe2

where the directory C:\LXE contains the desired G-Number, VX2G007.01E and C:\LXE2 is the

desired location for the resulting AVA file, VX2G00701E.AVA.

To build packages for all the G-Numbers located in a directory, type

lxe2ava –d c:\lxe

where the C:\LXE directory contains one or more G-Numbers. The resulting AVA files are

located in the C:\LXE directory. One .AVA file is created for each G-Number directory located

in C:\LXE.

To build packages for all the G-Numbers located in a directory and specify the destination, type

lxe2ava –d c:\lxe –o c:\lxe2

where the C:\LXE directory contains one or more G-Numbers and C:\LXE2 is the desired location

for the resulting AVA files. One .AVA is created in C:\LXE2 for each G-Number directory

located in C:\LXE.

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