Linux Networking Cookbook

2.1. Getting Acquainted with the Soekris 4521

Problem

You're not familiar with these little boards, and aren't sure where to start. How do you talk to it? What do you do with it?

Solution

It's easy. You will need:

• PC running Linux

• Null-modem serial cable

• Minicom installed on the Linux PC

Configure Minicom, connect the two machines, power up the Soekris, and you're ready.

Here are all the steps in detail. First, find out what physical serial ports your Linux box has:

	$ setserial -g /dev/ttyS[0123]
	/dev/ttyS0, UART: 16550A, Port: 0x03f8, IRQ: 4
	/dev/ttyS1, UART: unknown, Port: 0x02f8, IRQ: 3
	/dev/ttyS2, UART: unknown, Port: 0x03e8, IRQ: 4
	/dev/ttyS3, UART: unknown, Port: 0x02e8, IRQ: 3

This PC has only one, which is the one with a UART value. If you have more than one, it will probably take a bit of trial and error to figure out which one is connected to the Soekris board.

Now, set up Minicom:

	# minicom -s
	------[configuration]------
	| Filenames and paths
	| File transfer protocols
	| Serial port setup
	| Modem and dialing
	| Screen and keyboard
	| Save setup as dfl
	| Save setup as..
	| Exit
	| Exit from Minicom
	---------------------------

Select "Serial port setup." Your settings should look just like this, except you need to enter your own serial port address. Soekris boards default to "Bps/Par/Bits 19200 8N1," no flow control:

 ------------------------------------------- | A - Serial Device : /dev/ttyS0 | B - Lockfile Location : /var/lock | C - Callin Program : | D - Callout Program : | E - Bps/Par/Bits ...