Linux Networking Cookbook

17.6. Configuring Your Server for Dial-in Administration

Problem

You want to dial in from home or from other offsite locations, and perform remote administration on a server from your remote serial console. So, you need to set up your server for dial-in administration. You have a proper hardware-controller modem, either internal or external, installed and ready to go. You have enabled your server for serial administration. Now, all you need to know is how to configure the server's modem to answer the phone.

Solution

Use Minicom to set your modem to answer when you dial in. Your modem must be connected when you type in the commands.

This recipe uses the Hayes AT command set, which most modems use. Check your modem documentation to make sure. First, configure the basic modem settings, then enter the modem commands:

	# 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, and enter everything as it's shown here (except the serial device, which must be the correct one for your system):

	| A -  Serial Device        : /dev/ttyS0
	| B - Lockfile Location     : /var/lock
	| C -   Callin Program      :
	| D -  Callout Program      :
	| E -    Bps/Par/Bits       :115200 8N1
	| F - Hardware Flow Control : Yes
	| G - Software Flow Control : No
	|
	|    Change which setting?

When you're finished, return to the main menu, and select Save setup as ...