Specifications

MDS 05-6628A01, Rev. A MDS Orbit MCR-4G Technical Manual 13
3.0 DEVICE MANAGEMENT
The MCR-4G offers several interfaces to allow device configuration and monitoring of status and perfor-
mance. These include local serial console, USB, NETCONF, HTTPS, and Secure Shell (SSH) for local and
remote access via the WAN and LAN networks. The serial console and SSH services offer a command line
interface (CLI). There are three user accounts/roles for management access:
admin, tech, and oper. User
accounts can be centrally managed with a RADIUS server. RADIUS accounts can be mapped to one of the
three user accounts/roles.
This section describes the steps for connecting a PC, logging in, and setting unit parameters. The focus is
on the local serial console interface, but other methods are similar. The key differences are with initial
access and appearance of data.
3.1 Connecting a PC
3.1.1 Differences Between Serial & SSH
Serial and SSH both present identical management capabilities, but the method of access is dif-
ferent for each. Serial involves an RS-232 serial connection from a PC to the unit’s management
COM port. SSH uses an Ethernet PC connection to the radio’s ETH port. Maximum recommended
cable length for a serial connection is 50 feet (15 meters). SSH can be connected to the radio from
any network point that has connectivity with the PC, including remotely over the Internet, or using
other networks.
The focus of these instructions is on Serial access, but SSH may also be used by following these
additional points, which replace Steps 1-3 below:
• Connect to the unit with a PC that is on the same IP network as the MCR. Launch an SSH
client/server program, and connect to the unit using its programmed IP address.
• The default IP address for the unit is 192.168.1.1. If you do not know the current IP address
of the unit, follow the serial configuration instructions below, where you can determine the
address and continue configuration.
3.1.2 Establishing Communication—Serial Interface
Follow these steps to configure the unit for its first use with serial console interface:
1. Connect a PC to the unit’s
COM port as shown in Figure 10. (Maximum recommended cable
length: 50 ft./15 m)
NOTE: Not all PCs include a serial port. If one is not available, a USB port may be used, along with a USB-to-Serial
adapter (with appropriate driver software). Adapters are available from many manufacturers, including GE
MDS.
NOTE: If the COM port has been configured for terminal server operation, pressing +++ switches it to console
(management) mode. Serial console mode is required for the following steps.
Launch a terminal communications program, such as HyperTerminal with the following commu-
nication parameters: 115200 bps (default speed), 8 bits, no parity, one stop bit (8N1), and flow
control disabled. Incorrect parameter settings are a frequent cause of connection difficulties;
Double check to be sure they are correct.