How to Configure and Use Serial Console Access on Endian 4i Devices

Overview

Serial Console Access and the Serial Server feature enable secure remote access to the physical serial port (RS-232/RS-422/RS-485) of Endian 4i Edge X devices. This allows administrators and technicians to perform diagnostics, troubleshooting, and configuration even on devices in restricted or remote locations, using the Endian Gateway as a bridge.

Prerequisites

• Endian 4i Edge X device with a physical serial port (ttyS1)
• Serial cable compatible with chosen standard
• Administrative access to the Endian web interface
• (For remote access) Client software supporting TCP-to-serial mapping (e.g. PuTTY, HW VSP3, CoolTerm, socat)
• Reachable network path (LAN, VPN, or out-of-band Internet)

Step 1: Serial Port Configuration

1. Navigate to Serial Port Configuration in the 4i Edge X web interface.

2. Choose configuration parameters:

   • Enable the serial port
   • Select Serial port standard (RS-232)
   • Set Baudrate: 115200 bps
   • Set Parity: None, Data bits: 8, Stop bits: 1
   • Advanced: Flow control as needed

   

   

3. Optionally enable console mode (mutually exclusive with Serial Server).
4. Click Change to apply.
5. Review the serial ports table to ensure configuration is saved.

Step 2: Enable and Configure Serial Server (Remote Access)

1. In the web GUI, set Operation mode to Raw Server and define the TCP port (e.g., 2000). 

   

   

2. For list of configured serial server ports, check the Operation mode column.
3. (Advanced) Set optional inactivity or EOF timeouts and enable debug mode if troubleshooting.
4. Click Change to save and enable remote access.

Step 3: Connect Remotely (Windows, Linux, macOS)

• Windows:
  • Use HW VSP3 or PuTTY to connect as raw/TCP to the defined port.
  • HW VSP3 example: create new virtual COM port, set IP address (Endian Gateway) and TCP port (e.g., 2000), connect, then open terminal app (PuTTY/CoolTerm) to COM port.
• Linux/macOS:
  • socat -,raw,echo0 TCP:192.168.1.100:2000 for direct TCP session.
  • socat -d -d -v PTY,link=/tmp/ttyVIRTUAL0,raw,echo0 TCP:192.168.1.100:2000 to create a virtual serial device and then connect using screen.
• CoolTerm: Use TCP Client mode, provide IP and port, adjust settings for serial emulation.

Best Practices & Tips

• Always use 115200 baud, 8N1 for broad compatibility.
• Remember: console mode and serial server cannot be enabled simultaneously.
• Use VPN or secure LAN for remote management when possible.
• Check firewall rules for TCP port accessibility.

Troubleshooting

• If Serial Server UI is empty, ensure console mode is disabled.
• If unable to connect, verify configuration and network connectivity.
• Use debug log for advanced troubleshooting: /var/log/serialserver.
• Check correct cabling and physical connections.

Out-of-Band Access & Use Cases

• Restore connectivity in case of LAN network failure.
• Emergency access to router/switch/firewall consoles via 4G/5G-enabled Endian gateways.
• Remote diagnostics, configuration and support on industrial and network equipment.
• Ideal for partners, system integrators and managed service providers.

References

• PuTTY, CoolTerm, HW VSP3, socat documentation

For troubleshooting, review /var/log/serialserver or contact Endian Technical Services.