Linux Console

The Linux Console

AlphaCom XE runs a Linux distribution from Timesys, kernel ver. 2.6. Linux uses a Command Line Interface (CLI). This CLI can be accessed via the so-called Linux Console.

In the field the Linux Console can be used for:

• Collect information for debugging purposes, e.g. SIP trace
• Flash Image update – Recovery of file system
• Direct access to the AMC-IP memory (NVRAM) via the TST console

Accessing the Linux Console

In PuTTY enter the required connection parameters

The Linux Console is accessed via the ethernet port of the AMC-IP.

1. In AlphaWeb, System Configuration -> Filters, enable the SSH port (port 22).
2. A SSH/Telnet client is required on the PC. The free SSH/Telnet client “PuTTY” is recommended. Download and install PuTTY from here: PuTTY
3. Start PuTTY, and enter the IP address of the AlphaCom, select protocol SSH and port number 22. Press Open.
4. You will be prompted for username and password:
   • Username: alpha
   • Password: com
5. You are now logged in to the Linux Console

Successful login to the Linux Console

Note: AMC software version 10 is using the Telnet protocol on port 23, not the SSH protocol on port 22. When accessing an AMC-IP running software 10 you must enable Telnet (port 23) in Filters in AlphaWeb, and select Telnet protocol and port 23 in PuTTY.

Some useful commands

• tst -s /tmp/sipd_trace (Start SIP trace - for debugging when SIP Trunk issues)
• ping <IP-address> (Checks communication against external device)
  
• ps -A (List running processes)
• ls -l (list files)
• /sbin/ifconfig (list IP adresses etc of ethernet ports)
• netstat -a (list network connections)
• top (Displays a listing of the most CPU-intensive tasks on the system)

The Linux console runs the "bash" shell. Documentation for Linux commands: die.net/doc/linux

Accessing the Linux Console via serial port

Connect the PC to serial port 1 of the AlphaCom

If for some reason the Linux Console cannot be accessed via the ethernet port, it is possible to get access via serial port 1.

1. On the AMC-IP board, turn dip-switch S601-1 in the ON position
   • Note: AlphaPro will not be able to connect to the AlphaCom while the switch is in this position
2. Connect the Com-port of the PC to serial port 1 of the AlphaCom
3. Start a terminal program (e.g. HyperTerminal) with the following communication parameters:
   • 115.200 baud
   • No parity
   • 8 databits
   • 1 stop bit
4. Press Enter, and you will be prompted for username and password:
   • Username: alpha
   • Password: com
5. You are now logged in to the Linux Console

Location of dip-switch 601-1

Remember to turn dip-switch S601-1 back to OFF position when finished. Else AlphaPro will not be able to establish communication with the AMC-IP.

Related articles

• TST console
• SIP trace
• Linux