Re: RAWTCP mode (AT modem on a TCP terminal server) -- patch updated

Hi Stipe,

--- Stipe Tolj <[email protected]> wrote:
> first of all thanks a lot for the submitted patch. It's on the REVIEW list
> now.
> 
> In addition it's always welcome to add more details about the patch. Mainly:
> 
>    * what bug/feature does it address

it was discussed in the list about two months ago. Perhaps many people 
were on vacation :)
Here's the description from the patch itself:

+   <para><emphasis>About <literal>rawtcp</literal> mode:</emphasis>
+   This mode allows you to use a GSM modem connected to a remote terminal
server,
+   such as Perle IOLAN DS1 or a Cisco router with reverse telnet. The teminal
+   server should support raw TCP mode. The driver is not tested in telnet
mode.
+   It is recommended to use <literal>keepalive</literal> variable, in order to

+   automatically reconnect in case of network connectivity problems.</para>

It's unavoidable in cases when the server room is in the basement or
for some other reason the GSM signal is too poor, and the length of RS-232 
cable is not enough. With this patch, you can use a remote terminal server 
with a GSM modem attached to it.

>    * which files have changed and why, or how does the issue been addressed

Mainly gw/smsc/smsc_at.c, and also a bit in smsc_at.h. 
The changes affect the device initialization: instead of a serial device, 
you open a TCP socket. Also no need for speed setup and other RS232 attributes.

> PS: BTW, what kind of production system? We as Kannel developers are always 
> interested in hearing success stories from the user world ;)

this will be a managed servce that we will (hopefully) outsource for our 
customers. A standalone server will run a network monitoring software, 
presumably Helix (fidelia.com), and the performance monitoring software 
(torrus.org). They will send alerts via email and sms.

Also I've created a CLI utility called kpage - it sends SMS messages to a 
Kannel gateway, and processes the delivery reports. I'll announce it 
as soon as the project at SF.net is ready.

cheers,
stan