If I was to set up a basic Linux box (Suse), I can log on to it with another computer via ethernet(Lantronix UDS-10) and use it's services such as Lynx, IRC etc?
I'm not really sure what you're wanting the Lantronix device for...
If you have the server (linux box) in the same general area as your 8 bit, why not just run an actual serial cable, configure a serial connection, and skip the Lantronix boxes altogether?
There's a really neat program called "Minicom" I believe. There's some more info about it and how to put a C= online with really no extra gear other than a junk PC.
linky linkThen you could just use ole' trusty CCGMS to open a telnet connection. Wild, eh? :-)
