APC AP5615, AP5610, AP5616 User Manual
Digital KVM Switches
AP5610, AP5615 and AP5616
Installer/User Guide
USA Notification
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment is a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the
user will be required to correct the interference at his/her own expense.
Canadian Notification
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Japanese Notification
Korean Notification
APC® KVM Switch
Installer/User Guide
© 2008 American Power Conversion Corporation. All rights reserved.
APC and the APC logo are registered trademarks of American Power
Conversion Corporation or its affiliates. All other marks are the property
of their respective owners.
APC: 990-3256A
590-800-501C
Instructions
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance instructions i n
the literature accompanying the KVM switch.
Dangerous Voltage
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the prese nce of unin sulated dangerous voltage within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Power On
This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the on position.
Power Off
This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the off position.
Protective Grounding Terminal
This symbol indicates a terminal which must be connected to earth ground prior to making any other
connections to the equipment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
List of Figures .................................................................................................................ix
List of Tables.................................................................................................................... x
Chapter 1: Product Overview.......................................................................................... 1
Features And Benefits........................................................................................................................1
Intelligent cables.............................................. ...........................................................................1
Virtual Media..............................................................................................................................2
OSD graphical user interface........................................ ................................................ .............3
Video...........................................................................................................................................3
Flash upgradability ....................................................................................................................3
Web interface................................................... ...........................................................................3
Authentication and authorization ...............................................................................................3
Video Viewer...............................................................................................................................4
Network Access Software............................................................................................................4
Modem ........................................................................................................................................5
iii
Chapter 2: Installation ..................................................................................................... 6
Installing And Setting Up The KVM Switch.......................................................................................6
Connecting the KVM switch .......................................................................................................6
Connecting a KVM server module to each target device...........................................................7
Setting up the network .............................................................. ..................................................7
Connecting local peripheral devices..................................... .....................................................8
Tiering Multiple KVM Switches.........................................................................................................9
Installing And Starting Up The Web Interface ................................................................................10
Supported browsers........................................................................... ....................................... 10
Launching the web interface................................................ ................................................ .....10
Installing And Starting Up The Network Access Software..............................................................11
Supported operating systems..................................................................... ...............................11
Hardware configuration requirements.....................................................................................11
Browser requirements...............................................................................................................11
Installing the software ..............................................................................................................11
Uninstalling the software..........................................................................................................13
Table of Contents iv
Opening the software....................................... ................................................ .........................13
Setting up the software ....................................... ................................................ .. ....................14
Rack Mounting A KVM Switch ........................................................................................................14
Rack mount safety considerations ............................................................................................14
Installing a rack mounting bracket...........................................................................................15
Chapter 3: Basic Operations......................................................................................... 16
Controlling The Switching System From The Analog Port .............................................................16
Starting The OSD......................................... ................................................ ....................................16
Connecting A User To A Target Device ..........................................................................................17
Using The OSD................................................................................ ................................................18
Configuring The KVM Switch And The OSD...................................................................................19
Assigning target device names............................................................................ ......................20
Assigning device types..............................................................................................................21
Changing the display behavior.................................................................................................2 1
Selecting display language.......................................................................................................22
Controlling the status flag........................................................................................................22
Setting the keyboard country code............................................................................................23
Setting KVM switch security.....................................................................................................24
Setting The Preemption Warning.....................................................................................................25
Managing Target Device Tasks Using The OSD.............................................................................26
Displaying version information................................................................................................26
Upgrading the firmware...........................................................................................................27
Viewing the display configuration............................................................................................27
Viewing and disconnecting user connections...........................................................................27
Resetting the keyboard and mouse ...........................................................................................27
Power Controlling Devices..............................................................................................................28
Power window ............................................................ ................................................ ..............28
PDUs window...........................................................................................................................29
PDU Settings window...............................................................................................................29
PDU Inlets window...................................................................................................................30
PDU Outlets window................................................................................................................30
Scanning The Switching System.......................................................................................................31
Running Switching System Diagnostics...........................................................................................32
Broadcasting To Target Devices .................................................................................................
....33
Table of Contents v
Chapter 4: Network Access Software .......................................................................... 35
Window Features.............................................................................................................................35
Customizing the window display ..............................................................................................37
Adding A KVM Switch .....................................................................................................................37
Accessing KVM Switches.................................................................................................................40
Accessing Target Devices................................................................................................................40
Accessing CPS target devices...................................................................................................42
Launching The VNC Or RDP Viewer..............................................................................................44
Customizing Properties....................................................................................................................44
General properties...................................................................................................... ..............44
Viewing and changing network properties for a KVM switch..................................................45
Viewing and changing network properties for a target device.................................................45
Information properties...................................................................................................... ........45
Connections properties.................................................................................... ... ......................46
VNC Properties....................................................................................... ..................................46
RDP Properties.......................................................................................... ...............................47
Telnet properties.......................................................................................................................48
Customizing Options........................................................................................................................49
Viewing and changing general options ....................................................................................49
HTTP/HTTPS options...............................................................................................................51
VNC options........................................................................................................ .. ....................52
RDP options........................................................................................................ .. ....................52
Telnet options ........................................................................................................................... 53
Managing Folders............................................................................................................................54
Assigning Units................................................................................................................................54
Deleting Units....................... ...........................................................................................................5 5
Renaming Units................................................................................................................................56
Target device naming ...............................................................................................................57
Managing The Software Database ..................................................................................................58
Saving and loading a database.................................................................................................58
Exporting a database................................................................................................................58
Chapter 5: Web Interface............................................................................................... 60
Accessing Servers From The Web Interface....................................................................................60
Viewing and Configuring KVM Switch Settings..............................................................................60
Table of Contents vi
Setting up user accounts....................... ................................................ .. ..................................62
Locking and unlocking user accounts.................................... ................................................ ...63
Enabling and configuring SNMP .............................................................................................64
Enabling individual SNMP traps..............................................................................................65
Viewing and resynchronizing server connections ....................................................................65
Modifying a server name.................................... ................................................ ......................65
Viewing and configuring tiered switch connections.................................................................65
Viewing the KVM server modules.............................................................................................66
Viewing KVM Switch Version Information......................................................................................66
KVM server modules sub-category...........................................................................................66
Upgrading Firmware.......................................................................................................................67
Controlling User Status ...................................................................................................................69
Rebooting Your System ....................................................................................................................69
Managing KVM Switch Configuration Files ...................................................................................70
Managing User Databases ..............................................................................................................71
Managing Rack PDUs .....................................................................................................................72
Chapter 6: Video Viewer................................................................................................ 74
About The Video Viewer ..................................................................................................................74
Video Session Types.........................................................................................................................75
Using Preemption ............................................................................................. ...............................76
Preemption of a user by an administrator................................................................................76
Preemption of a local user/administrator by an administrator................................................77
Using Exclusive Mode .....................................................................................................................78
Digital Share Mode.............................................................................................................
.............79
Sharing a digital connection.....................................................................................................79
Using Stealth Mode............................................................ ................................................. .............80
Using Scan Mode........................ ................................................ .....................................................82
Accessing scan mode ................................................................................................................82
Setting scan options..................... ................................................ .............................................82
Managing the scan sequence....................................................................................................83
Using The Thumbnail Viewer..........................................................................................................83
Window Features.............................................................................................................................84
Adjusting The View..........................................................................................................................86
Additional video adjustment.....................................................................................................87
Table of Contents vii
Adjusting Mouse Options.................................................................................................................88
Cursor type ...............................................................................................................................88
Scaling ......................................................................................................................................88
Single cursor mode...................................................................................................................89
Adjusting General Options ..............................................................................................................89
Adjusting The Video Viewer Toolbar...............................................................................................90
Setting the Toolbar Hide Delay time..................................... ...................................................90
Using Macros...................................................................................................................................90
Sending macros.......................................................................................... ...............................91
Selecting the macro group to display .......................................................................................91
Chapter 7: Virtual Media Guide..................................................................................... 92
Virtual Media Overview...................................................................................................................92
Before You Begin .............................................................................................................................92
Virtual media and USB 2.0 constraints....................................................................................92
Booting a computer using virtual memory...............................................................................93
Virtual media restrictions.........................................................................................................93
Connecting Local Virtual Media .....................................................................................................94
Configuring Virtual Media Remotely ..............................................................................................94
Enabling/disabling virtual media .............................................................................................94
Setting virtual media options.................................................... ................................................95
Connecting Virtual Media Remotely................................................................................................95
Requirements ............................................................................................................................96
Sharing and preemption considerations................................................................................... 96
Virtual Media sessions..............................................................................................................96
Resetting USB media devices....................................................................................................99
Closing a virtual media session ................................................................................................99
Chapter 8: Configuring LDAP..................................................................................... 100
LDAP Authentication Configuration Parameters..........................................................................100
LDAP parameters...................................................................................................................100
LDAP server parameters........................................................................................................101
LDAP search parameters ....................................................................................................... 101
LDAP query parameters.........................................................................................................102
Appendix A: Flash Upgrades.........................................................................................................105
Appendix B: UTP Cabling.............................................................................................................107
Table of Contents viii
Appendix C: Keyboard And Mouse Shortcuts ...............................................................................109
Appendix D: Sun Advanced Key Emulation ..................................................................................111
Appendix E: Ports Used By The Software.....................................................................................113
Appendix F: Product Specification. ...............................................................................................114
Appendix G: Getting Help And Technical Assistance ...................................................................118
Appendix H: Notices......................................................................................................................119
LIST OF FIGURES
List of Figures
Figure 1.1: Examples of KVM server modules.................................................................................. 2
Figure 1.2: Example KVM switch configuration ...............................................................................4
Figure 2.1: KVM switch configuration example ...............................................................................8
Figure 2.2: KVM switch configuration with a tiered KVM switch....................................................9
Figure 4.1: Network Access Software window................................................................................36
Figure 6.1: Video Viewer window...................................................................................................85
Figure 6.2: Manual Video Adjust window ...................................................................................... 87
ix
LIST OF TABLES
List of Tables
Table 3.1: OSD interface status symbols.........................................................................................17
Table 3.2: OSD interface navigation basics....................................................................................18
Table 3.3: Setup features to manage routine tasks for the target devices.......................................20
Table 3.4: OSD interface status flags..............................................................................................23
Table 3.5: Commands to manage routine tasks for the target device .............................................26
Table 3.6: Power Window Status Symbols ......................................................................................28
Table 3.7: PDUs WIndow Status Symbols.......................................................................................29
Table 3.8: Diagnostic test details....................................................................................................32
Table 4.1: Network Access Software window areas................................................................... .....36
Table 5.1: Web Interface Server Status Symbols.............................................................................60
Table 5.2: User Access Level Rights ...............................................................................................62
Table 6.1: Video session types.........................................................................................................75
x
Table 6.2: Preemption scenarios...................... ................................................... ............................76
Table 6.3: Video Viewer window areas...........................................................................................85
Table 6.4: Manual Video Adjust window areas...............................................................................88
Table 7.1: Web Interface Virtual Media Options ............................................................................95
Table 7.2: Virtual media session settings........................................................................................97
Table C.1: Divider pane keyboard and mouse shortcuts...............................................................109
Table C.2: Tree view control: keyboard and mouse shortcuts......................................................109
Table C.3: Unit list keyboard and mouse operations....................................................................110
Table D.1: Sun Key Emulation......................................................................................................111
Table E.1: Ports Used by Network Access Software .....................................................................113
Table F.1: APC 2x1x16 Digital KVM switch product specifications............................................114
Table F.2: APC 2x1x32 and 8x1x32 KVM switch product specifications.....................................116
CHAPTER
Product Overview
1
The APC KVM switch integrates analog and digital keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) switching
technology with advanced cable management, access for two or four simultaneous users and a user
interface. The KVM switch has USB and PS/2
device platforms.
Features And Benefits
The KVM switch is a rack-mountable switch configurable for digital (remote) connectivity. Its
high-speed rack interface uses the AHI ports for connecting servers and serial devices via APC
KVM server modules. The KVM switch supports Universal Serial Bus (USB) virtual media.Video
resolutions are supported up to 1280 x 1024 for remote users.
®
ports on the rear panel that support all major target
1
• The 2x1x16 Digital KVM switch (AP5610) has two digital ports, 16 target device interface
ports and one local port. The KVM switch supports up to three concurrent Virtual Media
sessions - one local and two remote.
• The 2x1x32 Digital KVM switch (AP5615) has two digital ports, 32 target device interface
ports and one local port. The KVM switch supports up to three concurrent Virtual Media
Sessions - one local and two remote.
• The 8x1x32 Digital KVM switch (AP5616) has eight digital ports, 32 target device interface
ports and one local port. The KVM switch supports up to eight concurrent Virtual Media
Sessions.
Intelligent cables
You can use the following KVM server modules with the KVM switch.
• KVM PS/2 VM Server Module (AP5635) - PS/2 and VGA connectors
• KVM USB VM Server Module (AP5634) - USB2 and VGA connectors
NOTE: KVM PS/2 VM server modules and KVM USB VM server modules are required for virtual
media connections.
• KVM VT100 Serial Server Module (AP5636) - Serial connectors
Chapter 1: Product Overview 2
KVM PS/2 server module
KVM USB server module
NOTE: A power supply (APC part number AP5640) is needed to provide power up to four of these Serial Server
Modules.
• KVM PS/2 Server Module (AP5630) - PS/2 connectors without virtual media capability
• KVM USB Server Module (AP5631) - USB connectors without virtual media capability.
• KVM Sun Server Module (AP5632) - VGA or 13W3 connectors without virtual media
capability.
Figure 1.1: Examples of KVM server modules
These intelligent KVM server modules with CAT5 design reduce cable clutter while providing
optimal digital display resolution and video settings. The built-in memory of the KVM server
module simplifies configuration by assigning and retaining unique target device identification
codes for each attached target device. This integrated intelligence enhances security and prevents
unauthorized access to a target device through cable manipulation. The KVM server module
receives power directly from the target device and provides Keep Alive functionality when the
KVM switch is not turned on.
NOTE: A power supply (APC part number AP5640) is needed to provide power to the serial server module.
The KVM server modules enable direct KVM connectivity to target devices attached to the KVM
switch. Each KVM switch has at least 16 target device interface ports for connecting KVM server
modules.
The KVM server modules that work with the KVM switch support target devices with PS/2, Sun,
Serial and USB ports. When using the On Screen Display (OSD) interface in conjunction with
KVM server modules, you can easily switch between platforms.
Virtual Media
You can open a virtual media session to target devices connected to supported KVM switches with
a KVM USB VM server module. A USB media device can be attached to the KVM switch and
made available to any target device connected to the KVM switch with a KVM USB VM server
module. Use virtual media to move data between a target device and USB media devices connected
to the KVM switch. You can install, upgrade, or recover the operating system; update the BIOS
code; or start the target device from a USB drive through the virtual media capabilities of the KVM
switch. Virtual media can be connected directly to the supported KVM switch using one of the four
USB ports on the switch.
OSD graphical user interface
The KVM switch uses the OSD interface, which has menus to configure the switching system and
select computers. You can list target devices by unique name, eID (electronic ID) or port number.
Security
Use the OSD interface to protect the switching system with a screen saver password. After a
user-defined time, the screen saver mode engages and access is prohibited until the correct
password is entered to reactivate the switching system.
Operation modes
The OSD user interface provides four operation modes for system administration of the KVM
switch. Use these modes (Broadcast, Scan, Switch and Share) to manage the switching activities.
See Chapter 3, “Basic Operations”, beginning on page 16, for more information.
Video
The KVM switch provides optimal resolution for VGA, SVGA, and XGA video. You can achieve
resolutions up to 1280 x 1024.
Flash upgradability
Chapter 1: Product Overview 3
Upgrade the KVM switch at any time through the network port to ensure the KVM switch is always
running the most current available version of firmware.
for more information.
Web interface
The web interface is launched directly from the KVM switch, and any servers connected to the
KVM switch are automatically detected. You can use the web interface to configure KVM switches
from a web browser. Launch the Viewer from the web interface to establish KVM and virtual
media sessions to target devices.
Authentication and authorization
Depending on how each KVM switch is configured, you can authenticate and authorize users by
using either the KVM switch database or the Lightweight Directory Assistance Protocol (LDAP).
LDAP is a vendor-independent protocol standard used for accessing, querying and updating a
directory using TCP/IP. Based on the X.500 directory services model, LDAP is a global directory
structure that supports strong security features including authentication, privacy, and integrity.
After users log in to a KVM switch, their credentials (user name and password) are cached for the
duration of the session.
See “Appendix A” beginning on page 105
Video Viewer
APC KVM switch
Digital users
Rack of
Virtual media
device
Ethernet
Local User
target devices
Control the keyboard, monitor, and mouse functions of individual target devices with the Vi deo
Viewer. You can use predefined macros and choose which macro group is di splayed on the Video
Viewer Macros menu.
The Video Viewer also provides access to the Virtual Media window. You can use the Virtual
Media window to map drives from a target device to physical drives, such as a disk, flash, CD or
DVD drive on the client computer.
for more information.
Network Access Software
From the Network Access Software, you can view the KVM switches and target devices defined in
the local database. Built-in groupings such as KVM switches and devices provide a way to list
units. You can create custom groups of units by adding and naming folders. Other groupings are
also available, based on custom fields that you assign to units. From the Network Access Software,
select a target device from a Unit list, then click an icon to open a video viewer session to it.
Chapter 1: Product Overview 4
See Chapter 7, “Virtual Media Guide”, beginning on page 92,
Figure 1.2: Example KVM switch configuration
NOTE: To enable server access to USB media devices, utilize the LAN connection via the
KVM USB VM server module path.
Modem
Chapter 1: Product Overview 5
The KVM switch supports v.90 modems at 57.6 kbits/s full-duplex connected to the modem port.
When using a modem-based connection, you can launch a Video Viewer to a server but Virtual
Media will not be available. When launched, the Video Viewer displays the server image in
grayscale at a resolution of 640x480 pixels to optimize responsiveness to mouse movements by the
user. You can not initiate a scan of multiple servers or initiate firmware upgrade with a
modem-based connection.
CHAPTER
2
The APC KVM switch requires connectivity to a computer running Network Access Software. Use
Network Access Software to view and control target devices (one at a time) attached to the KVM
switch. The analog port does not require the Network Access Software for operation. The analog
port uses the OSD graphical user interface. For more information, see
and Network Access Software on page 35.
The KVM switch transmits KVM information between operators and target devices attached to the
KVM switch over a network using either an Ethernet or local connection.
The KVM switch uses TCP/IP for communication over Ethernet. Although 10BASE-T Ethernet
can be used, using a dedicated, switched 100BASE-T network or a 1000BASE-T network will
improve performance.
6
Installation
Basic Operations on page 16
Installing And Setting Up The KVM Switch
Connecting the KVM switch
To connect and turn on the KVM switch:
1. Turn off target devices that are part of the switching system. Connect one end of the power
cord to the rear of the KVM switch and connect the other end to an AC power source.
2. Connect a VGA monitor and either PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse cables into the labeled
KVM switch ports. You must install both a keyboard and mouse on the local ports or the
keyboard will not initialize correctly. You cannot connect a DVI or EGA monitor to the KVM
switch.
3. Connect one end of a CAT5 patch cable into a target device interface port and connect the other
end into the RJ-45 connector of a KVM server module. Plug one end of a CAT5 patch cable
into the KVM server module port and plug the other end into the RJ-45 connector of a KVM
server module.
4. Connect the KVM server module into the correct ports on the rear of the target device. Repeat
this procedure for all target devices to be connected to the KVM switch.
5. Connect a CAT5 patch cable from the Ethernet network into the LAN port on the rear of the
KVM switch. Network users will access the KVM switch through this port.
6. If you configure the switch using the console menu interface, connect a terminal or PC running
terminal emulation software to the SETUP port on the back panel of the switch using the
supplied cable. The terminal should be set to 9600 bits per second (bps), 8 bits, 1 stop bit, no
parity and no flow control. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.
7. Turn on each target device and then turn on the KVM switch. After approximately one minute,
the KVM switch completes initialization and opens the OSD graphical user interface Free tag
on the local port monitor.
8. Use the web interface or the Network Access Software to configure the KVM switch.
Connecting a KVM server module to each target device
To connect a KVM server module to a target device:
1. Attach the color-coded connectors of the KVM server module to the keyboard, monitor and
mouse ports on the first target device you connect to the KVM switch.
2. Attach one end of the CAT5 cable to the RJ-45 connector on the KVM server module.
3. Connect the other end of the CAT5 cable to a target device interface port on the rear of the
KVM switch.
Repeat steps 1 to 3 for all target devices to be attached.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your equipment:
- Do not disable the power cord grounding plug. The grounding plug is an important safety feature.
- Plug the power cord into a grounded (earthed) outlet that is easily accessible at all times.
- Disconnect the power from the switch by unplugging the power cord from either the electrical outlet or the
KVM switch.
- The AC inlet is the main power disconnect.
Chapter 2: Installation 7
Setting up the network
The KVM switch and KVM server modules use IP addresses to uniquely identify the KVM switch
and target devices. The KVM switch supports both Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)
and static IP addressing. To avoid confusion, reserve IP addresses for each KVM switch and ensure
the IP addresses remain static while the KVM switch is connected to the network. For additional
information on setting up the KVM switch using the Network Access Software, and for information
on how the KVM switch uses TCP/IP, see
See “Network Access Software” on page 35..
Chapter 2: Installation 8
Modem
Servers
PDU
AP5610 Switch
Local User
Interface ports
Telephone
Network
Digital User
Ethernet
Modules
Server
Connecting local peripheral devices
Figure 2.1: KVM switch configuration example
Verifying Ethernet connections
The Ethernet connection has two LEDs. The green LED on the right is the Link indicator. It is lit
when a valid connection to the network is established, and it flashes when there is activity on the
port. The amber/green LED on the left indicates the device is communicating at 100 Mbps (amber)
or 1000 Mbps (green) when using the Ethernet connection.
To connect local peripheral devices to the KVM switches:
Connect a keyboard, monitor and mouse to each set of color-coded ports on the rear of the KVM
switch.
To connect local virtual media:
Connect the virtual media to any of the four USB ports on the KVM switch. For all virtual media
sessions, you must use a KVM USB VM server module.
Adjusting mouse settings
Before a computer connected to the KVM switch can be used for remote user control, you must set
the target mouse speed and turn off acceleration.
If you are experiencing slow mouse response during a remote video session, deactivate mouse
Local user
AP5615 switch (main)
Primary
target devices
ACI port
Secondary
target devices
AP5602 switch (tiered)
acceleration in the operating system of the target device and set the mouse speed at 50%.
Tiering Multiple KVM Switches
You can tier a digital KVM switch with an analog KVM switch to enable multiple target devices
depending on your configuration. Make sure the digital KVM switch is the top tier; the digital
KVM switch is not designed to be part of the second tier.
Chapter 2: Installation 9
Figure 2.2: KVM switch configuration with a tiered KVM switch
NOTE: To open a virtual media session with a target device, the target device must first be connected to the KVM
switch using a KVM USB VM server module or KVM PS/2 VM server module.
To tier multiple KVM switches:
1. Connect the tiered KVM switch to each target device as described in Connecting the KVM
switch on page 6.
2. Connect the peripheral devices to the local user port on the digital KVM switch. See Verifying
Ethernet connections on page 8.
3. Attach one end of the CAT5 cable to the ACI port on the analog KVM switch.
4. Attach the other end of the CAT5 cable to one of the target device interface ports on the rear of
the digital KVM switch.
5. The switching system automatically merges the two KVM switches. All target devices
connected to the tiered KVM switch are included in the main KVM switch target device list in
the OSD interface. Repeat steps 3 and 4 for all additional tiered KVM switches you attach.
Installing And Starting Up The Web Interface
Once you have installed a new digital KVM switch, you can use the web interface to configure unit
parameters and launch video sessions.
Supported browsers
Chapter 2: Installation 10
The web interface supports the following browsers:
• Microsoft Internet Explorer® version 6.0 or later
• Mozilla Firefox® version 2.0 or later
• Netscape Navigator® version 7.0 or later
Launching the web interface
To launch the web interface:
1. Open a web browser and type the IP address of the KVM switch. You can set the IP address of
the KVM switch using the OSD or the serial port.
2. The log in window opens. Type your user name and password and click OK.
3. The web interface opens and displays the Connections tab.
NOTE: Once you have logged in to the web interface, you will not have to log in again when launching new
sessions unless you have logged out or your session has exceeded the inactivity timeout specified by the
administrator.
Chapter 2: Installation 11
Installing And Starting Up The Network Access Software
Supported operating systems
The following operating systems are supported by the Network Access Software:
• Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Workstation Service Pack 4
• Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Service Pack 4
• Microsoft Windows XP (Home and Professional) Service Pack 2
• Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3.0 WS
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.0 WS
• SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8
• SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 9
• SuSE Linux 9.2
• SuSE Linux 9.3
Hardware configuration requirements
The software is supported on the following mini mum computer hardware configurations:
• 500 MHz Pentium III
• 256 MB RAM
• 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T NIC
• XGA video with graphics accelerator
• Desktop size must be a minimum of 800 x 600
• Color palette must be a minimum of 65,536 (16-bit) colors
Browser requirements
You will need one of the following browsers installed on the computer to run the Network Access
Software:
• Internet Explorer 5.0 or later (Windows only)
• Netscape 6.0 or later
• Mozilla™ 1.4 or later
• Firefox 1.0 or later
Installing the software
To install on Microsoft Windows operating systems:
1. Insert the CD included with the KVM switch into the CD drive.
Chapter 2: Installation 12
If AutoPlay is supported and enabled, the setup program starts automatically.
— or —
If the computer does not support AutoPlay, set the default drive to the CD drive letter and
execute the following command to start the install program (replace “drive” with the CD drive
letter on the system): drive:\Network Access Software\win32\setup.exe
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
To install on Linux operating systems:
1. Insert the CD included with KVM switch into the CD drive.
When using Red Hat and SUSE Linux distributions, the CD will usually be mounted
automatically.
Continue with step 2 if the CD mounts automatically.
If the CD does not mount automatically, issue the mount command manually. The following is
an example of a typical mount command:
mount -t iso9660 device_file mount_point
where device_file is the system-dependent device file associated with the CD and mount_point
is the directory that will be used to access the contents of the CD after it is mounted. Typical
default values include "/mnt/cdrom" and "/media/cdrom".
See the Linux operating system documentation for the specific mount command syntax to use.
2. Open a command window and navigate to the CD. For example:
cd /mnt/cdrom
3. Enter the following command to start the install program:
sh ./Network Access Software/linux/setup.bin
4. Follow the on-screen instructions.
During installation
You are prompted to select the location where the application will be installed. Select an existing
path or type a directory path. The default path for Windows 2000, 2003 and XP systems is the
program files directory. The default path for Linux systems is the usr/lib directory.
If you enter a path that does not exist, the installation program automatically creates it during
installation.
You can also indicate if you want a Network Access Software icon installed on the desktop.
Uninstalling the software
To uninstall the software on Microsoft Windows, starting at the Control Panel:
1. Open the Control Panel and select Add/Remove Programs. A sorted list of currently installed
programs opens.
2. Select the Network Access Software entry.
3. Click the Change/Remove button. The uninstall wizard starts.
4. Click the Uninstall button and follow the on-screen instructions.
To uninstall the software on Microsoft Windows, using a command window:
1. Open a command window and change to the Network Access Software install directory used
during installation. The default path for win32 systems is the program files directory.
2. Change to the UninstallerData subdirectory and enter the following command (the quotation
marks are required):
“Uninstall APC Network Access Software.exe”
The uninstall wizard starts. Follow the on-screen instructions.
To uninstall the software on Linux:
1. Open a command window and change to the Network Access Software install directory used
during installation. The default path for Linux systems is the usr/lib directory.
2. Change to the UninstallerData subdirectory and enter the following command:
sh ./Uninstall_APC_Network_Access_Software
Chapter 2: Installation 13
The uninstall wizard starts. Follow the on-screen instructions.
Opening the software
To open the software on Microsoft Windows:
1. Select Start - Programs - Network Access Software.
2. Double-click the Network Access Software icon.
To open the software on Linux:
1. Enter the command:
/Network_Access_Software
2. From (/user/bin), enter the following link:
/APC_Network_Access_Software
3. If a desktop shortcut was created on installation, double-click the shortcut.
Setting up the software
To set up the software:
1. Install the software on each computer.
2. From one computer, open the software.
3. Click the New KVM switch button to add a KVM switch to the software database. The New
KVM switch Wizard opens.
— or —
Select Tools > Discover from the software menu to search for all KVM switches.
4. Use the Network Access Software to set unit properties, options and other customization as
needed.
5. Select a KVM switch and click the Manage KVM switch button to create local user accounts
through the web interface.
6. From the web interface, set the names of all target devices.
7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 for each KVM switch you want to manage.
8. After one Network Access Software environment is set up, select File > Database > Save to
save a copy of the local database with all the settings.
9. From the software on a second computer, select File > Database > Load and browse to the file
you have saved. Select the file and then click Load. Repeat this step for each client computer
you want to set up.
10. To access a target device attached to a KVM switch, select the target device in the Network
Access Software and click the Connect Video or Browse button to open a session (only the
corresponding button for the selected target device is visible).
Chapter 2: Installation 14
Rack Mounting A KVM Switch
A rack mounting kit is supplied with each KVM switch. You may either place the KVM switch on
the rack shelf or mount the switch directly into an Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) standard
rack.
Most KVM switches may be rack mounted in a 1U configuration. The APC KVM Switch family
does not support a 0U configuration.
Rack mount safety considerations
Rack Loading: Overloading or uneven loading of racks may result in shelf or rack failure, causing
damage to equipment and possible personal injury. Stabilize racks in a permanent location before
loading begins. Mount components beginning at the bottom of the rack, then work to the top. Do
not exceed your rack load rating.
Power Considerations: Connect only to the power source specified on the unit. When multiple
electrical components are installed in a rack, ensure that the total component power ratings do not
exceed circuit capabilities. Overloaded power sources and extension cords present fire and shock
hazards.
Elevated Ambient Temperature: If the unit is installed in a closed rack assembly, the operating
temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room ambient temperature. Do not exceed
the rated maximum ambient temperature of the switch.
Reduced Air Flow: Install the equipment in the rack so that the amount of airflow required for safe
operation of the equipment is not compromised.
Reliable Earthing: Maintain reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment. Pay particular attention
to supply connections and indirect connections to the branch circuit (for example, use of power
strips).
Installing a rack mounting bracket
To install a rack mounting bracket:
1. Attach the brackets to the switch using the six provided screws.
2. Install the cable support rod on the lower side of the slide extensions.
3. Slide the extension assembly into the bracket assembly.
4. Place the complete bracket assembly into a level rack position and install the appropriate
hardware (not included) into each of the four bracket corners.
Chapter 2: Installation 15
CHAPTER
Basic Operations
3
Controlling The Switching System From The Analog Port
The APC KVM switch includes ports on the rear panel to connect a keyboard, monitor and mouse
for direct analog access. The KVM switch uses the On-Screen Display (OSD), which has menus to
configure the switching system and select target devices. Devices can be identified by customizable
names.
Starting The OSD
You can view, configure and control target devices in the switching system from the OSD interface
from a KVM connection to the analog port.
16
To start the OSD interface, press Print Screen. Alternatively, you can press the Control, Alt or
Shift key twice within one second to start the OSD interface. You can use any of these key
sequences instead of pressing Print Screen in any procedure in this document. To specify which key
sequences can be used to start the OSD interface, click Setup - Menu.
The Main window lists the target devices in the switching system. You can sort the list by clicking
the Name, eID or Port button.
The Port column indicates the target device interface port to which each target device is connected.
The status of each target device in the switching system is indicated by one or more status symbols
in the right column. The following table describes the status symbols.
Table 3.1: OSD interface status symbols
Symbol Description
The KVM server module is online (green circle).
The KVM server module is offline or is not operating correctly.
The target device is tiered through another KVM switch. The
target device and the KVM switch are online and have
The target device is tiered through another KVM switch. The
KVM switch is offline or does not have power.
The firmware for the KVM server module is being upgraded
(yellow circle). When this symbol is visible, do not turn off and
turn on the KVM switch or connected target devices and do not
disconnect the KVM server module. Doing so might damage the
KVM server module permanently.
The KVM server module is being accessed by the indicated
user channel (green channel letter).
The KVM server module is blocked by the indicated user
channel (black channel letter).
A remote virtual media connection is established to the target
device connected to the indicated user channel (blue letter).
Chapter 3: Basic Operations 17
power.
You can set a screen delay to specify the length of time that elapses between when Print Screen is
pressed and when the OSD interface starts.
To set a screen delay:
1. Press Print Screen to start the OSD interface.
2. In the Main window, click Setup — Menu.
3. In the Screen Delay Time field, type the number of seconds you want to elapse between when
Print Screen is pressed and when the OSD interface starts.
Connecting A User To A Target Device
Use the Main window of the OSD to select a target device to connect. When you select a target
device, the keyboard and mouse are automatically reconfigured to the correct settings for that target
device.
To select a target device:
1. Press Print Screen to start the OSD.
2. Double-click the target device name, eID number or port number in the main window
— or —
Type the port number and press Enter
— or —
Type the first few characters of the target device name or eID number, and press Enter.
You can also toggle between two selected target devices.
To select the previously selected target device:
Press Print Screen and then press Backspace.
To disconnect the user from a target device:
Press Print Screen and press Alt+0. A Free status flag in the OSD indicates the user is not
connected to a target device.
Using The OSD
Table 3.2 describes the keys, key combinations and mouse actions you can use in the OSD. Two or
more key names or mouse actions separated by commas indicate a sequence of actions. Two or
more key names or mouse actions separated by a plus sign (+) indicate a combination of actions;
they are performed simultaneously.
You can use the main keyboard or the numeric keypad to type numerals, except when you use the
Alt+0 key combination; you must use the 0 key on the main keyboard when you use Alt+0.
Chapter 3: Basic Operations 18
Table 3.2: OSD interface navigation basics
Key, key combination, or
mouse action
Print Screen; Ctrl, Ctrl; Shift,
Shift; or Alt, Alt
Print Screen, Print Screen Send the Print Screen keystroke to the currently selected target device. A
F1 Display help for the current window.
Escape In the OSD main window: Close the OSD interface and return to the status
Alt+X Close the current window, without saving changes, and return to the previous
Result
Start the OSD interface. To specify which key sequences can be used to start
the OSD interface, click Setup > Menu.
screen capture will be performed for the target device.
If Print Screen is not selected as a startup key sequence in Setup > Menu,
you only need to press Print Screen once to take a screen capture of the
target device.
flag on the desktop.
In all other windows: Close the current window, without saving changes, and
return to the previous window.
In pop-up windows: Close the pop-up window and return to the current
window.
window.
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