Apex Digital EmergeCard Remote Access User Manual

EmergeCard

Remote Access User Guide

Run Your Servers Smarter

EmergeCard Remote Access User Guide

© 2001 Apex Inc. All rights reserved.

July 2001

Printed in the United States of America

Apex Part Number 053-0191-00

The information contained in this guide is subject to change without notice.

Apex Inc. shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein; nor is it liable
for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance, or use of this
material.

Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective
companies. Emerge, Viewpoint, Viewpoint 64, OutLook, and OSCAR are trademarks of Apex Inc.

Apex Inc.
9911 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052
USA

Telephone [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail [e-mail]
[e-mail]

Web Site http://www.apex.com

Contents

1. Overview 1

EmergeCard Remote Access Overview........................................................................... 1

Package Contents...................................................................................................... 2

Key Features ............................................................................................................3

2. Installation 4

System Requirements ................................................................................................4

Installation Checklist.................................................................................................. 5

Planning Your Emerge System Options .......................................................................... 6

Installing your EmergeCard .........................................................................................8

Connecting to an OutLook Switch or a Server................................................................. 9

Connecting to a Multi-user OutLook Switch .................................................................. 11

Connecting to a Viewpoint User Pod............................................................................ 13

Connecting to a Viewpoint User Pod and System Pod..................................................... 15

3. Configuration 17

Configuring Your EmergeCard.................................................................................... 17

Install and Configure the Emerge Software .................................................................. 18

Setting up the Target Systems........................................................................ 18

4. Operation 19

Using the Emerge Application .................................................................................... 19

Launching the Emerge Application .............................................................................. 20

Using the Switch Configuration Wizard ........................................................................ 21

Beginning a Host Session.......................................................................................... 27

Emerge Application Tool Bar...................................................................................... 28

Target System Tool and Status Bars ........................................................................... 29

Menu Items in the Emerge Window............................................................................. 30

Resolution Table...................................................................................................... 32

Optimizing Your Connection Performance..................................................................... 33

Emerge Card Remote Access User Guide Contents •••• i

Screen Update Rate....................................................................................... 33

Changed-Segment Grid.................................................................................. 34

Using Function Keys................................................................................................. 35

Setting Alternate Function Key Mapping............................................................ 36

Configuring Mouse Pointers ....................................................................................... 37

Synchronizing Mouse Movement...................................................................... 37

Optimizing Mouse Performance ....................................................................... 38

Improving the Video Display...................................................................................... 39

Setting Your Switch Port Scan Rate............................................................................. 41

Adjusting the Target Window Properties ...................................................................... 42

Maintaining Log Files................................................................................................ 43

Adjusting Log File Options .............................................................................. 43

Viewing Emerge Versions.......................................................................................... 44

5. Troubleshooting 45

Appendices 46

Getting Help ........................................................................................................... 46

Communications Regulation Information...................................................................... 47

Limited Warranty..................................................................................................... 48

Emerge Card Remote Access User Guide Contents •••• ii

1. Overview

EmergeCard Remote Access Overview

The EmergeCard is the fastest and most reliable way to remotely control and manage your entire
server population

The EmergeCard provides you with the first digital, customizable, universal access solution available
today. Emerge allows any number of network administrators to remotely access any number of
systems from any location.

Across the building, campus or globe your servers are never more than a few keystrokes away.
Unlike other remote control solutions, the EmergeCard, when used in conjunction with an Apex
console switch, maintains the server connection even on system restart. Emerge takes up no target
system resources and no remote control software is necessary on the target system.

The Emerge technology is a PCI card that can be installed inside most Windows NT based servers. It
captures and digitizes the video and PS/2 data from the attached target server or switch and
transmits it over any connection to a remote system. Digital Emerge technology provides the remote
user with full GUI (Graphical User Interface) control of the attached system.

no matter where you are, and no matter where your servers are!

—

Emerge Card Remote Access User Guide Overview •••• 1

Package Contents

EmergeCard

CD containing the EmergeCard Remote Access User Guide and the Emerge software

EmergeCard Install Card

Save Your Emerge Packaging

Apex ships the Emerge system in packaging designed to protect its components during shipping and
handling. Save the carton and packing materials until your equipment is fully installed and
operational.

If anything is missing or was damaged during shipment, contact Apex Customer Support. If you need
to return the product, you will need a return materials authorization (RMA) number from Customer
Support. Apex cannot accept any returned materials without an RMA number.

How to Reach Apex Customer Support

E-mail [e-mail]

Telephone [phone]

Mon-Fri, 6 am to 6 pm Pacific Time

Emerge Card Remote Access User Guide Overview •••• 2

Key Features

Feature Description

OSCAR Compatible On-Screen Configuration and Activity Reporting. Compatible

with OSCAR-enabled switches such as OutLook and Viewpoint,
which provide access to all of the commands and functions of
Apex’s console switches. For Apex products that do not include
an on-screen display, EmergeCard will allow ‘soft switching’
(keyboard access).

Many Possible Configurations Direct to a critical server, Viewpoint or an OutLook switch in a

variety of configurations.

Compatible Operating Systems Emerge supports the following operating platforms on the

target system: Windows 3.1; Windows 95, 98, 2000; Windows
NT; and MS-DOS.

Full Network Security Available through operating system and remote software.

Multiple levels of access can be defined for each user.

Flash Memory Download capable.

Supported Remote Control Software LapLink Gold, PCAnywhere 9.2, Terminal Server.

Compatibility Compatible with major computer and peripheral devices,

including: industry-standard PS/2 mouse and keyboard,
computers requiring serial pointing devices (through the Apex
serial to PS/2 converter), and Apex products.

Console View Options View one or more server consoles on the remote monitor.

Supported Resolutions Supports standard high resolution VGA up to 1024 x 768 @75

Hz refresh rate.

Resolution Detection Auto-sense resolution detection.

Video Control Options Align server display (horizontal and vertical positioning).

Adjust video characteristics to optimize performance.

Programmable Function Keys Emerge application allows user-definable function keys.

Constant Connection Continuously view the screen status and video of the target

system, even during cold reboot.

Full Apex Service Free technical support.

Free software upgrades.
One-year warranty.

Emerge Card Remote Access User Guide Overview •••• 3

2. Installation

System Requirements

The following are the recommended systems for your EmergeCard.

Recommended systems:

• Compaq 1850R

• Compaq Prosignia Series

• Compaq Proliant Series

• Dell Power Edge 6300

• Dell Dimension Series

• HP NetServer Series

• IBM NetFinity Series

Recommended system parameters:

• Pentium III 450MHz

• 128MB RAM

• NT Server 4.0 with Service Pack 4

• NT network connection

• 10MB available disk space

Emerge Card Re mote Access User Guide Installation •••• 4

Installation Checklist

Follow the steps outlined in the checklist below to install your Emerge remote computer system.

1 Check the contents of the package

2 Plan the Emerge system options

Connection options
Location options
Remote access options
Tiering options
Cabling lengths
Video resolution support options

3 Install your EmergeCard

4 Connect the Emerge system into your system in one of the following configurations:

Directly to a critical server
To a single or multi-user Apex OutLook switch
To a Viewpoint user pod
To a Viewpoint user pod and system pod

5 Power up your Emerge system and prepare to install your Emerge software

Emerge Card Re mote Access User Guide Installation •••• 5

Planning Your Emerge System Options

Before you setup your new Emerge system, take a few minutes to plan your layout. A quick review of
your options will facilitate a quick, trouble-free installation.

System connection options

You may connect your Emerge system to a single critical server or integrate it with other Apex
console switches. The following list illustrates the types of connections you might be considering:

• Connect directly to a critical server

• Connect to a single or multi-user OutLook switch

• Connect to a Viewpoint user pod

• Connect to a Viewpoint user pod and system pod

• Connect to a Viewpoint user pod and core

System location options

The Emerge system can be used in desktop or rack-mounted systems.

Remote access options

Users connect to the Emerge system using either a direct network connection or a high-speed (64
Kbps or higher) modem connection. All video, keyboard, and mouse signals originate with the remote
computer through an established connection (phone line, ISDN, LAN, or serial) to the Emerge. The
Emerge then passes the signals to the Apex switch, which transmits the signals to the target system.

Tiering options

The Emerge is a remote access device. Unlike the OutLook switch, it cannot be tiered to itself. It can
connect to a primary or secondary OutLook switch in a multi-switch or tiered configuration.

Note

When deciding on the layout for your Emerge system, planning the environment is critical. Operating outside of acceptable
temperature or humidity ranges can result in diminished system operation or damage to your system.

Cable lengths

A target system is connected to the Emerge by means of keyboard, mouse, and high-quality video
cables. Use a high-quality video cable to obtain the best possible video image. Using lower quality
cables may result in poor video quality.

12 ft Maximum cable length for video, keyboard, mouse cable from Emerge to the target system.

Note

Cable length affects video quality as well as keyboard and mouse data timing. The maximum cable length is determined in part by
the computer and peripherals used. Not all systems will give satisfactory results at the maximum length.

Hotplug cable sequence

When hotplugging cables, always plug in the keyboard last or your mouse may not initialize properly.

Emerge Card Re mote Access User Guide Installation •••• 6

Video resolution support options

The Emerge supports standard high-resolution VGA video up to 1024 x 768 @75 Hz refresh rate.

• 640 x 480 @60 Hz

• 640 x 480 @72 Hz

• 640 x 480 @75 Hz

• 640 x 480 @85 Hz

• 800 x 600 @56 Hz

• 800 x 600 @60 Hz

• 800 x 600 @72 Hz

• 800 x 600 @75 Hz

• 800 x 600 @85 Hz

• 1024 x 768 @60 Hz

• 1024 x 768 @70 Hz

• 1024 x 768 @75 Hz

• 720 x 400 @ 70 Hz

Note

Interlaced resolutions are not supported.

Emerge Card Re mote Access User Guide Installation •••• 7

Installing your EmergeCard

The exact installation procedure you will follow to install your EmergeCard will depend on the
computer system brand you are using. The following instructions give you the essential steps to
accomplish your installation successfully.

To install your EmergeCard

1 Ensure that the system into which you will be installing your EmergeCard is powered off and

unplugged.

2 Remove the cover of your system.

3 Locate an open PCI slot.

4 Remove the EmergeCard from its protective bag and insert it into the open PCI slot.

5 Secure the EmergeCard with a standard PCI card screw.

6 Replace the system’s cover.

Now you are ready to connect your Emerge into your system. Review the following pages that
illustrate the various ways that you might integrate your new Emerge.

Emerge Card Re mote Access User Guide Installation •••• 8

Connecting to an OutLook Switch or a Server

The Emerge can be attached directly to an OutLook switch or to a server to allow the remote user to
gain access to servers or remotely access commands and functionality of remote switches.

Connect directly to a server
The Emerge can be connected directly the keyboard, monitor, and mouse ports of a server or other
single computer.

Connect to a switch console port
The Emerge can be connected to the console port of an OutLook switch as if it were a user. All (4, 8,
or 16) system ports are available for servers. Monitor installation is optional. Connect a monitor if
you want to perform setup or maintenance locally at the Emerge system.

Connect to a switch system port
The Emerge can be connected to one of the computer ports of an OutLook switch as if it were a
computer. All four (or two) user consoles are available for users. This configuration does not require a
keyboard and mouse to be attached to the Emerge system. Onsite users can perform maintenance.

Emerge Card Re mote Access User Guide Installation •••• 9

To connect to a switch console port or server

1 Make sure the Emerge system is turned off and unplugged.

2 Place the unit in the desired location. The maximum length of cable between the Emerge system

and a computer or switch should be no more than 12 feet.

3 Connect the video, mouse, and keyboard cable set to their respective jacks on the back panel of

the Emerge system.

4 Connect the other end of the video, mouse, and keyboard interconnecting cables to their

respective jacks on the target system (the server or the console port on the OutLook switch).

5 Connect the local mouse and keyboard to the jacks marked with their respective symbols on the

back panel of the Emerge.

6 Plug in your remote access connection to the modem or network connection port.

7 Plug the power cord into its socket on the back panel of the Emerge system.

Note

You will need a monitor, keyboard, and mouse attached to the Emerge to configure the Emerge system in Windows NT. Setting up
the system in Windows NT must be done at the Emerge system. After setup is compl eted, then the monitor is opti onal. Keyboard
and mouse attachment is required if you are connecting to the user console.

Emerge Card Re mote Access User Guide Installation •••• 10

Connecting to a Multi-user OutLook Switch

The Emerge can be connected to an OutLook multi-user switch in two different ways: either to a user
console or system port.

Connect to a switch console port

Emerge can be connected to one of the user console ports of the OutLook switch. Monitor installation
is optional if you want to perform setup or maintenance locally at the Emerge system.

Note

Console settings need to be at preemptive (rather than cooperative) at the KVM switch.

Connect to a system port
Emerge can be connected to one of the computer ports of the OutLook switch as if it were a
computer. All four (or two) console ports are available for users. This configuration does not require a
keyboard and mouse to be attached to the Emerge system. Onsite users can perform maintenance.

Emerge Card Re mote Access User Guide Installation •••• 11

To connect to an OutLook multi-user switch

1 Make sure the Emerge system is turned off and unplugged.

2 Place the unit in the desired location.

3 Connect the video, mouse, and keyboard interconnecting cables to their respective jacks on the

back panel of the EmergeCard.

4 Connect the other end of the mouse, monitor, and keyboard interconnecting cables to their

respective jacks in one of the console ports on the back panel of the OutLook switch.

5 Connect the local mouse and keyboard to the jacks marked with their respective symbols on the

back panel of the Emerge system.

6 Plug in your remote access connection to the modem or network connection port.

7 Plug the power cord into its socket on the back panel of the Emerge system.

Emerge Card Re mote Access User Guide Installation •••• 12