Avocent DSR1020 User Manual

4.5 (4)

DSR® Switch

Installer/User Guide

For models: DSR1020 DSR2020 DSR4020 DSR8020

INSTRUCTIONS

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

DANGEROUS VOLTAGE

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated 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 principle on/off switch is in the on position.

POWER OFF

This symbol indicates the principle 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.

DSR® Switch

Installer/User Guide

For models: DSR1020, DSR2020, DSR4020, DSR8020

Avocent, the Avocent logo, The Power of Being There, DSR, DSView and OSCAR are registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

©2004 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved.

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.

Japanese Approvals

Safety and EMC Standards

UL, FCC, cUL, ICES-003, CE, GS, VCCI, MIC, C-Tick, GOST

 

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

List of Figures ..................................................................................................................

v

List of Tables..................................................................................................................

vii

Chapter 1: Product Overview..........................................................................................

1

Features and Benefits .................................................................................................................

1

Safety Precautions ......................................................................................................................

4

Chapter 2: Installation .....................................................................................................

5

Installation Overview..................................................................................................................

5

Getting Started............................................................................................................................

7

Connecting the DSR Switch Hardware.......................................................................................

8

Verifying the Connections.........................................................................................................

10

Configuring DSView Software and Adjusting Mouse Settings.................................................

10

Chapter 3: Local Port Operation...................................................................................

13

Controlling Your System at the Local Port ..............................................................................

13

Viewing and Selecting Ports and Servers.................................................................................

13

Navigating the OSCAR Interface..............................................................................................

15

Configuring OSCAR Interface Menus ......................................................................................

17

Managing Server Tasks Using the OSCAR Interface ...............................................................

33

Chapter 4: Terminal Operations ...................................................................................

39

The Console Menu ....................................................................................................................

39

Other Console Main Menu Options..........................................................................................

42

Appendices.....................................................................................................................

45

Appendix A: FLASH Upgrades.................................................................................................

45

Appendix B: Using DSView Software Over a Modem Connection ..........................................

47

Appendix C: Using DSRIQ-SRL Modules ................................................................................

48

Appendix D: UTP Cabling........................................................................................................

52

Appendix E: Technical Specifications ......................................................................................

54

Appendix F: Sun Advanced Key Emulation..............................................................................

56

Appendix G: Technical Support................................................................................................

58

Index................................................................................................................................

59

iv DSR Switch Installer/User Guide

 

v

LIST OF FIGURES

 

Figure 1.1: Example DSR Switch Configuration

............................................................................... 3

Figure 1.2: DSR Switch Model Comparison .....................................................................................

3

Figure 2.1: Basic DSR Switch Configuration....................................................................................

6

Figure 3.1: Main Dialog Box ..........................................................................................................

13

Figure 3.2: Setup Dialog Box ..........................................................................................................

18

Figure 3.3: Names Dialog Box ........................................................................................................

19

Figure 3.4: Name Modify Dialog Box .............................................................................................

20

Figure 3.5: Devices Dialog Box ......................................................................................................

21

Figure 3.6: Device Modify Dialog Box ...........................................................................................

22

Figure 3.7: Menu Dialog Box..........................................................................................................

23

Figure 3.8: Flag Dialog Box ...........................................................................................................

24

Figure 3.9: Position Flag ................................................................................................................

25

Figure 3.10: Broadcast Dialog Box ................................................................................................

26

Figure 3.11: Scan Dialog Box .........................................................................................................

27

Figure 3.12: Commands Dialog Box...............................................................................................

29

Figure 3.13: Screen Saver Dialog Box............................................................................................

30

Figure 3.14: Keyboard Dialog Box .................................................................................................

32

Figure 3.15: Commands Dialog Box...............................................................................................

33

Figure 3.16: User Status Dialog Box ..............................................................................................

34

Figure 3.17: Disconnect Dialog Box...............................................................................................

35

Figure 3.18: Version Dialog Box ....................................................................................................

36

Figure 3.19: DSRIQ Selection Dialog Box......................................................................................

37

Figure 3.20: DSRIQ Version Dialog Box........................................................................................

37

Figure 4.1: Console Main Menu......................................................................................................

40

Figure 4.2: Network Configuration Menu.......................................................................................

41

vi DSR Switch Installer/User Guide

 

vii

LIST OF TABLES

 

Table 3.1: OSCAR Interface Status Symbols ...................................................................................

14

Table 3.2: OSCAR Interface Navigation Basics..............................................................................

15

Table 3.3: Setup Features to Configure the OSCAR Interface........................................................

17

Table 3.4: OSCAR Interface Status Flags .......................................................................................

24

Table 3.5: Commands to Manage Routine Tasks for Your Target Device(s)..................................

33

Table C.1: DSRIQ-SRL Module Pinouts .........................................................................................

51

Table D.1: UTP Wiring Standards ..................................................................................................

52

Table E.1: DSR Switch Product Specifications ...............................................................................

54

Table F.1: Sun Key Emulation.........................................................................................................

56

Table F.2: PS/2-to-USB Keyboard Mappings .................................................................................

57

viii DSR Switch Installer/User Guide

1

 

CHAPTER

Product Overview

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

Features and Benefits

Avocent DSR® switches combine analog and digital technology to provide flexible, centralized control of data center servers and facilitate the OA&M (operations, activation and maintenance) of remote branch offices where trained operators may be unavailable. They provide enterprise customers with a significant reduction of cable volume, secure remote access and flexible server management from anywhere at anytime.

Each DSR switch model consists of a rack mountable keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) switch, configurable for analog (local) or digital (remote) connectivity. Video resolutions are supported up to1280 x 1024 for remote users. Enhanced video quality of up to 1600 x 1200 is available to local users via the video port.

The DSR switch has user peripheral ports for PS/2 and USB keyboards and mice and an SPC port that may be used to connect to an SPC power control device. An SPC device is an 8- or 16-outlet device that can be used to control the power state of any attached target devices using the

DS software.

The DSR switches work over standard LAN connections. Users can access target devices across a 1000BaseT LAN port that is used to establish an Ethernet connection, or directly through a local port. Each DSR switch model includes a MODEM port that supports V.34, V.90 or V.92-compatible modems that may be used to access the switch when an Ethernet connection is not available.

The IP-based DSR switches give you flexible target device management control from anywhere in the world.

Reduce cable bulk

With server densities continually increasing, cable bulk remains a major concern for network administrators.The DSR switches significantly reduce KVM cable volume in the rack by utilizing the innovative DSRIQ module and single, industry-standard Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) CAT 5 cabling. This allows a higher server density while providing greater airflow and cooling capacity.

The DSRIQ module is powered directly from the target device and provides Keep Alive functionality when the DSR switch is not powered.

2 DSR Switch Installer/User Guide

The DSRIQ-SRL (serial) module is a DCE device that provides the primary interface between a serial device and a DSR switch. It provides VT100 terminal emulation, break suppression and port history in a compact, convenient module.

Access the DSR switch via network connection

No special software or drivers are required on the attached, or client, computers.

NOTE: The client connects to the server housing the DSView® management software using an Internet browser. For modem access, you must install DSR Remote Operations software included on the DSView software CD-ROM (see the DSView Installer/User Guide for more information).

Users access the DSR switch and all attached systems via Ethernet or using a V.34, V.90 or V.92 modem from a client computer, such as a PC. Clients can be located anywhere a valid network connection exists.

Simple access to any target device

When a user accesses the DSView Server software, a listing of all target devices to which the user has permission to view and manage is displayed. When a user selects a target device from the list, the video of the selected target device is displayed in a Video Viewer window.

Chapter 1: Product Overview

3

 

 

DSR Switch

 

Ethernet

 

DSView Server

Modem

Software

 

Telephone

 

Network

Analog User

(OSCAR Graphical

User Interface)

Digital User (Computer with Internet browser)

Figure 1.1: Example DSR Switch Configuration

 

 

Number

Digital

Analog

 

Model

of

 

paths

User

DSR Switch

Servers

 

 

 

 

 

 

DSR1020

16

1

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

DSR2020

16

2

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

DSR4020

16

4

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

DSR8020

16

8

1

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 1.2: DSR Switch Model Comparison

4 DSR Switch Installer/User Guide

Safety Precautions

To avoid potential video and/or keyboard problems when using Avocent products:

If the building has 3-phase AC power, ensure that the computer and monitor are on the same phase. For best results, they should be on the same circuit.

To avoid potentially fatal shock hazard and possible damage to equipment, please observe the following precautions:

Do not use a 2-wire power cord in any Avocent product configuration.

Test AC outlets at the target device and monitor for proper polarity and grounding.

Use only with grounded outlets at both the target device and monitor. When using a backup Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), power the target device, the monitor and the DSR switch from the UPS.

NOTE: The AC inlet is the main power disconnect.

Rack mount safety considerations

Elevated Ambient Temperature: If installed in a closed rack assembly, the operating temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room ambient. Use care not to exceed the rated maximum ambient temperature of the switch.

Reduced Air Flow: Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that the amount of airflow required for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised.

Mechanical Loading: Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such that a hazardous condition is not achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.

Circuit Overloading: Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the supply circuit and the effect that overloading of circuits might have on overcurrent protection and supply wiring. Consider equipment nameplate ratings for maximum current.

Reliable Earthing: Reliable earthing of rack mounted equipment should be maintained. Pay particular attention to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit (for example, use of power strips).

5

CHAPTER

2 Installation

The DSR switching system requires connectivity to a server running the DSView Server software. DSView software allows a user to view and control target devices (one at a time) attached to the DSR switching system. For more information on the DSView software, see the DSView Installer/User Guide.

The DSR switching system transmits keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) information between operators and target devices attached to the DSR switch over a network using either an Ethernet connection or a modem connection.

The DSR switch uses TCP/IP for communication over Ethernet. Although 10BaseT Ethernet may be used, Avocent recommends a dedicated, switched 100BaseT network, or even a

1000BaseT network.

The DSR switch uses the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) for communication over a V.34, V.90 or V.92 modem.

Installation Overview

The general procedure for setting up and installing the DSR switch is as follows:

Unpack the DSR switch and verify that all components are present and in good condition. See the Getting Started section in this chapter.

Make all hardware connections between the power source, DSR switch, target devices, optional SPC device, the Ethernet and the optional modem connection. See the Connecting the DSR Switch Hardware section.

Turn on the power and verify that all connections are working. See the Verifying the Connections section.

If you are configuring the DSR switch using the console menu interface, do that at this point. See Chapter 4 for more information.

Use the DSView Server software to configure the DSR switch. See the DSView Installer/User Guide for detailed instructions.

Make the appropriate mouse setting adjustments. See the Adjusting mouse settings on target devices section.

Avocent DSR1020 User Manual

6 DSR Switch Installer/User Guide

The following diagram illustrates one possible configuration for your DSR switch.

Power

Cord

Ethernet

Telephone

Network

Internet Connection

Ethernet and/or

Modem

Setup

Ports

Port

1-16

SPC Port

KVM

Connections

Connection

 

 

USB

 

PS/2

SPC

Analog User

Power Control

 

Device

 

Servers 1-16

Digital User

DSR1020 Switch

CAT 5

Cable

DSRIQ Modules

PS/2, USB, Sun and

serial adaptors

are available

Figure 2.1: Basic DSR Switch Configuration

Chapter 2: Installation

7

 

 

Setting up your network

The DSR switching system uses IP addresses to uniquely identify the switch and the target devices. The DSR switch supports both Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and static IP addressing. Avocent recommends that IP addresses be reserved for each switch and that they remain static while the DSR switches are connected to the network. For additional information on setting up the DSR switch using the DSView Server software, and for information on how the DSR switch uses TCP/IP, see the DSView Installer/User Guide.

Getting Started

Before installing your DSR switch, refer to the following lists to ensure you have all items that shipped with the DSR switch, as well as other items necessary for proper installation.

Supplied with the DSR switch

Local country power cord

Rack mounting brackets

Null modem cable

DSR Installer/User Guide (this manual)

DSR Quick Installation Guide

Additional items needed

One DSRIQ module per target server or DSRIQ-SRL module per serial device

One CAT 5 patch cable per DSRIQ module (4-pair UTP, up to 10 meters)

One CAT 5 patch cable for network connectivity (4-pair UTP, up to 10 meters)

DSView software

(Optional) V.34, V.90 or V.92-compatible modem and cables

(Optional) SPC power control device

8 DSR Switch Installer/User Guide

Connecting the DSR Switch Hardware

NOTE: The DSR switch may be rack mounted in a 1U configuration. The DSR switch does not support a 0U configuration.

To connect and power up your DSR switch:

1.Power down the target device(s) that will be part of your DSR switching system. Locate the power cord that came with the DSR switch. Plug one end into the power socket on the rear of the DSR switch. Plug the other end into an appropriate AC wall outlet.

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 appliance.

2.Plug your VGA monitor and either PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse cables into appropriately labeled DSR switch ports. You must install both a keyboard and mouse on the local port or the keyboard will not initialize properly.

3.Choose an available numbered port on the rear of your DSR switch. Plug one end of a CAT 5 patch cable (4-pair, up to 10 meters) into the selected port and plug the other end into the RJ-45 connector of a DSRIQ module.

4.Plug the DSRIQ module into the appropriate ports on the back of the target server. Repeat this procedure for all servers that are to be connected to the DSR switch. See To connect a DSRIQ module to a server and To connect a DSRIQ module to a serial device for

more information.

5.Plug a CAT 5 patch cable from your Ethernet network into the LAN port on the back of your DSR switch. Network users will access the DSR switch through this port.

6.(Optional) The DSR switch may also be accessed using a ITU V.92, V.90 or V.34-compatible modem. Plug the 9-pin serial cable into the MODEM port on the back of your DSR switch. Plug the other end into the connector on the modem.

NOTE: Using a modem connection instead of a LAN connection will limit the performance capability of your DSR switch.

7.(Optional) Plug one end of the cable supplied with the SPC power control device into the SPC port on the DSR switch and plug the other end into an SPC device. Plug the power cords from the target servers into the SPC device power outlets. Plug the SPC device into an appropriate AC wall outlet. Plug the SPC device into an appropriate AC wall outlet.

8.If you will be configuring the DSR switch using the console menu interface, connect a terminal or PC running terminal emulation software (such as HyperTerminal®) to the SETUP port on the back panel of the DSR switch using the supplied null modem 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.

Chapter 2: Installation

9

 

 

9.Power up each target device and then power up the DSR switch. After approximately one minute, the switch completes initialization and displays the OSCAR® graphical user interface Free tag on the local port monitor.

10.Use the DSView software to configure the switch. See the DSView Installer/User Guide for detailed instructions.

To connect a DSRIQ module to a server:

1.Attach the appropriately color-coded connectors of a DSRIQ module to the keyboard, monitor and mouse ports on the server you will be connecting to this DSR switch.

2.Attach one end of the CAT 5 patch cable to the RJ-45 connector on the DSRIQ module. Connect the other end of the CAT 5 patch cable to the desired port on the back of your DSR switch.

3.Repeat this procedure for all servers you wish to attach.

NOTE: When connecting a Sun DSRIQ module, you must use a multi-sync monitor in the local port to accommodate Sun computers that support both VGA and sync-on-green or composite sync.

To connect a DSRIQ module to a serial device:

1.Attach the DSRIQ-SRL module 9-pin serial connector to the serial port of the device to be connected to your DSR switch.

2.Attach one end of the CAT 5 patch cable to the RJ-45 connector on the DSRIQ-SRL module. Connect the other end of the CAT 5 patch cable to the desired port on the back of your

DSR switch.

NOTE: The DSRIQ-SRL module is a DCE device and only supports VT100 terminal emulation.

3.Connect the power supply to the power connector on your DSRIQ-SRL module. The cable expander can be used to power up to four DSRIQ-SRL modules from a single power supply.

4.Connect the DSRIQ-SRL module power supply to an appropriate AC wall outlet. Power up your serial device. See Appendix C for more information on DSRIQ-SRL modules.

10 DSR Switch Installer/User Guide

Verifying the Connections

DSR switch

The front panel of the DSR switch features two LEDs indicating the Ethernet connection. The top green LED is the Link indicator. It will illuminate when a valid connection to the network is established and blink when there is activity on the port. The lower amber/green LED, labeled 100/ 1000, will indicate that you are communicating at the 100 Mbps rate (amber) or the 1000 Mbps rate (green) when using an Ethernet connection.

Additionally, there are two LEDs above each port number on the front of your DSR switch to indicate the target device status: one green and one amber. The green LED will illuminate when the attached target device is powered. The amber LED will illuminate when that port is selected.

DSRIQ modules

PS/2, Sun and USB DSRIQ modules are available for attaching computers to your DSR switch.

The DSRIQ-SRL serial module is used to connect serial devices to your DSR switch and features two green LEDs: a POWER LED and a STATUS LED. The POWER LED indicates that the attached DSRIQ-SRL is powered. The STATUS LED indicates that a valid selection has been made to a DSR switch. The DSRIQ-SRL module prevents a serial break from the attached device if the module loses power. However, a user can generate a serial break with the attached device by pressing Alt-B after accessing the Terminal Applications menu.

Configuring DSView Software and Adjusting Mouse Settings

Setting up the DSView software

See the DSView Installer/User Guide that ships with your software.

Adjusting mouse settings on target devices

Before a computer connected to the DSR switch may be used for remote user control, you must set the target mouse speed and turn off acceleration. For machines running Microsoft® Windows® (Windows NT®, 2000, XP, Server 2003), use the default PS/2 mouse driver.

NOTE: For the various versions of Windows, mouse motion and acceleration are set in different places within the Mouse Control Panel applet. If you don’t find the motion or acceleration options as described in the following procedures, check the other tabs on the Mouse Control Panel applet.

To adjust mouse settings on Windows NT (using default drivers):

1.From the Desktop, select Start - Settings - Control Panel - Mouse. The Mouse Properties dialog box will appear.

2.Click on the Motion tab.

3.Set the Pointer speed to Slow. This will also need to be done for any NT user account that will be accessing the NT system through the DSR switch.

Chapter 2: Installation

11

 

 

4.Set Acceleration to None for mouse sync.

5.Click OK.

6.Click Mouse Align in the DSView software remote session window(s) to realign the mouse.

To adjust mouse settings on Windows 2000 (using default drivers):

1.From the Desktop, select Start - Settings - Control Panel - Mouse. The Mouse Properties dialog box will appear.

2.Click on the Motion tab.

3.Set Speed to the default of 50% (the sixth tick mark from the left).

4.Set Acceleration to None for mouse sync.

5.Click OK.

6.Click Mouse Align in the DSView software remote session window(s) to realign the mouse.

To adjust mouse settings on Windows XP or Server 2003 (using default drivers):

1.From the Desktop, select Start - Control Panel - Mouse. The Mouse Properties dialog box will appear.

2.Click on the Pointer Options tab.

3.Set Speed to the default of 50% (the sixth tick mark from the left).

4.Uncheck the Enhance pointer precision checkbox.

5.Click OK.

6.Click Mouse Align in the DSView software remote session window(s) to realign the mouse.

To adjust mouse settings using IntelliPoint® drivers:

1.From the Desktop, select Start - Settings - Control Panel - Mouse. The Mouse Properties dialog box will appear.

2.Click on the Pointer Options tab.

3.Set the speed setting to the default, which is the midpoint of the Pointer Speed slider (five tick marks on each side of the slider).

4.Click Advanced. The Advanced Pointer Speed dialog box will appear.

5.Uncheck the Enhanced pointer precision checkbox, then click OK to close the dialog box.

6.Click OK to close the Mouse Properties dialog box.

7.Click Mouse Align in the DSView software remote session window(s) to realign the mouse.

12 DSR Switch Installer/User Guide

To adjust mouse settings using Red Hat® Linux® drivers:

1.From the Desktop Controls, select the mouse settings.

2.Set acceleration to the center position of the slider (the fourth tick mark from the left) and apply the changes.

NOTE: If you are using an older version of Red Hat Linux software with a numerical slider, set mouse acceleration to 1.0 and apply the changes.

3. Click Mouse Align in the DSView software remote session window(s) to realign the mouse.

To adjust mouse settings using Sun Solaris™ drivers:

1.From the Workspace Menu, select Applications and then select Application Manager from the Applications menu. The Application Manager will appear.

2.From the Application Manager, double-click Desktop_Controls. The Application Manager - Desktop_Controls will appear.

3.From the Application Manager - Desktop_Controls, double-click Mouse Style Manager. The Mouse Style Manager dialog box will appear.

4.Set Acceleration to 1.0 for mouse sync.

5.Click OK.

6.In the DSView software remote session window, select Video - Scaling - Auto Scale.

7.In the DSView software remote session window, select Mouse - Scale. The Mouse Scaling dialog box will appear.

8.In the Scaling Type area, select Normal, then click OK.

9.Click Mouse Align in the DSView software remote session window(s) to realign the mouse.

13

 

CHAPTER

Local Port Operation

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

Controlling Your System at the Local Port

The DSR switch includes a local port on the back. This port allows you to connect a keyboard, monitor and mouse to the switch for direct access. The DSR switch uses the OSCAR® graphical user interface, which has intuitive menus to configure your system and select target devices. Targets can be identified by customizable names.

Viewing and Selecting Ports and Servers

Use the Main dialog box to view, configure and control target devices in the DSR switching system. You may view the target devices by name, port or by the unique Electronic ID (EID) embedded in each DSRIQ module. You will see an OSCAR interface generated port list by default when you first launch the OSCAR interface.

The Port column indicates the port to which a target device is connected.

To access the OSCAR interface Main dialog box:

Press Print Screen to launch the OSCAR interface. The Main dialog box will appear.

Figure 3.1: Main Dialog Box

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