Avocent DSView 3 User Manual

DSView® 3

Installer/User Guide

DSView® 3

Management Software

Version 3.5

Installer/User Guide

Avocent, the Avocent logo, The Power of Being There, DSView, DSR, MergePoint, AlterPath, AutoView, OutLook, OSCAR, AVWorks, LANDesk, Dambrackas Video Compression and Cyclades are registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

© 2007 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved. 590-395-501J

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

List of Figures ................................................................................................................	xv
List of Tables................................................................................................................	xvii
Chapter 1: Product Overview..........................................................................................	1
Features and Benefits ........................................................................................................................	1
System Components ...........................................................................................................................	2
Third party products ...................................................................................................................	3
Partner products.........................................................................................................................	3
Supported Units .................................................................................................................................	4
Target devices.............................................................................................................................	7
Power devices .............................................................................................................................	7
System Configuration.........................................................................................................................	7
Chapter 2: Installation .....................................................................................................	9
About Installation ..............................................................................................................................	9
Minimum requirements for the DSView 3 software....................................................................	9
Before installing and configuring the DSView 3 software .......................................................	10
Installing the DSView 3 Software ....................................................................................................	10
Configuring the DSView 3 Software................................................................................................	13
Upgrading the DSView 3 software ...........................................................................................	15
Running the DSView 3 Software......................................................................................................	15
Minimum client requirements ...................................................................................................	15
Opening a client session ...........................................................................................................	16
Regaining access ......................................................................................................................	17
Uninstalling the DSView 3 Software ...............................................................................................	17
Closing a DSView 3 Software Session.............................................................................................	18
Java Installation ..............................................................................................................................	18
Installing the DSR Remote Operations Software.............................................................................	19
Chapter 3: DSView 3 Explorer Windows......................................................................	21
Accessing Target Devices ................................................................................................................	22
Using the Side Navigation Bar ........................................................................................................	22

Using Windows ................................................................................................................................

24

iv DSView 3 Software Installer/User Guide

Sorting information in a window ..............................................................................................	24
Filtering information in a window............................................................................................	24
Saving information in a window...............................................................................................	25
Using the Customize link in windows .......................................................................................	26
Displaying pages ......................................................................................................................	27
Bookmarking a window ............................................................................................................	27
Printing a window ....................................................................................................................	28
Refreshing a window ................................................................................................................	28
Using keyboard commands..............................................................................................................	28
Chapter 4: Basic Operations.........................................................................................	31
DSView 3 Help.................................................................................................................................	31
Configuring the DSView 3 help location ..................................................................................	31
Installing DSView 3 help on a local server ..............................................................................	32
Global System Properties ................................................................................................................	32
Legal Notice.....................................................................................................................................	32
Profiles.............................................................................................................................................	33
Changing user options..............................................................................................................	33
Changing the color scheme ......................................................................................................	34
Changing your password..........................................................................................................	34
Choosing the serial session application ...................................................................................	35
Specifying a user certificate......................................................................................................	35
Specifying an SSH key ..............................................................................................................	36
Enabling user credential caching.............................................................................................	37
Built-in User Groups .......................................................................................................................	37
Preemption Levels............................................................................................................................	38
Internet Explorer Considerations ....................................................................................................	39
Managing ActiveX® controls....................................................................................................	40
Security zones ...........................................................................................................................	41
Advanced Internet options ........................................................................................................	42
Certificates.......................................................................................................................................	43
System certificate policy and trust store...................................................................................	44
Integrated Windows Authentication.................................................................................................	46
Firewalls ..........................................................................................................................................	46

Table of Contents	v
VPNs ................................................................................................................................................	48
NAT Devices ....................................................................................................................................	49
Licenses............................................................................................................................................	50
ISV Partners.....................................................................................................................................	53
Chapter 5: DSView 3 Servers........................................................................................	55
Server Properties .............................................................................................................................	55
Server certificates .....................................................................................................................	57
Proxy servers ............................................................................................................................	61
Server trap destinations............................................................................................................	62
Client session information ........................................................................................................	62
DSView 3 software modem sessions.........................................................................................	63
Email.........................................................................................................................................	64
Unit status polling ....................................................................................................................	64
Backing up and Restoring Hub Servers Manually...........................................................................	65
Spoke Servers...................................................................................................................................	67
Replication .......................................................................................................................................	71
Chapter 6: Authentication Services .............................................................................	73
Supported Authentication Services ..................................................................................................	73
DSView 3 software internal authentication service..................................................................	74
Active directory external authentication service ......................................................................	76
Windows NT external authentication service ...........................................................................	80
LDAP external authentication service......................................................................................	82
RADIUS external authentication service..................................................................................	86
TACACS+ external authentication service...............................................................................	88
RSA SecurID external authentication service..................................................................................	91
Chapter 7: Units View Windows ...................................................................................	95
Types of Units View windows ...................................................................................................	95
Topology view...........................................................................................................................	96
Accessing Units View windows.................................................................................................	98
Showing and hiding units .........................................................................................................	98
Units View windows fields........................................................................................................	99
Multiple unit operations from a Units View window..............................................................	102
Unit Overview Windows ................................................................................................................	104

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	Unit Status Window .......................................................................................................................	105
	Chapter 8: Adding and Deleting Units .......................................................................	107
	Adding Units ..................................................................................................................................	107
	Wizards that add units ............................................................................................................	108
	Adding a single managed appliance.......................................................................................	108
	Adding a single embedded appliance .....................................................................................	110
	Adding managed appliances from a range of IP addresses ...................................................	112
	Adding a generic appliance or an EVR1500 environmental monitor ....................................	113
	Adding a target device............................................................................................................	113
	Deleting Units ................................................................................................................................	114
	Chapter 9: Synchronizing the DSView 3 Software Database...................................	115
	Name Synchronization ...................................................................................................................	115
	Automatic name push..............................................................................................................	116
	Automatic name pull...............................................................................................................	117
	Manual name push..................................................................................................................	118
	Manual name pull ...................................................................................................................	119
	Topology Synchronization .............................................................................................................	120
	Automatic topology synchronization ......................................................................................	121
	Topology synchronization options in the Add Unit Wizard....................................................	121
	Topology synchronization options in the Resync Wizard .......................................................	122
	Merging target devices ...........................................................................................................	123
	Merging or splitting cascade switches ...................................................................................	124
	Chapter 10: Managing Units........................................................................................	125
	Unit Properties ..............................................................................................................................	125
	About Access Rights.......................................................................................................................	129
	How access rights can be assigned ........................................................................................	131
	Unit Access Rights .........................................................................................................................	131
	Managed Appliance Network, Authentication Server and Version Settings .................................	132
	Managed Appliance SNMP Settings ..............................................................................................	133
	Target Device Settings ...................................................................................................................	135
	Target Device Services ..................................................................................................................	135
	IQ Module Settings ........................................................................................................................	137
	KVM Switch and Cascade Switch Settings ....................................................................................	138

Table of Contents	vii
Local Account Settings...................................................................................................................	140
Embedded Units.............................................................................................................................	143
Launching embedded unit sessions.........................................................................................	143
Changing embedded unit credentials .....................................................................................	144
Asset and Usage Reports ...............................................................................................................	145
Asset........................................................................................................................................	145
Usage ......................................................................................................................................	146
Chapter 11: Power Devices and Power Device Sockets ..........................................	147
Power Devices ...............................................................................................................................	147
Power Device Input Feed ..............................................................................................................	149
Power Device Sockets....................................................................................................................	150
Power Control of Devices Attached to Power Devices .................................................................	151
Chapter 12: Unit Sessions and Connections ............................................................	153
Managed Appliance Session Settings ............................................................................................	153
Active Sessions...............................................................................................................................	158
All active sessions...................................................................................................................	158
Active sessions on a target device ..........................................................................................	159
Active modem sessions............................................................................................................	161
Connections to Units......................................................................................................................	162
Connection display format......................................................................................................	163
Renaming a managed appliance connection ..........................................................................	164
Adding and deleting target device connections ......................................................................	164
Chapter 13: Data Logging ...........................................................................................	167
Configuring Data Logging.............................................................................................................	168
Enabling and disabling the SSH server..................................................................................	169
Enabling and disabling the Syslog server ..............................................................................	169
Enabling and disabling data logging on units........................................................................	170
Verifying the data logging settings for each connection ........................................................	170
Viewing and customizing the SSH server settings ..................................................................	171
Configuring the buffer warnings events as SNMP .................................................................	172
Specifying where data log files will be stored ........................................................................	172
Archiving and deleting data log files......................................................................................	173
Viewing Data Log Files .................................................................................................................	175

viii	DSView 3 Software Installer/User Guide
	Chapter 14: SSH Passthrough Sessions ...................................................................	177
	Configuring SSH Passthrough.......................................................................................................	177
	Enabling SSH Passthrough ....................................................................................................	177
	SSH port sharing ....................................................................................................................	178
	SSH Passthrough Sessions.............................................................................................................	179
	Establishing an SSH Passthrough connection to a unit .........................................................	180
	Escape key sequence...............................................................................................................	181
	Break sequences......................................................................................................................	182
	Transferring read/write access...............................................................................................	183
	Disconnecting a session..........................................................................................................	184
	Displaying session output .......................................................................................................	184
	Supported service processor commands.................................................................................	184
	Chapter 15: Grouping Units ........................................................................................	187
	Site, Department and Location Groups .........................................................................................	187
	Custom Fields ................................................................................................................................	189
	Unit Groups ...................................................................................................................................	193
	Unit group hierarchy ..............................................................................................................	194
	Adding or deleting a unit group .............................................................................................	197
	Changing the name, members or access rights of a unit group .............................................	197
	Chapter 16: Managing User Accounts .......................................................................	201
	User Accounts Windows ................................................................................................................	201
	Adding User Accounts ...................................................................................................................	203
	Deleting User Accounts .................................................................................................................	205
	Unlocking User Accounts ..............................................................................................................	205
	Resetting a User Account Password ..............................................................................................	206
	Changing User Account Properties...............................................................................................	206
	Username................................................................................................................................	206
	User certificates......................................................................................................................	207
	User SSH key ..........................................................................................................................	207
	User password ........................................................................................................................	208
	User account restrictions and expiration settings ..................................................................	208
	User group membership .........................................................................................................	209
	Preemption level .....................................................................................................................	209
	Address ...................................................................................................................................	210

Table of Contents	ix
Phone contact .........................................................................................................................	210
Email contact..........................................................................................................................	210
User notes ...............................................................................................................................	210
Custom field properties ..........................................................................................................	211
User Access Rights.........................................................................................................................	211
Chapter 17: User Groups.............................................................................................	215
Adding User-defined User Groups ................................................................................................	216
Deleting User-defined User Groups ..............................................................................................	218
User Group Properties ..................................................................................................................	219
Changing User Group Members....................................................................................................	219
User Group Access Rights .............................................................................................................	220
Chapter 18: Using the Video Viewer...........................................................................	223
About the Video Viewer .................................................................................................................	223
Window Features ...........................................................................................................................	224
Opening a KVM Session ................................................................................................................	225
Opening an exclusive KVM session........................................................................................	226
Connecting to an existing session...........................................................................................	226
Video Viewer session properties.............................................................................................	227
Session time-out......................................................................................................................	228
Closing a Video Viewer Session ....................................................................................................	228
KVM Session Profiles ....................................................................................................................	228
General profile settings ..........................................................................................................	229
Cursor profile settings ............................................................................................................	231
Toolbar profile settings ..........................................................................................................	232
Video profile settings ..............................................................................................................	232
Managing KVM session profiles.............................................................................................	233
Using Menu Commands to Manage Session Settings....................................................................	236
General commands .................................................................................................................	237
Cursor commands...................................................................................................................	237
Toolbar commands .................................................................................................................	238
Video commands.....................................................................................................................	239
Mouse scaling command.........................................................................................................	240
Manual Video Adjustment..............................................................................................................	240
Saving the View..............................................................................................................................	243

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	Displaying Video Viewer Users.....................................................................................................	243
	Scan Mode......................................................................................................................................	244
	About scan mode.....................................................................................................................	244
	Thumbnail Viewer features.....................................................................................................	245
	Performing Thumbnail Viewer tasks ......................................................................................	246
	Macros ...........................................................................................................................................	247
	Macro groups..........................................................................................................................	250
	Power Control of Devices Attached to Power Devices .................................................................	252
	Using Virtual Media ......................................................................................................................	252
	Virtual Media dialog box........................................................................................................	253
	Virtual media session settings ................................................................................................	254
	Opening a virtual media session.............................................................................................	254
	Closing a virtual media session..............................................................................................	256
	Video Viewer Troubleshooting ......................................................................................................	256
	Chapter 19: Using the Telnet Viewer..........................................................................	259
	About the Telnet Viewer.................................................................................................................	259
	Telnet Viewer Window Features....................................................................................................	259
	Telnet Viewer window toolbar................................................................................................	261
	Security Property ...........................................................................................................................	261
	Opening a Session..........................................................................................................................	262
	Customizing the Telnet Viewer ......................................................................................................	262
	Customizing Session Properties.....................................................................................................	263
	Login scripts ...........................................................................................................................	266
	Reviewing Session Data.................................................................................................................	267
	Macros ...........................................................................................................................................	267
	Macro groups..........................................................................................................................	270
	Logging ..........................................................................................................................................	271
	Copying, Pasting and Printing Session Data ................................................................................	273
	Power Control of Devices Attached to Power Devices .................................................................	275
	Closing a Telnet Viewer Session....................................................................................................	275
	Chapter 20: Using Tools..............................................................................................	277
	Using Unit Tools............................................................................................................................	277
	Exporting units .......................................................................................................................	277

Exporting access rights...........................................................................................................

279

Table of Contents	xi
Merging target devices ...........................................................................................................	279
Importing DSView 2.x software databases.............................................................................	280
Importing data ........................................................................................................................	283
Using the Managed Appliance Tools.............................................................................................	284
Rebooting................................................................................................................................	285
Upgrading firmware ...............................................................................................................	285
Resynchronizing units.............................................................................................................	286
Saving a managed appliance configuration ...........................................................................	287
Restoring a managed appliance configuration.......................................................................	288
Saving a managed appliance user database...........................................................................	288
Restoring a managed appliance user database ......................................................................	289
Chapter 21: Using Tasks .............................................................................................	291
Using the Tasks Window................................................................................................................	291
Adding tasks............................................................................................................................	292
Specifying when to run tasks...................................................................................................	292
Adding tasks using the Add Task Wizard................................................................................	294
Task: Backup DSView 3 software database and system files .................................................	294
Task: Configure SNMP trap settings on a managed appliance .............................................	296
Task: Power control a target device.......................................................................................	297
Task: Exporting an event log .csv file.....................................................................................	297
Task: Migrating units .............................................................................................................	299
Task: Sending an IPMI chassis control command to target devices ......................................	300
Task: Test modem connections to selected units ....................................................................	301
Task: Updating the firmware of an appliance type ................................................................	302
Task: Validating user accounts on an external authentication server ...................................	303
Task: Pull names from selected units .....................................................................................	303
Task: Update topology for selected units ...............................................................................	304
Running tasks manually..........................................................................................................	305
Displaying task results............................................................................................................	305
Deleting tasks..........................................................................................................................	306
Changing tasks .......................................................................................................................	306
Firmware Management..................................................................................................................	307
Chapter 22: Events and Event Logs...........................................................................	309

Event Severity and Categories.......................................................................................................

309

Table of Contents	xii
Event severity..........................................................................................................................	309
Event categories......................................................................................................................	310
Email Notifications ........................................................................................................................	310
Enabling and Disabling Event Logging.........................................................................................	313
Displaying the Event Log...............................................................................................................	313
Event states .............................................................................................................................	315
Using the date filter ................................................................................................................	316
Changing the Event Log Retention Period ....................................................................................	316
Creating an Event Log .csv File ....................................................................................................	317
Chapter 23: Plug-ins ....................................................................................................	319
Recommended Sequence for Adding/Upgrading Plug-ins.............................................................	319
Adding Plug-ins .............................................................................................................................	320
Displaying Plug-in Information.....................................................................................................	320
Managing Plug-ins ........................................................................................................................	322
Upgrading a plug-in ...............................................................................................................	322
Disabling and activating a plug-in .........................................................................................	323
Appendices...................................................................................................................	325
Appendix A: Technical Support .....................................................................................................	325
Appendix B: TCP and UDP Ports .................................................................................................	326
KVM switch ports ..................................................................................................................	326
Serial console appliance ports...............................................................................................	328
DSView 3 server ports ...........................................................................................................	330
Generic appliance ports ........................................................................................................	330
External authentication ports ................................................................................................	332
SNMP ports............................................................................................................................	332
Appendix C: DSR Remote Operations Software............................................................................	334
Before using the DSR Remote Operations software..............................................................	336
Installing the DSR Remote Operations software...................................................................	336
Using the DSR Remote Operations software.........................................................................	338
Window features ....................................................................................................................	338
Rebooting a switch.................................................................................................................	341
Managing servers ..................................................................................................................	341
Power control of devices attached to power device sockets..................................................	341
Appendix D: Terminal Emulation..................................................................................................	343
VT terminal emulation ...........................................................................................................	343

Table of Contents	xiii
VT100+ terminal emulation ..................................................................................................	344
VT102 terminal emulation .....................................................................................................	344
VT100 terminal emulation .....................................................................................................	345
VT220 terminal emulation .....................................................................................................	351
VT52 terminal emulation .......................................................................................................	354
VT320 terminal emulation .....................................................................................................	355
Appendix E: Regaining Access to the DSView 3 Software ............................................................	359
Appendix F: Glossary ....................................................................................................................	360
Index..............................................................................................................................	371

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Example System Configuration ......................................................................................	8
Figure 3.1: Example Avocent DSView 3 Explorer Window Areas..................................................	21
Figure 3.2: Example Side Navigation Bar.......................................................................................	23
Figure 4.1: Typical DSView 3 Software System Firewall Configuration........................................	47
Figure 4.2: DSView 3 Software System on a VPN ..........................................................................	48
Figure 4.3: Single NAT Configuration (Client Only) ......................................................................	49
Figure 4.4: Double-NAT Configuration (Client and Corporate) ....................................................	50
Figure 7.1: Alternate Actions Arrow in a Units View Window .....................................................	101
Figure 15.1: Custom Fields Example: Side Navigation Bar .........................................................	192
Figure 15.2: Unit Groups Structure ..............................................................................................	194
Figure 15.3: Unit Group Hierarchy Example ...............................................................................	195
Figure 18.1: Video Viewer Window (Normal Windows Mode) (Windows OS Shown).................	224
Figure 18.2: Manual Video Adjust Dialog Box.............................................................................	241
Figure 18.3: Thumbnail Viewer.....................................................................................................	245
Figure 19.1: Telnet Viewer Window..............................................................................................	260
Figure B.1: Ports Used with a KVM Switch Connection Without Proxy ......................................	327
Figure B.2: Ports Used with a KVM Switch Proxy Server Connection (KVM) ............................	328
Figure B.3: Ports Used with a Serial Console Appliance Connection (Serial) Without Proxy ....	329
Figure B.4: Ports Used with a Serial Console Appliance Proxy Server Connection (Serial) ......	330
Figure B.5: Generic Appliance Session Ports ...............................................................................	331
Figure B.6: External Authentication Server Ports ........................................................................	332
Figure B.7: Ports Used by SNMP (No External SNMP Manager) ...............................................	332
Figure B.8: Ports Used by SNMP (with External SNMP Manager) .............................................	333
Figure C.1: Using the DSR Remote Operations Software with a DSR Switch..............................	335
Figure C.2: DSR Remote Operations Window ..............................................................................	339

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xvii

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1: DSView 3 Software System Configuration Descriptions..................................................	8
Table 3.1: DSView 3 Explorer Window Area Descriptions.............................................................	22
Table 3.2: Side Navigation Bar Descriptions..................................................................................	23
Table 3.3: Filter Text Strings...........................................................................................................	25
Table 3.4: DSView 3 Explorer Page Navigation Buttons................................................................	27
Table 3.5: General Keyboard Commands .......................................................................................	28
Table 3.6: Calendar Keyboard Commands .....................................................................................	29
Table 3.7: Spinner Keyboard Commands........................................................................................	29
Table 4.1: Built-In User Group Allowed Operations ......................................................................	37
Table 4.2: User and User Group Preemption Levels ......................................................................	39
Table 4.3: System Certificate Policy................................................................................................	45
Table 4.4: Typical DSView 3 Software System Firewall Configuration Descriptions....................	47
Table 4.5: DSView 3 Software System on a VPN Descriptions.......................................................	48
Table 4.6: Single NAT Configuration (Client Only) Descriptions ..................................................	49
Table 4.7: Double-NAT Configuration (Client and Corporate) Descriptions ................................	50
Table 4.8: License Summary Fields.................................................................................................	51
Table 5.1: Server Properties............................................................................................................	55
Table 5.2: DSView 3 Software Spoke Server Status ........................................................................	68
Table 7.1: Unit Status Values ........................................................................................................	100
Table 7.2: Action Links..................................................................................................................	101
Table 9.1: Automatic Name Push Operation Effects.....................................................................	116
Table 9.2: Automatic Name Pull Operation Effects ......................................................................	117
Table 9.3: Manual Name Pull Operation Effects ..........................................................................	119
Table 14.1: DSView 3 Software - Supported SSH Passthrough Session Escape Keys..................	181
Table 14.2: DSView 3 Software - Supported SSH Passthrough Session Break Keys....................	182
Table 15.1: Links for Managing Sites, Departments or Location Associations ............................	189

xviii DSView 3 Software Installer/User Guide

Table 15.2: Custom Fields Example: Side Navigation Bar Descriptions .....................................	192
Table 15.3: Unit Groups Features.................................................................................................	194
Table 15.4: Unit Group Hierarchy Example Descriptions............................................................	195
Table 16.1: User Status Icons........................................................................................................	201
Table 18.1: Video Viewer Window Descriptions...........................................................................	224
Table 18.2: Macintosh Keys and Keystrokes Not Supported in Keyboard Pass Through ............	230
Table 18.3: Manual Video Adjust Dialog Box Descriptions .........................................................	241
Table 18.4: Thumbnail Viewer Descriptions.................................................................................	245
Table 18.5: Virtual Media Session Settings...................................................................................	254
Table 19.1: Telnet Viewer Window Descriptions ..........................................................................	260
Table 19.2: Telnet Viewer Window Toolbar Icons ........................................................................	261
Table 19.3: Arrow Key Sequences.................................................................................................	264
Table 19.4: Terminal Emulation and Type....................................................................................	265
Table 21.1: Task Status Icons ........................................................................................................	291
Table 22.1: Event Severity Levels..................................................................................................	309
Table 23.1: Plug-ins Display Information.....................................................................................	321
Table C.1: System Configuration Descriptions .............................................................................	335
Table C.2: DSR Remote Operations Descriptions.........................................................................	339
Table C.3: DSR Remote Operations Content Area Icons (Servers View) .....................................	340
Table C.4: DSR Remote Operations Content Area Icons (Power View).......................................	340
Table D.1: VT Key and Keypad Numeric Codes ...........................................................................	343
Table D.2: VT100+ Function Key Support ...................................................................................	344
Table D.3: VT102 Receive Codes ..................................................................................................	344
Table D.4: VT100 Special Keys and Control Keys........................................................................	345
Table D.5: VT100 ANSI Set and Reset Mode Cursor Keys ...........................................................	346
Table D.6: VT100 PF1-PF4 Key Definitions ................................................................................	347
Table D.7: VT100 ANSI Mode Control Sequences........................................................................	347
Table D.8: VT220 Encoding ..........................................................................................................	351

List of Tables	xix
Table D.9: VT220 Decoding..........................................................................................................	352
Table D.10: VT52 Encoding ..........................................................................................................	354
Table D.11: VT52 Decoding..........................................................................................................	354
Table D.12: VT52 ANSI Mode Auxiliary Keypad Definitions .......................................................	355
Table D.13: VT320 Encoding ........................................................................................................	355
Table D.14: VT320 Decoding........................................................................................................	357

xx DSView 3 Software Installer/User Guide

1

	CHAPTER	Product Overview
	1

The DSView® 3 management software version 3.5 is a secure, web browser-based, centralized enterprise management solution that allows users to remotely access, manage, monitor and control target devices through Avocent managed appliances. A session may be launched to a target device with a single point of access.

Features and Benefits

Network rebooting and troubleshooting

The DSView 3 software uses industry standard IP connections so that you can easily troubleshoot a server, or even reboot it, from the Network Operations Center (NOC), from your desk or from any location in the world. With the DSView 3 software, you can access all of your data center devices from a single screen - making complex network access and control remarkably easy. Using out-of- band management, the software can be used to reach and restart servers or other devices that are not functioning or responding to in-band commands, regardless of the state of the equipment’s operating system.

Web-based access and control

The DSView 3 management software provides secure “point-and-click” browser-based access to control virtually any data center device using managed appliances from DSView 3 software clients located anywhere in the world.

The DSView 3 software supports the following browsers:

•Microsoft® Internet Explorer version 6.0 SP1 and later

•Mozilla version 1.7.3 and later

•Firefox® version 1.0 and later; version 1.5 or later is required for Macintosh® operating systems

•Netscape® version 7.2 and later

It is recommended that the browser be kept up to date with the latest version.

NOTE: The Macintosh Safari browser is not supported by DSView 3 software. On supported Macintosh system clients, you must use Firefox version 1.5 or later.

2 DSView 3 Software Installer/User Guide

Secure authentication and communication

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption may be used to encrypt data traveling within the DSView 3 software system. Users may be authenticated through internal or external services such as LDAP, Active Directory, NT Domain, TACACS+, RADIUS and RSA SecurID.

Unit and user management

The DSView 3 management software provides centralized network access, control and security for managed appliances. A DSView 3 software administrator may add, remove, delete and change settings for managed appliances and target devices, including assigning permissions and per-device contact information, which are stored on the DSView 3 server. A DSView 3 software administrator may also assign unique permissions which allow individual users or a group of users access to units or groups of units.

Proxy server access

The proxy server feature allows keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) and serial sessions to be proxied through the DSView 3 server. When a session is initiated with a target device, the viewer communicates using the Avocent Proxy Protocol (APP) and the DSView 3 server makes a direct connection to the appliance.

Virtual media

On supported KVM switches, a virtual media capable IQ module and the virtual media feature allow the client workstation user to load files onto USB2-compatible target devices when the usual network resources are unavailable.

Mapping physical drives or image files on the client system as virtual drives on the target device can accommodate critical tasks required on the target device, such as operating system installation or recovery, BIOS updating and configuration backups.

System Components

The DSView 3 software system contains the following components.

DSView 3 management software

The DSView 3 software resides on the DSView 3 server (host or hub computer) and provides a web gateway and services for managing units (appliances and target devices) using a web browser. The gateway allows for IP-based video, serial management, Telnet Viewer, third party Telnet viewer, web browser and other supported session types.

Users may connect to the DSView 3 server from DSView 3 software clients and use the DSView 3 Explorer windows to communicate with the system.

DSView 3 server

The DSView 3 server contains the DSView 3 management software. The server provides a centralized database for storing configuration, user, unit and system information. It also provides services for authentication, access control, logging events, monitoring and license management.

Chapter 1: Product Overview	3

You may configure one or more spoke (backup) servers in addition to the hub server.

The hub server is responsible for maintaining the master copy of the database in a DSView 3 software system. Only one server in a DSView 3 software system may be configured as the hub server.

Spoke servers perform database replication with the hub server. The hub server acts as the coordinator for database replication between itself and all of the other spoke servers in a DSView 3 software system. A hub server and a spoke server both offer the same DSView 3 software functionality to a user. The distinction of hub or spoke refers only to the database replication role that the server plays and not with the functionality that the server provides. Adding one or more spoke servers to a DSView 3 software system provides redundancy and the ability to distribute DSView 3 software functionality across multiple sites.

After the hub server and optional spoke server(s) are configured, you may create and configure the type of access levels for users within your network environment. You may also set up event logs to record full details of user access and other events.

DSView 3 software client

A DSView 3 software client is a computer with a web browser that can access the DSView 3 management software installed on the DSView 3 server.

Third party products

Third party products are not a part of the DSView 3 software, but are supported for use with it.

External authentication servers - An external authentication server enables the DSView 3 server to broker authentication requests from users requesting access to the DSView 3 software system.

SNMP managers - The SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) manager monitors the managed appliances and receives SNMP traps from the DSView 3 software on the server. An example of an SNMP manager is the HP OpenView product.

Third party Telnet viewers - A third party Telnet viewer may be used for serial sessions instead of the DSView 3 software Telnet Viewer.

Third party session software - Third party software such as RDP or VNC, when properly installed and configured on the target device, may be enabled for use within the DSView 3 software for initiating sessions with the target device.

NOTE: RDP is only available on supported Windows system clients.

Partner products

Environmental monitoring with Uptime Devices

DSView 3 management software can help you access Uptime Devices SensorHub environmental monitoring equipment so you can quickly detect environmental conditions (equipment to track temperature, humidity, airflow, water, voltage and contact closures) that could adversely affect operation of servers and other network devices. Visit www.uptimedevices.com for

ordering information.

4 DSView 3 Software Installer/User Guide

Proactive Network Security with NetClarity Auditor Enterprise

Integrate NetClarity Auditor Enterprise with DSView 3 software and manage one or more Auditor appliances to alert, block and correct critical IT security and compliance problems in your data center and throughout your entire enterprise network. Visit www.netclarity.net for

ordering information.

Avocent DSView 3 Connector for HP® Software

The DSView 3 Connector for HP Software extends the capabilities of HP Software Network Node Manager (NNM) and Operations for Windows (OVOW). Seamless access and control allows critical management functions for dispersed IT environments. Out of band connectivity offers solutions for lights out data centers and ensures quick and efficient troubleshooting and repair from the HP console.

Supported Units

For management functions, the DSView 3 software client uses HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol with SSL encryption) to send a request to the DSView 3 server, which then sends a command to the managed appliance. The appliance then performs the requested function.

The DSView 3 software supports the managed appliances listed in this section. Other appliances may be supported by plug-ins; see the Avocent web site, www.avocent.com, for a list of plug-ins that may currently ship with the DSView 3 software and/or that can be added to the DSView 3 software. See Plug-ins on page 319 for information about adding and managing plug-ins in the DSView 3 software system.

Cyclades® ACS advanced console server

ACS advanced console servers allow users to access serially attached devices over a standard TCP/ IP connection using the Avocent Telnet Viewer, a third party Telnet viewer or a Secure Shell (SSH) client. These serial sessions can be shared among multiple users across multiple DSView 3 servers. For more information, see the ACS console server plug-in documentation.

DSView 3 Mobile software

DSView 3 Mobile software plug-in extends DSView 3 data center solutions to enable management of Windows servers from a handheld device. Licenses may be required; see your Avocent representative or www.avocent.com for more information.

LANDesk® Server Manager

The DSView 3 management software plug-in for LANDesk Server Manager allows you to access the LANDesk Server Manager and its target devices from within the DSView 3 software. This integrated system provides complete life cycle and systems management for multiplatform server infrastructures. Use the browser-based software to manage server performance and availability, and launch sessions to target devices from a single point of access.

Chapter 1: Product Overview	5

LANDesk Server Manager supports rack-mounted and blade servers with low-impact services that let users choose the level of management coverage – from device discovery to extended performance analysis, security and configuration control. It enables enterprises to take inventory, provision, patch, monitor and instantly assess server health and ensure optimum availability.

DSR® switches

DSR switches allow KVM signals to be transmitted over a standard TCP/IP network connection. Some DSR switches may be connected using a modem, which provides benefits for branch offices such as low cost and dial-up performance.

The DSView 3 software supports the following DSR switch models:

800, 1010, 1020*, 1021*, 1022*, 1024*, 1030*, 1031*, 1161, 2010, 2020*, 2030*, 2035*, 2161, 4010, 4020*, 4030*, 4160, 8020*, 8030*, 8035*

*These models contain a dedicated serial port for connecting an external modem for use with the DSR Remote Operations software.

For DSR switches, a target device is first attached to an IQ module, which is then attached to a DSR switch. DSView 3 software clients communicate with target device ports using a Video Viewer connection between the client and the managed appliance.

The DSR switches allow the cascading of legacy analog KVM switches from DSR switch ports, which may be managed in a DSView 3 software system. Certain DSR switch models also allow the cascading of another switch. For more information, see the installer/user guide for your

DSR switch.

NOTE: PEM cascade devices are not supported.

MergePoint® 52xx service processor (SP) manager

The MergePoint 52xx service processor manager is a secure, centralized enterprise management solution for target devices equipped with IPMI, HP iLO and Dell DRAC service processors. You can use the DSView 3 software to access, monitor and control the MergePoint 52xx SP manager and attached target devices.

The MergePoint 52xx SP manager provides a standardized interface independent of the management protocols used to manage each target device. Management operations can be performed either by using commands or scripts over a Telnet or SSH version 2 session or by using the appliance’s web interface from a standard web browser.

For more information, see the MergePoint 52xx appliance plug-in documentation.

Cyclades OnSite branch office appliance

OnSite branch office appliances may be used to access multiple traditional or headless servers, networking devices, infrastructure components or any other device with a serial console or KVM port. You can use the DSView 3 software to access, monitor and control the OnSite appliance and attached target devices. For more information, see the OnSite appliance plug-in documentation.

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VMware® environments

The DSView 3 software plug-in for Virtualization allows you to access and control VMware VirtualCenters, ESX Servers and virtual machines from the DSView 3 software. You can launch a Virtual Network Computing (VNC), Remote Desktop or VMware viewer session to a virtual machine from a single point of access. For more information, see the Virtualization plug-in documentation. Licenses may be required; see your Avocent representative or www.avocent.com for more information.

Blade chassis

The DSView 3 software plug-in for Blade Chassis allows you to access multi-vendor blade chassis and blades from the DSView 3 software. You can launch a KVM session to any managed blade from a single point of access. For a list of supported blade chassis and other information, see the Blade Chassis plug-in documentation.

Generic appliances

Generic appliances manage data center devices such as routers. These devices may be managed within a DSView 3 software system by launching a standard web browser to the device URL or by opening a Telnet session.

Embedded units

Using the DSView 3 software, you may add/delete, configure/display properties, and launch video sessions to the following versions of third party embedded units:

•IBM® ASM (Advanced System Management) RSA II (Remote Supervisor Adapter II) - Version 5, Build GRE132AUS

•DRAC 4 (Dell™ Remote Access Controller) - Version 1.0, Build 06.14

•HP iLO (Integrated Lights-Out) - Version 1.20

•NEC IPF (Itanium Processor Family) - Version 0.5.1.20

For management functions (other than launching video sessions) that are not performed by the DSView 3 software, see the documentation for the unit.

Legacy units

The following legacy units are supported in the DSView 3 software.

•DSI5100 IPMI proxy appliances

•EVR1500 environmental monitors

•DS1800 digital switches

•AutoView® 200-4, 200-8, 400-4, 400-8, 416, 424 and 2000-AM switches (these switches must be Flash upgraded to be added to a DSView 3 software system)

•OutLook® 140ES, 180ES, 280ES, 1160ES, 2160ES and 4160ES switches

•Cyclades KVM/net KVM over IP switches

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•Cyclades KVM/net Plus KVM over IP switches

•Cyclades TS appliances

•CCM console management appliances

•CPS810 and 1610 serial over IP network appliances

Target devices

Target devices encompass a wide range of data center components such as servers and routers that a DSView 3 software administrator may manage virtually through the DSView 3 software system. A target device is added automatically to your DSView 3 software system when the supported managed appliance is added. A target device may also be added individually.

Power devices

A power device is a type of target device that can be cascaded from a managed appliance.

When a DSView 3 software client sends a power control request to a target device, an HTTPS request is sent to the DSView 3 server, which then sends a command to the managed appliance. The command is converted and serially sent to the power device. The power device then performs the requested action (for example, turning a power outlet on or off).

The DSView 3 software supports the following power devices:

•Avocent SPC power control devices

•Server Technologies Sentry Switched CDU CW-8H1, CW-8H2, CW-16V1, CW-16V2, CW-24V2, CW-24V3, CW-32VD1 and CW-32VD2 (supported models may change; contact Avocent Technical Support for current information)

•Cyclades® Power Distribution Units (AlterPath® PM devices)

All of the above power devices are supported on DSR switches that contain one or more SPC ports. Avocent and Server Technologies power devices are also supported on CCM and CPS appliances.

System Configuration

Figure 1.1 illustrates an example system configuration using the DSView 3 management software. For information about the TCP ports that the DSView 3 software uses, see TCP and UDP Ports on page 326.

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	2	3	4
1			5
6
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8		10	11
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Figure 1.1: Example System Configuration

Table 1.1: DSView 3 Software System Configuration Descriptions

Number	Description	Number	Description
1	DSView 3 Software Client	12	Power Device
2	Hub DSView 3 Software Server	13	Generic Appliance
3	Spoke DSView 3 Software Servers (Optional)	14	VMware VirtualCenter
4	External Authentication Servers (Optional)	15	Target Device
5	SNMP Manager (Optional)	16	IQ Module
6	TCP/IP	17	Cascade Switch
7	Replication	18	Target Devices
8	ACS Advanced Console Server	19	MergePoint 5200 Service Processor Manager
9	Power Device	20	VMware ESX Server
10	DSR Switch	21	VMware Virtual Machines
11	OSCAR® Interface	22	Blade Chassis