Avocent SPC420 User Manual
DSVIEW®3
Installer/User Guide
DSView® 3
Management Software
Version 3.7
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.
© 2008 Avocent Corporation. 590-395-501M
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
List of Figures ............................................................................................................... xiii
List of Tables..................................................................................................................xv
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
Installing the DSView 3 Software.............................................................................................10
Upgrading the DSView 3 Software...........................................................................................13
Recommended upgrade process........................................................................................14
Configuring the DSView 3 Software.........................................................................................14
Running the DSView 3 Software . ..............................................................................................16
Uninstalling the DSView 3 Software ........................................................................................18
Closing a DSView 3 Software Session......................................................................................19
Java Installation .......................................................................................................................19
Avocent Viewer Plug-in Installation.........................................................................................20
Installing the DSR Remote Operations Software......................................................................21
iii
Chapter 3: DSView 3 Explorer Windows...................................................................... 23
Accessing Target Devices.........................................................................................................24
Using the Side Navigation Bar.................................................................................................24
Using Windows.........................................................................................................................26
Sorting information in a window.......................................................................................26
Filtering information in a window ....................................................................................26
Saving information in a window........................................................................................27
Using the Customize link in windows........................................................................... .....28
iv DSView 3 Software Installer/User Guide
Displaying pages ...............................................................................................................29
Bookmarking a window.....................................................................................................30
Printing a window .............................................................................................................30
Refreshing a window ........................................... ..............................................................30
Using keyboard commands.......................................................................................................31
Chapter 4: Basic Operations......................................................................................... 33
DSView 3 Help.............................................. .................................. ..........................................33
Configuring the DSView 3 help location...........................................................................33
Installing DSView 3 help on a local server....................................................................... 34
Global System Properties.......................... .................................................................... ...........34
Legal Notice..............................................................................................................................35
PCI Compliance Configuration................................................................................................35
Profiles...................................................................................................................................... 36
Changing user options.......................................................................................................36
Changing the color scheme...............................................................................................37
Changing your password...................................................................................................37
Choosing the serial session application............................................................................38
Specifying a user certificate ................................................................................... ...........38
Specifying an SSH key........................................................................ ...............................39
Enabling user credential caching......................................................................................40
Built-in User Groups ................................................................................................................40
Preemption Levels ....................................................................................................................41
Internet Explorer Considerations.............................................................................................42
Certificates................................................................................................................................46
Integrated Windows Authentication .........................................................................................49
Firewalls...................................................................................................................................50
VPNs.........................................................................................................................................51
NAT Devices .............................................................................................................................53
Licenses.....................................................................................................................................54
Adding a new license key...................................................................................................56
System Information...................................................................................................................56
ISV Partners..............................................................................................................................57
Chapter 5: DSView 3 Servers........................................................................................ 59
Server Properties.................................................................................. ....................................59
v
Server certificates....................................................................... .......................................61
Avocent proxy server.........................................................................................................65
Server trap destinations............................................................................... ......................66
Client session information.................................................................................................66
DSView 3 software modem sessions.................................................................................. 67
Email..................................................................................................................................68
Unit status polling .............................................................................................................69
Backing up and Restoring Hub Servers Manually ...................................................................69
Spoke Servers...................................................... ......................................................................72
Replication................................................................................................................................75
Chapter 6: Authentication Services ............................................................................. 79
Supported Authentication Services...........................................................................................79
DSView 3 software internal authentication service ..........................................................80
Active Directory external authentication service..............................................................82
Windows NT external authentication service....................................................................87
LDAP external authentication service...............................................................................88
RADIUS external authentication service...........................................................................93
TACACS+ external authentication service .......................................................................95
RSA SecurID external authentication service...........................................................................98
User Authentication Services Window....................................................................................100
Chapter 7: Units View Windows ................................................................................. 103
Showing and hiding units ................................................................................. ...............107
Units View windows fields............................................................................................ ...107
Multiple unit operations from a Units View window.......................................................111
Unit Overview Windows.........................................................................................................112
Unit Status Window ................................................................................................................113
Chapter 8: Adding and Deleting Units ....................................................................... 115
Adding Units...........................................................................................................................115
Deleting Units...................................................................... ...................................................123
Automatically deleting attached units.............................................................................123
Chapter 9: Synchronizing the DSView 3 Software Database................................... 125
Name Synchronization............................................................................................................125
Topology Synchronization......................................................................................................130
vi DSView 3 Software Installer/User Guide
Automatic Discovery............................................. ..................................................................135
Automatic Inheritance for Group Memberships and Properties............................................135
Chapter 10: Managing Units........................................................................................ 137
Appliance Configuration Templates.......................................................................................137
Saving appliance configuration templates ......................................................................137
Modifying appliance configuration template properties.................................................138
Applying appliance configuration templates...................................................................138
Unit Properties .......................................................................................................................139
About Access Rights................................................................................................................144
Unit Access Rights..................................................................................................................146
Managed Appliance Status .....................................................................................................147
Managed Appliance Settings ..................................................................................................147
Managed Appliance SNMP Settings.......................................................................................149
Target Device Settings............................................................................................................150
Target Device Services...........................................................................................................151
Target Device Naming............................................................................................................152
IQ Module Settings................................................................... ..............................................153
KVM Switch and Cascade Switch Settings.............................................................................154
OSCAR interface settings................................................................................................156
Local Account Settings ...........................................................................................................157
Embedded Units......................................................................................................................160
Asset and Usage Reports........................................................................................................162
Asset.................................................................................................................................162
Usage...............................................................................................................................163
Chapter 11: Power Devices and Power Device Sockets ................................... ... .... 165
Power Devices.................................................................. ......................................................165
Power Device Input Feed ................................................. .................................. ....................167
Power Device Sockets.............................................................................................................168
Power Control of Devices Attached to Power Devices ..........................................................169
Chapter 12: Unit Sessions and Connections ............................................................ 171
Managed Appliance Session Settings .....................................................................................171
Active Sessions................................................................................................................
Active ses
sions on a target device...................................................................................178
........176
vii
Active modem sessions ....................................................................................................179
Connections to Units ..............................................................................................................181
Merging virtual and physical target device connections ................................................183
Chapter 13: Data Logging ............................................. .... ... ... ... .... ... ...... ... .... ... ... ... .... 185
Configuring Data Logging .....................................................................................................186
Enabling the SSH server..................................................................................................187
Enabling the Syslog server..............................................................................................187
Enabling and disabling data logging on units ................................................................188
Verifying the data logging settings for each connection.................................................188
Viewing and customizing the SSH server settings...........................................................189
Configuring the buffer warnings events as SNMP..........................................................190
Specifying where data log files will be stored.................................................................190
Archiving and deleting data log files................................................................... ............191
Viewing Data Log Files................................................................................... .......................193
Chapter 14: SSH Passthrough Sessions................................................................... 195
Configuring SSH Passthrough................................................................................................195
Enabling SSH Passthrough .............................................................................................195
SSH port sharing ................................................................................... ..........................196
SSH Passthrough Sessions....................................... ...............................................................197
Establishing an SSH Passthrough connection to a unit..................................................198
Escape key sequence........................................................................................................200
Break sequences ............................................ ..................................................................200
Transferring read/write access........................................................................................202
Disconnecting a session ..................................................................................................202
Displaying session output................................................................................................202
Supported service processor commands .........................................................................203
Chapter 15: Grouping Units ........................................................................................ 205
Site, Department and Location Groups..................................................................................205
Custom Fields.........................................................................................................................207
Unit Groups............................................................................................................................210
Unit group hierarchy.......................................................................................................212
Adding or deleting a unit group ......................................................................................214
Changing the unit group properties................................................................................215
viii DSView 3 Software Installer/User Guide
Chapter 16: DS Zones.................................................................................................. 219
Managing and Accessing Zones .............................................................................................219
Enabling DS Zones..........................................................................................................219
Creating zones.................................................................................................................219
Accessing zones...............................................................................................................220
Transferring units to a zone ............................................................................................221
Managing zone properties...............................................................................................221
Using Zones................................................................ ............................................................ 223
Units actions in a zone ................................ ................................................................... .223
Chapter 17: Managing User Accounts....................................................................... 229
User Accounts Windows.................................................................... .....................................229
Adding User Accounts ............................................................................................................231
Deleting User Accounts...................................................................................... ....................233
Unlocking User Accounts................................ .................................................................... ...233
Resetting a User Account Password.......................................................................................233
Changing User Account Properties........................................................................................234
Username.........................................................................................................................234
User certificates.................................................................... ...........................................235
User SSH key.......................................................... .........................................................235
User password................................................................................................................ .236
User account restrictions and expiration settings...........................................................236
User group membership................................................................................................. .237
Preemption level..............................................................................................................237
Address............................................................................................................................237
Phone contact..................................................................................................................
Email contact
................................................................ ...................................................238
User notes....................................................................... .................................................238
Custom field properties ...................................................................................................239
User Access Rights ............................................................................................. ....................239
238
Chapter 18: User Groups............................................................................................. 241
Adding User-defined User Groups.........................................................................................242
Deleting User-defined User Groups.......................................................................................244
User Group Properties.............................. .................................................................... .........245
Changing User Group Members ............................................................................................245
ix
User Group Access Rights......................................................................................................246
Chapter 19: Using the Video Viewer....................................... ... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... 249
About the Video Viewer..........................................................................................................249
Window Features....................................................................................................................250
Opening a KVM Session.........................................................................................................251
Closing a Video Viewer Session............................................................................................. 254
KVM Session Profiles.............................................................................................................254
Using Menu Commands to Manage Session Settings.............................................................263
Manual Video Adjustment.......................................................................................................267
Saving the View.......................................................................................................................270
Displaying Video Viewer Users..............................................................................................270
Scan Mode ............................................................................................ ..................................271
Macros....................................................................................................................................274
Power Control of Devices Attached to Power Devices ..........................................................279
Using Virtual Media.................................. .................................................................... .........279
Using Smart Cards ............................................................................................. ....................283
Video Viewer Troubleshooting............................................................................................... 284
Chapter 20: Using the Telnet Viewer... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... ... ...... .... ... ... ... ... .... ... ... ... .... 287
About the Telnet Viewer..........................................................................................................287
Telnet Viewer Window Features.............................................................................................287
Telnet Viewer window toolbar.........................................................................................289
Security Property............................................. .................................. .....................................290
Opening a Session.................................................................. .................................................290
Customizing the Telnet Viewer...............................................................................................291
Customizing Session Properties .............................................................................................292
Login scripts................................................................................................ ....................294
Reviewing Session Data........................................... .................................. .............................295
Macros....................................................................................................................................296
Logging...................................................................................................................................299
Copying, Pasting and Printing Session Data.........................................................................302
Power Control of Devices Attached to Power Devices ..........................................................303
Closing a Telnet Viewer Session ............................................................................................ 304
Chapter 21: Using Tools ... ... .... ... ... ... ........................................................................... 305
x DSView 3 Software Ins taller/User Guide
Using Unit Tools........................................................................................ .............................305
Exporting units ................................................................................................................ 305
Exporting access rights ...................................................................................................307
Merging target devices....................................................................................................307
Merging target device endpoints.....................................................................................308
Importing DSView 2.x software databases......................................................................309
Importing data.................................................................................................................312
Using the Managed Appliance Tools................................................................................... ...313
Rebooting.........................................................................................................................313
Upgrading firmware........................................................................................................314
Resynchronizing units......................................................................................................315
Saving a managed appliance configuration....................................................................316
Restoring a managed appliance configuration ...............................................................316
Saving a managed appliance user database ...................................................................317
Restoring a managed appliance user database...............................................................317
Chapter 22: Using Tasks............................................................................................. 319
Using the Tasks Window.........................................................................................................319
Adding tasks.....................................................................................................................320
Specifying when to run tasks ...........................................................................................320
Adding tasks using the Add Task Wizard ................................... .....................................322
Task: Backup DSView 3 software database and system files..........................................323
Task: Configure SNMP trap settings on a managed appliance ......................................324
Task: Power control a target device ...............................................................................324
Task: Exporting an event log .csv file .............................................................................325
Task: Migrating units......................................................................................................326
Task: Sending an IPMI chassis control command to target devices...............................328
Task: Test modem connections to selected units .............................................................329
Task: Updating the firmware of an appliance type.........................................................329
Task: Validating user accounts on an external authentication server............................ 330
Task: Pull names from selected units..............................................................................330
Task: Update topology for selected units........................................................................331
Task: Backup Power Manager database.........................................................................332
Task: Restore Power Manager database ........................................................................333
Running tasks manually...................................................................................................334
xi
Displaying task results ....................................................................................................334
Deleting tasks ................................................................................ ..................................335
Changing tasks ................................................................................................................3 35
Firmware Management ..........................................................................................................336
Chapter 23: Events and Event Logs........................................................................... 339
Event Severity and Categories................................................................................................339
Email Notifications............................................................................................. ....................340
Enabling and Disabling Event Logging .................................................................................343
Displaying the Event Log........................................................................................................343
Event states......................................................................................................................345
Using the date filter....................................................................................... ..................346
Changing the Event Log Retention Period.............................................................................346
Creating an Event Log .csv File............................................................................................. 347
Chapter 24: Plug-ins.................................................................................................... 349
Recommended Sequence for Adding/Upgrading Plug-ins .....................................................349
Adding Plug-ins......................................................................................................................350
Displaying Plug-in Information..............................................................................................350
Managing Plug-ins .................................................................................................................352
Appendix A: Technical Support.....................................................................................................355
Appendix B: TCP and UDP Ports .................................................................................................356
Appendix C: DSR Remote Operations Software............................................................................364
Appendix D: Terminal Emulation..................................................................................................373
Appendix E: Regaining Access to the DSView 3 Software............................................................389
Appendix F: Glossary....................................................................................................................390
Index.............................................................................................................................. 401
xii DSView 3 Software Installer/User Guide
LIST OF FIGURES
List of Figures
Figure 1.1: Example System Configuration ......................................................................................8
Figure 3.1: Example Avocent DSView 3 Explorer Window Areas..................................................23
Figure 3.2: Example Side Navigation Bar.......................................................................................25
Figure 4.1: Typical DSView 3 Software System Firewall Configuration........................................51
Figure 4.2: DSView 3 Software System on a VPN ..........................................................................52
Figure 4.3: Single NAT Configuration (Client Only).............................................................. ........53
Figure 4.4: Double-NAT Configuration (Client and Corporate)....................................................54
Figure 7.1: Alternate Actions Arrow in a Units View Window .....................................................109
Figure 15.1: Custom Fields Example: Side Navigation Bar .........................................................210
Figure 15.2: Unit Groups Structure..............................................................................................211
Figure 15.3: Unit Group Hierarchy Example...............................................................................212
Figure 19.1: Video Viewer Window (Normal Windows Mode) (Windows OS Shown).................250
Figure 19.2: Manual Video Adjust Dialog Box.............................................................................268
Figure 19.3: Thumbnail Viewer.....................................................................................................272
Figure 20.1: Telnet Viewer Window ..............................................................................................288
Figure B.1: Ports Used with a KVM Switch Connection Without Proxy ...................................... 357
Figure B.2: Ports Used with a KVM Switch Proxy Server Connection (KVM)............................358
Figure B.3: Ports Used with a Serial Console Appliance Connection (Serial) Without Proxy .... 359
Figure B.4: Ports Used with a Serial Console Appliance Proxy Server Connection (Serial) ......360
Figure B.5: Generic Appliance Session Ports...............................................................................361
Figure B.6: External Authentication Server Ports ........................................................................362
Figure B.7: Ports Used by SNMP (No External SNMP Manager) ...............................................362
Figure B.8: Ports Used by SNMP (with External SNMP Manager).............................................363
Figure C.1: Using the DSR Remote Operations Software with a DSR Switch..............................365
Figure C.2: DSR Remote Operations Window ..............................................................................369
xiii
xiv DSView 3 Software Installer/User Guide
LIST OF TABLES
List of Tables
Table 1.1: DSView 3 Software System Configuration Descriptions..................................................8
Table 3.1: DSView 3 Explorer Window Area Descriptions.............................................................24
Table 3.2: Side Navigation Bar Descriptions..................................................................................25
Table 3.3: Filter Text Strings............................................................................................. ..............27
Table 3.4: DSView 3 Explorer Page Navigation Buttons................................................................29
Table 3.5: General Keyboard Commands.......................................................................................31
Table 3.6: Calendar Keyboard Commands.................................................................... .................31
Table 3.7: Spinner Keyboard Commands........................................................................................31
Table 4.1: Built-In User Group Allowed Operations ......................................................................40
Table 4.2: User and User Group Preemption Levels......................................................................42
Table 4.3: System Certificate Policy................................................................................................48
Table 4.4: Typical DSView 3 Software System Firewall Configuration Descriptions....................51
xv
Table 4.5: DSView 3 Software System on a VPN Descriptions.......................................................52
Table 4.6: Single NAT Configuration (Client Only) Descriptions ..................................................53
Table 4.7: Double-NAT Configuration (Client and Corporate) Descriptions ................................54
Table 4.8: License Summary Fields.................................................................................................55
Table 5.1: Server Properties............................................................................................................59
Table 5.2: DSView 3 Software Spoke Server Status........................................................................72
Table 7.1: Unit Status Values........................................................................................................108
Table 7.2: Action Links..................................................................................................................109
Table 9.1: Automatic Name Push Operation Effects.....................................................................126
Table 9.2: Automatic Name Pull Operation Effects ......................................................................127
Table 9.3: Manual Name Pull Operation Effects ..........................................................................129
Table 14.1: DSView 3 Software - Supported SSH Passthrough Session Escape Keys..................200
Table 14.2: DSView 3 Software - Supported SSH Passthrough Session Break Keys....................201
Table 15.1: Links for Managing Sites, Departments or Location Associations............................207
xvi DSView 3 Software Installer/User Guide
Table 15.2: Custom Fields Example: Side Navigation Bar Descriptions .....................................210
Table 15.3: Unit Groups Features.................................................................................................211
Table 15.4: Unit Group Hierarchy Example Descriptions............................................................212
Table 16.1: Unit Actions in a Zone................................................................................................223
Table 16.2: User Actions in a Zone...............................................................................................225
Table 16.3: Reports, Events and Data Logging Actions in a Zone ...............................................226
Table 16.4: Modifying System Settings in a Zone..........................................................................227
Table 17.1: User Status Icons........................................................................................................229
Table 19.1: Video Viewer Window Descriptions...........................................................................250
Table 19.2: Macintosh Keys and Keystrokes Not Supported in Keyboard Pass Through ............256
Table 19.3: Manual Video Adjust Dialog Box Descriptions .........................................................268
Table 19.4: Thumbnail Viewer Descriptions.................................................................................272
Table 19.5: Virtual Media Session Settings................................................................................... 281
Table 19.6: Smart Card Icons........................................................................................................283
Table 20.1: Telnet Viewer Window Descriptions ..........................................................................288
Table 20.2: Telnet Viewer Window Toolbar Icons........................................................................289
Table 20.3: Arrow Key Sequences.................................................................................................292
Table 20.4: Terminal Emulation and Type....................................................................................293
Table 22.1: Task Status Icons........................................................................................................319
Table 23.1: Event Severity Levels..................................................................................................339
Table 24.1: Plug-ins Display Information.....................................................................................351
Table C.1: System Configuration Descriptions .............................................................................365
Table C.2: DSR Remote Operations Descriptions.........................................................................369
Table C.3: DSR Remote Operations Content Area Icons (Servers View) .....................................370
Table C.4: DSR Remote Operations Content Area Icons (Power View).......................................370
Table D.1: VT Key and Keypad Numeric Codes ...........................................................................373
Table D.2: VT100+ Function Key Support ...................................................................................374
Table D.3: VT102 Receive Codes..................................................................................................374
List of Tables xvii
Table D.4: VT100 Special Keys and Control Keys........................................................................375
Table D.5: VT100 ANSI Set and Reset Mode Cursor Keys ...........................................................376
Table D.6: VT100 PF1-PF4 Key Definitions ................................................................................ 377
Table D.7: VT100 ANSI Mode Control Sequences........................................................................377
Table D.8: VT220 Encoding................................... .......................................................................380
Table D.9: VT220 Decoding................................................. .................................. .......................382
Table D.10: VT52 Encoding..........................................................................................................384
Table D.11: VT52 Decoding..........................................................................................................384
Table D.12: VT52 ANSI Mode Auxiliary Keypad Definitions.......................................................385
Table D.13: VT320 Encoding........................................................................................................385
Table D.14: VT320 Decoding........................................................................................................386
xviii DSView 3 Software Installer/User Guide
CHAPTER
Product Overview
1
The DSView® 3 management software version 3.7 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-ofband management, the software can be used to reach and restart servers or other devices that are not
functioning or responding to in-band commands, regardle ss of the state of the equ ipm ent’s
operating system.
1
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.
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
2 DSView 3 Software Ins taller/User Guide
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 initiat ed 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.
Dual stack support for IPv4 and IPv6
The DSView 3 server is a dual stack host for IPv4 and IPv6 network protocols. Several Avocent
appliances support IPv6, including DSR
service processor (SP) managers and OnBoard SP managers.
®
switches, ACS advanced console servers, MergePoint®
Virtual segregation of resources with DS Zones
DS Zones provide virtual segregation of data center resources, including appliances, target devices
and virtual machines. You can manage the users, licenses and authentication services assigned to
each zone, and transfer units among zones.
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.
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 th e
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. At the beginning of a session, the RDP viewer allows
users to map local resources for use with virtual media.
Chapter 1: Product Overview 3
NOTE: RDP is only available on supported Windows system clients.
Partner products
Environmental monitoring with Uptime Devices
DSView 3 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 Ins taller/User Guide
Proactive Network Security with NetClarity Auditor Enterprise
Integrate NetClarity Auditor Enterprise with the 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 entire enterprise network. Visit www.netclarity.net for ordering information.
Avocent DSView 3 Connector for HP
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 clien t 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 349 for information about adding and managing plug-ins in the
DSView 3 software system.
®
Cyclades
ACS advanced console server
®
Software
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.
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
Chapter 1: Product Overview 5
performance analysis, security and configuration control. It enables enterprises to tak e invent ory,
provision, patch, monitor and instantly assess server health and ensure optimum availability.
®
switches
DSR
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 DSR Switch Installer/User Guide.
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 appl ian c e
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.
Virtual environments
The DSView 3 management software plug-in for Virtualization allows you to access and control
virtual machines from the DSView 3 software. Supported unit types include VMware
®
6 DSView 3 Software Ins taller/User Guide
VirtualCenters, ESX Servers and virtual machines, as well as Citrix® XenServersTM and virtual
machines. You can launch a Virtual Network Computing (VNC), Remote Desktop (RDP), Secure
Shell 2 (SSH) or VMware viewer session to supported virtual machines 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 perform ed 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
• 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 su pported
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
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.
®
Power Distribution Units (AlterPath® PM devices)
Chapter 1: Product Overview 7
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 356.
8 DSView 3 Software Ins taller/User Guide
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 Hypervisor Manager
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 SP Manager
9 Power Device 20 Hypervisor Server
10 DSR Switch 21 Virtual Machines
11
OSCAR® Interface
22 Blade Chassis
CHAPTER
Installation
2
This chapter describes the following installation sequence:
• What you should do before installing the DSView 3 software
• Installing the DSView 3 software
• Configuring the DSView 3 software, plus considerations when upgrading
• Running the DSView 3 software, that is, start a client session
Final sections describe how to change your password, uninstall the software, end a DSView 3
software session and install Java.
About Installation
9
When the DSView 3 management software is installed, the DSView 3 software database and a hub
server are also installed on the dedicated server.
The DSView 3 software may be installed on a computer containing an existing DSView 2.x
software authentication server without causing any interference with the operation of the DSView
2.x software system. The DSView 2.x software authentication server and the DSView 3 software
may run on the same dedicated server at the same time.
Rebooting the dedicated server is not required prior to using the DSView 3 software.
Once the DSView 3 software is installed and you have configured the hub server, users may log in
at another computer as a DSView 3 software client, using a supported web browser.
You may also install the DSView 3 software on additional computers and configure them as spoke
servers. See Spoke Servers on page 72 and Installing the DSR Remote Operatio ns Soft w are on
page 21.
NOTE: A license key permits the operation of the DSView 3 software on the dedicated server. The license key
also specifies the number of clients that may use the software and the number of spoke servers allowed on a
system. See Licenses on page 54.
Minimum requirements for the DSView 3 software
The following are the minimum requirements for installing the DSView 3 software on a dedicated
hub server or a computer that will function as a DSView 3 software spoke server:
10 DSView 3 Software Installer/User Guide
• For supported Windows and Linux systems: 2 GHz Pentium or equivalent processor
• For supported Solaris systems: 1 GHz UltraSparc III processor
• 4 GB of RAM - additional memory may be needed, depending on the number of plug-ins
installed and appliances supported
• 100BaseT NIC (1GByte LAN recommended)
• 10 GB of free disk space - additional disk space may be required for data logging and plug-ins
• One of the following operating systems:
• Windows
• Windows Server
®
2000 Server or Advanced Server with the latest service package
®
2003 Standard, Enterprise and Web Edition
• Windows Server 2008 Standard, Enterprise and Datacenter Edition
• Windows Web Server 2008
•Red Hat
®
Enterprise Linux, Version 4 (AS, ES and WS products)
• Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Version 5
•Sun
• Novell
NOTE: The DSView 3 software is also supported on any of these operating systems running as a guest OS in a
virtual environment. However, while the DSView 3 software is expected to function properly on a guest OS in the
virtual environment, there may be unknown performance implications.
®
Solaris™ SPARC 9 and 10
®
SUSE® Linux (x86) Enterprise Server 9 or 10
Before installing and configuring the DSView 3 software
Before installing the DSView 3 management software, install the managed appliance hardware.
If the computer will be a hub server, you will need the license key obtained from Avocent and
provide a username and password to use for initial log in.
If the computer will be a spoke server, you will need to identify the associated hub server and
provide the name/password of the hub server’s DSView 3 software administrator.
To prevent potential mouse conflicts, you may configure certain settings on each server connected
to a KVM switch or serial console appliance. For details, see the Mouse and Pointer Settings
Technical Brief, which is available on the DSView 3 software DVD and on the Avocent web site.
Installing the DSView 3 Software
The DSView 3 management software may be installed using the DSView 3 software DVD or by
downloading the software in a self-extracting .zip file from the Avocent web site.
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