Black Box 16 port, 24 port User Manual
LS50116-AE
LS50124-AE
16 and 24 port Console Servers
User Guide
MAY 2002
LS50116
LS50124
CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com * E-mail info@blackbox.com
Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM) Electrical Safety Statement
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que
el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia
futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación
deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua-por ejemplo, cerca de la
tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que sean
recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio-El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá a lo
descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser referido a
personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no interfiera su
uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá, alfombra o
superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar en libreros o
gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor como
radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del tipo
descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización del
equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no sean
pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos, poniendo
particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
Black Box Console Server user guide 2
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas de
energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea usado
por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean derramados
sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
a. El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
b. Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
c. El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
d. El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
e. El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.
Black Box Console Server user guide 3
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND
CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with
the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely
to cause interference, in which case the user at his own expense will be required to
take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission
from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
Le présent appareil numérique n'émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les
limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le
Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par le ministère des
Communications du Canada.
Caution: the Console Server is approved for commercial use only.
Black Box Console Server user guide 4
About this Guide
Purpose of this manual
This manual tells you how to install, configure and use the Console Server and
associated utility software.
Who this manual is for
This manual is aimed at users who want to communicate directly via the serial port to
networked devices (such as routers, servers and so on) in order to perform system
administration tasks.
This manual requires a working knowledge of using personal computers and
associated operating systems, as well as experience in installing host cards and
peripherals.
Black Box Console Server user guide 5
Fast Contents
ABOUT THIS GUIDE..................................................................................................... 5
AST CONTENTS ......................................................................................................... 6
F
ONTENTS ................................................................................................................... 7
C
HAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................ 17
C
HAPTER 2 INSTALLATION ......................................................................................... 23
C
HAPTER 3 SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION ....................................................................... 69
C
HAPTER 4 USING YOUR CONSOLE SERVER .............................................................. 115
C
PPENDIX A CABLING INFORMATION ....................................................................... 125
A
PPENDIX B THE CLI COMMANDS ............................................................................ 141
A
PPENDIX C SNMP ................................................................................................... 203
A
PPENDIX D UPGRADING YOUR FIRMWARE .............................................................. 215
A
PPENDIX E SUMMARY OF LINE SERVICE TYPES ..................................................... 223
A
PPENDIX F BOOTP ................................................................................................. 227
A
PPENDIX G JETSET ................................................................................................. 243
A
PPENDIX H TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................. 251
A
NDEX.......................................................................................................................... 259
I
Black Box Console Server user guide 6
Contents
ABOUT THIS GUIDE..................................................................................................... 5
Purpose of this manual.................................................................................................... 5
Who this manual is for..................................................................................................... 5
F
AST CONTENTS ......................................................................................................... 6
ONTENTS ................................................................................................................... 7
C
Black Box Console Server user guide 7
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................... 17
About the Console Server ................................................................................................ 18
Typical applications summary........................................................................................ 20
Managing devices over the LAN/WAN ................................................................. 20
Managing devices without accessing the LAN/WAN............................................ 20
Network security ................................................................................................... 20
Management and diagnostics ............................................................................... 20
Console Server front and rear views.............................................................................. 21
Black Box Console Server user guide 8
CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATION ........................................................................................ 23
General installation procedure ....................................................................................... 24
Rack mounting your Console Server............................................................................. 25
Desk mounting your Console Server............................................................................. 27
Multiple stacking your Console Server.......................................................................... 28
LED guide.......................................................................................................................... 29
Selecting AUI or 10/100 Base T interface..................................................................... 32
Setting up an IP address.................................................................................................. 33
Setting up an IP address automatically using DHCP .......................................... 33
Set up procedure.......................................................................................................... 33
About DHCP ............................................................................................................... 35
Manually setting up an IP address ....................................................................... 38
Set up procedure.......................................................................................................... 39
Server form field descriptions ..................................................................................... 42
Accessing the Console Server configuration software................................................ 45
Logging onto your Console Server ....................................................................... 45
Setting up your network parameters.............................................................................. 46
Setting up the host table........................................................................................ 46
Adding a Host.............................................................................................................. 46
Changing a Host ......................................................................................................... 48
Deleting a host ............................................................................................................ 49
Changing the Admin Password ............................................................................ 50
RADIUS configuration ......................................................................................... 51
Set up procedure.......................................................................................................... 51
RADIUS parameters description................................................................................. 54
DNS configuration ................................................................................................ 56
WINS configuration .............................................................................................. 57
Configuring network gateways ............................................................................. 58
Adding a gateway ........................................................................................................ 59
Deleting a Gateway..................................................................................................... 60
Verifying your network installation ...................................................................... 61
Saving configuration changes ........................................................................................ 62
Saving to non-volatile memory ............................................................................. 62
Saving to a file ...................................................................................................... 63
Setting date and time ........................................................................................................ 64
Performing a soft reboot.................................................................................................. 65
Restoring factory default settings ................................................................................... 66
Resetting to factory defaults using software......................................................... 66
Resetting to factory defaults using reset switch .................................................... 66
Black Box Console Server user guide 9
CHAPTER 3 SYSTEM ADMINISTRATION ...................................................................... 69
Security............................................................................................................................... 70
Setting up the line on your Console Server................................................................... 70
Viewing and editing your line settings ........................................................................... 71
Lines set to reverse Telnet by default .................................................................... 71
Lost password.................................................................................................................... 73
Configuring a dial in line ................................................................................................ 74
Introduction to SLIP and PPP connections .......................................................... 74
Deciding whether to use SLIP or PPP ................................................................. 74
Setting up the line ................................................................................................. 75
Configuring SLIP.................................................................................................. 78
Configuring PPP .................................................................................................. 82
PPP configuration procedure ..................................................................................... 82
PPP form field descriptions ........................................................................................ 83
Configuring a modem ........................................................................................... 93
Configuring users............................................................................................................. 94
About user accounts and RADIUS........................................................................ 96
Overview ..................................................................................................................... 96
Example RADIUS user file: telnet service .................................................................. 98
Adding a user account .......................................................................................... 99
Configuring a user account .................................................................................. 100
Configuration procedure ............................................................................................. 100
User form field descriptions........................................................................................ 101
About user levels......................................................................................................... 108
CLI prompts................................................................................................................. 108
Changing a user’s password................................................................................. 109
Deleting a user account ........................................................................................ 109
Configuring Break Pass Through ................................................................................. 110
Resetting the line to default ............................................................................................. 111
Saving your settings.......................................................................................................... 112
Saving settings to non-volatile memory ................................................................ 112
Saving settings to a file......................................................................................... 112
Black Box Console Server user guide 10
CHAPTER 4 USING YOUR CONSOLE SERVER ............................................................. 115
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 116
Accessing devices via Telnet from the LAN.................................................................. 117
Information required............................................................................................. 117
Access procedure .................................................................................................. 117
Accessing devices via SSH............................................................................................... 118
SSH Setup Procedure............................................................................................ 118
Required Information............................................................................................ 120
Access procedure .................................................................................................. 121
Accessing devices via modems using PPP .................................................................... 122
Accessing devices via modems using a dumb device................................................... 123
PPENDIX A CABLING INFORMATION ....................................................................... 125
A
RJ45 RS232 serial ports................................................................................................... 126
Pin locations RJ45 connectors ............................................................................. 126
AUI port................................................................................................................ 128
RJ45 10/100BaseT port ................................................................................................... 129
Admin Port......................................................................................................................... 130
Direct (1:1) Connections.................................................................................................. 131
Example direct connections .................................................................................. 131
Sun Microsystem servers............................................................................................. 132
CISCO RJ45 console ports with software flow control............................................... 134
Black Box 833AS......................................................................................................... 134
Black Box Series router console port.......................................................................... 134
IBM RS6000 ................................................................................................................ 135
PC serial port..................................................................................................................... 136
PC, example connections, ..................................................................................... 136
Connection from the 25-pin Admin Port to a PC ................................................. 136
Terminals............................................................................................................................ 138
Terminals (slow speed or using software flow control) ........................................ 138
Connection from the 25-pin Admin Port to a Terminal ........................................ 139
Modems.............................................................................................................................. 140
Direct connections ................................................................................................ 140
APPENDIX B THE CLI COMMANDS ............................................................................ 141
CLI commands.................................................................................................................. 142
add community...................................................................................................... 142
add DNS................................................................................................................ 142
Black Box Console Server user guide 11
add gateway .......................................................................................................... 144
add host................................................................................................................. 144
add modem............................................................................................................ 146
add radius ............................................................................................................. 146
add trap................................................................................................................. 147
add user ................................................................................................................ 147
add WINS .............................................................................................................. 147
admin .................................................................................................................... 148
debug .................................................................................................................... 148
delete ARP ............................................................................................................ 148
delete community .................................................................................................. 148
delete DNS ............................................................................................................ 149
delete gateway ...................................................................................................... 149
delete host ............................................................................................................. 149
delete modem ........................................................................................................ 150
delete radius ......................................................................................................... 150
delete trap ............................................................................................................. 151
delete user............................................................................................................. 151
delete WINS .......................................................................................................... 151
heap ...................................................................................................................... 152
help ....................................................................................................................... 153
kill line .................................................................................................................. 153
logout .................................................................................................................... 153
netload ................................................................................................................. 154
netsave .................................................................................................................. 156
ping ....................................................................................................................... 158
reboot.................................................................................................................... 160
reset factory .......................................................................................................... 160
reset line................................................................................................................ 160
reset user............................................................................................................... 161
restart.................................................................................................................... 161
resume................................................................................................................... 161
rlogin .................................................................................................................... 163
save ....................................................................................................................... 163
screen.................................................................................................................... 164
set contact ............................................................................................................. 164
set date .................................................................................................................. 164
set ethernet interface RJ45 ................................................................................... 165
Black Box Console Server user guide 12
Syntax .......................................................................................................................... 165
See also........................................................................................................................ 165
set ethernet interface AUI..................................................................................... 165
Syntax .......................................................................................................................... 165
See also........................................................................................................................ 165
set gateway ........................................................................................................... 165
set host .................................................................................................................. 166
set line................................................................................................................... 166
set location............................................................................................................ 169
set ppp line............................................................................................................ 170
set radius............................................................................................................... 172
set server............................................................................................................... 173
set slip line ............................................................................................................ 180
set telnet ................................................................................................................ 181
set time .................................................................................................................. 182
set user .................................................................................................................. 182
show ARP.............................................................................................................. 185
show date .............................................................................................................. 185
show gateways ...................................................................................................... 186
show hardware...................................................................................................... 186
show hosts............................................................................................................. 187
show interfaces ..................................................................................................... 187
show line ............................................................................................................... 188
show modems ........................................................................................................ 191
show ppp line ........................................................................................................ 192
show radius........................................................................................................... 194
show routes ........................................................................................................... 194
show server ........................................................................................................... 196
show slip line ........................................................................................................ 197
show snmp............................................................................................................. 198
show telnet ............................................................................................................ 199
show time .............................................................................................................. 199
show user .............................................................................................................. 200
start ....................................................................................................................... 200
telnet ..................................................................................................................... 201
version .................................................................................................................. 202
Black Box Console Server user guide 13
APPENDIX C SNMP ................................................................................................... 203
Overview............................................................................................................................. 204
Configuring SNMP support............................................................................................ 205
Summary of objects in the private MIB......................................................................... 207
Private MIB definitions ................................................................................................... 209
Network management...................................................................................................... 213
A
PPENDIX D UPGRADING YOUR FIRMWARE .............................................................. 215
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 216
Saving your existing Configuration............................................................................... 217
Example of saving a configuration file ................................................................. 217
Using TFTP from a host ....................................................................................... 217
TFTP configuration .............................................................................................. 218
Writing to FLASH memory ................................................................................... 219
Using BOOTP from a boothost...................................................................................... 220
Upgrade using JETset, the web browser interface....................................................... 221
Enabling BOOTP/DHCP after upgrading software................................................... 221
Disable BOOTP/DHCP................................................................................................... 221
A
PPENDIX E SUMMARY OF LINE SERVICE TYPES ..................................................... 223
List of line service types.................................................................................................... 224
A
PPENDIX F BOOTP ................................................................................................. 227
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 228
How BOOTP works ......................................................................................................... 229
How to setup BOOTP ...................................................................................................... 231
The bootptab file entry.......................................................................................... 231
The bootfile ........................................................................................................... 234
Black Box Console Server user guide 14
BOOTP messages output to screen................................................................................ 236
Disabling the BOOTP reply............................................................................................ 236
Booting multiple units...................................................................................................... 238
Multiple BOOTP servers ................................................................................................. 240
Example of BOOTP......................................................................................................... 240
A
PPENDIX G JETSET ................................................................................................. 243
Introduction to JETset...................................................................................................... 244
Using JETset...................................................................................................................... 246
JETset program summary ............................................................................................... 249
A
PPENDIX H TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................. 251
Introduction....................................................................................................................... 252
General communication matters.................................................................................... 252
Host problems.................................................................................................................... 253
JETset problems ................................................................................................................ 254
Login problems ................................................................................................................. 255
Problems with terminals .................................................................................................. 257
Emergency recovery ......................................................................................................... 258
Problems with framed Routing....................................................................................... 258
I
NDEX.......................................................................................................................... 259
Black Box Console Server user guide 15
Black Box Console Server user guide 16
Chapter 1 Introduction
You need to
read this
chapter if
you want to...
You need to read this chapter if you want an overview of the Console Server product.
This chapter provides introductory information about the Console Server, its
associated components, software and configuration utilities.
This chapter includes the following sections
• About the Console Server on page 18
• Typical applications summary on page 20
• Console Server front and rear views on page 21.
For details of installation procedures, see Chapter 2 Installation.
For information about performing system administration tasks with your Console
Server, see Chapter 3 System administration.
For information on using your Console Server as a console server, see Chapter 4
Using your Console Server.
Black Box Console Server user guide 17
About the Console Server
The Console Server is a console server which allows you to communicate directly via
the serial port to networked devices (such as routers, servers and so on) in order to
perform system administration tasks.
The Console Server allows system administrators to diagnose and fix from anywhere
on the LAN/WAN or via a modem thus saving on administrator's time and costs to
keep system disruption to a minimum.
Typically, you use the Console Server when a server or network device fails at a
remote site or if you want to perform administration tasks from home. Using a
Console Server you can access the unit over the LAN/WAN or via dial-in.
The Console Server is available in the following variants;
• 16 port
• 24 port
Black Box Console Server user guide 18
See also Typical applications summary on page 20 and Console Server front and rear
views on page 21.
Black Box Console Server user guide 19
Typical applications summary
Managing devices over the LAN/WAN
The Console Server allows the administrator to Telnet to the appropriate port on the
console server. With the Console Server in band management functionality,
administrators can gain access to attached devices from anywhere on the LAN/WAN
provided they know the IP addresses. The Console Server also allows access to
multiple devices simultaneously.
Managing devices without accessing the LAN/WAN
In the event of a network failure, the Console Server allows the administrator access
via a modem attached to one of the serial ports on the unit to access attached devices.
Network security
Console Server provides a comprehensive suite of security features to allow an
organization to implement robust security planning to prevent unauthorized access.
These include SLIP and PPP Remote User dial-in and support for RADIUS.
For a secure LAN connection, the Console Server supports SSH version 1 and
version 2 protocol. Remote server connections with SSH protocol uses an encrypted
data channel with support for password and other authentications.
Management and diagnostics
Independent tests have proved Console Serverextremely easy to configure and
install. A comprehensive array of software tools allows the Console Server to be
configured, managed and upgraded either locally or remotely over the network and
even via the Internet.
These tools include JETset, for complete port management from any location via a
Web browser, and easy downloads of software upgrades to the unit's flash memory.
Command line and menu interfaces are included, as is a separate local management
port, plus industry standard control and management facilities - SNMP, BOOTP,
DHCP and DNS.
Black Box Console Server user guide 20
Console Server front and rear views
The Console Server is a network access server with front-mounted RJ45 serial ports. It
is designed for use in a rack. The serial ports are RS232. The product has 10/100BaseT
and AUI network connections and an Administration port for system management. The
next picture shows the front view of a 24 port unit.
Console
Server front
view
You can mount the Console Server in a 19 inch rack, on a wall or on a desk.
Console
Server rear
panel
Black Box Console Server user guide 21
Black Box Console Server user guide 22
Chapter 2 Installation
You need to read
this chapter if you
want to...
You need to read this chapter if you want install the Console Server.
This chapter provides task oriented information about installing the Console Server, its associated
components, software and configuration utilities.
This chapter includes the following sections;
• General installation procedure on page 24
• Rack mounting your Console Server on page 25
• Desk mounting your Console Server on page 27
• Multiple stacking your Console Server on page 28
• LED guide on page 29
• Selecting AUI or 10/100 Base T interface on page 32
• Setting up an IP address on page 33
• Accessing the Console Server configuration software on page 45
• Setting up your network parameters on page 46
• Saving configuration changes on page 62
• Setting date and time on page 64
• Performing a soft reboot on page 65
• Restoring factory default settings on page 66.
Black Box Console Server user guide 23
General installation procedure
The general procedure for installing and setting up your Console Server is as follows;
1. Install your Console Server in a rack or on a desktop as required using the
procedures described in Rack mounting your Console Server on page 25 and
Desk mounting your Console Server on page 27.
Note If you are stacking multiple units on a desktop see Multiple stacking your Console
Server on page 28 for the maximum advisable units to stack.
2. Connect your Console Server to the network. See Appendix A Cabling
information.
3. If required, select the interface type you want. See Selecting AUI or 10/100 Base
T interface on page 32.
4. Set up your IP address using the procedures given in Setting up an IP address on
page 33.
5. Access the Console Server configuration software using the procedures given in
Accessing the Console Server configuration software on page 45
6. Set up your network parameters using the procedure given in Setting up your
network parameters on page 46.
You can now use the unit. For information on using the Console Server for system
administration purposes. See Chapter 3 System administration for further details.
For information on using your Console Server as a console server, see Chapter 4
Using your Console Server.
Black Box Console Server user guide 24
Rack mounting your Console Server
To mount a single Console Server into a 19 inch rack, use the two mounting brackets
and four screws provided with the unit.
Caution When mounting several Console Server units in a 19” rack, you must not stack more
than 3 units without leaving an air gap between them.
Caution Observe maximum ambient operating temperatures within a rack; you may have to
use forced air cooling.
Console Server
Black Box Console Server user guide 25
Black Box Console Server user guide 26
Desk mounting your Console Server
To prepare the Console Server for use on a desk use the four self-adhesive rubber feet
provided with the unit. Stick the four feet to the underside of the unit, one in each corner,
approximately one inch from each adjacent edge.
1 inch
(2.5 cm)
1 inch
(2.5 cm)
rubber foot
bottom panel
of unit
rubber foot
Black Box Console Server user guide 27
Multiple stacking your Console Server
When stacking your unit on a desk we recommend that you stack no more than three
units high in a 0 to 40 degrees centigrade environment.This precaution ensures that you
keep within the maximum operating temperatures of the units.
Caution When desk mounting multiple Console Server units, make sure you fit the rubber feet
to all units before stacking to assist ventilation.
Caution When mounting several Console Server units in a 19” rack, you must not stack more
than 3 units without leaving an air gap between them.
Caution Observe maximum ambient operating temperatures within a rack; you may have to
use forced air cooling.
Black Box Console Server user guide 28
LED guide
During bootup you should see power and network LEDs display the following
colours.
Power and
network
LEDs
Once power is on and the network is connected, the power and network LEDs will
display the following colours:
Console Server during bootup
Black Box Console Server user guide 29
Console Server
during normal operations
Black Box Console Server user guide 30
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