Black Box KV4116A, KV2116A, KV2116E, KV4116E User Manual

MAY 2006

KV2116A KV2116E KV4116A KV4116E

SERVSELECT

FAMILY

Welcome to the ServSelect Family!

Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX ServSelect product! We appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appreciate the many ways that your new ServSelect will save you money, time and effort.

That’s because the ServSelect family is all about breaking away from the tradi tional, expensive model of computer management. You know, the one-size-fits-all-even-if-itdoesn’t model that says, “One computer gets one user station, no more, no less.” Why not a single user station (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) for multiple computers—even computers of different platforms? Why not a pair of user stations, each of which can control multiple computers? Why not multiple user stations for the same computer?

With our ServSelect products, there’s no reason why not. We carry a broad line of robust solutions for all these applications. Do you have just two PCs, and need an economical alternative to keeping two monitors, keyboards, and mice on your desk? Or do you need to share dozens of computers, including a mix of IBM® PC, RS/6000®, Apple® Macintosh®, Sun Microsystems®, and SGI™ compatibles among multiple users with different access levels? Does your switch have to sit solidly on a work table and use regular everyday cables? Or does it have to be mounted in an equipment rack and use convenient many-to-one cables? No matter how large or small your setup is, no matter how simple or how complex, we’re confident we have a ServSelect system that’s just right for you.

The ServSelect switching needs!

 family from BLACK BOX—the one-stop answer for all your KVM

This manual will tell you all about your new ServSelect IP VM, including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the ServSelect IP VM, see Chapter 2. The ServSelect product codes covered in this manual are:

KV2116A KV2116E KV4116A KV4116E

This manual also includes information about the ServSelect software and the Server Access Modules (SAM), which have their own manuals or installation guides.

KV124A-PS2 KV124A-USB

SERVSELECT IP VM INSTALLER/USER GUIDE

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

AND INDUSTRY CANADA

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 B 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 Industry Canada.

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 Industrie Canada.

EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in the European standard EN55022. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, might cause harmful interference to radio or television reception.

However, there is no guarantee that harmful interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does caus e interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and off, you can correct the interference with one or more of the following measures:

a. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. b. Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver. c. Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the rece iver

is connected. d. Consult the supplier or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS

Shielded cables must be used with this equipment to maintain compliance with radio frequency energy emission regulations and ensure a suitably high level of immunity to electromagnetic disturbances. This equipment has also been found to comply with European standards EN50082 and EN60950.

Japanese Compliance Statement

Other Agency Approvals

USA (UL, FCC) Canada (cUL, ICES-003) European Union (CE)

TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL

BLACK BOX® and the logo are registered trademarks, and ServSelect IP, ServSelect, and ServSelect IP VM are trademarks of BLACK BOX Corporation.

Apple, Mac, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc. IBM, PS/2, and RS/6000 are registered trademarks of International Business

Machines Corporation. Microsoft, HyperTerminal, Windows, Windows NT, and Windows XP are trademarks or

registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Sun and Sun Microsystems are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the

United States and other countries. UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of

the trademark owners.

SERVSELECT IP VM INSTALLER/USER GUIDE

Table of Contents

1. Product Specification......................................................................................5

2. Product overview............................................................................................ .7

2.1 Glossary ......................... ............................. ........................................................ ...........7

2.2 Features and benefits .....................................................................................................7

3. Installation............................................................. ..................................... ... .11

3.1 Installation overview..................................................................... ............................. ..11

3.2 Required items.............................................................. ............................. ..................12

3.3 Safety Precautions.......... ............................. ............................. ............................. .......13

3.4 Connecting the appliance hardware.............................................................................13

3.5 Verifying Ethernet connections ...................................................................................15

3.6 Tiering multiple appliances ..................................................... ............................. .......15

3.7 Configuring ServSelect IP VM Software ....................................................................17

3.8 Adjusting mouse settings..................................... ............................. ...........................17

3.9 Adding earlier-model appliances.................................................................................17

3.10 Setting up the appliance.............................................................................................19

4. Basic operations..................................................................................... ... ....20

4.1 Controlling the switching system from the analog port............................. ..................20

4.2 Starting the OSD interface............................................................ ............................. ..20

4.3 Connecting a user to a target device............................................................................21

4.4 Using the OSD interface........................................ ............................. .........................22

4.5 Connecting local virtual media....................................................................................23

4.6 Configuring the appliance and the OSD interface.......................................................24

4.7 Setting the preemption warning....... .. ............................. .. ............................. ... ...........33

4.8 Managing target device tasks using the OSD interface ...............................................34

4.9 Scanning the switching system....................................................................................38

4.10 Running switching system diagnostics......................................................................39

4.11 Broadcasting to target devices ...................................................................................41

5. Computer terminal operations........................................... ...........................43

5.1 The Console menu ......................... ............................. ............................. ....................43

Appendix A: Flash upgrades............................................................................45

Appendix B: Virtual media................................................................................47

Appendix C: UTP cabling..................................................................................49

Appendix D: Getting help and technical assistance.......................................51

CHAPTER 1: PRODUCT SPECIFICATION

1. Product Specification

Table 0.1: ServSelect IP VM appliance product specifications

Target Device Ports

Number 16 Connectors RJ45 Sync Types Separate horizontal and vertical Supported Cabling 4-pair UTP Cat5 or Cat6, 10 meters maximum length

640 x 480 @ 60 Hz

Video Resolution

Serial Port

Number 1 Cable type Serial RS-232 Connector DB9 female RJ4 with RJ45 to DB-9 (female) adaptor

Network Connection

Number 1

1280 x 1024 @ 75 Hz (Remote Port Maximum using a USB VM SAM)

Type

Connector RJ45

Ethernet: IEEE 802.3 2002 Edition - 10BASE-T, 100BASET, 1000BASE-T

Local Port

Number 1 Type USB, PS/2, and VGA Connectors PS/2 miniDIN, 15 pin D, RJ45, USB Type A

USB Device Port

Number 4 Type USB 2.0

Dimensions

Height x Width x Depth

Weight

1.72 in. x 17.00 in.x 11 in.; 1-U form factor (4.37 cm x 43.18 cm x 28 cm)1.10 x 8.08 x 6.30 in (2.80 x 20.51 x 16.00 cm)

7.3 lbs (3.31 kg)5.3 lbs (2.40 kg)1.1 lbs (0.50 kg) without cables

SERVSELECT IP VM INSTALLER/USER GUIDE

Table 0.1: ServSelect IP VM appliance product specifications (Continued)

Heat Dissipation 105 BTU/hr Airflow 8 cfm Power consumption 30 Watts AC-input power 40 Watts maximum AC-input voltage rate 100 to 240 V AC Autosensing AC-input current

rating

0.5 A RMS Max

18 AWG three-wire cable, with a three-lead IEC-320

AC-input cable

receptacle and a country-dependent connector on the power resource end

AC frequency 50 to 60 Hz autosensing

Ambient atmospheric condition ratings

Temperature

Humidity

to 50o Celsius (32o to 122o Farenheit) operating

to 70o Celsius (-40o to 158o Farenheit) nonoperating

-40 20 to 80% noncondensing operating

5 to 95% noncondensing nonoperating

Safety and EMC approvals and markings

UL, FCC class A, cUL, ICES-03 emissions, CE, VCCI Class A,

User Consoles

PC running Windows NT, 2000 or XP OS and ServSelect console application

Type

Minimum Configuration-300MHz Pentium III, 64 MB RAM, 100BaseT NIC, XGA Video Recommended Configuration-450 MHz Pentium III, 128 MB RAM, 100BaseT NIC, SXGA Video

CHAPTER 2: PRODUCT OVERVIEW

2. Product overview

The Black Box® ServSelect IP VM appliance integrates analog and digital keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) switching technology with advanced cable management, access

for two or four simultaneous users, and a user interface. The appliance has USB and PS/2 ports on the rear panel that support all major target device platforms.

2.1 Glossary

The following words are used throughout this documentation:

• appliance - equipment that provides KVM connectivity to attached target devices

• SAM - a Server Access Module that, when attached to the appliance a nd a target

device, provides additional functionality such as virtual media sessions

• switching system - a set of appliances and attached target devices and SAMs

• target device - equipment such as a server or router that is attached to an appliance

• user - a KVM connection from a port on the appliance

• virtual media - a feature to allow a USB media device to be attached to the appliance

and made available to any target device that is connected to the appliance

2.2 Features and benefits

• The ServSelect IP VM is a rack mountable KVM switch configurable for digital (remote) connectivity. It features High-Speed Rack Interface (AHI) ports for connecting servers and serial devices via SAM modules.

• Supports Universal Serial Bus (USB) virtual media.

• Video resolu tions are supported up to 1280 x 1024 for remote users.

The ServSelect IP VM appliance includes up to four digital port sets for KVM-over-IP access, 16 target device interface ports for connecting SAMs and target devices, and virtual media capability for one local user and up to four remote users.

The ServSelect IP VM switch has user peripheral ports for PS/2 and USB keyboards and mice. Additionally, virtual media such as generic removable media and CD drives can be connected to any one of four USB ports.

The appliance works over standard LAN connections. Use rs can access target devices across a 1000BASE-T LAN port that is used to establish an Ethernet connection, or directly through a local port.

The IP-based appliance gives you target device control from anywhere in the world.

Intelligent cables

You can use the following Server Access Modules (SAMs) with the appliance.

• PS/2 VM SAM - PS/2 and VGA connectors

• USB VM SAM - USB2 and VGA connectors

PS/2 VM SAM and USB VM SAM are required for virtual media connections.

NOTE:

• SERIAL SAM - Serial connectors

SERVSELECT IP VM INSTALLER/USER GUIDE

• PS/2 SAM - PS/2 connectors without virtual media capability

• USB SAM - USB connectors without virtual media capability.

PS/2 VM SAM

Figure 2-1. Examples of SAMs

These intelligent SAMs with Cat5 design dramatically reduce cable clutte r while providing optimal digital display resolution and video settings. The built-in memor y of the SAM simplifies configuration by assigning and retaining unique target device identification codes for each attached target device. This integrated intelligence enhances security and prevents unauthorized access to a target device through cable manipulation. The SAM is powered directly from the target device and proides Keep Alive functionality when the appliance is not turned on.

The SAMs enable direct KVM connectivity to target devices that are attached to the appliance. Each appliance has 16 target device interface ports for connecting SAMs.

The SAMs that work with the appliance support target devices with PS/2 and USB ports. When using the On Screen Display (OSD) interface in conjunction with SAMs, you can easily switch between platforms.

USB VM SAM

Virtual Media

The appliance supports virtual media when connected to a USB VM SAM. You can use virtual media support to connect USB media devices to the appliance. A USB media device can be attached to the appliance and made available to any target device that is connected to the appliance with a USB VM SAM. Use virtual media to move data between a target device and USB media devices that are connected to the appliance. You can install, upgrade, or recover the operating system; update the BIOS code; or start the target device from a USB drive through the virtual media capabilities of the appliance.

Virtual media can be connected directly to the appliance using one of four USB ports on the appliance. In addition, virtual media can be connected to any remote workstation that is running ServSelect IP VM Software and is connected to the appliance using an Ethernet connection. To open a virtual media session with a target device, the target device must first be connected to the appliance using a USB VM SAM.

OSD graphical user interface

The appliance uses the OSD interface, which has menus to configure the switching system and select computers. You can list target devices by unique name, eID (electronic ID), or port number.

CHAPTER 2: PRODUCT OVERVIEW

Security

Use the OSD interface to protect the switching system with a screen saver pa ssword. After a user-defined time, the screen saver mode engages and access is prohibited until the correct password is entered to reactivate the switching system.

Operation modes

The OSD user interface provides various operation modes for system administration of the appliance. Use these modes (Broadcast, Scan, Switch, and Share) to manage the switching activities. See Chapter 4, “Basic operations”, beginning on page 20 for more information.

Video

The appliance provides optimal resolution for VGA, SVGA, and XGA video. You can achieve resolutions of up to 1280 x 1024.

Flash upgradability

Upgrade the appliance at any time through the network port to ensure the appliance is always running the most current available version. See “Appendix A” beginning on page 45 for more information.

Accessing the appliance through network connection

Users access the appliance and all attached target devices through Ethernet from a client computer. A client computer can be anywhere a valid network connection exists.

Accessing target devices

When you access the ServSelect IP VM Software, a listing of all target devices you have permission to view and manage opens. When you select a target device from the list, the video of the selected target device opens in a Video Viewer window.

The following figure illustrates a typical appliance configuration.

SERVSELECT IP VM INSTALLER/USER GUIDE

Rack of

target devices

ServSelect IP VM appliance

Virtual media

Ethernet

device

Local user

Figure 2-2. Example ServSelect IP VM appliance configuration

NOTE:

To have server access to USB media device, utilize the LAN connection via the

USB VM SAM path.

Digital user

CHAPTER 3: INSTALLATION

3. Installation

The appliance requires connectivity to a computer running ServSelect IP VM Software. Use ServSelect IP VM Software to view and control target devices (one at a time) attached to the appliance. The analog port does not require the ServSelect IP VM Software for operation. The analog port uses the OSD graphical user interface. For more information see the ServSelect IP VM Software Installation and User’s Guide.

The appliance transmits KVM information between operators and target devices attached to the appliance over a network using either an Ethernet or local connection.

The appliance uses TCP/IP for communication over Ethernet. Although 10BASE-T Ethernet can be used, using a dedicated, switched 100BASE-T network or a 1000BASE-T network will improve performance.

3.1 Installation overview

To set up and install the appliance, complete the following steps:

1. Unpack the appliance and verify that all components are present and in good condition. See “Required items” on page 12.

2. Make all hardware connections between the power source, appliance, target devices, and the Ethernet. Make all hardware connections between the power source, switch, target device and the Ethernet. See “Safety precautions” on page 12.

3. Turn on the power and verify that all connections are working. See “Verifying Ethernet connections” on page 15.

4. T o configure the appliance, complete one of the following steps:

• You can use the console menu interface to configure the appliance. See Chapter

5, “Computer terminal operations”, beginning on page 43.

• You can use the ServSelect IP VM Software to configure the appliance. See the

ServSelect IP VM Software Installation and User’s Guide for detailed instructions.

5. Make the needed mouse setting adjustments. See “Adjusting mouse settings” on page 17.

6. Configure the OSD, which enables you to view and control the target devices, all from the local port.

Setting up the network

The appliance and SAMs use IP addresses to uniquely identify the appliance and the target devices. The appliance supports both Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and static IP addressing. To avoid confusion, have IP addresses that are reserved for each appliance and remain static while the appliance is connected to the network. For additional information on setting up the appliance using the ServSelect IP VM Software, and for information on how the appliance uses TCP/IP, see the ServSelect IP VM Software Installation and User’s Guide.

SERVSELECT IP VM INSTALLER/USER GUIDE

Power Cord

Peripherals

Figure 3-1. ServSelect IP VM configuration example

To open a virtual media session with a target device, the target device must first be connected to the

Ethernet

Digital User

ServSelect IP VM

Interface ports

1-16

SAM module

Servers

NOTE:

appliance using a USB VM SAM or PS/2 VM SAM.

3.2 Required items

Before you install the appliance, make sure that you have all the required items. The following items come with the appliance:

• Power cord

• Rack-mounting brackets

• ServSelect IP VM Installer/User Guide

• ServSelect IP Software Installation and User’s Guide

• ServSelect IP VM Software CD

• Quick Installation Guide

In addition to the items that come with the appliance, you must provide one SAM (virtual media, KVM, or USB) and one Cat5 patch cable for each attached target device or appliance.

CHAPTER 3: INSTALLATION

3.3 Safety Precautions

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

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

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

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

• Test AC outlets at the tar get device and mo nitor for pro per polarity and grounding.

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

NOTE: The AC inlet is the main power disconnect.

Rack mount safety considerations

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

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

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

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

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

3.4 Connecting the appliance hardware

To connect and turn on the appliance, complete the following steps:

1. Turn off the target devices that are part of the switching system. Connect one end of the power cord to the rear of the appliance and connect the other end to an AC power source.

2. Connect a VGA monitor and either PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse cables into the labeled appliance ports. You must install both a keyboard and mouse on the local

SERVSELECT IP VM INSTALLER/USER GUIDE

ports or the keyboard will not initialize correctly. You cannot connect a DVI or EGA monitor to the appliance.

3. Connect one end of a Cat5 patch cable (4-pair, up to 10 meters) into a target device interface port and connect the other end into the RJ45 connector of a SAM. Plug one end of a Cat 5 patch cable (4-pair, up to 10 meters) into the SAM port and plug the other end into the RJ45 connector of a SAM module.

4. Connect the SAM into the correct ports on the rear of th e target device. Repeat this procedure for all target devices that are to be connected to the appliance.

5. Connect a Cat5 patch cable from the Ethernet network into the LAN port on the rear of the appliance. Network users will access the appliance through this port.

6. If you are configuring the appliance using the console menu interface, connect a computer running terminal emulation software to the SETUP port on the rear panel of the appliance using a straight serial cable. If you will be configuring the switch using the console menu interface, connect a terminal or PC running terminal emulation software to the SETUP port on the back panel of the switch using the supplied cable. The terminal should be set to 9600 bits per second (bps), 8 bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, and no flow control. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.

7. Turn on each target device and then turn on the appliance. After approximately one minute, the appliance completes initialization and opens the OSD graphical user interface Free tag on the local port monitor.

8. Use the ServSelect IP VM Software to configure the appliance. See the ServSelect IP VM Software Installation and User’s Guide for detailed instructions.

Connecting a SAM to each target device

To connect a SAM to a target device, complete the following steps:

1. Attach the color-coded connectors of the SAM to the keyboard, monitor, and mouse ports on the first target device that you connect to the appliance.

2. Attach one end of the Cat5 cable to the RJ45 connector on the SAM.

3. Connect the other end of the Cat5 cable to a target device interface port on the rear of the appliance.

4. Repeat steps 1 to 3 for all target devices that you are attaching.

Connecting local peripheral devices

To connect local peripheral devices to the appliances, complete the following steps:

1. Connect a keyboard, monitor, and mouse to each set of color-coded ports on the rear of the appliance.

2. Bundle and label the cables for easy identification.

T o co nn ect local virtual media, complete the following step:

Connect the virtual media to any one of the four USB ports on the appliance. For all virtual media sessions, you must use a USB VM SAM.

3.5 Verifying Ethernet connections

The Ethernet connection has two LEDs. The green LED on the right is the Link indicator. It is lit when a valid connection to the network is established and it flashes when there is

CHAPTER 3: INSTALLATION

activity on the port. The amber/green LED on the left indicates that you are communicating at 100 Mbps (amber) or 1000 Mbps (green) when using the Ethernet connection.

3.6 Tiering multiple appliances

You can tier multiple appliances to enable up to four users to connect to up to 4096 target devices. For usability reasons, make sure that the ServSelect IP VM appliance is the top tier. The ServSelect IP VM appliance is not designed to be part of the second tier.

SERVSELECT IP VM INSTALLER/USER GUIDE

Local user A

ServSelect IP VM appliance

ServSelect III VM appliance (tiered)

Primary target devices

ACI port

Secondary target devices

ServSelect III VM appliance (tiered)

ACI port

Tertiary target devices

Figure 3-2. Appliance configuration with a tiered appliance

To tier multiple appliances, complete the following steps:

1. Connect the tiered appliance to each target device as described in “Connecting the appliance hardware” on page 13.

+ 42 hidden pages