Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause
harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Canadian Notification
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set
out in the Radio Interference Regulations 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 édicté par le
Ministère des Communications du Canada.
Japanese Approvals
Korean Approvals
Safety and EMC Approvals and Markings
UL, FCC Class A, cUL, ICES Class A, CE, GS, IRAM, GOST, VCCI Class A, MIC Class A, C-Tick
AutoView® Switch
1415/1515/2015
Instal ler/ User Gu ide
Avocent, the Avocent logo, The Power of Being There, AutoView,
OutLook and OSCAR are registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation
or its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanyi ng the appliance.
Dangerous Voltage
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presenc e of uninsu la te d dang e rou s voltag e with in the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Power On
This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the on position.
Power Off
This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the off position.
Protective Grounding Terminal
This symbol indicates a terminal which must be connected to earth ground prior to making any other
connections to the eq uipment.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents
List of Figures ................................................................................................................ vii
List of Tables................................................................................................................... ix
x AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Switch Installer/User Guide
CHAPTER
Product Overvi ew
1
Features and Benefits
The AutoView® 1415/1515/2015 swit ches inte gr ate Avocen t field-proven analog keyboard, video
and mouse (KVM) switching technology with advan ced cable management, flexible access for two
simultaneous users, USB support and a patented, easy-to-use interface. This AutoView series of
KVM switches conveniently supports all major server platfor ms and features powerfu l on-screen
management for easy system configuration and server selection. The AutoView 1415/1515/2015
switches also feature user peripheral ports for PS/2 and USB keyboards and mice.
NOTE: With the exception of USB capability, all references to AutoView 1415/1515/2015 switches are applicable
to AutoView 1400/1500/2000 switches respectively.
1
AVRIQ Intelligent Module
A benefit of the AutoView switch is the AVRIQ intelligent module. The AVRIQ module with
CAT 5 design dramatically reduces cable clutter, while providing optimal resolution and video
settings. The built-in memory of the AVRIQ module simplifies configuration by assigning and
retaining unique server names and Electronic ID (EID) numbers for each attached server. The
AVRIQ module is powered directly from the server and provides Keep Alive functionality even if
the AutoView switch is not powered.
Each AutoView 2015 switch has 16 Avocent Rack Interface (ARI) ports for connecting AVRIQ
modules. AutoView 1415 and 1515 switches p rovide eight ARI ports . Utilizing an AVRIQ module,
you can attach additional switches to expand your AutoView switching system. This flexibility
allows you to add capacity as your data center grows.
Multiplatform support
The AVRIQ modules available with the AutoView switch support PS/2, Sun™, USB and serial
server environments. Using the OSCAR
modules allows you to switch easily across platforms.
The AutoView 1415/1515/2015 switches feature a Share Mode function that allows two users to
gain access to a primary server. The user configurable time-out feature allows you to d etermine the
amount of time (up to 600 seconds) for the target to remain idle before the other user can take
control of the target.
OSCAR graphical user interface
AutoView switches use the OSCAR interface, which features intuitive menu s to conf igur e your
switching system and select servers. server s can be ident ified by un ique name, EID o r port number ,
allowing you to assign unique server names.
Security
The OSCAR interface allows you to protect your system with a screen saver password. After a
user-defined time, the screen saver mode engages and access is prohibited until the appropriate
password is entered to reactivate the system.
Operation modes
The OSCAR user interface provides co nve nient operation modes for easy system administr ation of
the AutoView switch. These modes (Broadcast, Scan, Switch and Share) allow you to manage your
switching activities. Chapter 3 explains these modes in detail.
Video
The AutoView switch provides optimal resolution for analog VGA, SVGA and XGA video.
Achieve resolutions of up to 1600 x 1200 @ 75Hz with a 100 foot (30 meter) cable.
NOTE: Resolutions above 1280 x 1024 may need to be manually set in the operating systems display settings.
Video resolution and distance is subject to cable quality and environmental factors.
Plug and Play
The AutoView switch also supports Display Data Channel (DDC) Plug and Play, which automates
configuration of the monitor and is compliant with the VESA DDC2B standard.
Flash upgradable
Upgrade your firmware at any time through a simple update utility to ensure that your AutoView
switching system is always running the most current version available. Both the AutoView switch
and the AVRIQ modules are Flash upgradable. See Appendix A for more information.
NOTE: Firmware available for the AutoView 1415/1515/2015 switch is also compatible with the AutoView 1400/
1500/2000 switch, but it is not compatible the AutoView 2020/2030 switch.
Chapter 1: Product Overview 3
Cascading expansion
Each AutoView switch supports up to 16 directly attached servers and can conveniently scale to
support more. You can expand your system using cascadable Avocent products such as other
®
AutoView or OutLook
switches. This extra “cascade” of units allows you to attach up to 256
servers in one system. See Chapter 2 for more information.
Local user accounts
The AutoView 1415/1515/2015 switches enable an administrator to configure up to four user
accounts for use with the switch. These user accounts allow the administrator to restrict what ports
a class of user can access, as well as the name of the user account and password. See Chapter 4 for
more information.
Integrated Access Cables
The AutoView 1415/1515/2015 switches also feature Integrated Access Cable (IAC) modules
designed to provide the same ease of use as the AVRIQ module. Available in three different
lengths, IAC modules are RJ-45 style cables that provide a reduced cost alternative to AVRIQ
modules. IAC modules support PS/2 and USB connectivity. Contact your Avocent representative
for more information.
Figure 1.1: Example of an AutoView Switch Configuration
(Cascaded)
Safety Precautions
Analog
Connection
Rack of Servers
Critical Server
AutoView Switch
(Main)
Analog
Connection
To avoid potential vid eo and/or keyboard pro bl ems when using Avocent products :
•Ιf the building has 3-phase A C pow er, ensure that the computers and monitors are on the sa me
phase. For best results, they should be on the same circuit.
•Use only Avocent-supplied cable to connect computers and KVM switches. Avocent
warranties do not apply to damage resulting from user-supplied cable.
To avoid potentially fatal shock hazard and possible damage to equipment, please observe the
following precautions:
•Do not use a 2-wire extension cord in any Avocent product configuration.
•Test AC outlets at the computer and monitor for proper polarity
and grounding.
Chapter 1: Product Overview 5
•Use only with grounded outlets at both the computer and monitor. When using a backup
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), power the computer, the monitor and the AutoView
switch off the supply.
NOTE: The AC inlet is the main disconnect.
Rack mount safety considerations
•Elevated Ambient Temperature: If installed in a closed rack assembly, the operation
temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room ambient. Use care not to exceed
the rated maximum ambient temperature of the unit.
•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 equi pment 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
Before installing your AutoView switch, refer to the following list to ensure you have all items that
shipped with the AutoView switch, as well as other items necessary for proper installation.
Supplied with the AutoView switch
•Power cord
•One null modem serial cable
•Rack mounting kit
•AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Installer/User Guide
•AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Quick Installation Guide
7
Additional items needed
One IAC or AVRIQ modul e and CAT 5 cabling per attached server or switch
Rack Mounting Your AutoView Switch
Your AutoView switch may be rack moun ted usin g the brackets supplied in your rack mounting kit.
Before installing the switch and other components in the rack cabinet (if not already installed),
stabilize the rack in a permanent location. Install your equipment starting at the bottom of the rack
cabinet, then work to the top.
CAUTION: Rack Loading - Overloading or uneven loading ofracks may result in shelf or rackfailure, causing damage to equipmentand possible personal injury. Do notexceed your rack load rating.
To install the 1U switch mounting bracket:
1.Remove the first two screws on each side of the switch.
2.Line up the holes in the “long side” of the kit’s side brackets with the screw holes in the switch.
3.With a Phillips screwdriver, fasten the mounting brackets to the switch using two screws on
each side.
4.Attach four cage nuts or clip nuts to the rack mounting flange of the rack cabinet so that the nut
is positioned on the inside of the rack.
NOTE: Nuts are not included with the rack mount kit.
5.Mount the switch assembly to the rack cabinet by matching the holes in the “short side” of
each bracket to an appropriate set of matching holes on your rack cabinet.
6.Next, insert the combination hex head screws through the slots in the bracket and the holes in
the mounting rail, then into the cage nuts or clip nuts.
Installing the AutoView Switch
Plug the supplied power cord into the back of the appliance and then into an appropriate power
source. Figure 2.2 illustrates one possible configuration for your AutoView switch. See the fol lowing
detailed set of procedures to successfully install your appliance.
Chapter 2: Installation 9
CAUTION: To r e d u c e th e r i s k o f e l e c t r i c s h o c k or damage t o y o u r eq u ipment -
- Do not disable the power cord grounding plug. The ground ing pl ug is an impo rta nt safety fe ature.
- Plug the power cord into a grounded (earthed) outle t that is easil y accessibl e at all times.
- Disconnect the power from the unit by unpluggin g the power cord from eit her the el ectric al outl et or the unit.
Analog User B
Configuration Port
(for updating firmware)
AutoView Switch
Analog User A
IAC Module
AV RIQ Mod ule
Figure 2.2: Basic AutoView Switch Configuration
NOTE: Only the AutoView 1515 and the AutoView 2015 switches support two simultaneous users.
1.Locate the AVRIQ modules for your AutoView switch.
2.Attach the appropriately color-coded cable ends to the keyboard, monitor and mouse ports on the
first server you will be connecting to the appliance.
3.Attach one end of a CAT 5 cable to the RJ-45 connector on the AVRIQ module.
4.Connect the other end of the CAT 5 cable to the desired ARI port on the back of your
AutoView switch.
5.Repeat steps 2 through 4 for each server you wish to attach.
NOTE: When connecting a Sun AVRIQ module, you must use a multi-sync monitor to accommodate Sun
computers that support both VGA and sync-on-green or composite sync.
To connect a server using an IAC module:
1.Locate an IAC module for the server you wish to connect.
2.Attach the appropriately color-coded cable ends of t he IAC module to the keybo ard, monitor and
mouse ports on the server you will be connecti ng to the switch.
3.Attach the other end of the IAC module to an open ARI port.
4.Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each server you wish to attach.
Connecting Users
To connect local peripherals:
1.Select the keyboard, monitor and mouse to be connected to local analog user A.
2.Locate the port set labeled A on the back of the appliance. Connect these peripherals to their
respective ports.
3.Bundle and label the cables for easy identification.
4.Repeat these steps for user B, if desired.
Cascading AutoView Switches
You can cascade multiple AutoView 1415/1515/2015 switches to enable one or two users to
connect to as many as 256 servers. In a cascaded system, each ARI (Avocent Rack Interface) port
on the main AutoView switch will connect to the ACI (Avocent Console Interface) port on each
cascaded AutoView switch. Each cascaded switch can then be connected to a server with an
AVRIQ module or IAC. The example shown in Figure 2.3 shows one AutoView switch cascaded
under the main switch, enabling the connection of up to 15 primary servers and 16 secondary
servers. Using this configur ation, yo u could cascade 16 A utoView swi tches under the mai n switch,
enabling the connection of up to 256 servers. Only one level of tiering is supported in this type of
configuration, which means you cannot cascade any additional legacy switches or another
AutoView switch.
Chapter 2: Installation 11
In this configuration, the local port OSCAR interface is disabled in switches cascaded below the
main AutoView switch.
To cascade multiple AutoView switches:
1.Connect the cascaded AutoView switch to each server as described inthe previous Installing
the AutoView Switch section.
2.Connect the local peripherals to analog user A and/or B of the main switch as described in To
connect local peripherals.
3.Attach one end of the CA T 5 cabling that will run between your main and cascaded AutoView
switch to the RJ-45 ACI port on the cascaded AutoView switch.
4.Attach the other end of the CAT 5 cable to one of the RJ-45 ARI ports on the main
AutoView switch.
NOTE: The system will automatically “merge” the two switches together as one. All servers connected to the
cascaded AutoView switch will display on the main AutoView switch server list in the OSCAR interface.
5.Repeat steps 3 and 4 for all additional (secondary) cascaded AutoView switches you wish
Figure 2.3: AutoView 2015 Switch Configuration with a Cascaded Switch
Adding Legacy Switches
You can add legacy switches to the AutoView switching system for easy integration into your
existing configuration. In a cascaded system, each ARI port will accommodate up to 24 servers.
See the following table for legacy switches compatible with the AutoView switching system.
Table 2.1: Legacy Switch Support
Legacy ProductModel Numbers
OutLook ES switch140ES, 180ES, 280ES, 1160ES, 2160ES, 4160ES
AutoView switchAV200-4, AV200-8, AV400-4, AV400-8, AV416, AV424, AV1415, AV1515, AV2015
AVRIQ Module
PS/2, USB, Sun and serial
cables are available
Chapter 2: Installation 13
Local Analog User A
AutoView 2015 Switch
AVRIQ Module
OutLook ES Switch
Server 1
AutoView 200/400 Switch
Server 2
Figure 2.4: AutoView 2015 Switch Configuration with Legacy KVM Switches
Figure 2.5: AutoView Switch Configuration with AutoView 1415/1515/2015 Switches
NOTE: The PS2IAC modules can be utilized in Figure 2.5.
Secondary
Servers
Chapter 2: Installation 15
T o add a legacy KVM switch:
1.Mount the primary KVM switch into your rack cabinet.
2.Connect one end of a CAT 5 cable to an available port on the back of your AutoView switch.
3.Attach the keyboard, monitor and mouse connectors of the AVRIQ module to a user port on
your cascaded switch.
4.Attach the other end of the CAT 5 cabling to the RJ-45 connector on the AVRIQ module.
5.Connect the servers to your cascaded switch according to the instructions included with
the switch.
6.Power cycle the cascaded switch to enable its local user port to recognize the AVRIQ module.
7.Repeat steps 2 to 6 for all cascaded switches you wish to attach to your system.
To connect local peripherals:
1.Select the keyboard, monitor and mouse to be connected to local user A.
2.Locate the port set labeled A on the back of the switch. Connect these peripherals to their
respective ports.
3.For the multiuser, 16-port AutoView switch, repeat steps 1 and 2 for the local analog port set
labeled B.
- or -
For the AutoView 1415/1515 switch, proceed to step 4.
4.Bundle and label the cables for easy identification.
Setting Up Your AutoView Switching System
The AutoView switching system enables you to auto detect and configure each port on your
appliance. Chapter 3 provides detailed instructions on name customization and OSCAR interface
setup and configuration.
The AutoView switch features one or two analog port sets on the back of the switch that allow you
to connect a monitor and a PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse for direct analog access. The
AutoView switch uses the OSCAR interface, featuring intuitive menus to configure your system
and select servers.
Viewing and Selecting Ports and Servers
Use the OSCAR interface Main dialog box to view, configure an d con trol s erver s in the AutoView
switching system. View your servers by name, port or by the unique Electronic ID number (EID)
embedded in each AVRIQ module and IAC. You will see an OSCAR interface-generated port list
by default when you first launch the OSCAR GUI.
The Port column indicates the ARI port to which a server is connected. If you connect a legacy KVM
switch to the main AutoView switch or a c asc ade d Aut oView switch, the por t numb er i ng d isp la y s
the ARI port first, then the switch port to which the server is connected. For example, in Figure 3.1,
servers 04-03 and 01-02 are connected to switches, then to servers on ports 03 and 02 respectively.
17
To access the Main dialog box:
Print Screen to launch the OSCAR interface. The Main dialog box displays.
NOTE: You can also press the Control key twice, t he Alt key twice or the Shift key twice within one second to
launch the OSCAR interface. See
can use this key sequence in any place you see Print Screen throughout this installer/user guide.
Changing the display behavior
Viewing the status of your switch
The status of the servers in your system is indicated in the right columns of the Main dialog box.
The follow ing table describes the status symb ols.
Table 3.1: OSCAR Interface St atus Symbols
Symbol Description
AVRIQ modules and IACs are online (green circle).
AVRIQ modules and IACs are offline or are not operating properly.
Server is cascaded through a cascade legacy switch. The switch is online and has power.
Server is cascaded through a cascade legacy switch. The switch is offline or has no power.
later in this chapter for further details. You
AVRIQ module is being upgraded (yellow circle).
AVRIQ modules and IACs are being accessed by the indicated user channel (green
channel letter).
AVRIQ modules and IACs are blocked by the indicated user c hannel (black channel letter).
Selecting servers
Use the Main dialog box to select servers. When you select a server, the switch reconfigures the
keyboard and mouse to the proper settings for that server.
To select servers:
Double-click the server name, EID or port number.
-orIf the disp l ay order of your server list is by port (Port
and press
Enter.
button is depressed), type the port number
-orIf the display order of your server list is by name or EID number (Name
or EIDbutton is
depressed), type the first few characters of the name of the server or the EID number to establish it
as unique and press
Enter.
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