Cyclades AlterPath KVM Quick Start Manual

AlterPath KVM
QuickStart Guide

Use this guide to install and configure the Cyclades AlterPath KVM and related Cyclades AlterPath
products. Refer to the AlterPath KVM Installation, Configuration, and Users Guide, located at
http://cyclades.com/support/downloads.php

The following graphic illustrates the connections that can be made to the AlterPath KVM. The circled
numbers in the graphic correspond to the circled numbers in the list of steps in the table below.

, for more-detailed information about the KVM.

Power source

AlterPath KVM Expander

USB Sun Server

6

AlterPath PM

AlterPath KVM

Server

3

4

PC PS/2 Server

USER

AlterPath KVM RP

7

PC USB Server

PC

local

user

RP user

REMOTE

KVM

2

Internet

7

5

7

console

user

IP

administrator

The following table lists the basic installation instructions in the order they should be performed. For more­detailed procedures, see the page number listed for each step.

1

Mount the KVM. Page 2

2

Make an Ethernet connection. Page 2

3

(Optional) Connect cascaded KVM units to the KVM. Page 2

4

Connect servers to be managed through the KVM. Page 2

5

(Optional) Connect AlterPath PMs to the KVM. Page 3

6

(Optional) Plug servers to be managed through the KVM into an AlterPath PM. Page 3

7

Make a direct connection to the KVM console, User 1, or User 2 port for network configuration. Page 3

8

Power on the KVM and connected devices. Page 4

9

Perform basic network configuration through a direct connection to the console, User 1, or User 2 port. Page 4

10

(Optional) Enable access to the KVM without making a direct connection. Page 6

11

Add users, configure ports, and add in-band servers using the web manager. Page 7

AlterPath KVM QuickStart Guide

1.Mount the KVM/net Plus

Obtain a Phillips screwdriver and appropriate nuts and
bolts before starting the following procedure.

1.Connect the two supplied brackets to the KVM,

connecting one bracket to each side of the box.
a.Decide whether you need to mount the KVM by the

front or back and locate the appropriate sets of
holes on the KVM.

b.For each bracket, insert a screw through each of the

three holes on the bracket into the appropriate holes
at either the front or back of the KVM.

Bracket

c.Use a Phillips screwdriver to tighten the screws.

2.Use the mounting hardware recommended for your

rack to mount the KVM on a rack.

3.To connect the primary KVM to the User 1 port of a

secondary KVM, KVM/net, or KVM/net Plus:
a.Use a CAT-5 cable to connect a KVM port on the

primary KVM to a KVM Terminator.

b.Connect the Terminator’s VGA and PS/2

connectors to the User 1 port on the secondary
KVM, KVM/net, or KVM/net Plus.

4.Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each secondary KVM,

KVM/net, or KVM/net Plus to be connected to the
primary KVM.

5.To Connect a KVM Expander to the Primary KVM,

use a CAT-5 cable to connect the KVM port on the
primary KVM to the User A or the User B port on the
secondary KVM Expander.

Note: To support two concurrent users accessing the

cascaded KVM units, ensure that both of the user
ports (User 1 and User 2 or User A and User B) are
connected to the master unit.

See Chapter 3, “Installing KVM/net Plus-related
Products and Components” in the AlterPath KVM
Installation, Configuration, and Users Guide.

4.Connect Computers to KVM

2.Make an Ethernet Connection

Use an Ethernet cable to connect your local area
network (LAN) to the Ethernet port on the KVM.

3.Connect Cascaded KVM Units to the Primary KVM [Optional]

KVM supports the cascading of four types of secondary
KVM devices: the AlterPath KVM, the KVM/net, the
KVM Expander, and the KVM/net Plus.

1.Power off all KVM hardware and connected devices.

2.To connect the primary KVM to the User 2 port of a

secondary KVM unit, use a CAT-5 cable to connect a
KVM port on the primary KVM to the User 2 port on
the secondary KVM, KVM/net, or KVM/net Plus.

Warning: In a single user configuration, ensure that the

master KVM is connected to the User 2 port on
a cascaded KVM unit.

Ports

Note: The KVM components are hot-pluggable, but

components of connected devices, such as the PS/2
keyboard and mouse ports on a computer, may not
be hot-pluggable. Turn off power to all devices
before connecting them. Power on connected
devices again only after the KVM is powered on.

1.Connect the appropriate Terminator for the server to

be connected.

2.If you are using a PS/2 Terminator make connections

in this order: video, mouse, and keyboard.

3.To extend the connection from the computer to the

KVM, use an RJ-45 to RJ-45 CAT5 cable up to 500
feet long to connect the T erminator to a KVM port on
the KVM.

4.Repeat Step 1 and Step 3. for all computers to be

connected to the KVM ports.

5.If this is a first-time installation, go to “4 Make a

Direct Connection for Network Configuration” on
page 2.

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AlterPath KVM QuickStart Guide

5.Connect AlterPath PMs to the KVM [Optional]

By daisy-chaining any combination of PM models to
the AUX port on the KVM, you can control up to 128
outlets from one KVM.

1.Use a CAT-5 cable to connect the AUX port on the

KVM to the IN port of your AlterPath PM.

2.Configure the AUX port for power management.

3.To connect multiple PMs to the KVM:

a.Use a CAT-5 cable to connect the OUT port of a

PM that is already connected to the AUX port of a
KVM to the IN port of the next AlterPath PM.

b.Repeat Step a. until you have connected the desired

number of PMs.

You can control up to 128 power outlets in any
combination of PM models.

6.Plug Servers to be Managed by the KVM Into an AlterPath PM [Optional]

In order to manage power of servers while connected to
them through KVM ports, the server must be powered
by an AlterPath PM that is connected to the KVM. You
can manage power of up to two outlets while connected
to the server through a KVM port. See the Power
Management sections in the AlterPath KVM
Installation, Configuration, and Users Guide for
detailed instructions.

! To Connect to the Console Port

Perform the following steps to connect a computer to
the console port of the KVM. An RJ-45 to DB-9
crossover adapter is included.

1.Connect an RJ-45 CAT-5 cable to the console port on

the KVM.

2.Connect the other end of the RJ-45 CAT-5 cable to

the DB-9 crossover console adapter that ships with
the KVM.

3.If your work station has a DB-9 connection, plug the

DB-9 console adapter into the DB-9 connection.

4.If your work station has a USB connection, you may

need to acquire a DB-9 to USB adapter and plug the
USB adapter into a USB port on the computer.

5.Using a terminal emulation program installed on a

computer, start a session with the following console

port settings:
Serial Speed: 9600 bps Stop Bits: 1
Data Length: 8 bits Flow Control: None
Parity: None ANSI emulation

6.Go to “Power On the KVM and Connected Devices”

on page 4.

! To Connect to the User 1 Manage-

ment Port

Connect a keyboard, monitor, and mouse to the User 1
port on the right back of the KVM.

7.Access the KVM to Perform Basic Network Configuration

To perform necessary basic network configuration,
make a direct connection to the KVM by doing one of
the following: connect a terminal or computer to the
console port; connect a keyboard, monitor, and mouse
to the keyboard, monitor, and mouse connectors on the
KVM; or connect the AlterPath KVM RP to the KVM’ s
User 2 port.

Optionally, you can access the KVM without making a
direct connection. See “Access the KVM without
Making a Direct Connection” on page 6 for
instructions.

1.Plug the station's monitor, keyboard, and mouse

cables to the Keyboard, Video, and Mouse
connectors, labelled User 1, on the KVM.

2.Go to “Power On the KVM and Connected Devices”

on page 4.

! To Connect the KVM RP to the

KVM

1.Place the KVM RP on a desk or table up to 500 feet

away from the KVM.

2.Use a CAT-5 cable to connect the Remote User port

on the KVM RP to the User 2 port on the KVM.

3.Connect your monitor, keyboard, and mouse cables to

the User port on the KVM RP.

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AlterPath KVM QuickStart Guide

Optionally, connect the KVM RP to your local work

4.

station: Use a KVM cable to connect the VGA port
and PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports on the back of
your PC to the PC VGA port and PS/2 keyboard and
mouse ports on the KVM RP.

5.Plug in the KVM RP’s power cord. If you performed

Step 4, you can skip this step.
The PC can supply power to the KVM RP.

6.Go to “Power On the KVM and Connected Devices”

on page 4.

Configuring Basic Networking Using the wiz Command

The following procedures require a hardware
connection already made between the KVM’s console
port and the COM or USB port (through a USB to serial
adapter) of a computer, as described under “To Connect
to the Console Port” on page 3.

! To Log Into the KVM Through the Console

From your terminal emulation application, log into the
console port as root.

8.Power On the KVM and Connected Devices

1.Make sure the KVM’s power switch is off.

2.Plug in the power cable.

3.Turn on the power switches of the KVM, its

connected devices, and, if needed, the KVM RP.

9.Perform Basic Network Configuration

Do one of the following to assign a fixed IP address to
the KVM, and to specify the netmask and other
networking parameters:

• Through a console connection to the console port, log

in and use the wiz command.
See “Configuring Basic Networking Using the wiz

Command” on page 4.

• Through a local KVM connection to the User 1 or

User 2 ports, log into the OSD and configure
networking through the network screen.

See “Configuring Basic Networking Using the OSD”
on page 5.

Before you start, collect the following network
information from network administrator.

Hostname:

!

KVM’s public IP address:

!

Domain name:

!

DNS server’s IP address:

!

Gateway IP address:

!

Network mask:

!

KVM’s MAC address:

!

NTP server’ IP address:

!

KVM login: root
Password: cyclades

As shown in the previous screen, the default password
is “cyclades.” If the password has been changed from
the default, use the new password.

! To Change the Password Through the

Console

If the default password “cyclades” is still in effect,
change the root password.

Important!Changing the default password closes a

security hole that could be easily exploited.

1.Enter the passwd command.

[root@KVM /]# passwd

2.Enter a new password when prompted.

New password: new_password
Re-enter new password: new_password
Password changed

! To Use the wiz Command to Configure

Network Parameters

1.Launch the Configuration Wizard by entering the wiz

command.

[root@KVM /]# wiz

2.At the prompt, enter n to change the defaults.

Set to defaults (y/n)[n]: n

3.Press Enter to accept default hostname, otherwise

enter your own hostname.

Hostname [KVM]: kvm_hostname

Page 4

Press Enter to disable DHCP.

4.

Do you want to use DHCP to
automatically assign an IP for your
system? (y/n)[n]: n

5.Enter a public IP address to assign to the KVM.

System IP[192.168.160.10]:

public_IP_address

6.Enter the domain name.

Domain name[cyclades.com]:

domainname

7.Enter the IP address of the DNS (domain name)

server.

Primary DNS Server[192.168.44.21] :

DNS_server_IP_address

AlterPath KVM QuickStart Guide

Current configuration:
Hostname : kvm
DHCP : disabled
System IP : 192.168.45.32
Domain name : cyclades.com
Primary DNS Server : 192.168.44.21
Gateway IP : 198.168.44.1
Network Mask : 255.255.252.0
Are all these parameters correct?
(y/n) [n] :

2.Enter y if the values shown are correct, or press Enter

and go back to “To Use the wiz Command to
Configure Network Parameters” on page 4 to make
any desired changes.

3.The following prompt appears when “y” is entered.

Are all the parameters correct? (y/
n)[n]: y

8.Enter the IP address for the gateway.

Gateway IP[eth0] :

gateway_IP_address

9.Enter the netmask for the subnetwork.

Network Mask[#] : netmask

10.To apply and save these parameter to Flash, see “To

Apply and Confirm the Network Parameters Defined
Using the wiz Command” on page 5.

! To Apply and Confirm the Network

Parameters Defined Using the wiz
Command

This procedure must be completed immediately after
defining network parameters using the wiz command as
described in “To Use the wiz Command to Configure
Network Parameters” on page 4.

1.Review the values of all the network configuration

parameters, as shown in the following screen
example. The values shown are for example only.

4.Enter y to save the changes.

Do you want to save your
configuration to Flash? (y/n)[n]: y

5.To confirm the configuration, enter the ifconfig

command.

6.The new network parameters display.

7.Log out from the terminal session.

8.In a HyperTerminal application on a W indows PC, go

to “File > Exit”.

9.If performing a first-time installation, go to “Add

Users, Configure Ports, and Add In-band Servers
Using the Web Manager” on page 7.

Configuring Basic Networking Using the OSD

This procedure requires a hardware connection between
the KVM’s User 1 port and a local monitor, keyboard,
and mouse or a between the KVM’s User 2 port and an
AlterPath KVM RP. After the KVM and monitor are
powered on, the following OSD login screen appears.

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AlterPath KVM QuickStart Guide

Note: If your keyboard has a Return key instead of an

Enter key, press the “Return” key when you see
“Enter.”

8.Enter the hostname for the KVM and save the

changes to complete the basic network configuration.

! To Set the Time and Date Using the OSD

1.From the Main menu of the OSD, go to Configure.

2.Select Date/time.

3.To enable the NTP time and date server, do the

following.
a.On the Date/time conf. form, select the “enabled”

option.

! To Log Into the OSD

1.On the OSD login screen, enter “admin” as the Login

name.

2.Enter the password and press Enter.

The default password is “cyclades.” If the password
has been changed from the default, use the current
password.

3.If you are performing an initial configuration of basic

networking parameters, go to “To Change a Password
Using the OSD” on page 5; otherwise, go to “To
Configure Network Parameters Using the OSD” on
page 6.

! To Change Default Password Using the

OSD

1.Log into the OSD.

2.From the Main Menu, select the Configure option.

3.From the Configure Menu, select the Users and

Groups option.

4.From the list of users on the User Database screen,

select the admin username.

5.On the “Enter the Password” screen, enter the new

password.

6.On the password confirmation window, re-enter the

password.

7.Select OK.

! To Configure Network Parameters Using

the OSD

1.From the OSD Main Menu, go to Configure >

Network.

2.Select the “disabled” option.

3.Enter the IP address for the KVM.

4.Enter the netmask (in the form 255.255.255.0).

5.Enter the IP address for the gateway.

6.Enter the IP address for the DNS server.

7.Enter the domain name.

b.Enter the IP address of the NTP server.
c.Save the changes.

4.To enter the date and time manually, do the following.

a.On the Date/time conf. form, select disabled.
b.Enter the date in the format shown and press Enter.
c.Enter the time in the format shown and save the

changes.

10.Access the KVM without Making a Direct Connection

This section describes additional alternatives for
enabling access to the KVM Web Manager that do not
require making a direct connection. Both of the two
following approaches require an experienced
administrator to configure:

• The KVM ships with a default IP address:

192.168.160.10, which you can use to bring up the
Web Manager, assign a fixed IP address to the KVM
and specify other network parameters without making
a direct connection. See “To Use the Default IP
Address to Access the Web Manager” on page 6.”

• DHCP is enabled on the KVM by default. If you have
network access to the DHCP server for the KVM, and
if you are able to discover the KVM’s dynamically­assigned IP address, you do not need to make a direct
connection. See “To Use a Dynamic IP Address to
Access the Web Manager” on page 7.”

! To Use the Default IP Address to

Access the Web Manager

The default IP address for the KVM is

192.168.160.10. This procedure assumes that you

are able to temporarily change the IP address of a
computer that is on the same subnet as the KVM.

1.On a computer that resides on the same subnet with

the KVM, change the network portion of the IP
address of that computer to 192.168.160.NN,

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AlterPath KVM QuickStart Guide

where NN is not 10, and change the Netmask to

255.255.255.0.
For example, you could change the computer’s IP

address to 192.168.160.44. For the host portion
of the IP address, use any number except 10, 0, or

255.

2.Bring up a browser on the computer whose address

you changed, enter the KVM’s default IP address
(http://192.168.160.10)to bring up the W eb
Manager, and log in.

3.To allow subsequent use of the Web Manager from

any computer, go to the Wizard: “Step 1: Network
Settings” to change the default IP address to a fixed
public IP address and to configure the other basic
network parameters and save them to Flash.

4.Restore the computer’s IP address to its previous IP

address.

! To Use a Dynamic IP Address to

Access the Web Manager

This procedure assumes that DHCP is enabled on the
KVM.

eth0 Link encap:Ethernet HWaddr

00:60:2E:01:4F:FC

inet addr:192.168.50.72

Bcast:192.168.51.255
Mask:255.255.252.0

UP BROADCAST RUNNING MULTICAST

MTU:1500 Metric:1

RX packets:7282803 errors:43

dropped:0 overruns:0 frame:43

TX packets:167335 errors:3

dropped:0 overruns:0 carrier:3
collisions:0 txqueuelen:100
RX bytes:539070845 (514.0 MiB)

TX bytes:18911603 (18.0 MiB
Base address:0xe00

5.To obtain the KVM’s current IP address from the

DHCP server, supply the MAC address from the
bottom side of the KVM’s chassis. (The address has
the form: NN-NN-NN-NN-NN-NN, as in this example:
00-60-3D-01-36-B4.)

6.Finish configuring users and to the KVM using the

Web Manager.

1.Set up the AlterPath KVM.

See “Mount the KVM/net Plus” on page 2.

2.Connect computers and other devices to be managed

through the KVM.
See “3 Connect Computers to KVM Ports” on page 2.

3.Power on the KVM and connected devices.

See “Power On the KVM and Connected Devices” on
page 4.

4.To obtain the KVM’s current IP address from the

console port do the following:
a.Using the console port, log in as “root.”
See “To Connect to the Console Port” on page 3 for

instructions if needed.
b.Execute the command

ifconfig eth0

Output similar to the following will appear. The line
in bold type face labelled “inet address” lists the IP
address of the KVM:

11.Add Users, Configure Ports, and Add In-band Servers Using the Web Manager

You connect to the Web Manager by entering the IP
address of the KVM in a supported browser. The
“admin” user can administer the KVM through the W eb
Manager.

For more information on the KVM, see the chapters in
the AlterPath KVM Installation, Administration, and
Users’ Guide that are listed below.

• Prerequisites for using the W eb Manager – Chapter 1,
“Introduction”

• How to use the Web Manager to add users and
configure ports – Chapter 4, “Web Manager for
Administrators”

• How to install external modems – Chapter 3,
“Installing KVM/net Plus-related Products and
Components”

• How to access servers and devices that are connected
to the KVM – Chapter 6, “Accessing Connected
Devices”

• How to use the Web Manager to manage power and
to change your user password – Chapter 5, “Web
Manager for Regular Users”

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AlterPath KVM QuickStart Guide

Cyclades Corporation

3541 Gateway Boulevard

Fremont, CA 94538 USA

1.888.CYCLADES (292.5233)

1.510.771.6100

1.510.771.6200 (fax)

http://www.cyclades.com

Part Number: PAC0267

Release Date: June 2005