Dell 2161DS User Manual
Dell™ 2161DS Console Switch
Hardware and OSCAR® User’s
Guide
Model: 2161DS Console Switch
www.dell.com | support.dell.com
Notes, Notices, and Cautions
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make better use of your computer.
NOTICE: A NOTICE indicates either potential damage to hardware or loss of data and tells you how to avoid the
problem.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates a potential for property damage, personal injury, or death.
___________________
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
© 2004 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Avoce nt is a registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation. OSCAR is a registered trademark of Avocent
Corporation or its affiliates. Dell, PowerEdge, Powervault, PowerApp, and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc. Microsoft, Windows,
and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products.
Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
Model: 2161DS Console Switch
July 2004
Contents
1 Product Overview
Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Safety Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2 Installation
Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
SIP Intelligent Cabling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Interoperability with Avocent® AVRIQ Intelligent Cabling . . . . . . . . 9
Access Via Network Connection
Point and Click Control With the Remote Console Switch Software . . . 10
Interoperability with Avocent A1000R/A2000R Switches . . . . . . . . . 11
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
General
Rack Mounting of Systems
LAN Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Verification of Ethernet/Computer Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Setting Up Your Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Rack Mounting Your 2161DS Console Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Installing the 2161DS Console Switch Unit
Video Optimization
Mouse Acceleration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Connecting a SIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Adding a PEM (Optional)
Adding a Cascade Switch (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Connecting to the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Installing Remote Console Switch Software
Adding Servers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
3 Analog Port Operation
Controlling Your System at the Analog Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Viewing and Selecting Ports and Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Contents 3
Selecting Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
OSCAR Navigation Basics
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Configuring OSCAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Assigning Server Names
Assigning Device Types
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Changing the Display Behavior. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Controlling the Status Flag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Setting Console Security
Viewing and Disconnecting Users
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Preemption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Running System Diagnostics
Displaying Version Information
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Resetting a SIP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Resetting Your Keyboard and Mouse
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Scanning Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Broadcasting to Servers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
4 Terminal Operations
Configuring the Terminal Menu. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Network Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Firmware Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Enable Debug Messages
Set/Change Passwords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Restore Factory Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Reset Appliance
Display Diagnostic Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
5 Appendices
4 Contents
Appendix A: Flash Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Upgrading the Dell™ 2161DS Console Switch
Upgrading the SIP
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Upgrading Cascaded Dell 8-port and 16-port Console Switch . . . . . . 67
Appendix B: Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Appendix C: Notifications
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
USA Notification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Canadian Notification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Japanese Approvals
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Taiwanese Approvals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Agency Approvals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Limited Warranty for Dell-Branded Hardware Products (U.S. Only)
. . . . 73
Total Satisfaction Return Policy (U.S. Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Limited Warranty Terms for Dell-Branded Hardware Products (Canada Only) 76
Total Satisfaction Return Policy (Canada Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Dell Software and Peripherals (Canada Only) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
1-Year End-User Manufacturer Guarantee (Latin America and the Caribbean Only)
81
Intel® Warranty Statement for Pentium® and Celeron® Processors Only
(U.S. and Canada Only)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Figures
Figure 1-1. Example 2161DS Console Switch Configuration . . . 12
Figure 1-2. 2161DS Console Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Figure 2-3. OU Mounting Bracket Installation
Figure 2-4. IU Installation
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
. . . . . . . . . 19
Figure 2-5. Basic 2161DS Console Switch Configuration . . . . 21
Figure 2-6. Network Configuration Menu
Figure 2-7. 2161DS Console Switch Configuration With a PEM
Figure 2-8. PEM Rack Installation
Figure 2-9. 2161DS Console Switch With a Cascade Switch
Figure 2-10. 1U Cable Arm - Side View
. . . . . . . . . . . 22
. 25
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
. . 27
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Figure 2-11. 2U Cable Arm - Side View . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Figure 2-12. 1U or 2U Cable Arm - Top View
. . . . . . . . . . . 28
Contents 5
Figure 2-13. Cable Management Arm - Side View . . . . . . . . 28
Figure 2-14. Cable Management Arm - Top View
. . . . . . . . 29
Figure 3-15. Example of Configured Main Dialog Box . . . . . . 32
Figure 3-16. Setup Dialog Box
Figure 3-17. Names Dialog Box
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Figure 3-18. Name Modify Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Figure 3-19. Devices Dialog Box
Figure 3-20. Device Modify Dialog Box
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Figure 3-21. Menu Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Figure 3-22. Flag Dialog Box
Figure 3-23. Position Flag
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Figure 3-24. Security Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Figure 3-25. User Status Dialog Box
Figure 3-26. Disconnect Dialog Box
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Figure 3-27. Preempt Dialog box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Figure 3-28. Diagnostics Dialog Box
Figure 3-29. Suspect SIPs Dialog Box
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
6 Contents
Figure 3-30. Version Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Figure 3-31. Digital Version Dialog Box
Figure 3-32. SIP Selection Dialog Box
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
. . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Figure 3-33. SIP Version Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Figure 3-34. Main Dialog Box
Figure 3-35. Scan Dialog Box
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Figure 3-36. Command Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Figure 3-37. Broadcast Dialog Box
Figure 3-38. Command Dialog Box
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Figure 4-39. Terminal Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Figure 5-40. SIP Status Dialog Box.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Figure 5-41. SIP Load Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Tables
Figure 5-42. Version Dialog Box
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Figure 5-43. SIP Selection Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Figure 5-44. SIP Version Dialog Box
Figure 5-45. SIP Load Dialog Box
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Table 3-1. OSCAR Status Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Table 3-2. Keyboard and Mouse Navigation
Table 3-3. OSCAR Status Flags
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Table 3-4. LAN Connection Test Icons
Table 3-5. Diagnostic Test Details
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Table 5-6. Technical Specifications
. . . . . . . . . . 36
. . . . . . . . . . . . 51
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Contents 7
8 Contents
Product Overview
Features and Benefits
The Dell™ 2161DS Digital Console Switch combines analog and digital technology to provide
flexible, centralized, control of data center servers. This solution delivers a significant reduction in
cable volume, as well as secure digital access, and flexible server management from anywhere at any
time.
The 2161DS Console Switch consists of a rack mountable keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM)
switch, configurable for analog or digital connectivity. Each 2161DS Console Switch has 16 ARI
(Analog Rack Interface) ports, used to connect devices, and operates over standard LAN
connections.
For KVM connectivity and administration, users can remotely access servers across a 10/100BaseT
Ethernet connection, or locally through an analog port on the 2161DS Console Switch. Users
connecting with a SIP can achieve server video resolution of up to 1280x1024 with a cable length
of up to 32 feet (10 meters).
For digital connections between the 2161DS Console Switch and the server, users can achieve
video resolution of up 1280 x 1024 with a cable length of up to 32 feet (10 meters).
SIP Intelligent Cabling
Server Interface Pod (SIP), designed to utilize 10/100 BaseT CAT 5 cabling, dramatically reduces
cable clutter, while providing optimal digital display resolution and video settings. The built-in
memory of the SIP simplifies configuration by assigning and retaining unique server identification
codes for each attached server. This integrated intelligence enhances security and prevents
unauthorized access to a server through cable manipulation. The SIP is powered directly from the
server and provides Keep Alive functionality even if the 2161DS Console Switch unit is not
powered. PS/2 and USB options are available.
1
Interoperability with Avocent® AVRIQ Intelligent Cabling
Avocent AVRIQ intelligent cable may also be used to connect servers to the 2161DS Console
Switch. PS/2, USB, Sun, and serial cabling options are available. Please refer to the Avocent
AutoView 1000R/2000R Installer/User Guide
for more information.
Product Overview 9
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Access Via Network Connection
No special software or drivers are required on the attached computers. Users access the 2161DS
Console Switch unit and all attached systems via Ethernet from a PC running the Remote Console
Switch Software application. This software resides on the user PC only. User PCs can be located
anywhere a valid network connection exists. The 2161DS Console Switch unit can be configured
on a separate network from your data network, allowing access to your servers even if your
applications network is down.
Figure 1-1. Example 2161DS Console Switch Configuration
Point and Click Control With the Remote Console Switch Software
The Remote Console Switch Software is a cross-platform management application that allows you
to view and control the 2161DS Console Switch and all attached servers. The Remote Console
Switch Software provides secure appliance-based authentication, data transfers, and
username/password storage. By utilizing an Explorer-like interface for navigation with an intuitive
split-screen interface, this software provides you with a single point of access for your entire system.
From here, you can manage the 2161DS Console Switch, install a new 2161DS Console Switch
unit or launch a video session to a system server. Multiple servers can be accessed by one user. Each
additional computer's video will appear in a separate program window.
10 Product Overview
Figure 1-2. 2161DS Console Switch
NOTE: You can access up to 256 servers in a fully configured system by connecting a 16-port analog
switch to each ARI port.
Interoperability with Avocent A1000R/A2000R Switches
The Remote Console Switch Software can also be used to view and control Avocent
A1000R/A2000R switches and all attached servers.
NOTE: Dell SIPs may not be used to connect servers to Avocent A1000R/A2000R switches. Use Avocent
AVRIQs for this configuration.
Safety Precautions
Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect your
system and working environment from potential damage.
CAUTION: There is a danger of a new battery exploding if it is incorrectly installed. Replace the battery
only with the same or equivalent type recommended by the manufacturer. Discard used batteries
according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
CAUTION: The power supplies in your system may produce high voltages and energy hazards, which
can cause bodily harm. Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the covers and
access any of the components inside the system. This warning applies to Dell™ PowerEdge™ servers,
Dell PowerVault™ storage systems.
CAUTION: This system may have more than one power supply cable. To reduce the risk of electrical
shock, a trained service technician must disconnect all power supply cables before servicing the
system.
This document pertains only to the Dell 2161DS Console Switch. You should also read and follow
the additional safety instructions contained elsewhere:
•
The
2161 DS Console Switch Installation Guide
included with your rack solution that
describes how to install your system into a rack.
•
The User's Guide which provides information about setting up and operating your rack
mounted server system.
•
The
Avocent AutoView 1000R/2000R Installer/User’s Guide
if applicable.
Product Overview 11
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CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, a trained service technician must disconnect all
power supply cables before servicing the system.
VAROVANI
provádením servisu systému odpojil všechny napájecí kabely.
FORSIGTIG: For at reducere risikoen for elektrisk stød, bør en professionel servicetekniker frakoble alle
strømforsyningskabler, før systemet serviceres.
TÄRKEÄÄ: Sähköiskuvaaran pienentämiseksi ammattitaitoisen huoltohenkilön on irrotettava kaikki
virtajohdot ennen järjestelmän huoltamista.
UWAGA:
wszystkie kable zasilania powinny byc odlaczone przez przeszkolonego technika obslugi.
ADVARSEL! Unngå fare for støt: En erfaren servicetekniker må koble fra alle strømledninger før det
utføres service på systemet.
VAR NI NG: En behörig servicetekniker måste koppla loss alla nätkablar innan service utförs för att minska
risken för elektriska stötar.
ОСТОРОЖНО!
системы все кабели электрического питания должны быть отключены квалифицированным
техническим специалистом.
:
Ke snízení rizika úrazu elektrickým proudem je nutné, aby školený servisní technik pred
Aby zmniejszyc ryzyko porazenia pradem, przed naprawa lub konserwacja systemu
Чтобы избежать поражения электрическим током, перед обслуживанием
General
•
Observe and follow service markings:
•
Do not service any product except as explained in your system documentation.
•
Opening or removing covers that are marked with the triangular symbol with a lightning bolt
may expose you to electrical shock.
•
Components inside these compartments should be serviced only by a trained service
technician.
–
This product contains no serviceable components. Do not attempt to open.
•
If any of the following conditions occur, unplug the product from the electrical outlet and
replace the part or contact your trained service provider:
–
The power cable, extension cable, or plug is damaged.
–
An object has fallen into the product.
–
The product has been exposed to water.
–
The product has been dropped or damaged.
–
The product does not operate correctly when you follow the operating instructions.
•
Keep your system away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling vents.
•
Do not spill food or liquids on your system components, and never operate the product in a
wet environment. If the system gets wet, see the appropriate section in your troubleshooting
guide or contact your trained service provider.
12 Product Overview
•
Use the product only with approved equipment.
•
Allow the product to cool before removing covers or touching internal components.
•
Operate the product only from the type of external power source indicated on the electrical
ratings label. If you are not sure of the type of power source required, consult your service
provider or local power company.
NOTICE: To help avoid damaging your system, be sure the voltage selection switch (if provided) on the
power supply is set for the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location.
Also be sure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate
•
Be sure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the
power available in your location.
•
Use only power cables provided with this product.
•
To help prevent electric shock, plug the system and peripheral power cables into properly
grounded electrical outlets. These cables are equipped with three-prong plugs to help ensure
proper grounding. Do not use adapter plugs or remove the grounding prong from a cable.
•
Observe extension cable and power strip ratings. Make sure that the total ampere rating of all
products plugged into the power strip does not exceed 80 percent of the ampere ratings limit
for the power strip.
•
To help protect your system from sudden, transient increases and decreases in electrical
power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
•
Position system cables and power cables carefully. Route cables so that they cannot be stepped
on or tripped over. Be sure that nothing rests on any cables.
•
Do not modify power cables or plugs. Consult a licensed electrician or your power company
for site modifications. Always follow your local/national wiring rules.
Rack Mounting of Systems
•
Refer to the rack installation documentation accompanying the rack for specific caution
statements and procedures.
•
System rack kits are intended to be installed in a rack by trained service technicians. If a nonDell rack is utilized, be sure that the rack meets the specifications of a Dell rack.
LAN Options
•
Do not connect or use during a lightning storm. There may be a risk of electrical shock from
lightning.
•
Never connect or use in a wet environment.
Product Overview 13
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14 Product Overview
Installation
The Dell™ 2161DS Console Switch requires that the Remote Console Switch Software be installed
prior to use. Remote Console Switch Software allows a user to view and control a server attached to
the 2161DS Console Switch system, configure and maintain the system, and prevent unauthorized
access to the 2161DS Console Switch via IP connection.
NOTE: The analog port does not require the Remote Console Switch Software for operation. The analog
port uses the On-Screen Configuration and Activity Reporting interface (OSCAR®). For more information,
see "Analog Port Operation".
The 2161DS Console Switch system uses Ethernet networking infrastructure and TCP/IP protocol
to transmit keyboard, video, and mouse information between operators and connected computers.
Although 10BaseT Ethernet may be used, Dell recommends a dedicated, switched 100BaseT
network.
CAUTION: Before performing any of the procedures listed in this section, read and follow the Safety
Precautions outlined in the Overview section of this guide.
Getting Started
Before installing your 2161DS Console Switch, refer to the list below to ensure you have all items
that shipped with the 2161DS Console Switch, as well as other items necessary for proper
installation.
Supplied with the 2161DS Console Switch:
• 2161DS Console Switch unit
• Local country power cord
• Rack mounting brackets
•Serial cable
• 2161DS Console Switch Hardware and OSCAR User's Guide on CD
• 2161DS Console Switch Remote Console Switch Software User's Guide on CD
• 2161DS Console Switch Installation Instructions
Additional items needed:
• One Server Interface Pod (SIP) or Avocent® AVRIQ module per attached server
• One CAT 5 patch cable per attached server (up to 10 meters)
Optional items:
2
Installation 15
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• Port Expansion Module (PEM)
• PS/2 Keyboard and Mouse Extension cable
Verification of Ethernet/Computer Connections
The front panel of the 2161DS Console Switch features two LEDs describing the Ethernet
connection. The top LED is the
Link
indicator. It will illuminate when a valid connection to the
network is established and blink when there is activity on the port. The lower LED, labeled
100Mbps, will indicate that you are communicating at the 100Mb rate.
Additionally, there are two LEDs above each port number on the front of your unit: one green and
one amber. The green LED will illuminate when the SIP on that port is powered. The amber LED
will illuminate when that port is selected.
Setting Up Your Network
The 2161DS Console Switch system uses IP addresses to uniquely identify the 2161DS Console
Switch units, Avocent A1000R/A2000R units and the computers running Remote Console Switch
Software. The 2161DS Console Switch supports BootP (Bootstrap Protocol) and static IP
addressing. Dell recommends that IP addresses be reserved for each unit and that they remain
static while the 2161DS Console Switch units are connected to the network.
NOTE: Dell 2161DS Console Switch does not support dynamic IP address assignment or BootP
emulation through DHCP.
Rack Mounting Your 2161DS Console Switch
Obtain a Switch Mounting Bracket Kit (0U or 1U) to rack mount your 2161DS Console Switch
unit. Before installing the 2161DS Console Switch and other components in the rack, stabilize the
rack in a permanent location. Start rack mounting your equipment at the bottom of the rack, then
work to the top. Avoid uneven loading or overloading of racks.
CAUTION: Connect only to the power source specified on the unit. When multiple electrical
To install the 0U switch mounting bracket (shipped as default):
1
2
3
4
16 Installation
components are installed in a rack, ensure the total component power ratings do not exceed circuit
capabilities. Overloaded power sources and extension cords present fire and shock hazards.
Line up the holes of the mounting brackets with the screw holes in the switch.
Fasten the mounting bracket to the switch using the button head socket cap screws on each
side.
Mount the switch assembly to the rack by inserting the three mounting hooks on one side of
the bracket into square holes in the vertical rack.
Press down until the blue push button pops out and clicks.
Figure 2-3. OU Mounting Bracket Installation
To install the 1U switch mounting bracket:
1
Line up the holes in the long side of the kit's side brackets with the screw holes in the switch.
2
Fasten the mounting brackets to the switch using two button head socket cap screws on each
side.
3
Attach the six rack nut/holders to the mounting rail of the rack so that the nut is positioned
on the inside of the rack.
4
Mount the switch assembly to the rack by matching the holes in the “short side” of each
bracket to an appropriate set of matching holes on your equipment rack.
5
Insert the #10-32 Phillips screws through the slots in the bracket and the holes in the
mounting rail, then into the rack/nut holders.
Installation 17
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Figure 2-4. IU Installation
Installing the 2161DS Console Switch Unit
The diagram below illustrates one possible configuration for your 2161DS Console Switch
appliance. Follow the detailed set of procedures following Figure 2-5 to successfully install your
2161DS Console Switch unit.
18 Installation
Figure 2-5. Basic 2161DS Console Switch Configuration
Network
Configuration
Port for updating
firmware
Analog User
Digital User
ARI
Port
Servers 2-16
Server 1
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your equipment do not disable the power
cord grounding plug. The grounding plug is an important safety feature. Plug the power cord into a
grounded (earthed) outlet that is easily accessible at all times. Disconnect the power from the unit by
unplugging the power cord from either the electrical outlet or the unit.
NOTE: If the building has 3-phase AV power, ensure that the computer and monitor are on the same
phase to avoid potential phase-related video and/or keyboard problems.
NOTE: The maximum supported cable length from switch to server is 10 meters.
To install the 2161DS Console Switch hardware:
1
Remove the 2161DS Console Switch unit from the packing material.
2
Connect a terminal or PC running terminal emulation software (such as HyperTerminal) to
the configuration port on the back panel of the 2161DS Console Switch using the supplied
serial cable. The terminal should be set to 9600 baud, 8 bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, and no flow
control.
Installation 19
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3
Plug the supplied power cord into the back of the 2161DS Console Switch unit and then into
an appropriate power source.
4
When the power is switched on, the Power indicator on the front of the unit will blink for 30
seconds while performing a self-test. Approximately 10 seconds after it stops blinking, press
the <Enter> key to access the main menu.
To configure the 2161DS Console Switch hardware:
1
You will see the
Configuration
Figure 2-6. Network Configuration Menu
Terminal Applications
.
menu with seven options. Select option 1,
Network
2
3
4
5
20 Installation
Select option 1 to set your network speed. When possible, you should set your connection
manually without relying on the auto negotiate feature. Once you enter your selection, you
will be returned to the
Network Configuration
menu.
Select option 2 and specify if you are using a static or BootP IP address. Dell recommends
using a static IP address for ease of configuration. If you are using a BootP address, please
configure your BootP server to provide an IP address to the 2161DS Console Switch, skip step
4 and continue to the next procedure.
Select options 3-5 from the
Terminal Applications
menu, in turn, to finish configuring your
2161DS Console Switch for IP address, Netmask, and Default Gateway.
Once this is completed, type Ø to return to the main menu.
Video Optimization
To ensure optimal video quality you will want to configure the 2161DS Console Switch with the
same settings as the network switch. For example, if the 2161DS Console Switch is set to
Negotiate
, then the network switch must be set to
Auto-Negotiate
both speed and duplex. If the
2161DS Console Switch is set to 100MB - full duplex, then the network switch must be set to
100MB - full duplex.
Once you have made these changes, you may need to refresh/flush the Address Resolution Protocol
(ARP) tables in the network before you establish a new connection with the 2161DS Console
Switch, especially if the 2161DS Console Switch has been in use within the hour proceeding these
changes.
To refresh the ARP table, do one of the following:
Wait approximately 10 minutes for the ARP tables to rebuild automatically.
-or-
Clear the ARP table entry in a video session viewer workstation and ping the appliance at its IP
address. This can be done from a DOS window.
a
Ty p e
ARP -d 1.2.3.4
(where 1.2.3.4 is the IP address of the 2161DS Console Switch).
b
Ty p e
PING 1.2.3.4
If the PING is successful, the 2161DS Console Switch is ready for operation.
NOTE: For further information on refreshing the ARP table refer to the Remote Console Switch Software
User’s Guide.
Auto-
Mouse Acceleration
To adjust the mouse acceleration:
NOTE: Dell highly recommends that all Microsoft® Windows® systems attached to the 2161DS Console
Switch use the default Windows PS/2 mouse driver.
Before a server can be connected to the 2161DS Console Switch, an adjustment to mouse
acceleration must be made. Follow the steps listed for each type of system.
For systems running the Windows NT® operating system (using default drivers):
1
From the desktop, select
2
Click the
3
Set the pointer speed to
Motion
will be accessing the NT system through the 2161DS Console Switch.
Start - Settings - Control Panel - Mouse
tab.
Slow
. You will need to set this for any Windows NT user account that
.
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For systems running the Windows® 2000 operating system:
1
From the desktop, select
2
Click the
3
Set the Acceleration setting to
Motion
Start - Settings - Control Panel - Mouse
tab.
None
and the speed setting to the default of
.
50%
.
Connecting a SIP
To connect a SIP to each server:
1
Locate the SIPs for your 2161DS Console Switch unit.
2
Attach the SIP or AVRIQ ends to the appropriate keyboard, monitor, and mouse ports on the
first server you will be connecting to this 2161DS Console Switch unit.
3
Attach one end of the CAT 5 cabling that will run from your SIP to the 2161DS Console
Switch unit to the RJ45 connector on the SIP.
4
Connect the other end of the CAT 5 cable to the desired Analog Rack Interface (ARI) port on
the back of your 2161DS Console Switch unit.
5
Repeat steps 2-4 for all servers you wish to attach.
NOTE: Power down the 2161DS Console Switch unit before servicing. Always disconnect the power
cord from the wall outlet.Power down the 2161DS Console Switch unit before servicing. Always
disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.
NOTE: In addition to Dell SIPs, the 2161DS Console Switch may also be connected to servers using
Avocent AVRIQ, including Sun and Serial AVRIQs.
Adding a PEM (Optional)
A Port Expansion Module (PEM) allows you to expand each ARI port to accommodate up to eight
servers instead of one.
NOTE: The PEM operates passively. Therefore, once a user accesses a server attached to a PEM, any
To add a PEM (optional):
1
2
22 Installation
subsequent users attempting to access any of the servers attached to that PEM will be blocked.
Mount the PEM into your rack. Using up to nine CAT 5 cables, one connects your 2161DS
Console Switch unit to the PEM, and the other eight connect the PEM to the SIP attached to
each server.
Attach one end of the CAT 5 cabling that will run between your PEM and the 2161DS
Console Switch unit to the RJ45 connector slightly separate from the other connectors on the
PEM. Connect the remaining end of the CAT 5 cable to the desired ARI port on the back of
your 2161DS Console Switch unit.
3
Attach the CAT 5 cabling that will run between your PEM and each server’s SIP to one of the
eight RJ45 connectors grouped on the back of the PEM.
4
Connect the other end of the CAT 5 cable to the first of the SIPs.
5
Repeat steps 3-4 for all servers you wish to attach.
Figure 2-7. 2161DS Console Switch Configuration With a PEM
Installation 23
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Figure 2-8. PEM Rack Installation
Adding a Cascade Switch (Optional)
You can add your cascade switches in the 2161DS Console Switch system. Each ARI port will then
accommodate up to 16 servers, increasing the total number of servers you can add to 256.
To add a cascade switch (optional):
NOTE: The 2161DS Console Switch does not support the EL80-DT.
1
Mount the switch into your rack. Locate a CAT 5 cable to connect your 2161DS Console
Switch unit to the SIP for your switch.
2
Attach one end of the CAT 5 cabling to the RJ45 connector on the SIP. Connect the other
end of the CAT 5 cable to the desired port on the back of your 2161DS Console Switch unit.
3
Attach the keyboard, monitor, and mouse connectors of the SIP to a user port on your switch.
4
Connect the servers to your cascaded switch according to the switch manufacturer's
recommendations.
5
Repeat steps 1-4 for all the cascade switches you wish to attach to your 2161DS Console
Switch system.
NOTE: The 2161DS Console Switch supports only 1 switch per ARI port. You cannot tier another switch
NOTE: When cascading with a 2161DS Console Switch, an 8-port or 16-port analog console switch is not
24 Installation
under this first switch.
supported as the primary unit in a cascaded configuration. The 2161DS Console Switch must be the
primary unit.
Figure 2-9. 2161DS Console Switch Configuration With a Cascade Switch
Connecting to the Network
To connect the network and power up your 2161DS Console Switch:
1
Connect your network cable to the LAN port on the rear of the 2161DS Console Switch to
your network.
2
Power up all attached systems.
To connect the analog port monitor and PS/2 keyboard and mouse:
Attach your monitor and PS/2 keyboard and mouse cable connectors to the appropriate ports on
the back of your 2161DS Console Switch unit.
Installation 25
To install a SIP in a 1U or 2U cable management arm:
Route the SIP through the cable management arm. The following series of figures demonstrate the
correct configuration for your cable management arm.
Figure 2-10. 1U Cable Arm - Side View
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Figure 2-11. 2U Cable Arm - Side View
Figure 2-12. 1U or 2U Cable Arm - Top View
Figure 2-13. Cable Management Arm - Side View
26 Installation
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