Dell 2161DS-2, 4161DS User Manual

Dell™ 2161DS-2/4161DS Console Switch

Installer/User’s Guide

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USA Notification

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

Safety and EMC Approvals and Markings

UL, FCC, cUL, ICES, CE, N, GS, IRAM, GOST, VCCI, MIC, C-Tick, PSB

Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.

Trademarks used in this text: Avo cent is a registered trademark of Avocent Corporation. OSC AR is a registered trademark of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates. Dell, Dell OpenManage, and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Red Hat is a registered trademark of Red Hat, Inc.

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-2/4161DS Console Switch July 2005

Contents

Safety Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

1 Product Overview

Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Rack Mounting of Systems. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

LAN Options

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

SIP Intelligent Module

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Multiplatform Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Interoperability with Avocent® AVRIQ Intelligent Cabling . . . . . . . . 9

OSCAR

GUI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Encryption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Operation Modes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

FLASH Upgradeable

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Cascade (Tier) Expansion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

2 Installation

Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Setting Up Your Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Keyboards

Rack Mounting Your Remote Console Switch Unit

To install the 1U four point switch mounting bracket: Installing the Remote Console Switch Unit

Video Optimization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Mouse Acceleration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Connecting a SIP

Adding a Cascade Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Cascading with Legacy Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Adding a PEM (Optional)

Connecting to the Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

. . . . . . . . . . 15

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Contents 3

3 Basic Operations

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Viewing and Selecting Ports and Devices

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Selecting devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Soft Switching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Navigating the OSCAR

Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Configuring OSCAR® Interface Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Changing the Display Behavior Setting Console Security

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Controlling the Status Flag . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Setting the Interface Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Assigning Device Types

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Assigning Device Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Configuring Network Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Displaying Version Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Scanning Your System

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Setting the Preemption Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Displaying Configuration Information

Running System Diagnostics

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Broadcasting to Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

A Appendix A: FLASH Upgrades

B Appendix B: Technical Specifications

C Appendix C: Technical Support

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

4 Contents

Upgrading the 2161DS-2/4161DS Remote Console Switch . . . . . . . . 45

Upgrading the SIP module firmware

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

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: 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 and Dell PowerVault™ storage systems.

This document pertains only to the Dell 2161DS-2/4161DS Console Switch. You should also read and follow the additional safety instructions contained elsewhere:

•The Remote 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.

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.

• 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.

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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 non-Dell rack is utilized, be sure that the rack meets the specifications of a Dell rack.

• 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 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).

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.

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Product Overview

Features and Benefits

The multiuser, Dell™ 2161DS-2/4161DS Remote Console Switch integrates Dell field-proven digital keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) switching technology with advanced cable management, flexible access for up to four simultaneous users, and a patented, next-generation user interface. The Remote Console Switch features user-side USB and PS/2 ports that support major device platforms.

Using powerful on-screen management through the OSCAR Switch’s graphical user interface (GUI), provides easy system configuration and device selection.

SIP Intelligent Module

The Remote Console Switch also provides SIP intelligent module capability. The SIP module with CAT 5 design dramatically reduces cable clutter, while providing optimal resolution and video settings. The built-in memory of the SIP module simplifies configuration by assigning and retaining unique device names and Electronic ID (EID) numbers for each attached device. The SIP module is powered directly from the device and provides Keep Alive functionality even if the Remote Console Switch is not powered.

Both PS/2 and USB SIP modules are available allowing direct KVM connectivity to devices. Each Remote Console Switch has up to 16 Analog Rack Interface (ARI) ports for connecting SIP modules.

Utilizing the SIP module, you can attach additional switches to expand your Remote Console Switch system. This flexibility allows you to add capacity as your data center grows.

interface, the Remote Console

Multiplatform Support

The Dell SIP modules are available for use with the Remote Console Switch support PS/2 and USB device environments. Using the OSCAR allows you to switch easily across platforms.

Interoperability with Avocent® AVRIQ Intelligent Cabling

Avocent AVRIQ intelligent cable may also be used to connect devices to the Remote 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.

GUI in conjunction with these modules

Product Overview 9

OSCAR® GUI

The Remote Console Switch uses the OSCAR® interface, which features intuitive menus to configure your switch system and select computers. Devices can be identified by a name, EID or port number, allowing you to assign unique device names.

Security

The OSCAR® interface allows you to protect your system with a screen saver password. The screen saver mode engages and access is prohibited until the appropriate password is entered to reactivate the system. By typing Help in the password dialog, you are directed to Dell Technical Support.

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Encryption

The Remote Console Switch supports DES, 3DES, and 128-bit SSL encryption of keyboard, video, and mouse sessions.

Operation Modes

The OSCAR® user interface provides convenient operation modes for easy system administration of the Remote Console Switch. These modes (Broadcast, Scan, Switch and Share) allow you to manage your switching activities. Chapter 3, “Basic Operations” on page 25 explains these modes in detail.

Video

The Remote Console Switch provides optimal resolution for analog VGA, SVGA and XGA video. You can achieve resolutions of 1024 x 768, depending on the length of cable separating your switch and servers.

10 Product Overview

Table 1-1. Maximum Resolution Refresh Rate Video Type

720 x 400 @ 70 Hz VGA

640 x 480 @ 60 Hz VGA

640 x 480 @ 72 Hz VESA

640 x 480 @ 75 Hz VESA

800 x 600 @ 56 Hz VESA

800 x 600 @ 60 Hz VESA

800 x 600 @ 70 Hz VESA

800 x 600 @ 75 Hz VESA

1024 x 768 @ 60 Hz VESA

1024 x 768 @ 70 Hz VESA

1024 x 768 @ 75 Hz VESA

FLASH Upgradeable

Upgrade your Remote Console Switch and SIP modules at any time to ensure you are always running the most current firmware version available. Flash Upgrades can be initiated through OSCAR automatic firmware upgrades of SIP modules. See “Appendix A: FLASH Upgrades” on page 45 for more information.

or the Serial Console. The Remote Console Switch can be configured to perform

Cascade (Tier) Expansion

The Remote Console Switch features allow you to cascade additional Dell Console Switches from each of the Analog Rack Interface (ARI) ports on the switch. The cascaded switches are attached in the same manner as any device. This additional tier of units allows you to attach up to 256 servers in one system. See “Adding a Cascade Switch” on page 20.

Product Overview 11

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12 Product Overview

Installation

The Remote 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 device attached to the Remote Console Switch switch system, configure and maintain the system, and prevent unauthorized access to the Remote 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 ( information, see “Basic Operations” on page 25.

The Remote Console Switch 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 or Gigabit may be used, Dell recommends a dedicated, switched 100BaseT network.

OSCAR

). For more

Getting Started

Before installing your Remote Console Switch, refer to the list below to ensure you have all items that shipped with the Remote Console Switch, as well as other items necessary for proper installation.

Supplied with the Remote Console Switch:

• Remote Console Switch unit

• Local country power cord

•OU mounting bracket

• 1U mounting bracket

• 1U mounting bracket hardware kit

•Serial cable

• Remote Console Switch Hardware and OSCAR

• Remote Console Switch Software User's Guide on CD

• Remote Console Switch Installation Instructions

Additional items needed:

• One Server Interface Pod (SIP) or Avocent

• One CAT 5 patch cable per attached device (up to 30 meters)

User's Guide on CD

AVRIQ module per attached device

Installation 13

Optional items:

• Port Expansion Module (PEM)

• Front Access Panel

Setting Up Your Network

The Remote Console Switch system uses IP addresses to uniquely identify the Remote Console Switch units and the computers running Remote Console Switch Software. The Remote Console Switch supports DHCP and static IP addressing. (If you are connecting your remote software to the previous a 2161DS, you will need to use BootP instead of DHCP).

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USB or PS/2 type keyboards may be connected to the Analog Port of the Remote Console Switch.

NOTE: The Remote Console Switch also supports the use of multiple keyboards and multiple mice on the

Analog Port. The use of more than one input device simultaneously, however, may produce unpredictable results.

Rack Mounting Your Remote Console Switch Unit

Obtain a Switch Mounting Bracket Kit (0U or 1U) to rack-mount your Remote Console Switch unit. Before installing the Remote 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: Before installing systems in a rack, install front and side stabilizers on stand-alone racks or

the front stabilizer on racks joined to other racks. Failure to install stabilizers accordingly before installing systems in a rack could cause the rack to tip over, potentially resulting in bodily injury under certain circumstances. Therefore, always install the stabilizer(s) before installing components in the rack.

Keyboards

14 Installation

To install the 0U switch mounting bracket (shipped as default):

1 Line up the holes of the mounting brackets with the screw holes in the switch.

2 Fasten the mounting bracket to the switch using the button head socket cap screws on

each side.

3 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.

4 Press down until the blue push button pops out and clicks.

Figure 2-1. OU Mounting Bracket Installation

To install the 1U four point switch mounting bracket:

1 Remove the screws on each side of the 1U four-point switch and set them aside to attach

to the front 1U bracket pieces later.

2 Line up the vent holes in the “long side” of the kit’s front brackets with the vent holes in

the switch.

3 Line up the screw holes in the bracket with the screw holes in the switch.

4 With a Phillips screwdriver, fasten the front mounting brackets to the switch using two

screws on each side.

5 Attach four cage nuts or clip nuts to the rack mounting flange of the rack cabinet’s front so

that the nut is positioned on the inside of the rack.

Installation 15

6 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. Next, insert the combination hex head screws through the slots in the bracket, then the holes in the mounting rail, and then into the cage nuts or clip nuts.

7 Attach four cage nuts or clip nuts to the rack mounting flange of the rack cabinet back so

that the nut is positioned on the inside of the rack.

8 Slide the rear brackets into the channel of the front brackets adjusting them to fit the rack

depth.

9 Mount the rear bracket 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, ensuring the switch is level within the rack.

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10 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.

Figure 2-2. 1U Installation

Installing the Remote Console Switch Unit

The diagram below illustrates one possible configuration for your Remote Console Switch appliance. Follow the detailed set of procedures following Figure 2-3 to successfully install your Remote Console Switch unit.

16 Installation

Figure 2-3. Basic Remote Console Switch Configuration

Power Cord

Digital User

Network

USB Devices

Server Interface Pod (SIP) or AVRIQ

Analog 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 device is 30 meters.

To install the Remote Console Switch hardware:

NOTE: The default

Connect a terminal or PC running the terminal emulation software to the configuration

OSCAR

User Name is “Admin.” There is no default password.

port on the back panel of the Remote 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 17

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