Dell 2321DS User Manual

Dell™ Remote Console Switch

System User’s Guide

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.
© 2008 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.

2161DS-2/4161DS/2321DS Remote Console Switch

Third Party Software. You acknowledge that the SOFTW ARE PRODUCT may contain or be provided
with copyrighted software of Dell's suppliers as identified in associated documentation or other printed
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suppliers. Y our use of any such Third Party Software shall be subject to and you agree to comply with
the applicable restrictions and other terms and conditions set forth in such documentation or materials
as set forth in any “Third-Party Licenses ReadMe” file or similar file located in the installation directory
for the SOFTWARE PRODUCT.

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not limited to, procurement of substitute goods or services; loss of use, data or profits; or business
interruption) however caused and on any theory of liability, whether in contract, strict liability, or tort
(including negligence or otherwise) arising in any way out of the use of this software , even if advised
of the possibility of such damage.

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

Trademarks used in this text: Avocent and Cyclades are registered trademarks of A vocent Corporation.
OSCAR is a registered trademark of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates. Dell, OpenManage, and the
DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc.; Active Directory, DirectDraw, Internet Explorer, Microsoft,
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590-728-599C/59E-728-599C

October 2008

Model 2161DS-2/4161DS/2321DS Remote Console Switch

Safety and EMC Approvals and Markings

• UL / cUL

• CE - EU

•N (Nemko)

•GOST

•C-Tick

•NOM / NYCE

•MIC (BCC)

•SASO

•TUV-GS

•IRAM

•FCC, ICES,

•VCCI

•SoNCAP

•SABS

•Bellis

•FIS/ Kvalitet

•Koncar

•CKT

•INSM

•Ukrtest

•STZ

Safety certifications and EMC certifications for this product are obtained under
one or more of the following designations: CMN (Certification Model
Number), MPN (Manufacturer’s Part Number) or Sales Level Model
designation. The designation that is referenced in the EMC and/or safety
reports and certificates is printed on the label applied to this product.

Please refer to the

Dell Regulatory Technical Bulletin

included with your Remote

Console Switch for more detailed EMC and EA text.

Contents

Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv

1 Product Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Remote Console Switch Features and Benefits. . . . . . 1

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv

General

Rack Mounting of Systems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi

LAN Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii

SIP Intelligent Module

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Multiplatform Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Interoperability with Avocent® IQ Module Intelligent
Cabling

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

OSCAR Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

On-board Web Interface

DSView® 3 Management Software Plug-in

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

. . . . . 2

Virtual Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Security

Encryption

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Operation Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Video

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

FLASH Upgradeable

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Cascade (Tier) Expansion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

iv Contents

Remote Console Switch Software Features and Benefits 5

Easy to Install and Configure

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Powerful Customization Capabilities . . . . . . . . . 6

Extensive Remote Console Switch Management

IPv4 and IPv6 Capabilities

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

. . 6

LDAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Interoperability with Avocent Products

. . . . . . . 6

2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Remote Console Switch Quick Setup Checklist . . . . . 8

Remote Console Switch Installation and Setup

Getting Started

Setting Up Your Network

Keyboards

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

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

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

Rack Mounting Your Remote Console Switch Unit

Installing the Remote Console Switch Unit

Video Optimization

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

. . . . 10

. . . 11

. . . . . 15

Mouse Acceleration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Connecting a SIP

Adding a Cascade Switch

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Cascading with Legacy Switches . . . . . . . . . 29

Adding a PEM (Optional)

Connecting to the Network

On-board Web Interface Installation and Setup

Supported Browsers

Launching the On-board Web Interface

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

. . . . 32

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

. . . . . . 32

Remote Console Switch Software Installation and Setup

Installing the Remote Console Switch Software

. . 34

33

3 Controlling Your System at the Analog

Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Viewing and Selecting Ports and Devices . . . . . . . 36

Selecting Devices

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

Contents v

Soft Switching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Navigating the OSCAR Interface

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Configuring OSCAR Interface Menus . . . . . . . . . . 41

Changing the Display Behavior

. . . . . . . . . . . 42

Setting Console Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Controlling the Status Flag

Setting the Interface Language

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

. . . . . . . . . . . 48

Assigning Device Types. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Assigning Device Names

Configuring Network Settings

Displaying Version Information

Scanning Your System

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

. . . . . . . . . . . 51

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Setting the Preemption Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Displaying Configuration Information

Running System Diagnostics

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

. . . . . . . . . . 56

Broadcasting to Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Power Controlling Devices

Power window

PDUs window

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

PDU Settings window. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

PDU Inlets window

PDU Outlets window

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

4 Remote Console Switch Software

Basic Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

vi Contents

Launching the Remote Console Switch Software. . . . 65

Navigating the Remote Console Switch Software . . . 65

Viewing Your System in the Explorer

Explorer Window Features

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

. . . . . . . . 66

Adding a Remote Console Switch or Avocent Remote
Console Switch

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Accessing Your Remote Console Switch

Launching the VNC or RDP Viewer

. . . . . . . . 75

. . . . . . . . . . . 77

Changing Server and Switch Properties . . . . . . . . 78

Changing General Properties

. . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Changing Server Network Properties . . . . . . . 80

Changing Switch Network Properties

Changing Information Properties

. . . . . . . 81

. . . . . . . . . . 83

Viewing Server Connections Properties . . . . . . 84

VNC properties

RDP properties

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Accessing a Server via a Browser Window . . . . 89

Changing Server and Switch Options . . . . . . . . . . 89

General options

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

HTTP/HTTPS options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

VNC options

RDP options

Organizing Your System

Modifying Custom Field Names

Creating Folders

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

. . . . . . . . . . 95

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Assigning a Unit to a Site, Location, or Folder . . . 96

Deleting and Renaming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Customizing the Explorer Window

Modifying the Selected View on Startup

Changing the Default Browser

. . . . . . . . . . . 99

. . . . . . 99

. . . . . . . . . . . 100

Contents vii

Managing Your Local Databases . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Saving a Database

Exporting a Database

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Loading a Database. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

5 Using the Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Accessing Servers from the Remote Console Switch
Software

Accessing Servers from the On-board Web Interface 105

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Interacting With the Server Being Viewed

Viewer Window Features

Adjusting the Viewer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

. . . . . . 106

Adjusting the Viewer Resolution . . . . . . . . . 111

Adjusting the Video Quality

. . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Minimizing Remote Video Session Discoloration

Improving Screen Background Color Display . . 114

Setting Mouse Scaling

Minimizing Mouse Trailing

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

. . . . . . . . . . . . 116

Improving Mouse Performance . . . . . . . . . 116

Reducing Mouse Cursor Flickering

. . . . . . . . 117

Viewing Multiple Servers Using the Scan Mode

Scanning Your Servers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

Thumbnail View Status Indicators

Navigating the Thumbnail Viewer

. . . . . . . . 120

. . . . . . . . 121

Using Macros to Send Keystrokes to the Server . 122

Session Options - General Tab

Screen Capturing

Preemption

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124

. . . . . . . . . . 123

Preemption of Remote User by a Remote
Administrator

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

. 114

. 117

viii Contents

Preemption of a Local User/Remote Administrator

by a Remote Administrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

Connection Sharing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126

6 Virtual Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Common Virtual Media Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Configuring Virtual Media Locally

. . . . . . . . . . . 130

Enabling/Disabling Virtual Media Using the
OSCAR Interface

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Setting Virtual Media Options Using the OSCAR

Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Configuring Virtual Media Remotely

. . . . . . . . . . 133

Enabling/Disabling Virtual Media Using the
On-board Web Interface

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Setting Virtual Media Options Using the On-board

Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Launching Virtual Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

Virtual Floppy Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137

Virtual CD/DVD Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138

Virtual Media Connection Status

Reserving a Virtual Media Session

. . . . . . . . . . 138

. . . . . . . . . 139

Resetting the USB Bus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

7 Managing Your Remote Console Switch Using the

On-board Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Migrating Switches from the Remote Console
Switch Software

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Viewing and Configuring Remote Console Switch
Parameters

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141

Changing Remote Console Switch Parameters

Contents ix

. . 141

Setting Up User Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Locking and Unlocking User Accounts

. . . . . . 147

Enabling and Configuring SNMP . . . . . . . . . 148

Enabling Individual SNMP Traps

Viewing and Resynchronizing Server Connections

. . . . . . . . . 150

151

Modifying a Server Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . 152

Viewing and Configuring Tiered Switch
Connections

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153

Viewing the SIPs and Avocent IQ Modules. . . . 154

Viewing Remote Console Switch Version Information 155

SIPs Subcategory

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156

Upgrading Firmware

Controlling User Status

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162

Rebooting Your System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Managing Remote Console Switch Configuration Files

Managing User Databases

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165

164

Installing a Web Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167

Managing PDUs

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168

8 Migrating Your Remote Console Switch 171

Accessing the AMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

Upgrading Firmware Using the AMP . . . . . . . . . 172

Upgrading Remote Console Switch Firmware

Migrating Remote Console Switches to the On-board
Web Interface

Using the Resync Wizard

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175

. . 172

x Contents

9 LDAP Feature for the Remote Console

Switch

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177

The Structure of Active Directory

Domain Controller Computers

Object Classes

Attributes

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 178

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

. . . . . . . . . . . . 177

. . . . . . . . . . . 178

Schema Extensions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179

Standard Schema versus Dell Extended Schema. . . . 180

Standard Installation

Configure the Override Admin Account

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181

. . . . . . . . . 182

Configuring DNS Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

Configuring the Network Time Protocol Settings

Configuring the LDAP Authentication Parameters

. . . . 183

. . . 184

LDAP SSL Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187

Enabling SSL on a Domain Controller

. . . . . . . 187

Login Timeout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192

CA Certificate Information Display . . . . . . . . . . . 192

Configuring Group Objects

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193

Active Directory Object Overview for Standard
Schema

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196

Dell Extended Schema Active Directory Object

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197

Configuring Active Directory with Dell Schema
Extensions to Access Your RCS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 202

Extending the Active Directory Schema (Optional)

202

Contents xi

Installing the Dell Extension to the Active Directory

Users and Computers Snap-In (Optional). . . . . 203

Adding Users and Privileges to Active Directory with
Dell Schema Extensions

Creating a SIP Object

Creating a Privilege Object . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

Using Dell Association Objects Syntax . . . . . . . . 205

Creating an Association Object

Adding Objects to an Association Object. . . . . 206

Console Redirection Access Security. . . . . . . . . 207

Using Active Directory to Log In to the Remote
Console Switch

Target Device Naming Requirements for LDAP
Implementation

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204

. . . . . . . . . . 206

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208

A Appendix A: Updating the Remote Console Switch

Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212

B Appendix B: Remote Console Switch Software

Keyboard and Mouse Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . 213

C Appendix C: TCP Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216

D Appendix D: MIBs and SNMP Traps . . . 217

xii Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

MIB Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218

Enterprise Traps

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231

E Appendix E: FLASH Upgrades . . . . . . . . 247

Upgrading the Remote Console Switch . . . . . . 247

Upgrading the SIP module firmware . . . . . . . . 250

F Appendix F: Technical Specifications. . 253

G Appendix G: Technical Support . . . . . . . 257

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258

Contents xiii

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/2321DS Console
Switch. You should also read and follow the additional safety instructions.

•The

•The

• The appropriate Avocent installer/user guide for your product, if

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

Remote Console Switch Installation Guide

solution that describes how to install your system into a rack.

User’s Guide

operating your rack mounted server system.

applicable. Visit

open.

which provides information about setting up and

avocent.com/manuals

included with your rack

for more information.

xiv

• 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. 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.

xv

• 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.

xvi

• 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.

xvii

1

Product Overview

The multiuser, Dell™ 2161DS-2/4161DS/2321DS 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
Remote Console Switch Software, or on-board web interface provides easy
system configuration and device selection.

Remote Console Switch Features and Benefits

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.

PS/2 and USB SIP modules are available allowing direct KVM connectivity to
devices. A USB2 virtual media SIP is also available. Each Remote Console
Switch has up to 32 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,

Product Overview 1

Multiplatform Support

The Dell SIP modules available for use with the Remote Console Switch
support PS/2, USB and USB2 device environments. Using the OSCAR
interface

in conjunction with these modules allows you to switch easily

across platforms.

®

Interoperability with Avocent® IQ Module Intelligent Cabling

Avocent IQ module intelligent cable may also be used to connect devices to
the Remote Console Switch. PS/2, USB, Sun
available. For more information, please refer to the appropriate Avocent
installer/user guide for your product. Visit avocent.com/manuals for more
information.

®

, and serial cabling options are

OSCAR Interface

You can use the OSCAR interface to manage the Remote Console Switch.
OSCAR 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.

On-board Web Interface

The on-board web interface provides similar management functions as the
Remote Console Switch Software, but does not require a software server or
any installation. The on-board web interface is launched directly from the
switch, and any servers connected to the Remote Console Switch are
automatically detected. You can use the on-board web interface to configure
Remote Console Switches from a web browser. Launch the Viewer from the
on-board web interface to establish KVM and virtual media sessions to target
devices. The on-board web interface also supports LDAP authentication,
which

allows permissions for multiple Remote Console Switches to be managed

through a single interface.

DSView® 3 Management Software Plug-in

The Avocent® DSView 3 management software is a secure, web browser­based, centralized enterprise management solution that allows users to
remotely access, manage, monitor, and control target devices through
managed appliances. A session may be launched to a target device with a
single point of access.

Product Overview 2

You can manage and connect to multi-vendor servers and devices from within
the DSView 3 software. Include your Dell Remote Console Switch in the
DSView 3 software heterogeneous network environment with the DSView 3
software plug-in. Once a Remote Console Switch is added, you can use the
DSView 3 software for fault management, sessions management, firmware
upgrades, and more.

Virtual Media

Virtual media allows you to view, move, or copy data located on virtual media
to and from any server that is connected to the Remote Console Switch.
Manage remote systems more efficiently by allowing operating system
installation, operating system recovery, hard drive recovery or duplication,
BIOS updating, and server backup.

Virtual media can be connected directly to USB ports on the switch or the
server hosting the on-board web interface browser session. You can open a
virtual media session to a server from the Viewer. The Viewer can be opened
from either the on-board web interface or Remote Console Switch software.

NOTE: To open a virtual media session with a server, the server must first be

connected to a Remote Console Switch using a virtual media capable USB2 SIP
module.

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.

Recommended usage for the Remote Console Switch is in a datacenter
infrastructure protected by a firewall.

Encryption

The Remote Console Switch supports 128-bit SSL, as well as AES, DES, and
3DES encryption of keyboard/mouse, video, and virtual media sessions.

3 Product Overview

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, "Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports" on
page 36, 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.

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 the OSCAR interface, on-board web
interface, or the Serial Console. The Remote Console Switch can be
configured to perform automatic firmware upgrades of SIP modules. See
"Appendix E: FLASH Upgrades" on page 247 for more information.

Product Overview 4

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 512 servers in one
system. See "Adding a Cascade Switch" on page 26.

Remote Console Switch Software Features and Benefits

The Dell™ Remote Console Switch Software is a cross-platform management
application that allows you to view and control the Dell Remote Console
Switch and all attached servers. The cross-platform design ensures
compatibility with most popular operating systems and hardware platforms.
The Remote Console Switch Software provides secure switch-based
authentication, data transfers, and username/password storage. Each switch
handles authentication and access control individually for more decentralized
system control.

The Remote Console Switch Software utilizes Explorer-like navigation with
an intuitive split-screen interface, providing you with a single point of access
for your entire system. From here, you can manage your existing switches,
install a new switch, or launch a video session to a system server. Built-in
groupings such as Servers, Sites, and Folders provide an easy way to select the
units to view. Powerful search and sort capabilities allow you to easily find any
unit.

Easy to Install and Configure

The Remote Console Switch Software is designed for easy installation and
operation. Auto-discovery of managed switches enables you to install new
units in minutes. Wizard-based installation and online help simplify initial
system configuration. The intuitive graphical interface makes managing and
updating switches simple and straightforward.

5 Product Overview

Powerful Customization Capabilities

Tailor the Remote Console Switch Software to fit your specific system needs.
Take advantage of built-in groups or create your own. Customize unit and
field names, and icons for maximum flexibility and convenience. Using
names that are meaningful to you makes it easy to quickly find any system
unit.

Extensive Remote Console Switch Management

The Remote Console Switch Software allows you to add and manage multiple
switches in one system. Once a new switch is installed, you can configure
switch parameters, control and preempt user video sessions, and execute
numerous control functions, such as rebooting and upgrading your switch.
The Remote Console Switch Software is designed to be compatible with the
Dell OpenManage™ IT Assistant Event Viewer, allowing system
administrators to consolidate system event reports.

IPv4 and IPv6 Capabilities

The Remote Console Switch is compatible with systems using either of the
currently used Internet Protocol Versions, IPv4 and IPv6. You can change the
network settings and choose either IPv4 or IPv6 mode via the serial port,
OSCAR interface, or on-board web interface.

LDAP

The Dell Remote Console Switch Software allows permissions for multiple
Remote Console Switches to be managed through a single interface rather
than individually on each Remote Console Switch. For increased security and
efficiency, the LDAP feature eliminates the need to update access
permissions in individual Remote Console Switches by drawing permissions
from a single network-wide authentication source.

The Dell Remote Console Switches can authenticate using the standard
Active Directory schema, or the Dell Extended Schema in order to maximize
compatibility with all of your Dell hardware.

Interoperability with Avocent Products

The Remote Console Switch Software can also be used to manage some
Avocent switches allowing increased flexibility in the management of syste

Product Overview 6

ms.

In addition, the Remote Console Switch Software includes support for
Avocent IQ Modules, expanding the range of server types that can be
managed. The addition of support for Avocent IQ modules means that the
following connections are now supported:

• PS/2 modules (Dell and Avocent modules available)

• USB modules (Dell and Avocent modules available)

• Serial modules (Avocent modules available)

• Sun modules (Avocent modules available)

• PS2M modules (Avocent modules available)

NOTE: Dell SIPs are not supported on directly connected Avocent switches.

7 Product Overview

2

Installation

The Remote Console Switch system includes the Remote Console Switch,
the Remote Console Switch Software, and the on-board web interface. You
may choose to use either the Remote Console Switch Software or the on­board web interface to manage your system. The on-board web interface
manages a single Remote Console Switch and its connections, while the
Remote Console Switch Software can manage multiple switches and their
connections.

If you plan to use the on-board web interface, you do not need to install the
Remote Console Switch Software. If you have previously used the Remote
Console Switch Software, you can migrate the database to the on-board web
interface. See "Migrating Remote Console Switches to the On-board Web
Interface" on page 173.

NOTE: The Remote Console Switch Software can be used to manage some

switches. For more information, please refer to the appropriate installer/user Guide
for your product.

NOTE: Please ensure that all your Remote Console Switches have been upgraded to

their most recent version of Firmware. For information on upgrading a Remote
Console Switch through the OBWI, please see "Upgrading Firmware" on page 159.

Remote Console Switch Quick Setup Checklist

To set up the Remote Console Switch (see the "Remote Console Switch
Installation and Setup" on page 10:

1

Adjust mouse acceleration on each server to

2

Install the Remote Console Switch hardware, and connect a Server
Interface Pod (SIP) or Avocent® IQ module to each server or tiered
switch. Connect each SIP or Avocent IQ module to the Remote Console
Switch with CAT 5 cabling and connect the keyboard, monitor, and mouse
connectors to the analog port of the Remote Console Switch.

Slow

or

None

.

Installation 8

3

Connect a terminal to the configuration (serial) port on the back panel of
the Remote Console Switch and set up network configuration (set network
speed and address type). The IP address can be set here or from the
Remote Console Switch Software. Dell recommends using a static IP
address for ease of configuration.

4

Using the local port configuration, input all server names via the OSCAR
interface.

To set up the Remote Console Switch Software (see "Remote Console Switch
Software Installation and Setup" on page 33):

1

Install the Remote Console Switch Software on each client workstation.

2

From one client workstation, launch the Remote Console Switch Software.

3

Click the

New Remote Console Switch

task button to add the new switch
to the Remote Console Switch Software database. If you configured the IP
address as described above, select

address

, otherwise select

No, the product does not have an IP address

Yes, the product already has an IP

.
Remote Console Switch Software will find the Remote Console Switch
and all SIPs attached to it. These names display in the Explorer.

NOTE: In addition to adding and managing Dell Remote Console Switches using the

Remote Console Switch Software, you can also add and manage some Avocent
switches.

4

Set properties and group servers as desired into locations, sites, or folders
through the

5

Create user accounts through the

Explorer.

on-board web interface

. See "Setting Up

User Accounts" on page 143 for more information.

6

Once one client workstation is set up, select

File - Database - Save

to save

a copy of the database with all the settings.

7

From the second client workstation, click
browse to find the file you have saved. Select the file and click

8

If the local user (via OSCAR) adds, deletes, or renames any SIPs after you

File - Database - Load

and

Load

.

have loaded this file, you can resynchronize your local database with
OSCAR by clicking the
clicking the

9

To control an attached server, select it in the Explorer and click the

Connect Video

Resync

task button to launch a server session in the

Manage Remote Console Switch

button under the

Settings - Server

task button and

tab.

Viewer

.

9 Installation

10

Adjust the resolution (select

Tools - Manual Video Adjust

View - Manual Scale

) of the server video in the

) and quality (select

Viewer

.

Remote Console Switch Installation and Setup

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

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

• 0U mounting bracket

• 1U mounting bracket

• 1U mounting bracket hardware kit

•Serial cable

•Cat5 cable

• Remote Console Switch System User's Guide on CD

• Installation Instructions

• Safety booklet

• Regulatory booklet

Additional items needed:

•One Dell SIP or Avocent IQ module per attached device

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

Optional items:

• Front Access Panel

Installation 10

• Port Expansion Module (PEM)

NOTE: A virtual media session cannot be opened to a server that is connected to a

PEM.

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 2161DS, you will need to use BootP instead of DHCP).

Keyboards

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.

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.

11 Installation

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 2161DS-2/4161DS Remote Console Switch 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.

NOTE: The switch vent holes must not be covered by the bracket, which will occur

if installed on the wrong side of 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.

Installation 12

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.

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.

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. 2161DS-2/4161DS Remote Console Switch 1U Mounting Bracket Installation

To install the 2321DS Remote Console Switch mounting bracket:

13 Installation

1

Remove the three truss head screws from the right side of the switch
chassis, and position and attach the right mounting bracket to the right
side of the switch chassis with three of the flat head screws provided.

NOTE: The switch vent holes must not be covered by the bracket, which will occur

if installed on the wrong side of the switch.

2

Repeat the procedure for the left side of the switch chassis.

3

Install a push nut to one end of the cable support rod. Position the
extensions with their slotted mounting flanges facing in opposing
directions.

4

Select a position hole on the lower side of the slide extensions. Slide the
support rod through the selected hole and the hole on the opposite
extension.

5

Install the remaining push nut on the other end of the cable support rod.

6

Slide the extension assembly into the switch chassis/bracket assembly as
shown in the illustration. Be sure to orient the extension assembly so that
the cable support rod is in the lower row of extension holes.

7

Place the complete switch chassis/bracket assembly into a level rack
position and install the appropriate hardware into each of the four bracket
corners (hardware not provided).

Installation 14

Figure 2-3. 2321DS Remote Console Switch Mounting Bracket 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 2-4 to successfully install your Remote Console Switch unit.

15 Installation

Figure 2-4. Basic Remote Console Switch Configuration

4

3

8

2

6

9

7

5

1

Table 2-1. Basic Remote Console Switch Configuration Descriptions

Number Description Number Description

1

2

3

4

5

Power Cord

Analog User

Digital User

Network

USB Devices

6

7

8

9

Servers 2-16

ARI Port

SIP or Avocent IQ Module

Server 1

Installation 16

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 username is “Admin.” There is no default password.

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

the configuration 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.

2 Plug the supplied power cord into the back of the Remote Console

Switch unit and then into an appropriate power source.

3 When the power is switched on, the Power indicator on the rear of the

unit will blink for 30 seconds while performing a self-test. Press the
<Enter> key to access the main menu.

17 Installation

Figure 2-5. Main Menu

To configure the Remote Console Switch hardware:

1 You will see the Main menu with eleven options. Select option 1,

Network Configuration.

Installation 18

Figure 2-6. Network Configuration Menu

2 Select option 1 to set your network speed. Once you enter your

selection, you will be returned to the Network Configuration menu.

3 Select option 2 to open the IP Configuration menu.

4

Type the appropriate number to select one of the following types of IP
addresses:

IPv6 Dynamic

1: None, 2: IPv4 Static, 3: IPv4 Dynamic, 4: IPv6 Static

.

Dell recommends using a static IP address for ease of configuration.

, or 5:

5 Select options 3-5 from the Terminal Applications menu, in turn, to

finish configuring your Remote Console Switch for IP address, Netmask,
and Default Gateway.

6 Once this is completed, type Ø to return to the main menu.

NOTE: Network configuration can also be performed. See "Controlling Your System

at the Analog Ports" on page 36.

To configure the HTTP and HTTPS ports:

1 You will see the Main menu with eleven options. Select option 10, Set

Web Interface Ports to open the Web Interface Port Configuration
Menu.

19 Installation

Figure 2-7. Web Interface Port Configuration Menu

2

Select option 1 to set the port numbers. Type the port numbers you wish
to use for the HTTP port and the HTTPS port.

Figure 2-8. Web Interface Port Configuration Menu - Set Ports Option

3

If the values are correct for your network, type <Y> and press the
<Enter> key.

NOTE: You will need to reboot the Remote Console Switch to use these port

numbers.

Installation 20

NOTE: If you change the port numbers in the Remote Console Switch, you will also

need to change them in the Remote Console Switch Software (see "Adding a
Remote Console Switch or Avocent Remote Console Switch" on page 68 or
"Changing Switch Network Properties" on page 81) or the web interface (see
"Launching the On-board Web Interface" on page 32).

To input and install a web certificate:

1 You wi ll se e t he Main menu with eleven options. Select option 11, Input

Web Server Certificate, to open the Input Web Server Certificate
Menu.

Figure 2-9. Web Server Certificate Input Menu

2

Select option 1,

21 Installation

User Input

.

Figure 2-10. User Input Menu

3

Either press the <Enter> key to accept the default options, or enter the
appropriate text in the following fields:

a

Public Key Length

b

Common Name

: the number of bits you want the certificate to be.

: your name. (Since this is your root certificate, use an

appropriate name such as, "Company_Name Certificate Authority.")

c

Organizational Unit

(optional): organization unit name (marketing,

for example)..

d

Organization Name

: the exact legal unabbreviated name of your

organization.

e

Locality Name

f

State or Province Name

: the city where your organization is located.

: the unabbreviated state or province where

your organization is located.

g

Country Name

h

Email Address

i

Val i di t y Ter m

4

Press the <Enter> key. Wait for the Web Server to restart before

: the two-letter ISO abbreviation for your country.

: the email address for the CA to contact.

: number of days the certificate is valid.

continuing.

To import and install a web certificate:

Installation 22

1 You wi ll se e t he Main menu with eleven options. Select option 11, Input

Web Server Certificate, to open the Input Web Server Certificate
Menu.

2

Select option 2,
(*.pem). Wait for the Web Server to restart before continuing.

To export a web certificate:

1 You wi ll se e t he Main menu with eleven options. Select option 11, Input

Web Server Certificate, to open the Input Web Server Certificate
Menu.

2

Select option 3,
console. The format must be similar to the following text:

"-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE----­MIIDJzCCApCgAwIBAgIBADANBgkqhkiG9w0BAQQFADBxMQswC
QYDVQQGEwJVUzEQ

............. Text removed from example

........................

3omoTQuBURERxg3vrwEzLqCUanQmw5BQJAVC6LT/DP7DNz/xi
pZoI+ZyaTgQEdR0
R0x0yYSaYETpMY53NMAVlCxETVkvkI2F/f+1sn+9Ik7GWBuPp
LbTmYfMoQ==

-----END CERTIFICATE-----

-----BEGIN RSA PRIVATE KEY----­MIICXAIBAAKBgQDI6KTaqoPfZhK7Wdd+Dzx03IVQlBqp+Vslt
n34YMDdpJ8mfqND

............. Text removed from example

........................

b6KA7VfijVhIt3lKcYsCQEhOjqh07hI5OLmSHt3l1krGZTX+A
Cy1dlceZRkJDkyA
HqTleb5fx/i1Hu5ex99qQP9FSOP5fVsmVSRDkk2ites=

-----END RSA PRIVATE KEY-----"

Import Cert

Export Cert,

. Then download a company certificate file

to output the current certificate to the serial

To return to the factory defaults:

1 You wi ll se e t he Main menu with eleven options. Select option 11, Input

Web Server Certificate, to open the Input Web Server Certificate
Menu.

2

Select option 4,
the factory defaults.

23 Installation

Restore Defaults,

to replace the current certificate with

Video Optimization

To ensure optimal video quality, configure the Remote Console Switch with
the same settings as the network switch. For example, if the Remote Console
Switch is set to Auto-Negotiate, then the network switch must be set to Auto-
Negotiate in both speed and duplex. For example, if the Remote 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 Remote Console Switch, especially if the Remote
Console Switch has been in use within the hour preceding 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 Remote Console Switch).

b Ty p e PING 1.2.3.4

If the PING is successful, the Remote Console Switch is ready for operation.

Mouse Acceleration

NOTE: Dell highly recommends that all Microsoft® Windows® systems attached to

the Remote Console Switch use the default Windows

®

PS/2 or USB mouse driver.

If you are experiencing slow mouse response during a remote video session,
deactivate mouse acceleration in the operating system of the target device
and set mouse speed to 50%.

Connecting a SIP

To connect a SIP to each server:

1 Locate the SIPs for your Remote Console Switch unit.

2 If you are using a PS/2 SIP connection, attach the SIP’s color-coded ends

to the appropriate keyboard, monitor, and mouse ports on the first server
you will be connecting to this Remote Console Switch. If you are using a

Installation 24

USB connection, attach the SIP’s plug to the USB port on the first
server you will be connecting to this Remote Console Switch unit
(Figure 2-11).

3 To the RJ-45 connector on the SIP, attach one end of the CAT 5 cabling

that will run from your SIP to the Remote Console Switch unit
(Figure 2-11).

4 Connect the other end of the CAT 5 cable to the desired ARI port on

the back of your Remote Console Switch unit.

5 Repeat steps 2-4 for all servers you wish to attach.

NOTE: Power down the Remote Console Switch unit before servicing. Always

disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.

NOTE: In addition to Dell SIPs, the Remote Console Switch may also be connected

to devices using Avocent IQ modules, including Sun and Serial IQ modules.

25 Installation

Figure 2-11. Connecting a SIP

1

2

3

Table 2-2. Connecting a SIP Descriptions

Number Description

1

2

3

Adding a Cascade Switch

CAT 5

USB Connection

PS/2 Connection

To add a cascade switch (optional):

NOTE: The Remote Console Switch does not support the EL80-DT.

1 Mount the switch into your rack. Locate a CAT 5 cable to connect your

Remote Console Switch unit to the cascade switch (Figure 2-13).

Installation 26

2 Attach one end of the CAT 5 cabling to the ARI port on the Console

Switch.

3 Connect the other end of the CAT 5 cable to the ACI port on the back

of your cascade switch.

4 Connect the devices 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

Remote Console Switch system.

27 Installation

Figure 2-12. Remote Console Switch With a Cat 5 Analog Switch

1

2

3

Table 2-3. Remote Console Switch With

Number Description

1

2

3

NOTE: The Remote Console Switch supports only 1 switch per ARI port. You cannot

cascade another switch under this first switch.

Local User

CAT 5

ACI Port

a Cat 5 Analog Switch Descriptions

Installation 28

NOTE: When cascading with a Remote Console Switch, an 8-port or 16-port analog

console switch is not supported as the primary unit in a cascaded configuration.
The Remote Console Switch must be the primary unit.

Cascading with Legacy Switches

To add a legacy switch (optional):

1 Mount the switch into your rack. Locate a CAT 5 cable to connect your

Remote Console Switch unit to the legacy switch (Figure 2-13).

2 Attach one end of the CAT 5 cabling to the ARI port on the Console

Switch.

3 Connect the other end of the CAT 5 cable to a Dell SIP or Avocent IQ

module.

4 Connect the SIP or IQ module to your legacy switch according to the

switch manufacturer's recommendations.

5 Repeat steps 1-4 for all the legacy switches you wish to attach to your

Remote Console Switch system.

NOTE: The Remote Console Switch supports only 1 switch per ARI port. You cannot

cascade another switch under this first switch.

NOTE: When cascading with a Remote Console Switch, an 8-port or 16-port analog

console switch is not supported as the primary unit. The Remote Console Switch
must be the primary unit.

29 Installation

Figure 2-13. Remote Console Switch Cascading Configuration With Legacy Console
Switches

Adding a PEM (Optional)

A Port Expansion Module (PEM) allows you to expand each ARI port to
accommodate up to eight devices instead of one.

NOTE: The PEM operates passively. Therefore, once a user accesses a device

attached to a PEM, any subsequent users attempting to access any of the devices
attached to that PEM will be blocked.

To add a PEM (optional):

1 Mount the PEM into your rack. Using up to nine CAT 5 cables, one

connects your Remote Console Switch unit to the PEM, and the other
eight connect the PEM to the SIP attached to each device.

Installation 30

2 Attach one end of the CAT 5 cabling that will run between your PEM

Analog User

1

2

3

4

5

and the Remote Console Switch unit to the RJ-45 connector slightly
separated 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 Remote Console Switch unit.

3 To one of the eight RJ-45 connectors grouped on the back of the PEM,

attach the CAT 5 cabling that will run between your PEM and each
device’s SIP.

4 Connect the other end of the CAT 5 cable to the first of the SIPs.

5 Repeat steps 3-4 for all devices you wish to attach.

Figure 2-14. Remote Console Switch Configuration With a PEM

Table 2-4. Remote Console Switch Configuration With a PEM Descriptions

Number Description

1

31 Installation

ARI Port

Table 2-4. Remote Console Switch Configuration With a PEM Descriptions

Number Description

2

3

4

5

CAT 5e

PEM

SIP or Avocent IQ Module

Server

Connecting to the Network

To connect the network and power up your Remote Console Switch:

1 Connect your network cable to the LAN port on the rear of the Remote

Console Switch to your network.

NOTE: If you are using a 2321DS Remote Console Switch, you will have two

redundant LAN ports. If the first LAN port fails, the second one will take over.

2 Power up all attached systems in any order.

3 Attach your monitor and keyboard and mouse cable connectors to the

appropriate ports on the back of your Remote Console Switch unit.

On-board Web Interface Installation and Setup

Once you have installed a new Remote Console Switch, you can use the on­board web interface to configure unit parameters and launch video sessions.

Supported Browsers

The on-board web interface supports the following browsers:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer® version 6.x SP1 or later

• Firefox version 2.0 or later

Launching the On-board Web Interface

To launch the on-board web interface:

1

Open a web browser and type the IP address of the Remote Console
Switch. You can set the IP address of the switch using OSCAR or the serial
port; see "Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports" on page 36 for
more information.

Installation 32

NOTE: If you changed the default HTTP/HTTPS ports in the serial console and are

using an IPv4 address, use this IP address format: "https://<ipaddress>:<port#>",
where "port#" is the number you changed the port number to in the serial console. If
you are using an IPv6 address, use this format: "https://[<ipaddress>]:<port#>",
where "port#" is the number you changed the port number to in the serial console. If
you are using an IPv6 address, you must enclose the address in square brackets.

2

The login window opens. Type your username and password and click OK.

3

The on-board web interface opens and displays the

NOTE: The Remote Console Switch will attempt to detect if Java is already installed

on your PC. If it is not, in order to use the on-board web interface, you will need to
install it. You may also need to associate the JNLP file with Java WebStart.

NOTE: Using the on-board web interface requires using Java Runtime Environment

(JRE) version 1.6.0_2 or higher.

NOTE: Once you have logged in to the on-board web interface, you will not have to

log in again when launching new sessions unless you have logged out or your
session has exceed the inactivity timeout specified by the administrator.

Connections

tab.

Remote Console Switch Software Installation and Setup

Before installing your Dell Remote Console Switch Software, refer to the
following lists to ensure that you have all the items that shipped with your
software as well as all other items necessary for proper installation.

Supplied with the Remote Console Switch Software

Your Dell Remote Console Switch package contains the following items:

• Dell Remote Console Switch System User’s Guide and Remote

Console Switch Software CD

• Download Instructions

• Safety Booklet

Supported Operating Systems

The Remote Console Switch Software is supported on the following
operating systems:

33 Installation

•Windows Server® 2003 Service Pack 1 (Web, Standard, and
Enterprise)

• Windows XP (Professional) Service Pack 2

•Windows Vista

®

Business

• Windows 2008 Server

•Red Hat

•SUSE

®

Enterprise Linux® versions 3, 4 or 5 (WS, ES, and AS)

®

Linux Enterprise Server version 9 or 10

System Hardware Configuration Requirements

The following list contains the hardware configuration requirements for
running the Remote Console Switch Software on the supported operating
systems. Configurations with less than the recommended requirements are
not supported.

• 500 MHz Intel® Pentium® III

• 256 MB of RAM

• 10 or 100BaseT NIC (100 recommended)

• XGA Video with graphics accelerator

• Desktop size must be a minimum of 800 x 600

• Color palette must be a minimum of 65,536 (16-bit) colors

Supported Browsers

The Remote Console Switch Software supports the following browsers:

• Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6.x SPI or later

• Firefox version 2.0 or later

Installing the Remote Console Switch Software

The Remote Console Switch Software can be installed on Windows and
Linux platforms. Follow these instructions to install Remote Console Switch
Software on the desired platform.

To install on Windows:

Installation 34

1

Insert the Remote Console Switch Software CD-ROM into your CD­ROM drive. If AutoPlay is supported and enabled, the setup program will
start automatically.

-or­If your system does not support AutoPlay, set the default drive to your CD­ROM drive letter and execute the following command to start the install
program (replace “drive” with your CD-ROM drive letter):

drive:\WIN32\SETUP.EXE.

2

Follow the on-screen instructions.

To install on Linux:

1

Insert the Remote Console Switch Software CD-ROM into your CD­ROM drive.

2

If AutoMount is supported and enabled, proceed to step 3.

-or­If your system does not support AutoMount:

Mount the CD-ROM volume by executing the following command:

mount -t iso9660 -ro mode=0555 <device> <mount point>

Replace “device” with the name of the CD-ROM on your machine and
mount point with the name of the desired mount point. For example, to
mount a CD-ROM which is the second IDE unit on /mnt, execute the
command:

mount -t iso9660 -ro mode=0555 /dev/hdb /mnt

3

At the command-line, execute the following command to change the
working directory to the mount point:

cd /mnt

4

Execute the following command to start the install program:

sh ./linux/setup.bin

5 Follow the on-screen instructions.

35 Installation

3

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

The Remote Console Switch features user-side keyboard and mouse ports
that allow you to connect a USB or PS/2 keyboard and mouse for direct analog
access. The Remote Console Switch uses the powerful OSCAR interface,
which uses intuitive menus to configure your system and select computers.

Viewing and Selecting Ports and Devices

Use the OSCAR Main dialog box to view, configure, and control devices in
the Remote Console Switch system. View your devices by name, port, or by
the unique Electronic ID number (EID) embedded in each SIP module.

The Port column indicates the ARI port to which a device is connected. If you
cascade a switch from the main Remote Console Switch, creating another
tier, the port numbering displays the ARI port first, then the switch port to
which the device is connected. For example, in Figure 3-1, devices 06-01, 06­02, 06-03, and 06-04 are connected to switches. The port numbering displays
the ARI port first, then the switch port to which the device is connected. If
you cascade a switch from a Port Expansion Module (PEM), you will also see
multiple devices that show up on a single port.

To access the Main dialog box:

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The Main dialog box
displays.

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 36

Figure 3-1. Example of a Main Dialog Box

NOTE: You can also press the <Control>, <Alt>, or <Shift> keys twice within one

second to launch the
place you see <Print Screen> throughout this chapter.

OSCAR

interface. You can use this key sequence in any

Viewing the Status of Your Switch

The status of the devices in your system is indicated in the right columns of
the Main dialog box. Table 3-1 describes the status symbols.

Table 3-1. OSCAR Interface Status Symbols

Symbol Description

SIP is online.

SIP is offline or is not operating properly.

Connected switch is online.

Connected switch is offline or is not operating properly.

SIP is unavailable.

(green letter) Indicates which user channel is currently
connected to a SIP.

37 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

Table 3-1. OSCAR Interface Status Symbols

Symbol Description

(black letter) Indicates a blocked path. For instance, in
Figure 3-1, user C is viewing Forester, but is blocking access to
Acton, Barrett, and Edie, which are connected to the same
ARI port.

(blue letter) Indicates a virtual media connection.

Selecting Devices

Use the Main dialog box to select devices. When you select a device, the
appliance reconfigures the keyboard and mouse to the proper settings for that
device.

To select devices:

Double-click the device name, EID, or port number.

-or­If the display order of your device list is by port (Port
type the port number and press <Enter>.

-or­If the display order of your device list is by name or EID number (Name

EID

button is depressed), type the first few characters of the name of the

device or the EID number to establish it as unique and press <Enter>.

button is depressed),

or

NOTE: You can connect to the selected device by pressing <Enter>.

To select the previous device:

Press <Print Screen>

and then <Backspace>. This key combination toggles

between the previous and current connections.

To disconnect the user from a device:

Press <Print Screen> and then <Alt+0> or click Disconnect in the OSCAR
interface. This leaves the user in a free state, with no device selected. The
status flag on your desktop displays Free.

Soft Switching

Soft switching is the ability to switch devices using a hot key sequence. You
can soft switch to a device by pressing <Print Screen> and then typing the

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 38

first few characters of its name or number. If you have set a Screen Delay
Time and you press the key sequences before that time has elapsed, the
OSCAR interface will not display.

To set a screen delay time:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The
box appears.

2

Click

Setup - Menu. The

3

For

Screen Delay Time

before the

4

Click OK.

To soft switch to a device:

1

To select a device, press <Print Screen>. If the display order of your device
list is by port (
<Enter>.

-or­If the display order of your device list is by name or EID number (

EID button is depressed), type the first few characters of the name of the

device or the EID number to establish it as unique and press <Enter>.

2

To switch back to the previous device, press <Print Screen> then
<Backspace>.

Main

dialog box is displayed after you press <Print Screen>.

Port button is depressed), type the port number and press

Menu

dialog box displays.

, type the number of seconds of delay desired

Main

dialog

Name or

Navigating the OSCAR Interface

Table 3-2 describes how to navigate the OSCAR interface using the keyboard
and mouse.

NOTE: You can also press the <Control>, <Alt>, or <Shift> keys twice within one

second to launch the OSCAR interface. You can use this key sequence in any
place you see <Print Screen> throughout this chapter.

39 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

Table 3-2. OSCAR Interface Navigation Basics

This Keystroke Does This

<Print Screen>,
Ctrl-Ctrl, Shift­Shift and/or Alt­Alt

<Print Screen> Press <Print Screen> twice to send the <Print Screen>

F1 Opens the Help screen for the current dialog box.

Escape Closes the current dialog box without saving changes and returns

OSCAR activation sequence. By default, <Print Screen> and

Ctrl-Ctrl are set as the OSCAR activation options. Shift-Shift
and Alt-Alt must be set within OSCAR before use.

keystroke to the currently selected device.

to the previous one. In the Main dialog box, it closes the

OSCAR interface and returns to the status flag. In a message

box, it closes the pop-up box and returns to the current dialog
box.

Alt+Hotkey Opens dialog boxes, selects or checks options, and executes

actions when used with underlined letters.

Alt+X Closes the current dialog box and returns to the previous one.

Alt+O Selects the OK button, then returns to the previous dialog box.

Click, Enter In a text box, selects the text for editing and enables the left-and

right-arrow keys to move the cursor. Press <Enter> to select the
entire field contents.

Enter Completes a switch in the Main dialog box and exits the

OSCAR interface.

<Print Screen>,
Backspace

<Print Screen>,
Alt+0

<Print Screen>,
Pau se

Up/Down Arrows Moves the cursor from line to line in lists.

Right/Left Arrows Moves the cursor within the column when editing a text box.

Toggles back to previous selection.

Immediately disengages a user from a server; no server is
selected. Status flag displays Free. (This only applies to the 0
on the keyboard and not the keypad.)

Immediately turns on screen saver mode and prevents access to
that specific console, if it is password protected.

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 40

Table 3-2. OSCAR Interface Navigation Basics (continued)

This Keystroke Does This

Pag e Up/Page
Down

Home/End Moves the cursor to the top or bottom of a list.

Delete Deletes current selection in the scan list or characters in a text

Numbers Type from the keyboard or keypad.

Pages up and down through Name and Port lists and Help pages.

box.

Configuring OSCAR Interface Menus

You can configure your Remote Console Switch from the Setup menu within
the OSCAR interface. Select the Names button when initially setting up your
appliance to identify devices by unique names. Select the other setup features
to manage routine tasks for your devices from the OSCAR interface menu.
See Table 3-3.

Table 3-3. Setup Features to Manage Routine Tasks for Your devices

Feature Purpose

Menu Change the device listing between numerically by port or EID

number and alphabetically by name. Change the Screen Delay
Time before the
<Print Screen>.

Security Set passwords to restrict device access. Enable the screen saver.

Flag Change display, timing, color, or location of the status flag.

Language Choose the language display.

Devices Identify the appropriate number of ports on an attached

cascaded switch.

Names Identify devices by unique names.

Keyboard Choose your keyboard country code.

Broadcast Set up to simultaneously control multiple devices through

keyboard and
mouse actions.

OSCAR interface displays after pressing

41 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

Table 3-3. Setup Features to Manage Routine Tasks for Your devices (continued)

Feature Purpose

Scan Set up a custom scan pattern for up to 100 devices.

Switch Choose the switch mode and the share mode time-out.

Network Choose your network speed, transmission mode, and

configuration.

VMedia Set the behavior of the appliance during a virtual media session.

PDUs (For 2321DS
Remote Console
Switch only.)

View which PDUs are connected to your system.

To access the Setup menu:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The

Main

dialog

box appears.

2

Click

Setup

. The

Setup

dialog box displays.

Figure 3-2. Setup Dialog Box

Changing the Display Behavior

Use the Menu dialog box to change the display order of devices, set a Screen
Delay Time for the OSCAR interface, and change the OSCAR launch

sequence. The display order setting alters how devices display in several
screens including the Main, Devices, and Broadcast dialog boxes.

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 42

To access the Menu dialog box:

1

Click

Setup - Menu

in the

Main

dialog box. The

Menu

dialog box

displays.

Figure 3-3. Menu Dialog Box

2

<Print Screen>,

Ctrl-Ctrl, Alt-Alt,

and

Shift-Shift

are selectable to
launch the OSCAR interface. One or all of the above keyboard
combinations can be selected at a time. If only one keyboard combination
is selected, it cannot be de-selected until a second one is chosen.

To choose the default display order of devices:

1

Select

Name

to display devices alphabetically by name.
or
Select

EID

to display devices numerically by EID number.
or
Select

Port to display devices numerically by port number.

2

Click OK.

To set a Screen Delay Time for the OSCAR interface:

1

Type in the number of seconds (0 to 9) to delay the OSCAR interface display
after you press <Print Screen>. Enter

0

to launch the OSCAR interface

without delay.

2

Click OK.

43 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

By setting a Screen Delay Time, you can complete a soft switch without
displaying the OSCAR interface. To perform a soft switch, see "Soft
Switching" on page 38 in this chapter.

Setting Console Security

The OSCAR interface enables you to set security on your analog port console.
You can establish a screen saver mode that engages after your console remains
unused for a specified Inactivity Time. After it is engaged, your console
remains locked until you press any key or move the mouse. You must type in
your password to continue.

Use the Security dialog box to lock your console with password protection, set
or change your password, and enable the screen saver.

To access the Security dialog box:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The
box appears.

2

Click

Setup - Security

Figure 3-4. Security Dialog Box

. The

Security

dialog box displays.

Main

dialog

NOTE: If the New and Repeat fields contain six asterisks, a password has already

been established.

To set or change the password:

NOTE: If you lose or forget your password, please contact Dell Technical Support.

See Appendix G: Technical Support for contact information.

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 44

1

Click in the

2

Type the new password in the

New

text box.

New

text box. Passwords must contain both
alpha and numeric characters, are case sensitive, and may be up to 12
characters long. Legal characters are: A to Z, a to z, 0 to 9, and hyphen.

3

In the

Repeat

box, type the password again.

4

Click OK to change only your password, and then close the dialog box.

To password protect your console:

1

Set your password as described in the previous procedure.

2

Select

Enable Screen Saver

3

Type the number of minutes for

.

Inactivity Time

(from 1 to 99) to delay

activation of password protection and the screen saver feature.

4

For Mode, sel ect
otherwise select

CAUTION: Monitor damage can result from the use of Energy mode with monitors

not compliant with Energy Star®.

5

(Optional) Click
seconds then returns you to the

6

Click OK.

Energy

Screen

if your monitor is E

.

NERGY STAR

Te st to activate the screen saver test, which lasts 10

Security

dialog box.

®

compliant;

To log in to your console:

1

Press any key or move the mouse.

2

The

Password

3

The

Main

dialog box displays. Type your password, then click OK.

dialog box displays if the password was entered properly.

To remove password protection from your console:

1

From the

2

In the

Main

Security

dialog box, click

Setup - Security

dialog box, click in the

.

New

box. Leave the box blank. Press

<Enter>.

3

Click in the

4

Click OK to eliminate your password.

Repeat

box. Leave the box blank.

To enable the screen saver mode with no password protection:

45 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

1

If your console does not require a password to gain access to the

Security

dialog box, proceed to step 2.
or
If your console is password protected, see the previous procedure, then go
to step 2.

2

Select

Enable Screen Saver

3

Type the number of minutes for Inactivity Time (from 1 to 99) to delay

.

activation of the
screen saver.

4

Choose
select

CAUTION: Monitor damage can result from the use of Energy mode with monitors

not compliant with Energy Star®.

5

(Optional) Click
seconds then returns you to the

6

Click OK.

NOTE: Activation of the screen saver mode disconnects the user from a device; no

device is selected. The status flag displays the status “Free.”

Energy

Screen

if your monitor is E

.

Te st

to activate the screen saver test, which lasts 10

NERGY STAR

Security

dialog box.

®

compliant; otherwise

To exit the screen saver mode:

Press any key or move your mouse. The Main dialog box displays and any
previous device connection is restored after the password is validated by the
appliance.

To turn off the screen saver:

1

In the

2

Click OK.

Security

dialog box, clear

Enable Screen Saver

.

To immediately turn on the screen saver:

Press <Print Screen>, then press <Pause>.

Controlling the Status Flag

The status flag displays on your desktop and shows the name or EID number
of the selected device or the status of the selected port. Use the Flag dialog
box to configure the status flag to display by device name or EID number, or
to change the status flag color, opacity, display time, and location on the
desktop.

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 46

To access the Flag dialog box:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The
box appears.

2

Click

Setup - Flag

Figure 3-5. Flag Dialog Box

. The

Flag

dialog box displays.

To determine how the status flag is displayed:

1

Select

Name or

2

Select

Displayed to show the status flag.

3

(Optional) Select

EID to determine what information will be displayed.

Timed

to display the status flag for only five seconds

after switching.

4

Select a status flag color in

5

In

Display Mode

, select

Display Color

.

Opaque for a solid color status flag or select

Transparent to see the desktop through the status flag.

6

To position the status flag on the desktop:

a

Click

Set Position

b

Click on the title bar and drag to the desired location.

to gain access to the

Set Position Flag

-or­Use the left and right arrows to nudge the status flag to the desired
location and press <Enter>.

c

Right-click to return to the

Flag

dialog box.

Main

screen.

dialog

47 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

NOTE: Changes made to the status flag position are not saved until you click OK in

the Flag dialog box.

7

Click OK to save settings.
or
Click

X

to exit without saving changes.

Setting the Interface Language

You can change the OSCAR interface to any one of 4 supported languages by
selecting your chosen language in the Language dialog box.

To change the OSCAR interface language:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The
box appears.

2

Click

Setup - Language

Figure 3-6. Language Dialog Box

. The

Language

dialog box displays.

Main

dialog

3

Click to select the language you want the OSCAR interface to appear in.

4

Click

OK

to accept the change you have made and return to the

dialog box. The

Setup

dialog box displays in the language you have

Setup

selected.

Assigning Device Types

The Remote Console Switch automatically discovers cascaded KVM
switches, but you need to specify the number of ports on the cascaded switch
through the Devices dialog box. An Sw-8 or Sw-24 in the Ty p e category for

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 48

the cascaded switch is visible on screen. When you select from the list, the
Modify button is enabled, allowing you to assign it the appropriate number of
ports.

NOTE: The Modify button is available only if a configurable switch is selected.

To access the Server dialog box:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The

Main

dialog

box appears.

2

Click

Setup - Devices. The

Figure 3-7. Devices Dialog Box

Devices

dialog box displays.

When the Remote Console Switch discovers a cascaded switch, the port
numbering changes to accommodate each device under that switch. For
example, if the switch is connected to ARI port 6, the switch port is listed as
06 and each device under it is numbered sequentially 06-01, 06-02 and so on.

NOTE: Changes made in the Device Modify dialog box are not saved until you click

OK in the Devices dialog box.

To assign a device type:

1

In the

2

Click

Devices

Modify

dialog box, select the desired port number.

. The

Device Modify

dialog box displays.

49 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

Figure 3-8. Device Modify Dialog Box

3

Choose or enter the number of ports supported by your cascaded switch
and click

4

Repeat steps 1 to 3 for each port requiring a device type to be assigned.

5

Click OK in the

OK

.

Devices

dialog box to save settings.

Assigning Device Names

Use the Names dialog box to identify individual devices by name rather than
by port number. The Names list is always sorted by port order. Names are stored
in the SIP module, so even if you move the SIP/server to another ARI port, the
name and configuration is recognized by the switch.

NOTE: If a device is turned off, the respective SIP module does not appear in the

Names list.

To access the Names dialog box:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The

Main

box appears.

2

Click

Setup - Names. The

NOTE: If the server list changes, the mouse cursor turns into an hourglass as the

list is automatically updated. No mouse or keyboard input is accepted until the list
update is complete.

NOTE: If a SIP module is not assigned a name, the EID is used as the default name.

Names

dialog box displays.

To assign names to devices:

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 50

dialog

1

In the

Names

dialog box, select a device name or port number and click

Modify

2

Type a name in the
characters long. Legal characters include: A to Z, a to z, 0 to 9, space and
hyphen.

3

Click
selection is not saved until you click

4

Repeat steps 1 to 3 for each device in the system.

5

Click OK
or
Click

. The

Name Modify

New Name

OK to transfer the new name to the

in the

Names

X or press <Escape> to close the dialog box without saving changes.

dialog box displays.

box. Names of devices may be up to 15

Names

dialog box. Your

OK in the

dialog box to save your changes.

Names

dialog box.

Configuring Network Settings

You can change the network settings for your Remote Console Switch via the
serial port or from the Network dialog box.

From the Network dialog box, you can choose either IPv4 (default) or IPv6
mode. You will be able to change the following network settings: IP Address,
Netmask (when using IPv4 mode) or Prefix Length (when using IPv6 mode),
and Gateway. You will also be able to choose a Network Speed, a
Transmission Mode, and whether to assign a Static (default) IP address or,
when appropriate, a Dynamic IP address to the Remote Console Switch.

51 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

Figure 3-9. Network (IPv4 Mode) Dialog Box

Figure 3-10. Network (IPv6 Mode) Dialog Box

Once you have made changes to the network settings, click OK. The Remote
Console Switch will reboot.

Configuring Virtual Media Settings

For how to configure virtual media settings, see "Virtual Media" on page 129.

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 52

Displaying Version Information

The OSCAR interface enables you to display the versions of the Remote
Console Switch and the SIP module firmware. For optimum performance,
keep your firmware current. For more information, see "Appendix E: FLASH
Upgrades" on page 247.

To display version information:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The
box appears.

2

Click

Commands - Display Versions

top half of the box lists the subsystem versions in the appliance.

Figure 3-11. Version Dialog Box

.

The

Ve rs io n

dialog box displays. The

Main

dialog

3

Click the
information.The SIP

4

Select a SIP module to view and click the
dialog box displays.

5

Click X to close the

SIP

button to view individual SIP module version

Select

dialog box displays.

Ver si on button. The

SIP Version

dialog box.

SIP Version

Scanning Your System

In scan mode, the appliance automatically scans from port to port (device to
device). You can scan up to 100 devices, specifying which devices to scan, and
the number of seconds that each device displays. The scanning order is

53 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

determined by placement of the device in the list. The list is always shown in
scanning order. You can, however, choose to display the device name or EID
number by pressing the appropriate button.

To add devices to the scan list:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The

Main

dialog

box appears.

2

Click

Setup - Scan

Figure 3-12. Scan Dialog Box

3

The dialog box contains a list of all devices attached to your appliance.

. The

Scan

dialog box displays.

Click the checkbox next to the devices you wish to scan.
or
Double-click on a device name or port.
or
Press <Alt> and the number of the device you wish to scan. You can select
up to 16 devices from the entire list.

4

In the

Time

box, type the number of seconds (from 3 to 99) of desired

time before the scan moves to the next device in the sequence.

5

Click OK.

To remove a device from the scan list:

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 54

1

In the

Scan

dialog box, select the device to be removed.
or
Double-click on the device name or port.
or
Click the

2

Click OK.

To start the scan mode:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The
box appears.

2

Click

3

Select

4

Click X to close the

NOTE: If the Add/Remove button is clicked when a device is highlighted, the check

box corresponding to the highlighted device toggles state.

To ca nce l sc an m ode :

1

Select a device if the OSCAR interface is open.
or
Move the mouse or press any key on the keyboard if the OSCAR interface
is not open. Scanning stops at the currently selected device.
or
Press <Print Screen>. The

2

Click

3

Clear

Clear button to remove all devices from the scan list.

Commands

Scan Enable

Commands

Scan Enable

. The

Commands

in the

Commands

. The

Commands

.

dialog box displays.

Commands

Main

dialog box.

dialog box.

dialog box will appear.

dialog box displays.

Main

dialog

Setting the Preemption Warning

Administrators and users with equal or higher access rights than current user
can preempt (disconnect) KVM sessions and take control of the target device.
You can choose whether or not to warn the first user that the session will be
preempted and specify how long the appliance will wait for the first user to
respond to the warning.

To view or change the preemption warning settings, complete the following
steps:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The
box appears.

55 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

Main

dialog

2

Click

Setup > Preempt

3

Enter a number of seconds in the

• If you enter a value of 0 to 4 seconds, the first user will not be warned
before the session is preempted.

• If you enter a value of 5 to 120 seconds, the first user will be warned
and will be allowed to continue using the target device for up to the
amount of time in the
preempted when the user clicks
elapses.

Figure 3-13. Preempt Dialog Box

4

Click

OK

to save the settings.

.

Timeout Seconds

Timeout Seconds

OK

field.

field. The session will be

, or when the specified time

Displaying Configuration Information

You can view the configuration of your Remote Console Switch from the
Configuration dialog box. This dialog box provides you with quick access to
the settings you have entered and allows you to add additional features by
clicking the License Key button and typing the license key for any additional
features.

NOTE: If there are no features that require a license in the firmware, the button is

grayed out.

To view system configuration:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The
box appears.

2

Click

Configuration

. The

Configuration

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 56

dialog box is displayed.

Main

dialog

3

Click

License Key

to close the

to add a license key and enable a new feature or click

Configuration

dialog box and return to the

Setup

X

dialog box.

Running System Diagnostics

You can validate the integrity of your system through the Run Diagnostics
command. This command checks the main board functional subsystems
(memory, communications, switch control, and the video channels) for each
system controller. When you select the Run Diagnostics option, you receive a
warning indicating that all users (remote and local) will be disconnected.
Click OK to confirm and begin the test.

The Diagnostics dialog box displays. The top section of the dialog box
displays the hardware tests. The bottom portion divides the tested SIP
modules into three categories: On-line, Offline, or Suspect.

NOTE: A SIP module may appear to be offline while it is being upgraded.

Figure 3-14. Diagnostics Dialog Box

As each test is finished, a pass (green circle) or fail (red x) symbol displays to
the left of each item as that test finishes. The following table details each of
the tests.

Table 3-4. Diagnostic Test Details

Test Description

Firmware CRCs Reports on the condition of the switch firmware file

57 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

Table 3-4. Diagnostic Test Details

Test Description

Remote User Video Reports on whether a digital video channels are installed but

not working

LAN Connection Indicates whether LAN connection is active and whether

traffic has been seen since the last run of diagnostics.

On-line SIP modules Indicates the total number of currently connected and

powered SIP modules

Offline SIP modules Indicates the number of SIP modules that were connected

successfully in the past and are turned off

Suspect SIP modules Indicates the number of SIP modules that were detected, but

are either unavailable for connection or dropped packets
during the ping tests

To run diagnostic tests:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The

Main

dialog

box appears.

2

Click

Commands - Run Diagnostics

. A warning message displays

indicating that all users will be disconnected.

3

Click

OK to begin diagnostics.

or
Click

X

or press <Escape> to exit the dialog box without running a

diagnostic test.

4

All users are disconnected and the

5

As each test is finished, a pass (green circle) or fail (red x) symbol displays.

Diagnostics

dialog box displays.

The test is complete when the last test’s symbol displays.

Broadcasting to Servers

The analog user can simultaneously control more than one server in a system
to ensure that all selected servers receive identical input. You can choose to
broadcast keystrokes and/or mouse movements independently.

NOTE: You can broadcast up to 16 devices at a time, one device per ARI port.

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 58

NOTE: Broadcasting Keystrokes - The keyboard state must be identical for all

devices receiving a broadcast to interpret keystrokes identically. Specifically, the
<Caps Lock> and <Num Lock> modes must be the same on all keyboards. While the
appliance attempts to send keystrokes to the selected devices simultaneously,
some devices may inhibit and thereby delay the transmission.

NOTE: Broadcasting Mouse Movements - For the mouse to work accurately, all

systems must have identical mouse drivers, desktops (such as identically placed
icons), and video resolutions. In addition, the mouse must be in exactly the same
place on all screens. Because these conditions are extremely difficult to achieve,
broadcasting mouse activity to multiple systems may have unpredictable results.

To access the Broadcast dialog box:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The

Main

box appears.

2

Click

Setup - Broadcast

Figure 3-15. Broadcast Dialog Box

. The

Broadcast

dialog box displays.

dialog

To broadcast to selected devices:

1

From the

Broadcast

dialog box, select the mouse and/or keyboard
checkboxes for the devices that are to receive the broadcast commands.
or
Press the

up-arrow

or

down-arrow

keys to move the cursor to the target

device. Then press <Alt+K> to select the keyboard checkbox and/or

<

Alt+M> to select the mouse checkbox. Repeat for additional devices.

59 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

2

Click OK
or press <Escape>

3

Click

4

Click the

Broadcast Enable Confirm/Deny

5

Click OK
and return to the

6

If broadcasting is enabled, type the information and/or perform the mouse

to save the settings and return to the

Commands

to return to the

. The

Commands

Main

dialog box displays.

Setup

dialog box.

dialog box. Click X

Broadcast Enable checkbox to activate broadcasting. The

dialog box displays.

to enable the broadcast. Click X or press <Escape> to cancel

Commands

dialog box.

movements that you would like to broadcast from the user station. Only
devices in the list are accessible.

NOTE: Any other user is disabled when broadcast mode is enabled.

To turn broadcasting off:

From the Commands dialog box, clear the Broadcast Enable checkbox.

Power Controlling Devices

You can control supported PDUs through the OSCAR interface.

NOTE: This feature is only available on the 2321DS Remote Console Switch.

Power window

Through the Power window, you can view which outlets control which devices
and whether the outlet is on or off. You can also turn on, turn off or cycle
power to a selected device. The status of each outlet is indicated by one or
more status symbols in the right column. The following table describes the
status symbols.

Table 3-5. Power Window Status Symbols

Symbol Description

Outlet is on.

Outlet is off.

Outlet is waiting to go on.

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 60

Symbol Description

Outlet is waiting to go off.

To turn on, turn off or cycle power to a device:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The

Main

dialog

box appears.

2

Click

Commands - Power.

3

Select the device you wish to control.

NOTE:

Multiple devices may be selected.

4

Click On,

Off

, or

Cycle

, as appropriate.

PDUs window

Through the PDUs window, you can view which PDUs are connected to your
system. The status of each PDU is indicated by one or more status symbol in
the right column. The following table describes the status symbols.

Table 3-6. PDUs Window Status Symbols

Symbol Description

Outlet is online.

Outlet is offline.

Outlet is overloaded.

To view connected PDUs:

Open the PDUs window. The window contains a listing of all PDUs attached
to your system.

PDU Settings window

From the PDUs window, you can view the PDU Settings window, which
allows you to view and modify PDU parameters.

To view/modify PDU settings:

61 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The
box appears.

2

Click

Setup - PDUs

3

Complete one of the following steps:

Select a PDU name, then click

.

Settings

to open the

-or-

Main

PDU Settings

dialog

window.

Select a PDU name, then press <Enter> to open the

PDU Settings

window.

-or-

Double-click on the PDU name to open the

4

Complete any of the following steps:

a

In the

Name

field, enter the PDU name.

b

In the

Cycle Delay

field, enter the number of seconds you want the

PDU Settings

window.

Remote Console Switch to wait between turning off and turning on.

5

Click OK.

PDU Inlets window

From the Inlets window, you can view and modify inlet parameters.

NOTE: You can only modify inlet parameters on a PDU that is currently online.

To vi ew /m o di fy PDU Inlet settings:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The
box appears.

2

Click

Setup - PDUs

3

Complete one of the following steps:

Select a PDU name, then click

.

Settings

to open the

PDU Settings

Main

dialog

window.

-or-

Select a PDU name, then press <Enter> to open the
window.

-or-

Double-click on the PDU name to open the

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 62

PDU Settings

PDU Settings

window.

4

Click

Inlets

.

5

Enter an integer in the

6

Click OK.

Minimum Amps

or

Maximum Amps

fields.

PDU Outlets window

From the Outlets window, you can select an outlet and open the Outlet
Settings window to set outlet-specific parameters.

NOTE: You can only modify outlet parameters on a PDU that is currently online.

To vi ew/ mod ify PDU Outlet settings:

1

Press <Print Screen> to launch the OSCAR interface. The
box appears.

2

Click

Setup - PDUs

3

Complete one of the following steps:

Select a PDU name, then click

-or-

.

Settings

to open the

PDU Settings

Main

dialog

window.

Select a PDU name, then press <Enter> to open the
window.

-or-

Double-click on the PDU name to open the

4

Click

Outlets

5

Complete one of the following steps:

Select an outlet, then click

-or-

Select an outlet, then press <Enter> to open the

-or-

Double-click an outlet to open the

6

Select the outlet you wish to modify.

7

Complete any of the following steps:

a

In the

63 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports

.

Settings

Name

field, enter the Outlet name.

to open the

Outlet Settings

PDU Settings

PDU Settings

Outlet Settings

Outlet Settings

window.

window.

window.

window.

b

NOTE:

8

Click OK.

In the

Power-On Inter val

field, enter the number of seconds you want
the Remote Console Switch to wait between turning off and turning
on.

The

Power-On Inter val

must be an integer between 0 and 7200.

Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 64

4

Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations

Launching the Remote Console Switch Software

To launch the Dell Remote Console Switch Software on all Microsoft
Windows systems:

Select Start - Programs - Dell Remote Console Switch Software. The Remote
Console Switch Software will launch.

To launch the Remote Console Switch Software on Linux:

From the application folder (/usr/lib/Dell_Remote_Console_Switch_Software
by default), enter the following command:

./Dell_Remote_Console_Switch_Software

-or-

From (/user/bin), enter the following link:

./Dell_Remote_Console_Switch_Software

-or-

If the product was installed in a directory other than the default, then execute
the following command from a shell:

<path>/Dell_Remote_Console_Switch_Software

-or-

If a desktop shortcut was created on installation, double-click the shortcut.

The Remote Console Switch Software will launch.

Navigating the Remote Console Switch Software

The Remote Console Switch Software consists of two components: the
Remote Console Switch Software Explorer (Explorer) and the Video Session
Viewer (Viewer). Once you launch the Remote Console Switch Software, the

Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations 65

Explorer window appears. The Explorer window allows you to view, access,
manage, and create custom groupings for all the supported units in your data
center.

NOTE: Some older 2161DS, 2161DS-2, and 4161DS Remote Console Switches may

have the Appliance Management Panel (AMP) enabled. To manage these Remote
Console Switches, you must migrate them to the on-board web interface. See
"Migrating Your Remote Console Switch" on page 171 for more information. The
2161DS Remote Console Switch cannot be migrated. Please see your 2161DS
Remote Console Switch user documentation for instructions on managing it with
the AMP.

When you select a server, you can click the Connect Video task button in the
Explorer to launch the Viewer. This component allows you to control the
keyboard, monitor, and mouse functions of individual servers. For more
information, see "Using the Viewer" on page 103.

When you select a Remote Console Switch, you can click the Configure
Remote Console Switch task button in the Explorer to launch the on-board
web interface. This component enables you to control each individual
Remote Console Switch. For more information, see "Managing Your Remote
Console Switch Using the On-board Web Interface" on page 140.

Viewing Your System in the Explorer

The Explorer is divided into several panes: the View Selector tabs, the Group
Selector pane, and the Unit Selector pane. The content of these panes will

change based on the type of unit selected or the task you wish to complete.
Figure 4-1 highlights these navigation features.

Click one of the View Selector tabs to view your system organized by
categories: Remote Console Switches, Servers, Sites, or Folders. The
Explorer's default display is user-configurable. You can have it automatically
open to any one of these four tabs. For more information, see "Customizing
the Explorer Window" on page 99. If you do not customize the default
display, the Explorer will open to the Server view once you have added your
first Remote Console Switch.

Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations 66

Explorer Window Features

Figure 4-1. Explorer Window

Menu bar: Allows you to access many of the features in the Remote

A

Console Switch Software.

B View Selector tabs: Contains four View Selector tabs for choosing

the Explorer view.

C Group Selector pane: Contains a tree view representing the groups

that are available for the current View Selector tab. The selected
group controls what is displayed in the Unit Selector pane when the
Remote Console Switches, Sites or Folder tabs are selected.

D Status bar: Displays the number of units shown in the Unit list.
E Unit Selector pane: Contains the Search bar, Unit list, and Tas k

buttons appropriate for the selected view or group.

F Search bar: Allows you to search the database based on the text

entered in the search box.

67 Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations

G Unit list: Displays a Unit list of units contained in the currently

selected group, or the results of the search executed from the Search
bar.

H Task buttons: Contains buttons representing tasks that can be

executed. Some buttons are dynamic based on the type of unit(s)
selected in the Unit list while other buttons are fixed and always
present.

Adding a Remote Console Switch or Avocent Remote Console Switch

In addition to the Dell Remote Console Switch, the Remote Console Switch
Software can also be used to manage Avocent switches. Therefore, as part of
the process of adding a Remote Console Switch to your Remote Console
Switch Software database, you will be prompted to select the vendor and
product type for the switch you want to add.

Before you can access a unit through the Remote Console Switch, you must
add it to the Remote Console Switch Software database. Once a Remote
Console Switch or Avocent switch is added, it appears in the Unit list. You
may either manually add or discover a Remote Console Switch. You may add
a unit with either an IPv4 or an IPv6 IP address.

To add a new Remote Console Switch with an assigned IP address:

1

Select

File - New - Remote Console Switch

Remote Console Switch Software.

-or­Click the
Console Switch Wizard appears.

2

Click
you to select the Remote Console Switch vendor and product.

New Remote Console Switch

Next

to continue. The

Product Type

from the Explorer menu in the

task button. The New Remote

dialog box appears and prompts

Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations 68

Figure 4-2. Product Type Dialog Box

3

Select a
the

Ven do r

Product

. For each vendor, the supported product names appear in

list. Select a product.

If the Remote Console Switch model you wish to add is not available in
the

Product

available in the

list, select

Product

Other

. Once this switch is discovered, it will be

list the next time you add a Remote Console

Switch.

NOTE: Each dialog box in the New Remote Console Switch Wizard indicates the

type of switch you have selected from the Product list.

4

Click

Next

.

5

You are prompted to indicate whether the Remote Console Switch has an
assigned IP address or not. Click

6

The

Locate

window appears. Type the hostname or IP address, the HTTP

port, and the HTTPS port, and click

7

The Remote Console Switch Software searches for the indicated unit as

Yes

and then click

Next

.

Next

.

well as all the powered SIPs, Avocent IQ modules, and server names you
associated with it in OSCAR, if any. If you want to search for unpowered
SIPs or Avocent IQ modules, you can access the Resync feature in the

69 Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations

Remote Console Switch Software and click to enable the

SIPs

check box. For more information, see "Using the Resync Wizard" on

Include Offline

page 175.

8

Click

Next

.

9 The Configure Tiered Switches dialog box appears if the Remote

Console Switch Software detects an attached legacy switch. This dialog
box contains a list of all SIP EIDs retrieved from the Remote Console
Switch and the tiered switches to which they are connected, if any.
When this dialog box first displays, all the switches will be set to None.
Switches detected will have an icon next to the drop-down list.

a

The

Existing Tiered Switches

switches defined in the database. Click

field contains a list of all the current

Add, Modify, or Delete

alter the list.

b

Associate the appropriate switch from the drop-down lists for each SIP
or Avocent IQ module that has a switch attached.

Figure 4-3. Configure Tiered Switches Dialog Box

to

10

When you reach the final page of the
click

Finish

to exit and return to the main window. Your Remote Console

Switch should now appear in the

Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations 70

Remote Console Switch Wizard

Unit Selector

pane.

,

To add a new Remote Console Switch that does not have an assigned IP
address:

1

Select

File - New - Remote Console Switch

from the Explorer menu in the

Remote Console Switch Software.

-or­Click the

New Remote Console Switch

task button. The New Remote

Console Switch wizard appears.

2

Click

Next

to continue. The

Product Type

dialog box appears and prompts

you to select the Remote Console Switch vendor and product.

Figure 4-4. Product Type Dialog Box

3

Select a
the

Vend o r

Product

. For each vendor, the supported product names appear in

list. Select a product.

If the Remote Console Switch model you wish to add is not available in
the

Product

available in the

list, select

Product

Other

. Once this switch is discovered, it will be

list the next time you add a Remote Console

Switch.

4

Click

Next

.

5

You are prompted to indicate if the Remote Console Switch has an
assigned IP address. Click

No

and then click

Next

.

71 Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations

6

The

Network Address

window appears. Type the IP address, subnet mask
(if using IPv4 mode) or prefix length (if using IPv6 mode), and gateway
you wish to assign to the unit and click

NOTE: 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. The 2161DS Console Switch does not support dynamic IP address
assignment, BootP emulation through DHCP, or IPv6 mode. DHCP is supported for
2161DS-2, 4161DS, and 2321DS appliances.

The

7

Select Remote Console Switch

Next

.

window appears, prompting you to
select the unit to add from the list of new Remote Console Switches that
were found. Select the product and then click

8

The

Configuring Remote Console Switch

Next

.

window appears to indicate
whether the IP information was successfully configured. If the
configuration was successful, the Remote Console Switch Software will
search for the new Remote Console Switch as well as all SIPs, Avocent IQ
modules, and server names associated with it. Click

9

The

Configure Tiered Switches

dialog box appears if the Remote Console

Next

.

Switch Software detects an attached legacy switch. This dialog box
contains a list of all SIP and Avocent IQ module EIDs retrieved from the
Remote Console Switch and the tiered switches to which they are
connected, if any.

a

The

Existing Tiered Switches

field contains a list of all the current
switches defined in the database. You may add to, delete, or modify
the list.

b

Associate the appropriate switch from the drop-down lists for each SIP
or Avocent IQ modules that has a switch attached.

Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations 72

Figure 4-5. Configure Tiered Switches Dialog Box

10

When complete, click

Finish

to exit the Wizard and return to the main
window. Your Remote Console Switch should now be in the
pane.

To discover a Remote Console Switch:

1

Select

Tools - Discover

from the Explorer menu from the Remote Console

Switch Software. The Discover Wizard appears. Click

2

The

Address Range

If you are using IPv4 mode, select

page appears. Complete one of the following steps:

Use IPv4 address range

range of IP addresses you wish to search on the network in the
and

From Address

boxes. Use the IP address dot notation xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx.

Unit Selector

Next

to continue.

, and type the

To A dd r es s

-or-

If you are using IPv6 mode, select

network prefix

3

You may also change the default HTTP and HTTPS port numbers, if the

.

Use IPv6 subnet

, and specify the

Remote Console Switch has changed from the default on the serial
console, by typing the new port numbers in the

Port

fields. Click

Next

to continue.

HTTP Port

73 Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations

and

IPv6

HTTPS

4

The

Searching Network

progress bar appears. Progress text indicates how
many addresses have been probed from the total number specified by the
range and the number of Remote Console Switches or Avocent switches
found. If one or more new Remote Console Switches or Avocent switches
are discovered, the Wizard shows the Select Remote Console Switches to
Add page. From this page, you can choose the Remote Console Switches
to add to the local database.

-or­If no new Remote Console Switches were found (or if you clicked
the

Wizard

will show the

No New Remote Console Switches Found

and you will need to add the switch manually. For more information, see
the previous procedure.

5

Click the Remote Console Switch(es) you wish to add and click the

(>)

button to move the selection to the

Remote Console Switches to Add

list.

Figure 4-6. Select Remote Console Switches to Add Dialog Box

Stop

page

Add

),

6

Repeat step 4 for all Remote Console Switches you wish to add. Click
to continue.

Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations 74

Next

7

The

Adding Remote Console Switches

switches are being added. Once all of the selected switches have been
added to the local database, the
appears. Click
Your new switches should now be in the

8

If one or more switches could not be added to the local database for any
reason (including if you clicked

Wizard

will list all of the switches that you selected and the status for each. The
status will indicate if a Remote Console Switch was added to the local
database and if not, why the process failed. Click
finished reviewing the list.

NOTE: If a Remote Console Switch already exists in the database with the same IP

address as a discovered unit, then the discovered switch will be ignored and will
not display on the next Wizard page.

Finish

to exit the Wizard and return to the main window.

Stop

Not All Remote Console Switches Added

progress bar appears while the new

Discover Wizard Completed

Unit Selector

during the add process), the

pane.

page appears. This page

Done

when you are

page

Discover

Accessing Your Remote Console Switch

When you click the Remote Console Switches tab in the Remote Console
Switch Software, you will see a list of the switches currently defined in the local
database. To access a Remote Console Switch, you must first log into it by
typing a username and password. The default username is Admin (case
sensitive) with no password. Once you have logged in to a particular Remote
Console Switch, the Remote Console Switch Software will cache the username
and password in memory for the duration of the Remote Console Switch
Software session.

NOTE: You can clear the login credentials an re-login under another username and

password by selecting Tools - Clear Login Credentials.

75 Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations

Figure 4-7. Remote Console Switch View Tab Selected

To log into a Remote Console Switch:

1

Click the

Remote Console Switches

tab in the Explorer in the Remote

Console Switch Software.

2

Double-click a Remote Console Switch in the

Unit Selector

pane.

-or­Select a Remote Console Switch from the
the

Configure Remote Console Switch

Unit Selector

task button.

pane, and click

-or­Right-click on a Remote Console Switch in the
up menu appears. Select

Configure Remote Console Switch

Unit Selector

-or­Click a Remote Console Switch in the

Unit Selector

pane and press

<Enter>.

3

A login prompt appears. Type your username and password. If this is the
first time you have accessed the Remote Console Switch or you have not
assigned a username and password, type the default username, Admin
(case sensitive), with no password.

pane. A pop-

.

Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations 76

4

Click

OK

to access the Remote Console Switch. This launches the on­board web interface. For more information about the on-board web
interface, see "Managing Your Remote Console Switch Using the On­board Web Interface" on page 140.

-or­Click

Cancel

To search for a Remote Console Switch in the system:

1

Click the
Software and insert your cursor in the search text box.

2 Type the search information. This can be the Remote Console Switch

name or any information you have entered in the other Unit Selector
list headings such as Ty p e or Location or IP Address.

3 Click the Search button. The results appear in the Unit list.
4 Review the results of your search.

-or-

Click the Clear Results button to display the entire list again.

To auto search by typing in the Unit list:

1

Click the
Software.

2 Type the first few characters of a Remote Console Switch name. The

highlight will move to the first Remote Console Switch beginning with
those characters. If you pause for a second or more between letters, the
function will reset itself and you can begin to type the first few
characters of the next Remote Console Switch.

to exit without logging in.

Remote Console Switch

Remote Console Switch

tab in the Remote Console Switch

tab in the Remote Console Switch

Launching the VNC or RDP Viewer

The Remote Console Switch Software supports user-defined Virtual Network
Computing (VNC) and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) viewers. To launch
either the VNC or RDP viewer, select the Server tab from the Remote
Console Switch Software Explorer. Select a server from the units list, then
click on either the VNC or RDP button at the bottom right of the screen.

77 Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations

Figure 4-8. Remote Console Switch Servers Tab Selected

NOTE: The VNC and RDP buttons will only appear when a server has been set up

with a link. See the VNC and RDP Options and Properties sections for more
information.

Changing Server and Switch Properties

From the Remote Console Switch Software, you can alter individual server or
switch properties from the Properties dialog box including General, Network,
Information, and Connections.

Changing General Properties

The General tab allows you
Console Switch or connected server. You can also assign the switch or server to a
site, location, or folder. For servers, you can change the type.

To change general properties:

1

In the Remote Console Switch Software, click the

Switch

or

Server

Selector

list.

to change the name and display icon for a Remote

Remote Console

tab and then select an individual unit in the

Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations 78

Unit

2

Select

View - Properties

from the Explorer menu.

-or­Click the

Properties

task button.

-or­Right-click the unit and select
appears.

Figure 4-9. General Properties tab

Properties

. The

Properties

dialog box

3

Type the name of the unit. Duplicate names are not allowed.

4

(Servers Only - Optional) Select the server type. If the selection is not in
the drop-down list, type the name of the new server type in the text field.
Once entered, the option becomes available in the drop-down list for
future assignment.

5

Select the icon to display for the unit.

6

(Optional) Assign a unit to a site, department, or location. If an option is
not in the drop-down list, type the name of the new assignment in the text
field. Once entered, the option becomes available in the drop-down list for
a future assignment.

79 Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations

7

Click

Apply

to save the new settings.

-or­Click

OK

to save the new settings and close the Properties window.

-or­Click

Cancel

to exit without saving the new settings.

Changing Server Network Properties

The Network tab lets you set a browser URL for that server if you want to
launch a browser to the server’s web server instead of launching a Viewer
session.

To change network properties:

1

In the Remote Console Switch Software, click the
select an individual server in the

2

Select

View - Properties

-or­Click the

-or­Right-click the unit and select
appears.

3

Click the
establishing a browser connection to the server. If the field contains a
value, then the
launch the browser to that specified URL.

Properties

Network

Browser

from the Explorer menu.

task button.

tab and type the URL you want to use when

button appears in the task bar allowing you to

Unit Selector

Properties

. The

Server

list.

Properties

tab and then

dialog box

Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations 80

Figure 4-10. Server Network Properties Tab

4

Click

Apply

to save the new settings.

-or­Click

OK

to save the new settings and close the window.

-or­Click

Cancel

to exit without saving the new settings.

Changing Switch Network Properties

If you were to reconfigure your network, you can use the
the IP address for a switch.

To change network properties:

1

In the Remote Console Switch Software, click the

Switches

2

Select

-or­Click the

-or­Right-click the unit and select
appears.

tab and then select an individual unit in the

View - Properties

Properties

from the Explorer menu.

task button.

Properties

. The

Properties

Network

Remote Console

tab to change

Unit Selector

dialog box

list.

81 Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations

3

Click the

Network

tab and type in the address of the Remote Console
Switch. This field can contain an IP dot notation or a domain name.
Duplicate addresses are not allowed and the field cannot be left blank. You
can enter up to 128 characters, and may use an IPv4 or an IPv6 address.

4

Type the HTTP and HTTPS port numbers in the

Port

fields, respectively, if you changed the port numbers for the Remote

HTTP Port

and

Console Switch in the serial console. For more information on changing
the port numbers in the serial console, see "To configure the HTTP and
HTTPS ports:" on page 19.

Figure 4-11. Switch Network Properties Tab

HTTPS

5

Click

-or­Click

-or­Click

Apply

to save the new settings.

OK

to save the new settings and close the window.

Cancel

to exit without saving the new settings.

Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations 82

Changing Information Properties

The Information tab allows you to enter information about the switch or
server including a description, contact information and any comments you
might wish to add.

To change information properties:

1

In the Remote Console Switch Software, click the

2

Switches
Selector

Select

or

Server

tab and then select an individual unit in the

list.

View - Properties

from the Explorer menu.

-or­Click the

Properties

task button.

-or­Right-click the unit and select

Properties

. The

appears.

3

(Optional) Click the

Information

tab and type a description of the unit.

You can enter any information in the following fields.

a

In the

b

c

d

Description

In the

Contact

In the

Contact Phone Number

In the

Comments

field, enter 0 to 128 characters.

field, enter 0 to 128 characters.

field, enter 0 to 64 characters.

field, enter 0 to 256 characters.

Remote Console

Properties

dialog box

Unit

83 Remote Console Switch Software Basic Operations