Dell KVM 4161DS User Manual

Dell™ Remote Console Switch

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.

___________________

2161DS-2/4161DS/2321DS Remote Console S witch

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 or electronic materials (“Third Party Software”) which are obtained under a license from such 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.

Any open source software is distributed in the hope that it will be useful, but is provided “as is” without any expressed or implied warranty; including but not limited to the implied warranty of merchantablity or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event shall Dell, the copyright holders, or the contributors be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, exemplary , or consequential damages (including , but 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 is a registered trademarks of Avocent 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, Win32, Windows, Windows NT, Windows Server, and Windows Vista are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries; Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation; Red Hat and Red Hat Enterprise Linux are registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc.; SUSE is a registered trademark of Novell Inc. in the United States and other countries; UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group in the United States and other countries; Sun, Sun Microsystems, and the Sun logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.

Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.

590-1049-501A

October 2010

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

•GS

•IRAM

•FCC, ICES,

•VCCI

•SoNCAP

•SABS

•Bellis

•FIS/ Kvalitet

•Koncar

•KUCAS

•INSM

•Ukrtest

•STZ Z

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

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

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

General

Rack Mounting of Systems

. . . . . . . . . . . . . xv

LAN Options. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi

SIP Intelligent Module

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

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

Interoperability with Avocent® IQ Module Intelligent Cabling

OSCAR Interface

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

On-board Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

DSView® 3 Management Software Plug-in

Virtual Media

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

. . . . . 2

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Encryption

Operation Modes

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

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

Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

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

FLASH Upgradeable

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

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

Remote Console Switch Software Features and Benefits 5

Easy to Install and Configure

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

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

Extensive Remote Console Switch Management

IPv4 and IPv6 Capabilities

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

. . 6

Contents v

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

Interoperability with Avocent Products

. . . . . . . . 7

2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Remote Console Switch Quick Setup Checklist . . . . . 9

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

3 Controlling Your System at the Analog Ports 35

Viewing and Selecting Ports and Devices . . . . . . . 35

Selecting Devices

Soft Switching

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

vi Contents

Navigating the OSCAR Interface

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

Configuring OSCAR Interface Menus . . . . . . . . . . 40

Changing the Display Behavior

Setting Console Security

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Controlling the Status Flag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Setting the Interface Language

Assigning Device Types

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

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

Assigning Device Names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Configuring Network Settings

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

Displaying Version Information

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Scanning Your System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Setting the Preemption Warning

Displaying Configuration Information

. . . . . . . . . . . . 54

. . . . . . . . . . 55

Running System Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Broadcasting to Servers

Power Controlling Devices

Power window

PDUs window

PDU Settings window

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

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

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

PDU Inlets window . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

PDU Outlets window

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

4 Using the Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Accessing Servers from the On-board Web Interface . 65

Interacting With the Server Being Viewed . . . . . . . 66

Viewer Window Features

Adjusting the Viewer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Adjusting the Viewer Resolution

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

. . . . . . . . . . 71

Contents vii

Adjusting the Video Quality . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Minimizing Remote Video Session Discoloration

. . 74

Improving Screen Background Color Display . . . 74

Setting Mouse Scaling

Minimizing Mouse Trailing

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Improving Mouse Performance. . . . . . . . . . . 76

Viewing Multiple Servers Using the Scan Mode

Scanning Your Servers

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

. . 77

Thumbnail View Status Indicators . . . . . . . . . 79

Navigating the Thumbnail Viewer

Using Macros to Send Keystrokes to the Server

. . . . . . . . . 80

. . 81

Session Options - General Tab . . . . . . . . . . . 82

Screen Capturing

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Preemption

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Preemption of Remote User by a Remote Administrator

Preemption of a Local User/Remote Administrator by a Remote Administrator

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

Connection Sharing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

5 Virtual Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Common Virtual Media Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Configuring Virtual Media Locally

Enabling/Disabling Virtual Media Using the OSCAR Interface

Setting Virtual Media Options Using the OSCAR Interface

Configuring Virtual Media Remotely

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

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

Setting Virtual Media Options Using the On-board Web Interface 95

Launching Virtual Media

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

. . . . . . . . . . . . 90

. . . . . . . . . . 93

viii Contents

Virtual Floppy Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Virtual CD/DVD Drive

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

Virtual Media Connection Status . . . . . . . . . . 98

Reserving a Virtual Media Session

Resetting the USB Bus

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

. . . . . . . . . 99

6 Managing Your Remote Console Switch Using the

On-board Web Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Migrating Switches from the Remote Console Switch Software 101

Viewing and Configuring Remote Console Switch Parameters

Changing Remote Console Switch Parameters

Setting Up User Accounts

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

. . 102

Locking and Unlocking User Accounts. . . . . . . 108

Enabling and Configuring SNMP

Enabling Individual SNMP Traps

. . . . . . . . . . 109

. . . . . . . . . . 111

Viewing and Resynchronizing Server Connections 112

Modifying a Server Name

Viewing and Configuring Tiered Switch Connections

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

114

Viewing the SIPs and IQ Modules . . . . . . . . . 115

Viewing Remote Console Switch Version Information . 116

SIPs Subcategory

Upgrading Firmware

Controlling User Status

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Rebooting Your System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Managing Remote Console Switch Configuration Files

Managing User Databases

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

125

102

Installing a Web Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Contents ix

Managing PDUs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

7 Migrating Your Remote Console Switch 133

Accessing the AMP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Upgrading Firmware Using the AMP . . . . . . . . . 134

Upgrading Remote Console Switch Firmware

. . 134

Migrating Remote Console Switches to the On-board Web Interface 135

Using the Resync Wizard

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

8 LDAP Feature for the Remote Console Switch 139

Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139

The Structure of Active Directory . . . . . . . . . . . 139

Domain Controller Computers

Object Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140

Attributes

Schema Extensions

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

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

Standard Schema versus Dell Extended Schema

Standard Installation

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143

Configure the Override Admin Account . . . . . . . . 144

Configuring DNS Settings

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144

Configuring the Network Time Protocol Settings

. . . . . . . . . . 140

. . . 142

. . . 145

x Contents

Configuring the LDAP Authentication Parameters . . 146

LDAP SSL Certificates

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149

Enabling SSL on a Domain Controller . . . . . . . 149

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

CA Certificate Information Display

Configuring Group Objects

Active Directory Object Overview for Standard Schema

Dell Extended Schema Active Directory Object Overview

. . . . . . . . . . . 154

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155

158

159

Configuring Active Directory with Dell Schema Extensions to Access You r R CS

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164

Extending the Active Directory Schema (Optional)

164

Installing the Dell Extension to the Active Directory Users and

Computers Snap-In (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . 165

Adding Users and Privileges to Active Directory with Dell Schema Extensions

Using Dell Association Objects Syntax

Console Redirection Access Security

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

Creating a SIP Object

Creating a Privilege Object

Creating an Association Object

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

. . . . . . . . . . . . . 166

. . . . . . . . . 167

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

Adding Objects to an Association Object

. . . . . . . . . . 169

. . . . . 168

Using Active Directory to Log In to the Remote Console Switch 170

Target Device Naming Requirements for LDAP Implementation

Frequently Asked Questions

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171

A Appendix A: Remote Console Switch Software

Contents xi

170

Keyboard and Mouse Shortcuts . . . . . . . . . 175

B Appendix B: TCP Ports

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

C Appendix C: MIBs and SNMP Traps . . . 181

MIB Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182

Enterprise Traps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 195

D Appendix D: FLASH Upgrades . . . . . . . . 211

Upgrading the Remote Console Switch. . . . . . 211

Upgrading the SIP module firmware

. . . . . . . 214

E Appendix E: Technical Specifications . . 217

F Appendix F: Technical Support . . . . . . . 221

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223

xii Contents

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 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.

xiii

• 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.

xiv

• Observe extension cable and power strip ratings. Make sure that the total ampere rating of all products plugged into the power strip does not exceed 80 percent of the ampere ratings limit for the power strip.

• To help protect your system from sudden, transient increases and decreases in electrical power, use a surge suppressor, line conditioner, or uninterruptible power supply (UPS).

• Position system cables and power cables carefully. Route cables so that they cannot be stepped on or tripped over. Be sure that nothing rests on any cables.

• Do not modify power cables or plugs. Consult a licensed electrician or your power company for site modifications. Always follow your local/national wiring rules.

Rack Mounting of Systems

• Refer to the rack installation documentation accompanying the rack for specific caution statements and procedures.

• System rack kits are intended to be installed in a rack by trained service technicians. If a non-Dell rack is utilized, be sure that the rack meets the specifications of a Dell rack.

• Elevated Ambient Temperature: If installed in a closed rack assembly, the operation temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room ambient. Use care not to exceed the rated maximum ambient temperature of the unit.

• Reduced Air Flow: Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that the amount of airflow required for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised.

• Mechanical Loading: Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such that a hazardous condition is not achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.

• Circuit Overloading: Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the supply circuit and the effect that overloading of circuits might have on overcurrent protection and supply wiring. Consider equipment nameplate ratings for maximum current.

• Reliable Earthing: Reliable earthing of rack mounted equipment should be maintained. Pay particular attention to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit (for example, use of power strips).

LAN Options

• Do not connect or use during a lightning storm. There may be a risk of electrical shock from lightning.

• Never connect or use in a wet environment.

xvi

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 Avocent OSCAR board web interface provides easy system configuration and device selection.

graphical user interface, Remote Console Switch Software, or on-

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.

brand

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 across platforms.

in conjunction with these modules allows you to switch easily

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 Avocent brand OSCAR interface to manage the Remote Console Switch. The OSCAR interface 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 browser-based, 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.

2 Product Overview

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.

Product Overview 3

Operation Modes

The OSCAR 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 35, 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 500 @ 60 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 640 @ 60 Hz VESA

1024 x 768 @ 60 Hz VESA

1024 x 768 @ 70 Hz VESA

1024 x 768 @ 75 Hz VESA

1280 x 800 @ 60 Hz VESA

4 Product Overview

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 D: FLASH Upgrades" on page 211 for more information.

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

NOTE: For how to use the Remote Console Switch Software, see the Dell Remote

Console Switch Software User’s Guide or the help included with the software.

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.

Product Overview 5

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.

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.

6 Product Overview

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 brand switches allowing increased flexibility in the management of syste

ms.

In addition, the Remote Console Switch Software includes support for Avocent brand IQ Modules, expanding the range of server types that can be managed. The addition of support for Avocent brand 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 brand switches.

Product Overview 7

8 Product Overview

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 135.

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 on-board web interface, please see "Upgrading Firmware" on page 120.

Remote Console Switch Quick Setup Checklist

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

Adjust mouse acceleration on each server to

Install the Remote Console Switch hardware, and connect a Server Interface Pod (SIP) or an Avocent brand IQ module to each server or tiered switch. Connect each SIP or 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.

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.

Slow

None

Installation 9

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

To set up the Remote Console Switch Software, see the Dell Remote Console Switch Software User’s Guide or the help included with the software.

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 IQ module per attached device

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

Optional items:

10 Installation

• Front Access Panel

• 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).

NOTE: For how to use the Remote Console Switch Software, see the Dell Remote

Console Switch Software User’s Guide or the help included with the software.

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):

Installation 11

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

switch.

2 Fasten the mounting bracket to the switch using the button head socket

cap screws on each side.

3 Mount the switch assembly to the rack by inserting the three mounting

hooks on one side of the bracket into square holes in the vertical rack.

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

Figure 2-1. OU Mounting Bracket Installation

To install the 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.

12 Installation

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

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

switch using two screws on each side.

5 Attach four cage nuts or clip nuts to the rack mounting flange of the

rack cabinet’s front so that the nut is positioned on the inside of the rack.

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.

Installation 13

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

To install the 2321DS Remote Console Switch mounting bracket:

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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