Emerson Avocent HMX Installer/user Manual
The Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System
Next Generation
Installer/User Guide
For important safety information, visit:
www.emersonnetworkpower.com/ComplianceRegulatoryInfo
Emerson, Emerson Network Power and the Emerson Network Power logo are trademarks or service marks of Emerson Electric
Co. Avocent, the Avocent logo and Trellis are trademarks or service marks of Avocent Corporation. Liebert is a trademark and
service mark of Liebert Corporation. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. This document may contain
confidential and/or proprietary information of Avocent Corporation, and its receipt or possession does not convey any right to
reproduce, disclose its contents, or to manufacture or sell anything that it may describe. Reproduction, disclosure, or use without
specific authorization from Avocent Corporation is strictly prohibited. ©2014 Avocent Corporation. Allrights reserved.
NOTE: This document supports versions up to and including release 4.1.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Product Overview
Features and Benefits
Additional video features
USB support
Transport Layer Security (TLS)
The Avocent® HMX Advanced Manager software
Extender System Devices
Extender interfaces
Firmware upgrades
Device ports
Device status indicators
Installation and Configuration
Configuration Options
System Recommendations
Factory reset
Basic Configuration
Firmware upgrade
System Configuration Utility
General Operations
Locating an extender within a rack or data center
Enabling system messages
Enabling HMX Advanced Manager server control
Recording bandwidth statistics
Rebooting and factory resetting the extender
Advanced Transmitter Configuration
Configuring transmitter video
Viewing video snapshots and reports
Configuring transmitter USB and security settings
Configuring the HMX 6210T transmitter
Advanced Receiver Configuration
Configuring receiver video
Configuring receiver USB and security settings
Appendices
Appendix A:Technical Specifications
Appendix B:Pinout Information
Connecting device consoles or modems to serial ports
Appendix C:On-Screen Display
Setting OSD alerts
Using a remote OSD
Hotkeys
Favorites and shortcuts
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Appendix D:Troubleshooting
Video image of the HMX receiver has horizontal lines across the screen
Mouse pointer of the receiver is slow
Monitor displays pink screen
Audio output of the receiver sounds scratched
HMX Advanced Manager cannot locate HMX extenders
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Product Overview
The Avocent®HMX Advanced High Performance KVM extender system is the next generation of
Avocent keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) products. The system offers flexible ways to link
receivers, transmitters and systems via standard networks.
Features and Benefits
The HMX 5000 and 6000 series extenders provide a high performance, reliable desktop extension
experience by converting high quality DVI video, audio and USB data into Internet Protocol (IP)
messages. Via a web-based System Configuration utility, you can customize and enable audio
options for the transmitters and receivers throughout your system. All models support copper-
based Gigabit Ethernet cabling and Fiber Channel over Ethernet (FCoE). Dual models allow these
to be used in parallel to provide additional Gigabit connection speeds as well as link redundancy
that maintains operation in the event of a failed connection.
The HMX high performance extenders support single-head video at single-link resolutions, but the
dual models of both series also support dual-head video at two single or one dual-link resolution.
Within the HMX 6000 extender series, the HMX 6210T extender also has a built-in Virtual Network
Computing (VNC) server allowing it to stream low-bandwidth versions of high-resolution output (via
a dedicated Ethernet port). This allows remote access via a VNC viewer, through any standard
network.
Model Descriptions
Options
Primary video Single-link Single-link Dual-link Dual-link
Secondary video No Single-link Single-link Single-link
VNC support No No No Yes
Copper cable
support
Fiber cable support Yes Yes Yes Yes
HMX 5100
Extenders
Yes Yes Yes Yes
HMX 5200
Extenders
HMX 6200
Extenders
HMX 6210T
Transmitter
Additional video features
The HMX extender system allows you to choose how to compress video transmission across your
network. The system is automatically loaded with a lossless codec compression Run-Length
Encoding (RLE) scheme which encodes or decodes a digital data stream or signal to improve the
appearance of natural images, gradients or shadows. If you do not need "pixel perfect" results for
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your images, an AVCT compression scheme can be added and configured to provide increased
system speed.
Anti-dither capability
While the dithering process smooths the appearance of gradually shaded areas in video images, it
can slow down system performance. If using Apple®Mac®or other computers with dithered video
output in your network, the HMX extender system provides an anti-dither capability to increase
performance and reduce network traffic.
NOTE: Enabling the anit-dither feature may produce slight color inaccuracies on the monitor.
Extended Display Identification Data (EDID) management
The EDID is used to provide details to the monitor graphics card so it uses the optimal video
resolution. With the HMX extender system, you can use the EDID of the monitor connected to the
receiver or use a fixed EDID that is stored on the transmitter.
USB support
The HMX extender system transmitters use USB Emulation technology, which enables faster
keyboard and mouse switching for up to 13 different USB devices or an infinite amount of the same
devices. This technology emulates certain USB peripheral signals to the computer, causing those
peripherals to appear permanently connected to the computer, even when the receivers are
switched elsewhere. Other supported USB devices include Human Interface Devices (HID),
storage devices such as flash drives and various printers, scanners and serial adaptors.
NOTE: The HMX extender system does not support isochronous USB devices such as microphones,
speakers, webcams and television receivers.
Transport Layer Security (TLS)
The HMXextender system supports the industry standard TLS protocol which offers protection
against third party monitoring and tampering when data is transferred across networks.
The Avocent®HMX Advanced Manager software
The HMX Advanced Manager software is a secure, web browser-based, centralized enterprise
management solution that provides remote management and monitoring of the extender system.
The software handles all administration, access control, monitoring and firmware upgrades across
the extender system. For more information on the HMX Advanced Manager software, see The
Avocent®HMX Advanced Manager Software Installer/User Guide.
Product Overview.....3
NOTE: When using the HMX Advanced Manager software server to configure your HMX extender system,
ensure that all transmitters and receivers are set to their factory defaults. Otherwise, they will not be located
by the HMX Advanced Manager server.
Extender System Devices
Within the HMX extender system, transmitters and receivers allow you to seamlessly access and
share one or more remote computers that are physically separated from your local work
environment.
Extender interfaces
Administrators and users can manage and configure transmitters and receivers in the extender
system through a web-based System Configuration utility. Receivers within the system also have
an On-Screen Display (OSD) that allows users to establish target connections from a local
keyboard and mouse.
Firmware upgrades
Transmitters and receivers are flash upgradable at any time to ensure that your system is running
the most current version available. If your system is running the most current firmware version and
is managed by the HMX Advanced Manager software, then that same version must be used across
all units in your system. Firmware versions can be mixed in configurations not using the HMX
Advanced Manager software, but it is always recommended to use the most current version.
Device ports
Transmitters and receivers in the HMX extender system share similar port layouts and functionality.
After the general descriptions provided in this section, the following graphics illustrate where these
ports and other features are located on the transmitters and receivers. For more information on
configuring and working with these ports, see the System Configuration Utility on page 15.
System and Teaming ports
The System port on transmitters and receivers is the default location to connect devices in either a
direct connect configuration or a matrix configuration. On HMX extender dual-head models, the
Teaming port can be used in conjunction with the System port to provide immediately increased
connection speeds of up to 2 Gigabits per second. Using these ports together also improves video,
audio and peripheral feed quality, increases bandwidth in your system and creates link redundancy
that can maintain operation in the event of a failed connection. The web-based System
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Configuration utility can be accessed from either port, although the System port is the default
location.
Serial port
The AUX serial port on transmitters and receivers allows RS-232 signals to be extended up to a
baud rate of 115200.
Management and VNC ports
HMX extender dual-head transmitters and receivers have a port on the left side of the front panel.
For the HMX 6210T transmitter, this port is a VNC port that transmits low-bandwidth video output to
authorized remote viewers. On the remaining dual-head models, this port is a Management port
that allows you to access the System Configuration utility if the System port is already in use due to
the extenders operating in a direct connect configuration.
Avocent®HMX Receiver Overview (Dual Head HMX 6200 Receiver Shown)
Avocent® HMX Receiver Descriptions
Number Description
1 HMX 5200/6200 receivers: Management port. This port appears on dual-head models only.
2 Device status indicators.
3 Teaming port.
4 System port.
5 Power input.
6 Option switches.
Product Overview.....5
Number Description
7 USB peripheral device connection, such as keyboard or mouse.
8 Video output on single-head receivers; secondary port on dual-head receivers.
9 Primary video output on dual-head receivers.
10 Audio in.
11 Audio out.
12 Serial (AUX) port.
Avocent®HMX Transmitter Overview (Dual Head HMX 6200 Transmitter Shown)
Avocent® HMX Transmitter Descriptions
Number Description
1
2
3 Teaming port.
4 System port.
5 Power input.
6 Option switches.
7 USBport connection.
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9 On dual-head receivers, this is the secondary video output.
10 Audio in.
This port appears on dual-head models only. HMX 5200/6200 transmitters: Management port.
HMX 6210T transmitters: VNC port.
Device status indicators. On the HMX 6210T transmitter, the NET indicator is replaced with a VNC
indicator.
Single head models only have one video output option. On dual-head transmitters, this is the
primary video output. NOTE: The order of the primary (left) and secondary (right) video output on
transmitters is the opposite of the order of the primary (right) and secondary (left) video output on
receivers.
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Number Description
11 Audio out.
12 Serial AUX port.
Device status indicators
Transmitters and receivers in the HMX extender system have six device status LED indicators on
their front panels. Indicator color and behavior (static or flashing) varies, depending on the activities
you are performing with the HMX extender. As a general rule, if the LED stays lit, the function is
active.
Device Indicators
Display Indicator Descriptions
Number Description
NET LED: network link status; a flashing LED indicates a network error. For HMX 6210T
1
2 SER LED: serial AUX port status.
3 AUD LED: audio status.
4 USB LED: USB port connection status.
5 DVI LED: video channel status.
6 PWR LED: power status.
transmitters, the NET LED is replaced with a VNC LED. A static lit VNC LED indicates a valid
network link on the System or Teaming port; a flashing LED indicates a valid VNC network
connection.
Installation and Configuration
At this point you should have already completed the installation instructions outlined in the
Avocent® HMX High Performance KVM Extender System Quick Installation Guide. For important
safety information on your system, visit:
http://www.emersonnetworkpower.com/ComplianceRegulatoryInfo.
Additional information on your physical configuration options is highlighted in the following sections,
as well as basic steps that need to be completed prior to any advanced configuration on your
transmitters and receivers. Configuration for the HMX extender system is performed within a web
browser-based user interface known as the System Configuration utility. See System
Configuration Utility on page 15 for more information on this utility as well as advanced system
configuration details.
Configuration Options
The HMX extender system can be configured in a direct connect or matrix configuration. In a direct
connect configuration, one transmitter connects directly to one receiver via the System port on
each unit. In an unmanaged matrix configuration, a transmitter and multiple receivers can connect
directly to a Gigabit Ethernet switch. If you wish to add transmitters to your system, the HMX
Advanced Manager server must be added to the system to manage your matrix configuration. See
the Avocent® HMX Advanced Manager Software Installer/User Guide for more information.
Example Direct Connect Configuration
Example Direct Connect Configuration Description
Number Description
1 Remote computer
2 HMX transmitter
3 Link via the System port
4 HMX receiver
5 Local computer
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Example Managed Matrix Configuration
Managed Matrix Configuration Components
Number Description
1 HMX Manage server (hosts the HMX Advanced Manager software)
2 10/100 link
3 Gigabit Ethernet connection to a switch
4 Administrator computer
5 HMX receivers
6 Local user computers
7 HMX transmitters
8 Remote computers
System Recommendations
For optimal performance, it is recommended that your HMX extender system has the following:
• Ethernet ports that support Gigabit (1000 Mbps) or faster speeds
• IGMP v2 or v3 support
• Jumbo frame that supports up to 9216 bytes
• Fiber channel or other high bandwidth connections between switches
• Layer 3 switches with full duplex, 1 Gbps up and downstream speeds and multiple dedicated
processors (ASICS)
Installation and Configuration.....9
Factory reset
If the standard settings within your HMX extender system are changed in an installation and you
need to change the current configuration, a reset must be performed to restore the transmitters
and receivers to the factory default settings before proceeding. This factory reset must also be
performed if using an HMX Advanced Manager server to configure your system. Otherwise, the
transmitters and receivers in the managed system will not be located.
To perform a factory reset:
NOTE: A factory reset can also be performed from the System Configuration utility. For more information,
see System Configuration Utility on page 15.
1. Ensure the extender you are resetting is turned off.
2. On the extender front panel, locate the small hole that houses the recessed reset button.
3. Insert a narrow tool such as a straightened paper clip into the hole, then press and hold it while
also pressing the power button on the extender.
4. Five of the front panel device status indicators quickly flash to indicate a successful reset.
5. Remove the tool from the hole and press the extender power button again to restart the unit.
Basic Configuration
After your system is installed and turned on, you may need to re-configure the IP address for your
network. In a direct connect configuration, the factory default address may be acceptable for
immediate use in your network. However, if you wish to change the default address, this should be
the only basic configuration needed to begin using your transmitter and receiver. In an unmanaged
matrix configuration, the IP address of the transmitter and each receiver must be specified so the
units can locate each other within the HMX extender system. Re-configuring the IP addresses of
extenders in a managed matrix configuration is completed in the HMX Advanced Manager
software. See the HMX Advanced Manager Software Installer/User Guide for basic configuration
procedures. The default port IPaddresses are listed in the following table.
Default Port IP Addresses
Port Name Transmitter Default IP Address Receiver Default IPAddress
Management or VNC port 192.168.1.42 192.168.1.42
System port 169.254.1.33 169.254.1.32
Teaming port 169.254.1.43 169.254.1.42
To configure the transmitter:
1. From a web browser on your local computer, enter the transmitter IP address. The default IP
address is: http://169.254.1.33.
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NOTE: If the IP address of the transmitter is not known, perform a manual factory reset to restore the
default IP address.
2. Log in to the System Configuration utility. The default username is admin and the default
password is password.
3. The first time that you log in to the utility using the administrator account, you are required to
reset the password. Select Security on the left side of the page.
4. Enter your old password, enter your new password twice to verify and click Save.
5. Select System Configuration on the left side of the page. On the displayed page, enter the
name and a description of the transmitter in the applicable fields.
6. Ensure that the Enable System Port checkbox is selected. Then, change the IP address to an
address in the private IP range 192.168.xxx.xxx.
NOTE: In an un-managed matrix configuration, the IP address for the System port must be changed before
the Teaming port can be used for network connections.
7. In the System Netmask field, change the netmask to 255.255.255.0.
8. In the System Gateway field, change the System Gateway to an appropriate address.
9. If using an HMX 5200 or 6200 transmitter, ensure the Enable Management Port checkbox is
selected. Then, enter 192.168.1.42 as the IP address.
NOTE: It is recommended that the IP address of this port remains the same. If you wish to change it, use
the new address for all dual-head extenders in the system.
-or-
If using an HMX 6210T transmitter, ensure the Enable VNC Port checkbox is selected and enter
192.168.1.42 as the IP address.
10. Depending on the transmitter model, enter the netmask and gateway information of either the
Management or VNC port.
11. If using the Teaming port, ensure the Enable Teaming Port checkbox is selected. Then,
change the Teaming Port IP Address to an address in the private IP range 192.168.xxx.xxx.
12. In the Teaming Port Netmask field, change the netmask to 255.255.255.0.
13. In the Teaming Port Gateway field, change the Teaming Gateway to an appropriate address.
14. Verify the data streams Enable Video, Enable Audio, Enable USB and Enable Serial are
enabled as appropriate.
NOTE: It is important that the settings in the transmitter and receiver are the same. If one option is enabled
on the transmitter, but disabled on the receiver, the data stream remains disabled.
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