HP Server Console Switch G2, IP Console Switch G2 User Manual

HP IP and Server Console Switches G2

HP assumes you are

User Guide

Abstract

This document is for the person who installs racks and rack products. This procedure is performed only by trained personnel. qualified in performing installations and trained in recognizing hazards in rack products.

Part Number: 585313-002a May 2013 Edition: 2

The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

Microsoft®, Windows®, Windows Server®, and Windows® XP are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel® is a trademark or registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. AMD and Opteron are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

Contents

Product features ............................................................................................................................ 6

Overview of features .................................................................................................................................... 6

KVM switching capabilities ........................................................................................................................... 6

True serial capabilities .................................................................................................................................. 7

Local and remote user interfaces .................................................................................................................... 7

Virtual media capabilities .............................................................................................................................. 7

Smart card capabilities ................................................................................................................................. 7

FIPS cryptographic module ............................................................................................................................ 7

Component identification ............................................................................................................... 9

HP Server G2 Console Switch components ..................................................................................................... 9

HP IP G2 Console Switch components ............................................................................................................ 9

Interface adapters ...................................................................................................................................... 11

Installing the console switch ......................................................................................................... 14

Installation overview ................................................................................................................................... 14

Rack-mount safety instructions ............................................................................................................ 14

Installation checklist .................................................................................................................................... 14

Console switch kit contents ................................................................................................................ 14

Required items not included ............................................................................................................... 15

Required tools .................................................................................................................................. 15

Rack-mounting the console switch................................................................................................................. 15

Performing a standard-mount installation............................................................................................. 15

Performing a cantilever-mount installation ........................................................................................... 17

Performing a side-mount installation ................................................................................................... 17

Connecting the console switch ..................................................................................................................... 19

Verifying connections ................................................................................................................................. 20

Rear panel power status LEDs ............................................................................................................ 21

Rear panel Ethernet connection LEDs .................................................................................................. 21

Virtual media and serial interface adapters LEDs ................................................................................. 21

HP IP Console Viewer overview ................................................................................................................... 21

Installing the interface adapter ..................................................................................................... 23

Interface adapter overview .......................................................................................................................... 23

Selecting an interface adapter ..................................................................................................................... 23

Connecting the interface adapter ................................................................................................................. 24

Cascading console switches ......................................................................................................... 25

Cascading console switches overview .......................................................................................................... 25

Cascading console switches matrix .................................................................................................... 25

Cascading two HP Server Console Switches G2 ............................................................................................ 26

Example of an HP Server Console Switch G2 cascade configuration ..................................................... 27

Cascading an HP Server Console Switch G2 under an HP IP Console Switch G2 ............................................. 28

Configuring the console switch ..................................................................................................... 29

The user interfaces...................................................................................................................................... 29

Configuring the console switch using the local console UI ..................................................................... 29

Configuring the console switch using the remote OBWI ........................................................................ 29

Contents 3

Using the user interfaces ............................................................................................................................. 31

Local console user interface ......................................................................................................................... 31

Target devices ........................................................................................................................................... 31

Filtering target devices ................................................................................................................................ 32

Appliance tools .......................................................................................................................................... 32

Upgrading the console switch firmware .............................................................................................. 33

Saving the console switch configuration or user database .................................................................... 34

Restoring the console switch configuration or user database ................................................................. 35

Viewing system information ......................................................................................................................... 35

System alerts .................................................................................................................................... 36

Network settings ........................................................................................................................................ 36

General network settings ................................................................................................................... 36

DNS settings .................................................................................................................................... 37

NTP settings ..................................................................................................................................... 37

SNMP settings ................................................................................................................................. 37

Ports ......................................................................................................................................................... 40

Interface adapter ports ...................................................................................................................... 40

Cascade devices ports ...................................................................................................................... 41

Local console UI settings ............................................................................................................................. 41

Configuring sessions ................................................................................................................................... 42

Configuring General Session settings ................................................................................................. 42

Configuring KVM Session settings ...................................................................................................... 44

Configuring Virtual Media Session settings ......................................................................................... 44

Configuring Serial Session settings ..................................................................................................... 46

Setting up serial access from a command line ..................................................................................... 46

User accounts ............................................................................................................................................ 47

Local user accounts .......................................................................................................................... 47

MergePoint Access settings ......................................................................................................................... 48

Configuring LDAP ....................................................................................................................................... 49

LDAP search .................................................................................................................................... 50

LDAP query...................................................................................................................................... 51

Override admin ......................................................................................................................................... 53

Connections .............................................................................................................................................. 53

Active sessions ........................................................................................................................................... 53

Local sessions .................................................................................................................................. 54

Scan mode ...................................................................................................................................... 54

Disconnecting an active session ......................................................................................................... 55

Video Session Viewer .................................................................................................................. 56

The Video Session Viewer overview ............................................................................................................. 56

Changing the toolbar ....................................................................................................................... 57

Launching a session .................................................................................................................................... 58

Session time-out ............................................................................................................................... 58

Adjusting the view ...................................................................................................................................... 58

Window size ................................................................................................................................... 59

Video Session Viewer tasks ......................................................................................................................... 59

Closing a session ....................................................................................................................................... 59

Using Virtual Media .................................................................................................................... 60

Virtual Media overview ............................................................................................................................... 60

Limitations of using USB 2.0 composite devices with Virtual Media ....................................................... 60

Virtual Media resources .............................................................................................................................. 61

Configuring Virtual Media........................................................................................................................... 61

Sharing and preemption considerations ........................................................................................................ 61

Contents 4

Virtual Media dialog box ............................................................................................................................ 61

Using Virtual Media through the Video Session Viewer .................................................................................. 62

Using local Virtual Media ............................................................................................................................ 62

Using Virtual Media in a two-level cascade configuration ............................................................................... 63

Using smart cards ....................................................................................................................... 64

Smart card overview................................................................................................................................... 64

Using a smart card through Video Session Viewer ......................................................................................... 64

LDAP ......................................................................................................................................... 65

LDAP overview ........................................................................................................................................... 65

LDAP configuration ..................................................................................................................................... 65

Setting up Active Directory for performing queries ......................................................................................... 65

Console switch serial management ............................................................................................... 66

Establishing LAN connections ...................................................................................................................... 66

Connecting to the serial management and setup port ..................................................................................... 66

Configuring HyperTerminal ............................................................................................................... 66

Configuring Minicom ........................................................................................................................ 66

Using the Main Menu ................................................................................................................................. 67

Network Configuration ..................................................................................................................... 68

Enable Debug Messages ................................................................................................................... 68

Reset Appliance ............................................................................................................................... 68

Exit ................................................................................................................................................. 68

Configuring the console switch NIC ............................................................................................................. 69

Recovering a lost console switch serial management password ....................................................................... 69

Firmware ................................................................................................................................... 70

Upgrading the firmware .............................................................................................................................. 70

Enabling TFTP for Microsoft Windows operating systems ...................................................................... 70

Enabling TFTP for Linux operating systems ........................................................................................... 70

Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................... 72

Console switch troubleshooting .................................................................................................................... 72

Connection length table .............................................................................................................................. 73

Frequently asked questions .......................................................................................................... 75

Console switch frequently asked questions .................................................................................................... 75

Regulatory information ................................................................................................................ 76

Safety and regulatory compliance ................................................................................................................ 76

Turkey RoHS material content declaration ..................................................................................................... 76

Ukraine RoHS material content declaration ................................................................................................... 76

Warranty information ................................................................................................................................. 76

Support and other resources ........................................................................................................ 77

Before you contact HP ................................................................................................................................ 77

HP contact information ................................................................................................................................ 77

Acronyms and abbreviations ........................................................................................................ 78

Documentation feedback ............................................................................................................. 80

Index ......................................................................................................................................... 81

Contents 5

Product features

Overview of features

HP offers two types of console switches that provide flexible, centralized control of data center servers and infrastructure appliances:

• HP IP Console Switch G2

• HP Server Console Switch G2

NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, console switch refers to both the HP IP Console Switch and

The following features are available for the new generation console switches:

• Local and remote KVM console access

the HP Server Console Switch.

• True serial capability

• Dual power supplies for redundancy

• Virtual media capability

• Smart card (CAC) capability

• Enhanced video resolution support

• Dual Gigabit NICs for transparent network failover (HP IP Console Switch G2 only)

KVM switching capabilities

The console switch supports several interface adapters, powered directly from the target device to provide Keep Alive functionality when the switch is not powered. The following interface adapters are supported:

• C-Class Blade KVM

• PS2

• USB

• Serial

• PS2 with Virtual Media

• USB with Virtual Media

• PS2 with Virtual Media and CAC

• USB with Virtual Media and CAC

• Serial G2

For more information on interface adapters, see Selecting an interface adapter (on page 23).

Product features 6

True serial capabilities

The console switch supports the HP Serial G2 Adapter, which provides true serial capabilities. You can directly launch an SSH or Telnet session or launch a serial viewer from the local console UI or remote OBWI to establish a serial console session.

Local and remote user interfaces

To configure and manage your console switch, you can use either the local console UI or the remote OBWI.

The two user interfaces share a similar look and feel for optimal user experience.

Virtual media capabilities

You can view, move, or copy data located on virtual media to and from any target device. This functionality enables you to manage remote systems more efficiently for standard tasks such as operating system installation, operating system recovery, hard drive recovery or duplication, BIOS updating, and target device backup.

NOTE: To open a virtual media session with a target device, you must first connect the target

device to a console switch using a virtual media capable interface adapter.

You can connect virtual media for the local console to the console switch using local USB ports, or you can connect virtual media remotely from the client computer.

Smart card capabilities

You can use a smart card, also referred to as a CAC, with your console switch when two-factor authentication is required.

NOTE: To use a smart card reader with a target device, you must first connect the target device

You can connect smart card readers directly to the console switch using local USB ports, or you can connect smart card readers to any remote workstation. The smart card reader must be connected prior to starting a console session with the server. For more information about smart cards, see Using Smart Cards (on page

64).

to a console switch using a smart card capable interface adapter.

FIPS cryptographic module

The KVM switch supports FIPS 140-2 Level 1 cryptographic security requirements. The FIPS mode of operation can be enabled or disabled via the OBWI or local port and executed after a reboot. When FIPS is enabled, a reboot of the switch requires approximately two additional minutes to complete a FIPS mode integrity check. Also, when FIPS is enabled, if the keyboard, mouse, or video encryption is set to 128-bit SSL (ARCFOUR) or DES, the encryption level is automatically changed to the encryption level AES.

IMPORTANT: The FIPS mode can be changed via the DSView software plug-in.

Product features 7

IMPORTANT: The FIPS mode of operation is initially disabled and must be enabled to operate.

IMPORTANT: The Setup port factory default setting automatically disables the FIPS module.

KVM switches use an embedded FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic module (Cerificate #1051) running on a Linux PPC platform per FIPS 140-2 Implementation Guidance section G.5 guidelines (http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/documents/fips140-2/FIPS1402IG.pdf).

The FIPS mode can be enabled or disabled via the OBWI, Local Port, or DSView plug-in. A reboot is required to enable or disable the FIPS mode. A firmware upgrade to this version or setting the state to the default state (Setup Port menu) disables the FIPS mode.

In FIPS mode, encryption ciphers are restricted to AES or 3DES. When FIPS is enabled, if the keyboard, mouse, or video encryption is set to 128-bit SSL or DES, the encryption level is automatically changed to AES. With FIPS enabled, the files are saved, or restored, using AES, a FIPS compatible algorithm. When FIPS is disabled, the User Database and Appliance Configuration files saved from or restored to the appliance as external files are encrypted, or decrypted, using DES.

The external files are encrypted even when the user does not fill in the Password parameter in the Save (or Load) dialog on the OBWI, in which case a default OEM password is used for encryption or decryption.

One result of enabling the FIPS module is to render previously saved User Database and Appliance Configuration files incompatible. In this case, temporarily disable the FIPS module.

To disable the FIPS module:

1. Reboot the appliance.

2. Restore the previously saved database or configuration file.

3. Re-enable the FIPS module.

4. Reboot the appliance.

5. Save the file externally again while the FIPS module is enabled.

The new saved external file is compatible with the appliance as long as the appliance is running with the FIPS mode enabled. Database and configuration files saved with the FIPS module enabled are not compatible for restoring a database or configuration file to an appliance without the FIPS module enabled or to an appliance with older firmware not supporting the FIPS module.

Product features 8

Component identification

HP Server G2 Console Switch components

Item Description

1 2 3

5 6 7 8

10 11

Power supply status indicator LEDs LAN connector Tiering chain port RJ-45 serial setup port Console A VGA connector Console A USB ports Console B VGA connector Console B USB ports Interface adapter ports (1-16) Interface adapter ports (17-32) Power connectors A & B

HP IP G2 Console Switch components

1x1Ex8

Component identification 9

Item Description

1 2

4 5 6 7 8 9

Power supply status indicator LEDs LAN 1 LAN 2 S1, S2, and S3 (reserved for future use) Tiering chain port RJ-45 serial setup port Local console VGA Local console USB ports Interface adapter ports (1-4) Interface adapter ports (5-8) Power connectors A & B

2x1Ex16 or 4x1Ex32

Item Description

Power supply status indicator LEDs

2 3 4 5

7 8 9 10

LAN 1 and LAN 2 S1, S2, and S3 (reserved for future use) Tiering chain port RJ-45 serial setup port Local console VGA Local console USB ports Interface adapter ports (1-16) Interface adapter ports (17-32) Power connectors A & B

Component identification 10

Interface adapters

When flashing, this LED indicates that the interface adapter firmware is

Interface adapters that support Virtual Media have two LEDs on the front of the RJ-45 connector.

Item Description

When lit, this LED indicates that the interface adapter has power from the server.

When lit, this LED indicates that there is an active console session with the interface adapter.

being upgraded.

USB 2.0 interface adapter with Virtual Media

Item Description

Video connector

Component identification 11

Item Description

2 3

RJ-45 connector USB connector

PS2 interface adapter with Virtual Media

Item Description

1 2 3

Video connector RJ-45 connector USB connector (for Virtual Media only) Mouse connector Keyboard connector

Serial interface adapter G2

Item Description

RJ-45 serial connector (to RJ-45/DB9 adapter or to a Cisco appliance)

Power connector (mate to USB power connector or power supply)

RJ-45 connector (for CAT5 to switch)

Component identification 12

USB interface adapter with Virtual Media and CAC

Item Description

1 2 3

Video connector RJ-45 connector USB connector

PS2 interface adapter with Virtual Media and CAC

Item Description

1 2 3 4 5

Video connector Mouse connector Keyboard connector USB connector (for Virtual Media only) RJ-45 connector

To determine which interface adapter you should use, see Selecting an interface adapter (on page 23).

Component identification 13

Installing the console switch

Installation overview

This product ships with rack-mounting brackets for easy integration into the rack. Before installing this product and other components in the rack cabinet (if they are not already installed), stabilize the rack in a permanent location. Begin installing the equipment at the bottom of the rack cabinet, and then work to the top. Avoid

Rack-mount safety instructions

uneven loading or overloading of the rack cabinets.

When rack-mounting a console switch, consider the following factors:

• Elevated operating ambient temperature—If the equipment is installed in a closed or multi-unit rack

assembly, the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment might be greater than room ambient temperature. Install the equipment in an environment compatible with the operating temperature.

• Reduced air flow—In the rack, the rate of air flow required for safe operation of the equipment must not

be compromised.

• Mechanical loading—Avoid a potentially hazardous condition caused by uneven mechanical loading

by carefully mounting the equipment in the rack.

• Circuit overloading—When connecting the equipment to the supply circuit, consider the effect that

overloading of the circuits might have on overcurrent protection and supply wiring. Consider the equipment nameplate ratings when addressing this concern.

• Reliable earthing—Maintain reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment. Pay particular attention to

supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit, such as the use of power strips.

Installation checklist

Console switch kit contents

Before installation, refer to the following lists to be sure that all of the listed components were received.

• Console switch

• Power cords

• Rack mounting kit

• CAT 5 serial adapter

• Documentation kit

This kit might contain extra hardware for your convenience.

Installing the console switch 14

Required items not included

• Interface adapters ("Installing the interface adapter" on page 23)

One interface adapter is needed for each server or device.

o USB

o PS2

o Serial

o HP BladeSystem

• UTP CAT 5 or better cable

• Cage nuts and M6 screws (included with your original rack hardware kit)

Required tools

The following tools are required for some procedures:

• Phillips screwdriver

• Cage nut insertion tool (included with your original rack hardware kit)

Rack-mounting the console switch

WARNING: For safe use, do not mount this product with the rear panel, which is the side of the

1. Before installing the console switch into the rack, connect the console switch to a power source using the

2. Choose one of the following configurations:

console switch with I/O connectors and the AC power inlet, facing downward (facing the floor).

power cords provided.

An activity indicator light is displayed after a few seconds. If the activity indicator light does not display, be sure that the power cord is connected, and the power source is valid.

o Standard-mount

o Cantilever-mount

o Side-mount

Performing a standard-mount installation

1. Remove the six screws, three on each side, from the console switch.

Installing the console switch 15

Attach the long 1U brackets to the console switch using four of the screws you removed. Discard the two remaining screws.

3. If not already installed, install a cage nut behind each rear rail.

4. Slide the console switch into the rear of the 1U product.

5. Secure the console switch to the rails using two M-6 screws, one on each side.

Installing the console switch 16

Performing a cantilever-mount installation

1. Remove the six screws, three on each side, from the console switch.

2. Attach the long 1U brackets to the console switch using four of the screws you removed. Discard the two

remaining screws.

3. Install up to six cage nuts.

4. Secure the console switch to the rails using the appropriate number of M-6 screws.

Performing a side-mount installation

1. Remove the six screws, three on each side, from the console switch.

Installing the console switch 17

Attach the side-mounting brackets to the console switch using four of the screws you removed. Discard the two remaining screws.

3. Slide the side-mounting bracket tabs into the U locations on each side of the rack.

Installing the console switch 18

Install four cage nuts into the side-mounting bracket U locations.

5. Secure the console switch to the rails, using four M-6 screws, two on each side.

NOTE: Some racks enable you to use four sheet metal screws in place of M-6 screws and cage

nuts.

Connecting the console switch

1. Connect the local keyboard, video, and mouse to the console switch.

Installing the console switch 19

WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to the 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) electrical outlet that is easily accessible at all

times.

• Unplug the power cord from the power supply to disconnect power to the equipment.

• Do not route the power cord where it can be walked on or pinched by items placed against it.

Pay particular attention to the plug, electrical outlet, and the point where the cord extends from

2. Plug the console switch power cord into a power source. The power supply status indicator LED

illuminates.

the storage system.

NOTE: UTP CAT5 cables are used throughout the examples in this guide. However, UTP CAT5

or better cables can be used for any connection.

3. Connect a UTP CAT5 cable to the LAN connector on the console switch.

NOTE: For console switches that have 2 LAN connectors, you must connect them to 2 Ethernet

switches on the same subnet.

4. Connect the other end of that same UTP CAT5 cable to an Ethernet switch.

The following figure shows one possible configuration for your console switch system.

Item Description

1 2 3

Local console Console switch Ethernet switch

Verifying connections

The following LEDs illuminate to indicate connection status.

Installing the console switch 20

Rear panel power status LEDs

The rear panel features two power supply status indicator LEDs. The LEDs illuminate green in the following patterns:

• Solid green—Both power supplies have power.

• Blinks Morse code SOS—The power supply whose indicator LED is not blinking does not have power

or has failed.

• Blinks consistently—A firmware upgrade is in process.

Rear panel Ethernet connection LEDs

The rear panel of the switch features two LEDs that indicate the Ethernet connection for LAN1 and two LEDs that indicate the Ethernet connection for LAN2.

The green LEDs illuminate when a valid connection to the network is established and blink when activity occurs on the port.

The bi-color LEDs either illuminate green or amber.

• Green illumination—The communication speed is 1000 Mbps.

• Amber illumination—The communication speed is 100 Mbps.

• No illumination—The communication speed is 10 Mbps.

Virtual media and serial interface adapters LEDs

Typically, interface adapters feature two LEDs:

• Power LED—Illuminates green when the interface adapter is connected and receiving power.

• Active LED:

o Illuminates green when the interface adapter is in an active session

o Flashes green when the interface adapter firmware is flashed. Do not interrupt power to the

interface adapter during a firmware update.

CAUTION: Do not disconnect an interface adapter during a firmware upgrade or power cycling.

The interface adapter becomes inoperable and must be returned to the factory for repair.

HP IP Console Viewer overview

If you want the HP IP Console Viewer software to configure your console switch, you must install it. The HP IP Console Viewer enables you to remotely organize and manage your local KVM and serial appliances, as well as any device connected to them within your datacenter. For more information, see the HP IP Console Viewer User Guide included on the CD provided with this product.

NOTE: The local console port does not require the HP IP Console Viewer software for operation.

The local console port uses the local console UI. For more information, see Configuring the

The console switch system uses Ethernet networking infrastructures and the TCP/IP protocol to transmit keyboard, video, and mouse information between operators and connected computers. Although 10Base-T

console switch (on page 29).

Installing the console switch 21

Ethernet can be used, a dedicated, switched 100Base-T or 1000Base-T network provides improved performance.

Installing the console switch 22

Installing the interface adapter

HP USB

Interface adapter overview

An interface adapter is required for the console switch system to function properly. However, an interface adapter is not included in the console switch kit. The interface adapter is connected to a console switch using a CAT5 cable.

NOTE: UTP CAT5 cables are used throughout the examples in this guide. However, UTP CAT5

Selecting an interface adapter

Several interface adapters are available for use with the console switch. The following chart describes the functionality and optimal uses for each adapter.

Interface adapter

HP c-Class Blade

HP PS2

HP Serial

HP PS2 with Virtual Media

HP USB with Virtual Media*

HP PS2 with Virtual Media and CAC

HP USB with Virtual Media and CAC

HP Serial G2

*Not supported for use with HP ProLiant G7 servers or earlier

or better cables can be used for any connection.

Type Part number Prime function Optimal use

Blade c-Class

PS2 262588-B21 KVM console access For servers that have PS/2 connectors USB 336047-B21 KVM console access For servers that have USB connectors Serial 373035-B21 Connecting to a serial

PS2M AF604A KVM and Hi-Speed Virtual

USB2 AF603A KVM and Hi-Speed Virtual

PS2MC AF624A Full-Speed Virtual Media

USBMC AF623A Full-Speed Virtual Media

True serial AF625A Provides access to the serial

AF605A Local console access to a

blade server

interface

Media (approximately 12x CD-ROM) for servers with PS/2 connectors

Media (approximately 12x CD-ROM) for servers that do not have PS/2 connectors

(approximately 6x CD-ROM) and CAC support for servers with PS/2 connectors

(approximately 6x CD-ROM) and CAC support for servers with USB connectors

console

For server blades to connect to a KVM for local access

For managing serial devices through a serial interface

For servers that have PS/2 connectors and require Hi-Speed Virtual Media

For servers that do not have PS/2 connectors, but require Hi-Speed Virtual Media

For servers that have PS/2 connectors and require Full-Speed Virtual Media and CAC support

For servers that have USB connectors and require Full-Speed Virtual Media and CAC support

For servers that require access to the serial console and all serial-managed devices

Installing the interface adapter 23

Connecting the interface adapter

NOTE: If you use the HP USB with Virtual Media interface adapter to connect to your ProLiant

server, test the functionality of your keyboard and mouse at the BIOS level before you load your

1. Connect a UTP CAT5 cable to the interface adapter connection port on the console switch.

2. Connect the other end of that same UTP CAT5 cable to the RJ-45 connector on the interface adapter.

3. Connect the interface adapter to the appropriate connectors on the server.

4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to connect any other servers or appliances to the console switch.

The following figure shows an example configuration for the console switch system with an interface adapter.

operating system.

Item Description

Server

2 3 4

Console switch USB 2.0 interface adapter with Virtual Media PS2 interface adapter with Virtual Media

Installing the interface adapter 24

Cascading console switches

Cascading console switches overview

The G2 console switches support two levels of cascading or tiering devices. You can cascade multiple console switches to increase the number of devices available from a single access point.

When cascading console switches with Virtual Media, verify the following:

• Interface adapters are not be used to cascade console switches. If interface adapters are used to

cascade console switches, you do not have seamless integration, and you lose Virtual Media support. Use interface adapters with Virtual Media capability if you require Virtual Media.

• All cascaded console switches and interface adapters must have the most current firmware. To upgrade

Cascading console switches matrix

console switch firmware, see Upgrading the firmware.

General rules of cascading console switches include:

• You can either cascade a newer console switch over an older console switch, or cascade switches of the

same generation. An older console switch cannot be the primary console switch over a newer secondary switch.

• IP console switches cannot be cascaded under other IP console switches.

• In order for a particular feature to function, such as Virtual Media, all console switches and interface

adapters in the cascade must support the feature.

NOTE: The Virtual Media speed on an interface adapter that also supports smart cards is only

Full-Speed (approximately 6x CD-ROM). To use Hi-Speed Virtual Media (approximately 12x

For configurations to work properly, you must have an interface adapter with Virtual Media connecting each server to the console switch. For more information, see Using Virtual Media (on page 60).

HP Server Console Switches and Compaq Server Console Switches are not Virtual Media capable and cannot be used as a primary console switch over any of the Virtual Media capable console switches.

The following table shows several two-level cascade configurations.

Primary console switch Secondary console switch Supported features*

HP IP Console Switch G2 with Virtual Media

CD-ROM), you must use a Virtual Media only interface adapter.

HP Server Console Switch G2 with Virtual Media

HP Server Console Switch with Virtual Media

HP Server Console Switch G2 KVM

HP Server Console Switch KVM

Virtual Media Smart Card

Virtual Media

Cascading console switches 25

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HP Server Console Switch G2, IP Console Switch G2 User Manual

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