Minicom Advanced Systems 216 User Manual
Smart 216 / 232 IP
User Guide
International HQ
Jerusalem, Israel
Tel: + 972 2 535 9666
minicom@minicom.com
www.minicom.com
Technical support - support@minicom.com
America
Linden, NJ, USA
Tel: + 1 908 486 2100
info.usa@minicom.com
5UM20184 V1.1 9/09
SMART 216 / 232 IP
Table of Contents
1. Welcome............................................................................................................................3
Section I............................................................................................4
2. Introduction.......................................................................................................................4
3. Key features......................................................................................................................4
4. System components........................................................................................................5
5. Compatibility.....................................................................................................................5
6. Terminology......................................................................................................................5
7. The Smart 216 / 232 IP unit..............................................................................................5
7.1 LED and button table....................................................................................................................6
7.2 Connector table............................................................................................................................6
8. Pre-installation guidelines...............................................................................................7
8.1 Avoiding general rack mounting problems....................................................................................7
8.2 Rack mounting the Smart 216 / 232 IP.........................................................................................8
9. Connecting the system....................................................................................................9
9.1 The ROCs....................................................................................................................................9
9.1.1 Connecting a ROC PS/2.....................................................................................................10
9.1.2 Connecting a ROC USB.....................................................................................................10
9.2 Connecting to the network..........................................................................................................11
9.3 Connecting the CAT5 cables......................................................................................................11
9.4 Connecting a KVM console........................................................................................................11
9.5 Connecting the power supply.....................................................................................................11
10. Setting the IP address..................................................................................................12
11. Logging into the web interface....................................................................................13
11.1 SSL Certificate notes................................................................................................................13
11.2 Logging in.................................................................................................................................13
11.3 Connecting to a Target server..................................................................................................14
12. Configuring the system................................................................................................15
12.1 Network > Configuration...........................................................................................................15
12.1.1 LAN..................................................................................................................................15
12.1.2 KVM.net...........................................................................................................................16
13. Administration > User Settings...................................................................................17
13.1 Adding a user...........................................................................................................................18
13.2 Deleting a user.........................................................................................................................18
13.3 Blocking a user.........................................................................................................................18
14. Administration > Switch Configuration......................................................................19
15. Administration > Power Management.........................................................................20
16. Administration > Serial Settings.................................................................................21
17. Administration > User Targets....................................................................................22
18. Security > Settings.......................................................................................................23
19. Security > SSL Certificate............................................................................................24
20. Maintenance > Switch Upgrade...................................................................................25
21. Maintenance > RICCs/RoCs Upgrade.........................................................................26
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USER GUIDE
22. Restore Factory Settings.............................................................................................27
23. Set Time & Date............................................................................................................27
24. Backup & Restore.........................................................................................................28
25. Saving changes and logging out................................................................................28
26. Accessing a Target server...........................................................................................28
26.1 Displaying the Toolbar..............................................................................................................29
26.2 Session profile..........................................................................................................................29
26.3 Full screen mode......................................................................................................................30
26.4 Changing the performance settings..........................................................................................31
26.5 Adjusting the Video settings.....................................................................................................32
26.5.1 Refresh.............................................................................................................................32
26.5.2 Video Adjust.....................................................................................................................32
26.5.3 Advanced.........................................................................................................................32
26.6 Power cycle..............................................................................................................................33
26.7 Keyboard key sequences.........................................................................................................34
26.8 Synchronizing mouse pointers..................................................................................................35
26.8.1 Aligning the mice pointers.................................................................................................36
26.8.2 Calibrating mice pointers..................................................................................................36
26.8.3 Manual mouse synchronization.........................................................................................36
26.9 Switching to a different server/device.......................................................................................38
26.10 Disconnecting the remote session..........................................................................................38
27. The Targets page menu...............................................................................................38
27.1 Changing the password............................................................................................................38
27.2 Event log..................................................................................................................................39
27.2.1 Downloading the log.........................................................................................................39
27.2.2 Clearing the log................................................................................................................40
28. Troubleshooting - Restoring to the factory settings.................................................40
Section II.........................................................................................41
29. The OSD........................................................................................................................41
29.1 Navigating the OSD Main window.............................................................................................41
29.2 Selecting a computer................................................................................................................41
29.3 Power management hotkey – left Shift, F12.............................................................................42
29.4 Moving the Confirmation label – F1..........................................................................................42
29.5 Tuning – F5..............................................................................................................................43
29.6 The Settings window - F2.........................................................................................................43
29.7 DDC – F10...............................................................................................................................44
29.8 Saving changes to the settings.................................................................................................45
30. Remote session video resolution and refresh rates.................................................46
31. Technical specifications..............................................................................................47
32. Safety.............................................................................................................................48
33. User guide feedback....................................................................................................48
34. WEEE compliance........................................................................................................48
© 2009 Copyright Minicom Advanced Systems. All rights reserved.
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SMART 216 / 232 IP
1. Welcome
Thank you for buying the Smart 216 / 232 IP system. This system is produced by
Minicom Advanced Systems Limited.
This document provides installation and operation instructions for Minicom’s
Smart 216 / 232 IP. It is intended for system administrators and network managers,
and assumes that readers have a general understanding of networks, hardware and
software.
Technical precautions
This equipment generates radio frequency energy and if not installed in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause radio frequency interference.
This equipment complies with Part 15, Subpart J of the FCC rules for a Class A
computing device. This equipment also complies with the Class A limits for radio
noise emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation
of the Canadian Department of Communications. These above rules are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when operating the
equipment in a commercial environment. If operation of this equipment in a
residential area causes radio frequency interference, the user, and not Minicom
Advanced Systems Limited, will be responsible.
Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by
Minicom Advanced Systems Limited could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
Minicom Advanced Systems Limited assumes no responsibility for any errors that
appear in this document. Information in this document is subject to change without
notice.
No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, for any purpose, without the express written
permission of Minicom Advanced Systems Limited.
Trademarks
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
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USER GUIDE
Section I
This section explains how to configure and operate the Smart 216 / 232 IP system
remotely over IP.
Section II on page 41, explains how to operate the Smart 216 / 232 IP switching
system locally through the On Screen Display (OSD).
2. Introduction
The Smart 216 IP and the Smart 232 IP two units are functionally the same. The
Smart 216 IP has 16 Server ports and the Smart 232 IP has 32 Server ports.
The Smart 216 / 232 IP extends your KVM (keyboard, video, and mouse) from any
computer or server over TCP/IP via LAN, WAN or Internet connection. Now 2
remote users can control, monitor and manage up to 16 remote (PS/2, USB) servers
simultaneously from wherever they are, inside or outside the organization.
Simultaneously 1 local user can also access the servers. Simultaneously 2 more
remote users can operate serial devices such as routers or managed network
switches. Alternatively, 1 more user can use a PDU.
The Smart 216 / 232 IP is a cost-effective hardware solution, for secure remote
KVM access & control of 16 (32 for the Smart 232 IP) computers/servers from the
BIOS level - independent of the OS.
The Smart 216 / 232 IP is based on Minicom’s innovative ROC technology in
which each computer/server is directly connected to the switch via ROC dongles
using only standard CAT5 cable at a distance of up to 30m/100ft in a star
configuration. No external power is needed at the remote ROC.
3. Key features
BIOS level control to any server’s brand and model, regardless of the server
condition and network connectivity, covering the entire spectrum of crash
scenarios.
Compatible with all major operating systems. Supports many hardware and
software configurations for the remote client and the Target server computers, as
well as the KVM switch in use
Web-based control - Browser Control to a Target server, from any location via
secured standard IP connection.
Security - Supports the highest security standards for encryption (256 bit SSL and
HTTPS) and authentication for remote user and advanced OSD management with
multi-layer security for local user.
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SMART 216 / 232 IP
Centralized Management - Can be controlled by the Minicom’s Centralized
Management systems – AccessIT and KVM.net II.
Seamless power control – with Minicom’s Serial Remote Power Switch.
4. System components
The system consists of:
· 1 Smart 216 / 232 IP (p/n 1SU70036) or 1 Smart 232 IP (p/n 1SU70037)
· Rack mounting set (p/n 5AC20247)
· ROCS - PS/2, USB
5. Compatibility
The Smart 216 / 232 IP is compatible with:
· PS/2 and USB computers/servers
· VGA, SVGA, or XGA monitors
· Windows, Linux, UNIX and other major operating systems
6. Terminology
Below are some terms and their meanings used in this guide.
Term Meaning
Target server
Client computer
Remote session
The computers/servers that are accessed remotely via the
Smart 216 / 232 IP.
The PC running a remote Smart 216 / 232 IP session
The process of remotely accessing and controlling Target
servers connected to Smart 216 / 232 IP from a user
workstation
7. The Smart 216 / 232 IP unit
Figure 1 illustrates the front panel of the Smart 216 / 232 IP.
MINICOM
Power RemoteLink
21
Figure 1 Smart 216 IP front panel
5
SMART 216 IP
7.1 LED and button table
LED Function
USER GUIDE
Power
Link
Remote 1 & 2
Power Indicator
Unit is connected to the network
Illuminates when a remote session is active
I
0
POWER
100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz
Power
I
0
POWER
100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz
Power
Serial 1 port
Serial 1 port
Serial 2 port
SERIAL 1
SERIAL 2
LAN
LAN (Ethernet)
port
Serial 2 port
SERIAL 1
SERIAL 2
LAN
LAN (Ethernet)
port
7.2 Connector table
Monitor
LOCAL USER
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Mouse
Keyboard
Figure 2 Smart 216 IP ports
Monitor
LOCAL USER
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Mouse
Keyboard
Figure 3 Smart 232 IP ports
SERVER
Server ports
SERVER
Server ports
10 11 12 13 14 15 169
27
262518 19 20 21 22 23 2417
10 11 12 13 14 15 169
3231302928
Connector Function
Console KVM
Serial 1
Serial 2
LAN
Server ports
Connect a keyboard, video and mouse to operate the Smart 216 /
232 IP locally
Connect any Serial device. Note! Minicom’s Serial Remote Power
Switch must be connected to Serial 1
Connect any Serial device.
Connect to 10/100 Mbit Ethernet. Yellow Led illuminates when
connected to LAN. Green LED illuminates when a remote session
is in progress
Connect to servers via ROCs
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SMART 216 / 232 IP
8. Pre-installation guidelines
· Place cables away from fluorescent lights, air conditioners, and machines that
are likely to generate electrical noise
· Place the Smart 216 / 232 IP on a flat, clean and dry surface
· The Smart 216 / 232 IP is not intended for connection to exposed outdoor lines
· Ensure that the maximum distance between each computer and the Smart 216 /
232 IP, does not exceed 30m/100ft for ROCs.
8.1 Avoiding general rack mounting problems
Elevated operating ambient temperature
The operating ambient temperature of the rack environment may be greater than
the room ambient when installing into a closed or multi-unit rack assembly. So
install the equipment in an environment compatible with the maximum rated
ambient temperature.
Reduced airflow
Install the equipment in a rack in such a way that the amount of airflow required
for safe operation is not compromised. Leave a gap of at least 5cm/2” each side of
the Smart 216 / 232 IP.
Mechanical loading
Mount the equipment in the rack in such a way that a hazardous condition is not
achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.
Circuit overloading
When connecting the equipment to the supply circuit, consider the effect that
overloading of circuits might have on over-current protection and supply wiring.
Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained. Give attention
to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit (e.g. use of
power strips).
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USER GUIDE
8.2 Rack mounting the Smart 216 / 232 IP
Rack mount the Smart 216 / 232 IP using the supplied Rack-mount kit. The
brackets can be placed in 2 possible positions, see Figure 4.
Front of unit
Position here for
front facing
Figure 4 Bracket positions
Place the brackets towards the front of the unit so that the unit can be mounted
front facing, or place the brackets towards the rear of the unit so that the unit can be
mounted rear facing. Figure 5 illustrates the bracket connected for rear facing.
Screw the bracket to the Smart 216 / 232 IP using the screws provided.
Position here
for rear facing
Rear of unit
Bracket connected for rear
facing rack mounting
Figure 5 Bracket connected
Rear of unit
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SMART 216 / 232 IP
9. Connecting the system
Figure 6 illustrates the Smart 216 / 232 IP system overview.
Local User
To LAN port
SERIAL 1
SERIAL 2
LOCAL USER
LAN
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
SERVER
10 11 12 13 14 15 169
POWER
100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz
I
0
User 1 over IP
To servers
User 2 over IP
Internet / VPN / LAN
ROCs
Figure 6 Smart 216 / 232 IP system overview
9.1 The ROCs
Each computer/ server is directly connected to the Smart 216 / 232 IP via the
appropriate RoC using CAT5 cable in a star configuration. No external power is
needed at the remote ROCs. The ROCs draw their power from the computer’s
keyboard port (ROC PS/2) or from the USB port (ROC USB). The figures below
illustrate the ROC PS/2 and ROC USB.
PDU
To computer’s
mouse port
Figure 7 ROC PS/2
9
To computer’s
keyboard port
To computer’s
Video card
USER GUIDE
To computer’s
Video Card
To computer’s
USB Port
Figure 8 ROC USB
9.1.1 Connecting a ROC PS/2
Figure 9 illustrates the ROC PS/2 connections.
You can connect the ROC PS/2 to a powered on computer, but it must be in the
following order:
1. Connect the Mouse connector to the computer’s Mouse port.
2. Connect the Keyboard connector to the computer’s Keyboard port.
3. Connect the Screen connector to the computer’s Video port.
Failure to connect in the above order while the server is running, may lead to the
mouse malfunctioning until the server is rebooted.
To Keyboard port
Mouse
Keybd
To Mouse port
CAT5 cable to switch
Server port
ROC PS/2
To Video port
Figure 9 ROC PS/2 connections
9.1.2 Connecting a ROC USB
The ROC USB supports Windows 98 SE and later, MAC, SUN and SGI, and all
modern Linux distributions. Figure 10 illustrates the ROC USB and its connections.
10
100T
Parallel
VideoSerial A
Serial B
PCI 33Mx32b
PCI 33Mx32b
PCI 33Mx32b
PCI 33Mx32b
SCSI
SMART 216 / 232 IP
To connect the ROC USB:
1. Connect the Screen connector to the computer’s Video port.
2. Connect the USB connector to the computer’s USB port.
ROC USB
CAT5 cable to switch
Server port
To Video port
To USB port
Figure 10 ROC USB
9.2 Connecting to the network
Connect the network cable to the LAN port of the Smart 216 / 232 IP. This must be
done before powering on the Smart 216 / 232 IP.
9.3 Connecting the CAT5 cables
1. Connect one connector to the ROCs RJ45 port.
2. Connect the other connector to one of the Smart 216 / 232 IP’s Computer ports.
3. Follow the above 2 steps for each computer.
9.4 Connecting a KVM console
To operate the system locally, connect a KVM console to the Smart 216 / 232 IP:
1. Connect the monitor’s connector to the Smart 216 / 232 IP’s Monitor port.
2. Connect the keyboard’s USB connector to the Smart 216 / 232 IP’s USB
Keyboard port.
3. Connect the mouse’s USB connector to the Smart 216 / 232 IP’s USB Mouse
port.
9.5 Connecting the power supply
1. Using the Power cord provided, connect the Smart 216 / 232 IP to a socket
outlet with grounding connection. Only use the power cord supplied with the
unit.
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USER GUIDE
2. Switch on the Smart 216 / 232 IP.
10. Setting the IP address
By default, Smart 216 / 232 IP boots with an automatically assigned IP address
from a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server on the network. The
DHCP server provides a valid IP address, gateway address and subnet mask.
You can identify the IP address from the OSD at the local position. Also where
there is no DHCP server, set the IP address locally via the OSD as follows:
1. From the local keyboard, press Shift twice. The OSD Main window appears.
See Figure 11.
Figure 11 OSD Main window
2. Press F2. The Settings window appears see Figure 12.
Figure 12 Settings window
In the Settings window navigate downwards using the Tab key. At the bottom of
the window, press tab to go to the top of the window. Change settings by typing in
the selected area or by pressing the spacebar – whichever is relevant.
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SMART 216 / 232 IP
Changing the Network parameters
Enable DHCP – When a DHCP server is active on the same network to which
Smart 216 / 232 IP is connected, DHCP provides automatic IP assignment.
When DHCP is disabled – (Recommended) – You can assign a fixed IP address to
the Smart 216 / 232 IP.
Consult your Network Administrator regarding the use of the DHCP.
When DHCP is disabled, enter the IP Address, Subnet Mask, and Gateway as
given by your Network Administrator.
Once the IP address is satisfactory login to the web interface to complete the
configuration, as explained in section 11 below.
(Network parameters can also be changed from the remote GUI as explained on
page 15).
11. Logging into the web interface
Client computer operating system. Windows 2000 or higher, with Firefox 3 or
Internet Explorer 6.0 or later version. Linux with Firefox 3.
11.1 SSL Certificate notes
When first connecting, 2 browser security warnings appear. Click Yes to proceed.
The first warning disappears upon first Smart 216 / 232 IP client installation, when
Minicom’s root certificate is installed.
11.2 Logging in
To complete the initial setup via the web configuration interface:
1. Open your web browser (Internet Explorer version 6.0 or higher).
2. Type the Smart 216 / 232 IP system IP address – http or https://IP address/ and press Enter. The login page appears, see Figure 13.
Figure 13 Login page
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USER GUIDE
3. Type the default Administrator user name - admin - and password - access -
(both lower case).
4. Press Enter. The web interface opens at the Targets page. See Figure 14.
5. Bookmark the page for easy reference.
Figure 14 Targets page
By default an Administrator can access all connected Targets, so they all appear on
the Targets page.
Columns:
Server name - The server name can be changed in the configuration settings to
give the server an identifiable name.
Server Status - Server Status can be on, off or busy (i.e. another user is accessing
the server).
User – The current user (if any) accessing the Target.
11.3 Connecting to a Target server
To connect to a Target you click the desired Target in the Server Name
Column. The screen of the Target appears side the remote console. Section
26 on page 28 explains how to conduct a remote session. The sections below
first explain how to configure the system.
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