Minicom Advanced Systems 5UM70156 User Manual
KVM.net
User Guide
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5UM70156 V1.1 12/05
USER GUIDE
About this Document
This document provides installation and operation instructions for the KVM.net
Manager system produced by Minicom Advanced Systems. It is intended for
system administrators and network managers, and assumes that readers have
general understanding of networks, hardware and software.
All information in this document is subject to change without prior notice.
Copyright
Copyright © 2005 Minicom Advanced Systems Ltd.
All marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
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Table of Contents
1. Introduction................................................................................................4
1.1 Key features..................................................................................................4
1.2 Terminology..................................................................................................5
1.3 System components.....................................................................................5
1.4 Pre-installation guidelines............................................................................5
2. Connecting and setting up the system......................................................7
2.1 Connecting the hardware..............................................................................7
2.2 Initial Settings...............................................................................................7
2.2.1 Changing the Root user’s password..................................................................8
2.2.2 Setting the system’s date and time...................................................................8
2.2.3 Accessing the KVM.net Manager from outside a Firewall...................................8
2.2.4 Accessing the KVM.net Manager from a remote location...................................8
3. Displaying the Web interface.....................................................................9
3.1 IP Access status...........................................................................................9
4. Configuring the system components......................................................10
4.1 Defining the KVM switches.........................................................................10
4.1.1 Importing a new KVM Switch..........................................................................11
4.2 Creating Target servers..............................................................................11
4.2.1 Mouse parameters.........................................................................................13
4.2.2 Deleting Targets.............................................................................................14
4.3 Configuring the IP Access units.................................................................14
4.3.1 Assigning a name to an IP Access unit...........................................................15
4.4 Deleting an IP Access unit..........................................................................20
5. Using the system – an overview..............................................................21
5.1 Creating a user............................................................................................22
5.1.1 The General tab elements..............................................................................22
5.1.2 The Targets tab elements...............................................................................23
5.1.3 User summary...............................................................................................24
5.1.4 Deleting a User..............................................................................................25
5.2 Creating a User Group................................................................................25
5.2.1 The Members tab elements............................................................................26
5.2.2 The Targets tab elements...............................................................................27
5.3 Adding Users to a Group............................................................................27
5.3.1 Deleting Users from a Group..........................................................................28
5.4 Associating User/Groups with Targets.......................................................28
5.4.1 Disassociating a User/Group from a Target.....................................................29
5.4.2 Deleting a User Group....................................................................................29
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5.5 Creating a Target Set..................................................................................30
5.5.1 The General tab elements..............................................................................30
5.5.2 The Targets tab elements...............................................................................30
5.5.3 The Users tab elements.................................................................................31
5.5.4 Deleting a Target Set.....................................................................................31
5.6 Associating Target servers with Target Sets..............................................32
5.7 Creating Profiles.........................................................................................33
5.7.1 Creating a Target Profile................................................................................33
5.7.2 Creating an IP Access Profile.........................................................................34
6. Maintenance features...............................................................................37
6.1 Upgrading the KVM.net/IP Access firmware...............................................37
6.2 Backup........................................................................................................37
6.2.1 The backup elements.....................................................................................38
7. Account policy..........................................................................................39
7.1 Password policy..........................................................................................39
7.2 Account blocking........................................................................................40
7.3 Idle timeout.................................................................................................40
8. General Administration of the system.....................................................41
8.1 Updating the system...................................................................................41
8.2 Exiting the KVM.net Manager system.........................................................41
8.3 Rebooting KVM.net Manager system.........................................................42
8.4 Shutting down the KVM.net Manager system.............................................42
8.5 Activity Log.................................................................................................42
9. Accessing the system as a User..............................................................43
9.1 Status column.............................................................................................43
9.2 Connecting to a Target server....................................................................44
9.2.1 Navigating the Web display............................................................................44
10. Accessing an IP Access unit directly......................................................44
11. Technical Specifications..........................................................................45
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1. Introduction
KVM.net Manager is a robust central management appliance that provides reliable
and secure management of business-critical servers.
KVM.net Manager integrates with IP Access, Serial console server and Power
management devices to facilitate an intuitively manageable, centralized out-ofband access portal - designed to maintain all IT assets. LDAP-base, KVM.net
Manager centralizes all user account information relevant for IP Access
administration without interfering in the stand-alone survivability of each device.
KVM.net Manager is a Web based, allowing easy cross-platform client operation.
KVM.net Manager is managed using XML over HTTPS, which allows for secure,
yet highly adaptable administration.
Designed to work across LAN or WAN, even via Web-proxy servers, KVM.net
Manager monitors and auto configures IP Access devices whether residing on the
local enterprise network or in remote branches.
KVM.net Manager delivers the most advanced solution for enterprise IT
management and remote control. Support up to thousands of servers in anenvironment that is completely configurable by the network administrator.
1.1 Key features
IT Management - Single point of access using one global IP address. KVM.net
Manager system centralizes all devices, authentication and global operation to be
managed from a friendly Web browser (over HTTP/HTTPS). The local
administrator can monitor, control and manage the various devices, user accounts
and authorization from one Web interface.
Automatic Discovery - IP Access is discovered automatically by the KVM.net
Manager.
Security - KVM.net Manager provides an extra security layer in addition to the
existing authentication and encryption policy – ensuring that only authorized users
can access servers.
KVM Conditional Access - KVM.net Manager ensures that only authorized
individuals can monitor and access resources.
Availability - Maximizes uptime by centralizing management and allowing
immediate and effective maintenance.
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1.2 Terminology
Targets - The computers/servers that are accessed remotely via the KVM.net
Manager.
Client Computer - The PC running the KVM.net Manager Web interface.
Remote Session - The process of accessing and controlling Target Servers
connected to KVM.net Manager IP Access from a Remote PC.
Permitted Target - A remote Target that a User has authorization to view or
access
1.3 System components
The KVM.net system comes with the following:
· KVM.net Manager
· Rack mounting kit
· Power cord
1.4 Pre-installation guidelines
Prepare a list of all KVM.net system components. You will need this information
to input into the system.
Appendix A on page 46 contains a list of all the details you need to prepare.
Photocopy or print out Appendix A.
The list should include each IP Access unit, the KVM switch connected to it and
the Target servers connected to the IP Access / KVM switch.
For each Target server list:
· A unique and clearly identifiable name
· The operating system*
· Non-default mouse settings. Default mouse settings do not need to be
listed
*Windows NT, 2000 and 98 do not need to be listed. For all other operating
systems you must list them manually.
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Note! For Windows XP
For Windows XP deactivate Enhanced pointer precision. To do so:
From the Control Panel select Printers and Other Hardware. Click the Mouse
icon. The Mouse Properties box appears. See Figure 1. Select the Pointer Options
tab.
Figure 1 Pointer tab
The Motion section slider bar must be in the center, and the Enhanced pointer
precision box must be unchecked. Click OK to save changes.
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2. Connecting and setting up the system
Once the IP Access systems are set up in their locations, you can connect the
KVM.net Manager and begin to set up the KVM.net system.
2.1 Connecting the hardware
1. Connect the KVM.net Manager to the network as follows: On the rear panel
where the two LAN ports are next to each other connect an Ethernet cable to
LAN 1. Where the two LAN ports are one on top of the other connect an
Ethernet cable to LAN 2.
2. Connect a local keyboard and monitor to the KVM.net Manager rear panel.
3. Connect the KVM.net Manager to a power supply outlet.
2.2 Initial Settings
Power up the KVM.net Manager. When the login prompt appears, login with the
default administrator credentials: root / access.
There are 2 possible ways of obtaining an IP address for the system:
(A) Obtaining an IP address via DHCP
If a DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server exists on the network
where KVM.net Manager is installed, the unit boots with an automatically assigned
IP address.
To view the IP address obtained from a DHCP server:
Type ifconfig eth0 and press Enter. The IP address appears.
(B) Configuring a static IP address
To configure a static IP address:
1. Type “netconfig” and press Enter. A confirmation dialog appears.
2. Click Yes. A network configuration screen appears. See Figure 2
Figure 2 Configure Network IP
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3. Enter the IP address, Default Gateway, and Netmask, obtained from your
System Administrator.
4. Press OK. The command prompt appears.
5. Type Service network restart for the IP changes to take affect. Or, type reboot
for the unit to restart with its new IP parameters.
2.2.1 Changing the Root user’s password
To change the Root use’s default password on the KVM.net Manager system:
At the /root/> command line prompt, type passwd and press Enter.
Follow the prompts to change the password.
2.2.2 Setting the system’s date and time
At the /root/> command line:
1. Type date MMDDhhmmYYYY.ss, where:
MM = month hh = hour YYYY = year
DD = day mm = minutes ss = seconds
2. Press Enter. The new time appears.
2.2.3 Accessing the KVM.net Manager from outside a Firewall
To make the KVM.net Manager accessible from outside a network firewall, open
the following ports towards the KVM.net Manager direction:
· Port 80 HTTP
· Port 443 HTTPS
2.2.4 Accessing the KVM.net Manager from a remote location
KVM.net supports secure Telnet connections (SSH) and secure FTP connections
(SSH).
Examples of secured Telnet and FTP applications are:
· putty.exe for a Telnet session
· wincps2.exe for an FTP application
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Menu
Working area
3. Displaying the Web interface
To display the Web interface:
1. Open your Web browser (Internet Explorer version 6.0 or higher).
2. Type in the IP address of the KVM.net Manager and press Enter. The Login
box appears. Bookmark it for easy reference.
3. Type the login name and password. Default Username is admin and Password
is access.
4. Press Enter. The Web interface appears, see Figure 3.
New IP device
MAC address
Figure 3 Devices page
The Web interface opens at the IP Devices page. All IP Access units connected to
the KVM.net system which are KVM.net enabled - as explained in the Quick
Guide - automatically appear in the list see Figure 3. Each IP Access appears with
its MAC address.
3.1 IP Access status
Under the Status column see Figure 3, there are the following possibilities:
OK –The IP Access device is up and running and is ready to be configured or is
available for a remote session.
Alarm – IP Access is down and is unavailable for a remote session.
Rebooting - IP Access reboots upon any Network parameter change, or firmware
upgrade.
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expand the Settings
4. Configuring the system components
You must configure the system by inputting details of the:
· KVM switches connected to IP Access units
· Target servers connected to the KVM switches / IP Access units
· IP Access units
As explained in the pre-installation guidelines, Appendix A on page 46 contains a
list of all the details you need to prepare.
4.1 Defining the KVM switches
You must define all the KVM switch types that are physically connected to the
systems IP Access units.
To define the KVM switch types:
From the menu, expand Settings see Figure 4.
Click here to
list
Figure 4 Settings
1. Select KVM Switches. A list of KVM switches appears see Figure 5.
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Figure 5 KVM switch model list
2. From the list, select the KVM switch brands and models physically connected
to your IP Access devices.
3. Press . The switch names are saved.
4.1.1 Importing a new KVM Switch
If a KVM switch is not listed, contact Minicom’s support team to obtain a new
KVM switch file.
When you receive the file do the following:
1. Save the KVM switch file on the remote PC on which the KVM.net Manager
application is running.
2. Press to locate the KVM switch file. See Figure 5.
3. Press . The file uploads with the new switch type added to the list.
4. Select the KVM switch type and press .
4.2 Creating Target servers
You must define all the Target servers physically connected to the systems IP
Access units / KVM switches. See Figure 2 above.
To define a Target server:
1. From the menu, expand Target Sets see Figure 6.
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Click here to
expand the
Target Sets list
Figure 6 Target Sets menu
2. Right-click All Targets. appears.
3. Click . The following appears.
Figure 7 New Target
4. Select New from scratch to create an entirely new profile. (New from profile –
refers to an already existing profile. Making profiles is explained later in section
5.7 on page 33).
5. Press OK. Figure 8 appears:
Note! All fields with a blue asterisk are mandatory. The rest are optional.
Figure 8 New from scratch- General tab
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The General tab elements
Target Name - Type a unique name for each server in the system. (Once created
you assign the servers to the IP Access / KVM switch port using the Target servers
name – explained below.)
Type – Type of computer/server. E.g. Dell 360
Host IP number – IP address of computer/server, for reference.
Description – Type a description. E.g. Backup server
OS – Select the operating system of the Target server from the Drop-down list. The
mouse parameters under the Advanced tab adjust to match the operating system.
4.2.1 Mouse parameters
Click the Advanced tab. The following appears.
Figure 9 Advanced tab
The Advanced tab elements
When the Target’s mouse settings are not default select the appropriate values.
Acceleration / Threshold – Match the values to that of the server’s mouse.
Type - Select the mouse type you would like IP Access to emulate. When setting
the mouse emulation type, set it to match the mouse connected to the Local
Console port on the IP Access, e.g. if the local mouse is a 2 button mouse, but not
from Microsoft set the Mouse Emulation type to Standard Mouse and uncheck the
Microsoft checkbox.
Tip! The mouse on most KVM drawers in a standard rack is a Standard Mouse
Microsoft - Check the box only if you are using a Microsoft brand Wheel mouse.
Important!! We recommend not changing the advanced settings unless there is
erratic mouse behavior. E.g. the mouse makes random clicks and jumps arbitrarily
around the screen.
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The system now has enough information about the Target server. The Users and
Targets Sets tabs are explained later in section 5.4.
Click . The Target server details are now in the system.
Repeat this process to input all connected servers.
To see a list of all Target servers:
From the menu click All Targets.
4.2.2 Deleting Targets
You can delete Target servers. To do so:
Expand Targets Sets and click All Targets. All the Targets appear.
Check the boxes of the Targets to be deleted.
Press the Delete button on the menu bar. Press to select or deselect all
checkboxes with one click.
Note:
Deleting a Target removes its association with the KVM port number.
4.3 Configuring the IP Access units
Once an IP Access unit is part of the KVM.net system, all IP Access settings and
network configurations are exclusively managed from the KVM.net. Settings
cannot be changed from the IP Access configuration Web pages.
Important! To enable an IP Access unit to be centrally managed via KVM.net,
follow the procedure described in the Quick Guide.
Once an IP Access unit is KVM.net enabled, its name appears in the device list as
the IP Access MAC address, as in Figure 3 above
Note! When there are a number of IP Access units in the system, it may not be
clear which MAC address refers to which IP Access.
Tip! Every IP Access comes with sticker on the underside showing its MAC
address. An IP Access will only appear in the list once it is KVM.net enabled.
Have each IP Access enable KVM.net in a certain order with a suitable time gap,
so that you can identify the unit’s location.
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