Minicom Advanced Systems CAT5 User Manual
Smart CAT5 Switch
8 and 16 Port
User Guide
International HQ
Jerusalem, Israel
Tel: + 972 2 535 9666
minicom@minicom.com
www.minicom.com
North America
Linden, NJ, USA
Tel: + 1 908 4862100
info.usa@minicom.com
Customer support - support@minicom.com
Europe
Dübendorf, Switzerland
Tel: + 41 1 823 8000
info.europe@minicom.com
5UM20110 V1.4 11/05
SMART CAT5 SWITCH
Table of Contents
1. Welcome.........................................................................................................3
2. Introduction.....................................................................................................4
3. Features..........................................................................................................4
4. System components.......................................................................................4
5. Compatibility...................................................................................................4
6. The Smart CAT5 system configuration...........................................................5
7. The Smart CAT5 models.................................................................................5
8. Pre-installation guidelines..............................................................................6
9. Connecting the Smart CAT5 system..............................................................6
10. Connecting the power supply.........................................................................9
11. Resetting the Switch.......................................................................................9
12. Avoiding general rack mounting problems....................................................9
13. Rack mounting the Smart CAT5...................................................................10
14. Rack mounting the RICCs.............................................................................11
15. Cascading Smart CAT5 switches.................................................................12
16. Operating the Smart CAT5 system...............................................................13
17. The keyboard hotkeys..................................................................................13
18. Displaying the OSD.......................................................................................13
19. Navigating the OSD.......................................................................................14
20. Selecting a computer....................................................................................14
21. The OSD settings (F2)...................................................................................14
22. The General settings.....................................................................................15
23. F7 Defaults....................................................................................................18
24. The Ports settings.........................................................................................18
25. The Time settings.........................................................................................19
26. Users.............................................................................................................20
27. Security.........................................................................................................21
28. The OSD HELP window – F1.........................................................................21
29. Scanning computers– F4..............................................................................22
30. Tuning – F5...................................................................................................22
31. Moving the label – F6....................................................................................22
32. Using the Control software...........................................................................23
33. Control software system requirements........................................................23
34. Connecting the RS232 Serial cable..............................................................24
35. Installing and running the Control software.................................................25
36. Computer icons.............................................................................................26
37. Communication Error...................................................................................26
38. The View menu..............................................................................................26
39. Selecting a computer....................................................................................27
40. The toolbar buttons......................................................................................27
41. Get Status.....................................................................................................27
1
USER GUIDE
42. Read Configuration.......................................................................................27
43. Write Configuration.......................................................................................27
44. Renaming a computer...................................................................................28
45. The Edit menu...............................................................................................28
46. Logo and Passwords....................................................................................28
47. Settings.........................................................................................................29
48. Loading a saved configuration.....................................................................30
49. Reminder!......................................................................................................30
50. The factory default settings..........................................................................30
51. Password protection.....................................................................................30
52. Upgrading the Smart CAT5 firmware............................................................31
53. System requirements for the Smart CAT5 Update software........................31
54. Connecting the Smart CAT5 system............................................................31
55. Connecting the RS232 Serial cable..............................................................32
56. Installing the software..................................................................................32
57. Starting and configuring the Smart CAT5 Update........................................32
58. Verifying the version numbers.....................................................................33
59. Obtaining new firmware................................................................................34
60. Updating the firmware..................................................................................35
61. Reset.............................................................................................................35
62. RICC SUN keyboard emulation.....................................................................36
63. Troubleshooting tips.....................................................................................36
64. USB / SUN Combo keys................................................................................37
65. Technical specifications...............................................................................38
2
SMART CAT5 SWITCH
1. Welcome
Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by Minicom
The Smart CAT5 Switch system is produced by Minicom Advanced Systems Limited.
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.
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.
© 2005 inicom Advanced Systems Limited. All rights reserved.
Trademarks
PS/2 is a registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. All
other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective
owners.
3
USER GUIDE
2. Introduction
Access and control multiple multi-platform computers from one Keyboard Video
Mouse (KVM) console with the Smart CAT5 Switch (Smart CAT5) system. The
Smart CAT5 comes in 8 and 16 port models. Connect up to 8 computers to the 8 port
model, and up to 16 to the 16 port model.
3. Features
· Hot-Swap - disconnect and reconnect computers without rebooting
· Scan-mode operation with variable time interval
· 1U Rack mountable
· Operate the system using an On Screen Display (OSD) or Control software or
front panel push buttons or keyboard hotkeys
· Create multi-level cascade arrangements. For example by cascading the Smart
CAT5 16 Port model, connect up to up to 256 computers in the system
· The computers can be placed up to 10m/33ft from the Smart CAT5
· Multi-platform — supports PS/2, SUN, and USB computers/servers
4. System components
The Smart CAT5 system consists of:
· Smart CAT5 Switch 8 or 16 port
· Remote Interface Connection cables (RICCs) – PS/2, SUN, USB
· CAT5 cables (1.5m provided)
· RS232 Serial cable
· Rack mounts for the Smart CAT5 and the RICCs
5. Compatibility
The Smart CAT5 is compatible with:
· PS/2, SUN and USB computers/servers
· VGA, SVGA, or XGA monitors
· DOS, Windows (3X, 9X, 2000, NT4, ME, XP, 2003 Server) LINUX, UNIX,
QNX, SGI, FreeBSD, BeOS, Open VMS, Novell 3.12-6, Alpha UNIX, HP UX,
SUN
4
SMART CAT5 SWITCH
6. The Smart CAT5 system configuration
Figure 1 illustrates the basic configuration of the Smart CAT5 system.
Computer 16
RICC
COMPUTER
www.minicom.com
100-250 VAC 50/60 Hz
POWER
Computer 1
RICC
101112131415169
12345678
Smart CAT5 Switch
Figure 1 The Smart CAT5 system configuration
7. The Smart CAT5 models
Figure 2 illustrates the front panel of the Smart CAT5 16 port model. The 8 port
model is the same but with only 8 columns of LEDs.
CAT5
SMART
SWITCH
Selected
CPU on
SELECT
10111213141516123456789
Figure 2 Smart CAT5 front panel
MINICOM
The figure below illustrates the rear panel of the Smart CAT5 16 port unit. The 8 port
model is the same but with only 8 Computer ports.
www .mini com.c om
POWER
100-250 VAC 50/60 Hz
12345678
Figure 3 Smart CAT5 16 port rear panel
5
COMPUTER
101112131415169
USER GUIDE
8. Pre-installation guidelines
· Switch off all computers
· Place cables away from fluorescent lights, air conditioners, and machines that are
likely to generate electrical noise
· Ensure that the maximum distance between each computer and the Smart CAT5,
does not exceed 10m/33ft
9. Connecting the Smart CAT5 system
Connect each computer to the Smart CAT5 system using the appropriate RICC and
CAT5 cables. Figure 4 illustrates the Smart CAT5 system connections with the
appropriate RICC connected to a PS/2, SUN and USB computer/server.
SD
P110
Smart CAT5 Switch
CAT5 cable
Up to 10M / 33ft
www.minicom.c
om
POWER
100-250 VAC 50/60 Hz
COMPUTER
101112131415169
12345678
CAT5 cables
NetServer tc2100
SUN RICC
Figure 4 Smart CAT5 system connections
6
USB RICC
PS/2 RICC
Keybd
Mouse
100T
Parallel
VideoSerial A
Serial B
SCSI
PCI 33Mx32b
PCI 33Mx32b
PCI 33Mx32b
PCI 33Mx32b
SMART CAT5 SWITCH
The RICCs
The RICCs draw their power from the computer’s keyboard port (RICC PS/2, SUN)
or from the USB port (RICC USB).
Connecting a PS/2 RICC
Figure 5 illustrates the RICC.
To connect the PS/2 RICC:
1. Connect the Screen connector to the computer’s Video card.
2. Connect the Keyboard connector to the computer’s Keyboard port.
3. Connect the Mouse connector to the computer’s Mouse port.
NetServer tc2100
To computer’s
keyboard port
Keybd
Mouse
100T
Parallel
VideoSerial A
Serial B
PCI 33Mx32b
PCI 33Mx32b
PCI 33Mx32b
PCI 33Mx32b
SCSI
CAT5 cable to Smart
CAT5 Computer port
RICC
To computer’s
mouse port
To computer’s
Video card
Figure 5 PS/2 RICC
Connecting a SUN RICC
Figure 6 illustrates the SUN RICC and its connections.
To connect the SUN RICC:
1. Connect the Screen connector to the computer’s Video card.
2. Connect the Keyboard connector to the computer’s Keyboard port.
7
USER GUIDE
To Computer’s
Video Card
RICC
CAT5 cable to Smart
CAT5 Computer port
Figure 6 SUN RICC
To Computer’s
Keyboard Port
Connecting a USB RICC
The RICC USB supports Windows 98 SE and later, MAC, SUN and SGI. Figure 7
illustrates the USB RICC and its connections.
To connect the USB RICC:
1. Connect the Screen connector to the computer’s Video card.
2. Connect the USB connector to the computer’s USB port.
RICC
Figure 7 USB RICC
8
CAT5 cable to Smart
CAT5 Computer port
To Video Card
To USB Port
SMART CAT5 SWITCH
Connecting the CAT5 cables
1. Connect one connector to the RICCs RJ45 port.
2. Connect the other connector to one of the Smart CAT5’s Computer ports.
3. Follow the above 2 steps for each computer.
Connecting the KVM console
To connect a KVM console to the Smart CAT5:
1. Connect the monitor’s connector to the Smart CAT5’s Monitor port.
2. Connect the keyboard’s connector to the Smart CAT5’s Keyboard port.
3. Connect the mouse’s connector to the Smart CAT5’s Mouse port.
10. Connecting the power supply
1. Connect the Smart CAT5 to the power supply using the Power cable provided. Use
only power cord supplied with the unit.
2. Switch on the computers.
11. Resetting the Switch
To reset the Switch press the 2 front panel Select buttons simultaneously. The RICCs
are unaffected by this reset.
Resetting can also be performed through the software – explained later.
12. 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.
Mechanical loading
Mount the equipment in the rack in such a way that a hazardous condition is not
achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.
9
USER GUIDE
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).
13. Rack mounting the Smart CAT5
Length of the screws used for connection of the bracket to the Smart CAT5 unit shall
not exceed 5 mm.
Use the L-shaped brackets and screws provided to mount the Smart CAT5 on a server
rack as illustrated below.
Insert
screws to
www.mi nicom.co m
100-250 VAC 50/60 Hz
POWER
COMPUTER
101112131415169
12345678
Figure 8 Connecting the L-shaped bracket
Insert screws to connect
to Switch side panel
connect to
rack
10
SMART CAT5 SWITCH
14. Rack mounting the RICCs
You can attach the RICCs to a server rack or computer using the Velcro strips
provided. Or connect it using the bracket provided.
The figure below illustrates the bracket.
Insert screws through
bracket and into the
rack
Insert screw through
bracket and into the
back of a computer
Insert screws through
bracket and into the
back of the RICC
Figure 9 Rack mounting the RICC
Insert screws through
bracket and into the
back of the RICC
11
Loading...