Minicom Advanced Systems Smart CAT5 User Manual

Smart CAT5 Switch
108 and 116
User Guide
International HQ
Jerusalem, Israel
Tel: + 972 2 535 9666
www.minicom.com
North America
Linden, NJ, USA
Tel: + 1 908 486 2100
info.usa@minicom.com
Technical support - support@minicom.com
Europe
Dübendorf, Switzerland
Tel: + 41 44 823 8000
info.europe@minicom.com
5UM20174 V1 6/07
SMART CAT5 SWITCH
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Table of Contents
1. Welcome...........................................................................................................................4
2. Introduction......................................................................................................................5
2.1 Features.....................................................................................................................................................5
2.2 System components................................................................................................................................5
2.3 Compatibility.............................................................................................................................................6
2.4 The Smart CAT5 system configuration.................................................................................................6
2.5 The Smart CAT5 models..........................................................................................................................7
2.6 Pre-installation guidelines.......................................................................................................................7
3. Connecting the Smart CAT5 system................................................................................8
3.1 Connecting a RoC/RICC PS/2.................................................................................................................8
3.2 Connecting a RoC/RICC USB..................................................................................................................9
3.3 Connecting a RICC SUN........................................................................................................................10
3.4 Connecting the CAT5 cables.................................................................................................................10
3.5 Connecting the KVM console...............................................................................................................10
3.6 Connecting the power supply...............................................................................................................10
3.6.1 Avoiding general rack mounting problems.........................................................................................11
3.6.2 Rack mounting the Smart CAT5.........................................................................................................11
3.6.3 Rack mounting the RICCs..................................................................................................................12
3.6.4 Cascading Smart CAT5 switches.......................................................................................................12
4. Operating the Smart CAT5 system.................................................................................14
4.1 The keyboard hotkeys............................................................................................................................14
4.2 Displaying the OSD................................................................................................................................14
4.2.1 Navigating the OSD............................................................................................................................15
4.2.2 Selecting a computer..........................................................................................................................15
4.2.3 The OSD settings (F2)........................................................................................................................15
4.2.4 The General settings...........................................................................................................................16
4.2.4.1 Security..........................................................................................................................................16
4.2.4.2 Administrator (Status A)................................................................................................................17
4.2.4.3 Supervisor (Status S)....................................................................................................................17
4.2.4.4 User (Status U)..............................................................................................................................17
4.2.4.5 Activating password protection.....................................................................................................17
4.2.4.6 Displaying the OSD of cascaded switches...................................................................................18
4.2.4.7 Autoskip.........................................................................................................................................18
4.2.4.8 Serial port.......................................................................................................................................18
4.2.4.9 Changing the Keyboard language................................................................................................19
4.2.4.10 Editing the Switch name..............................................................................................................19
4.2.5 F7 Defaults..........................................................................................................................................19
4.2.6 The Ports settings...............................................................................................................................19
4.2.6.1 Editing the computer name...........................................................................................................20
4.2.6.2 Keyboard (KB)...............................................................................................................................20
4.2.6.3 (HKEY) hotkey - Cascading..........................................................................................................20
4.2.7 The Time settings................................................................................................................................20
4.2.7.1 Scan (SCN) - Label (LBL) - Time out (T/O)..................................................................................21
4.2.8 Users....................................................................................................................................................21
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USER GUIDE
4.2.9 Security................................................................................................................................................22
4.2.10 The OSD HELP window – F1...........................................................................................................23
4.2.11 Scanning computers– F4..................................................................................................................24
4.2.12 Tuning – F5.......................................................................................................................................24
4.2.13 Moving the label – F6........................................................................................................................24
4.2.14 Sending monitor emulation information to RoC/RICCs – F10.........................................................24
4.2.14.1 Updating the DDC information....................................................................................................25
5. Using the Control software............................................................................................26
5.1 Control software system requirements...............................................................................................26
5.2 Connecting the RS232 Serial cable......................................................................................................26
5.3 Installing and running the Control software.......................................................................................27
5.3.1 Selecting a Com port...........................................................................................................................27
5.3.2 Computer icons...................................................................................................................................28
5.3.3 Communication Error..........................................................................................................................28
5.3.4 The View menu...................................................................................................................................28
5.3.5 Selecting a computer..........................................................................................................................29
5.3.6 The toolbar buttons.............................................................................................................................29
5.3.7 Get Status............................................................................................................................................29
5.3.8 Read Configuration.............................................................................................................................29
5.3.9 Write Configuration.............................................................................................................................29
5.3.10 Renaming a computer.......................................................................................................................29
5.3.11 The Edit menu...................................................................................................................................30
5.3.12 Logo and Passwords.........................................................................................................................30
5.3.13 Settings..............................................................................................................................................30
5.3.13.1 Single computer settings.............................................................................................................31
5.3.14 Loading a saved configuration..........................................................................................................31
5.3.15 Reminder!..........................................................................................................................................31
5.3.16 The factory default settings...............................................................................................................31
5.4 Password protection..............................................................................................................................32
5.4.1 Administrator (Status A)......................................................................................................................32
5.4.2 Supervisor (Status S)..........................................................................................................................32
5.4.3 User (Status U)....................................................................................................................................32
6. Upgrading the Smart CAT5 firmware.............................................................................33
6.1 System requirements for the Smart CAT5 Update software............................................................33
6.2 Connecting the Smart CAT5 system....................................................................................................33
6.3 Installing the software............................................................................................................................33
6.3.1 Connecting the RS232 Serial cable....................................................................................................33
6.4 Starting and configuring the Smart CAT5 Update.............................................................................33
6.4.1 Verifying the version numbers............................................................................................................35
6.4.1.1 OSD version number.....................................................................................................................35
6.4.1.2 Smart CAT5 Manager version number.........................................................................................35
6.4.1.3 RoC/RICC version number...........................................................................................................35
6.4.2 Obtaining new firmware......................................................................................................................36
6.4.3 Updating the firmware.........................................................................................................................36
7. Troubleshooting.............................................................................................................38
7.1.1 Resetting the units...............................................................................................................................38
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7.1.2 Setting default values for the OSD.....................................................................................................38
7.1.3 Getting the current status....................................................................................................................38
7.1.4 Communication Error message..........................................................................................................39
7.1.5 Electricity failure..................................................................................................................................39
8. RICC SUN keyboard emulation......................................................................................40
9. USB / SUN Combo keys..................................................................................................41
10. Technical specifications...............................................................................................42
10.1 Safety......................................................................................................................................................43
10.2 User guide feedback............................................................................................................................43
10.3 WEEE Compliance................................................................................................................................43
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USER GUIDE

1. Welcome

provide reasonable protection against such interference when operating the equipment
Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by Minicom
Thank you for buying the Smart CAT5 Switch system. This 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
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.
© 2007 Minicom 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.
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2. Introduction

.
No external power is needed at
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 108 and 116 models. Connect up to 8 computers to the 108 model, and up to 16 to the 116 model.
The Smart CAT5 is based on Minicom’s innovative RoC technology in which each computer/ server is directly connected to the switch via RIC on Cable (RoC) using standard CAT5 cable at a distance of up to 30m/99ft in a star configuration. The system also works with Minicom’s RICCs using standard CAT5 cable up to 10m/33ft The system can contain a mixture of RoCs and RICCs. the remote RoC/RICCs.

2.1 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 116, 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

2.2 System components

The Smart CAT5 system consists of:
· Smart CAT5 Switch 108 or 116
· Remote Interface Connection cables (RICCs) – PS/2, SUN, USB
· RICC on Cable (RoCs) - PS/2, USB
· CAT5 cables (1.5m provided)
· RS232 Serial cable
· Rack mounts for the Smart CAT5 and the RoC/RICCs
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2.3 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

2.4 The Smart CAT5 system configuration

Figure 1 illustrates the basic configuration of the Smart CAT5 system.
Workstation
SMART CAT5 SWITCH 116
www.minicom.com
POWER
100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz
COMPUTER
101112131415169
12345678
To servers
RoC/RICCs
M O IC IN M
hp workstation b2600
hp workstation b2600
hp workstation b2600
hp workstation b2600
hp workstation b2600
hp workstation b2600
hp workstation b2600
Figure 1 Smart CAT5 system configuration
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2.5 The Smart CAT5 models

Figure 2 illustrates the front panel of the Smart CAT5 116 model. The 108 model is the same but with only 8 columns of LEDs.
MINICOM
SELECT
Selected
CPU on
10111213141516123456789
SMART CAT5 SWITCH
Figure 2 Smart CAT5 116 front panel
The figure below illustrates the rear panel of the Smart CAT5 116 unit. The 108 model is the same but with only 8 Computer ports.
www.minicom.com
POWER
100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz
12345678
Figure 3 Smart CAT5 116 rear panel
COMPUTER
101112131415169

2.6 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
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USER GUIDE

3. Connecting the Smart CAT5 system

Each computer/ server is directly connected to the Smart CAT5 via the appropriate RoC or RICC using CAT5 cable in a star configuration. The system can contain a mixture of RoCs and RICCs. No external power is needed at the remote RoC/RICCs. The RoC/RICCs draw their power from the computer’s keyboard port (RoC/RICC PS/2, SUN) or from the USB port (RoC/RICC USB). The figures below illustrate the RoC PS/2 and RoC USB.
To computer’s Video card
To computer’s keyboard port
To computer’s
Figure 4 RoC PS/2
mouse port
To computer’s Video Card
To computer’s USB Port
Figure 5 RoC USB (SUN)

3.1 Connecting a RoC/RICC PS/2

The connections for RoC/RICC PS/2 are exactly the same. Figure 6 illustrates the RICC PS/2.
You can connect the RoC/RICC 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.
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CAT5 cable to Smart CAT5 Computer port
RICC PS/2
To Keyboard port
To Mouse port
To Video port
NetServer tc2100
Keybd
Mouse
100T
Parallel
VideoSerial A
Serial B
PCI 33Mx32b
PCI 33Mx32b
PCI 33Mx32b
PCI 33Mx32b
SCSI
Figure 6 RICC PS/2 connections

3.2 Connecting a RoC/RICC USB

The RoC/RICC USB supports Windows 98 SE and later, MAC, SUN, SGI and all modern Linux distributions. The connections for RoC/RICC USB are exactly the same. Figure 7 illustrates the RICC USB and its connections.
To connect the RoC/RICC USB:
1. Connect the Screen connector to the computer’s Video port.
2. Connect the USB connector to the computer’s USB port.
To USB Port
CAT5 cable to Smart CAT5 Computer port
To Video port
RICC USB
Figure 7 RICC USB
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USER GUIDE

3.3 Connecting a RICC SUN

cable provided. Use
Figure 8 illustrates the RICC SUN and its connections.
To connect the RICC SUN:
1. Connect the Screen connector to the computer’s Video port.
2. Connect the Keyboard connector to the computer’s Keyboard port.
To Keyboard Port
CAT5 cable to Smart CAT5 Computer port
To Video port
RICC SUN
Figure 8 RICC SUN

3.4 Connecting the CAT5 cables

1. Connect one connector to the RoC/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.

3.5 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.

3.6 Connecting the power supply

1. Connect the Smart CAT5 to the power supply using the Power only power cord supplied with the unit.
2. Switch on the computers.
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3.6.1 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.
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).

3.6.2 Rack mounting the Smart CAT5

The Smart CAT5 comes with screw holes on the side for easy rack mounting, see figure below.
Screw holes for bracket
Figure 9 Screw holes for rack mounting
Use the L-shaped brackets and screws provided to mount the Smart CAT5 on a server rack as illustrated below. The length of the screws used for connecting the brackets to the Smart CAT5 unit must not exceed 5 mm.
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USER GUIDE
Screw the bracket into the side of the unit
Screw to the rack here
Figure 10 Connecting the L-shaped bracket

3.6.3 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
Insert screws through bracket and into the back of the RICC
Figure 11 Rack mounting the RICC

3.6.4 Cascading Smart CAT5 switches

You can cascade the Smart CAT5 system. You do so by connecting the lower level Smart CAT5 Switches to RoC/RICCs. Follow the connections as illustrated in the figure below.
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With the Smart CAT5 116 model, connect up to up to 256 computers through cascading.
A lower level Switch must have a different hotkey to display its OSD than a higher level switch. Changing the OSD display hotkey is explained on page 18 below.
SD
P110
KVM
Console
COMPUTER
www. minic om. com
MINICOM
Top level
Set Switch Hotkey to Ctrl-Ctrl
Keybd
Mouse
100T
Parallel
VideoS er ial A
SerialB
MINICOM
www.m inic om.c om
To RoC/
RICCs
Smart CAT5 Switch
POWER
100-250VAC50/60Hz
MINICOM
MINICOM
Second level
www.m inic om.c om
Switch Hotkey Shift-Shift (default)
Keybd
Mouse
100T
Parallel
VideoSerialA
SerialB
MINICOM
Keybd
Mouse
100T
Parallel
VideoS er ial A
SerialB
Second level
Switch Hotkey Shift-Shift (default)
Smart CAT5 Switch
COMPUTER
101112131415169
POWER
100-250VAC50/60Hz
Keybd
Mouse
100T
MINICOM
Parallel
VideoSerialA
SerialB
12345678
To RoC/
RICCs
Keybd
Mouse
100T
Parallel
VideoSerialA
SerialB
COMPUTER
101112131415169
12345678
Keybd
Mouse
100T
MINICOM
Parallel
VideoSerialA
SerialB
Smart CAT5 Switch
POWER
100-250VAC50/60Hz
To RoC/RICCs
101112131415169
12345678
Figure 12 Cascading Smart CAT5 switches
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