Minicom Advanced Systems Smart IP Extender User Manual
Smart IP Extender
User Guide
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Linden, New Jersey
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Italy
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5UM20104 V2.3 9/04
SMART IP EXTENDER
Table of Contents
1. Welcome.......................................................................................................................4
2. Introduction .................................................................................................................5
3. Features of IP Extender ..............................................................................................6
4. Remote power management.......................................................................................6
5. System components ...................................................................................................7
6. The IP Extender cables ............................................................................................... 7
7. IP Extender front panel ............................................................................................... 7
8. The IP Extender rear panel ports ...............................................................................8
9. Pre-installation instructions.......................................................................................9
10. Connecting the IP Extender to the host computer/KVM switch .............................. 9
11. Connecting the Power management options..........................................................11
12. Connecting the IPMI option......................................................................................11
13. Connecting the External Reset/Power Option ........................................................ 12
14. Connecting to Ethernet............................................................................................. 12
15. 10 Mbps Connection .................................................................................................12
16. 100 Mbps Connection ...............................................................................................12
17. Switching on .............................................................................................................. 12
18. Configuring the system ............................................................................................13
19. Configuration via DHCP server ................................................................................ 13
20. Configuration via local console ...............................................................................13
21. Mouse, Keyboard and Video configuration.............................................................15
22. IP Extender Video Modes..........................................................................................16
23. Operating the IP Extender system ...........................................................................16
24. Logging in .................................................................................................................. 17
25. Timeout ......................................................................................................................18
26. The Work area............................................................................................................18
27. Remote Console ........................................................................................................ 19
28. Keyboard layout ........................................................................................................19
29. The Control buttons /toolbar icons..........................................................................20
30. The Chat window.......................................................................................................21
31. The Video settings.....................................................................................................22
32. Video Settings access...............................................................................................23
33. Mouse synchronization.............................................................................................23
34. Mouse synchronization limitations..........................................................................23
35. Single mouse mode...................................................................................................24
36. Remote Console Settings.........................................................................................24
37. Telnet Console...........................................................................................................26
38. Status via IPMI ........................................................................................................... 26
39. Event Log via IPMI.....................................................................................................26
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40. Power Control............................................................................................................27
41. Keyboard & Mouse Settings..................................................................................... 28
42. KVM Settings .............................................................................................................30
43. KVM Port Settings ..................................................................................................... 31
44. Video Settings ...........................................................................................................32
45. Enable local video port ............................................................................................. 32
46. Noise filter.................................................................................................................. 32
47. Video quality/speed...................................................................................................32
48. Custom Video Modes................................................................................................32
49. User/Group Management..........................................................................................34
50. Existing user..............................................................................................................34
51. New user name .......................................................................................................... 34
52. Full user name ........................................................................................................... 34
53. Password / Confirm password.................................................................................34
54. Email address /Mobile number.................................................................................35
55. Group membership/Member of/Not Member of ...................................................... 35
56. Existing groups .........................................................................................................35
57. New group name........................................................................................................35
58. Create User button .................................................................................................... 35
59. Delete User button.....................................................................................................35
60. Modify User button....................................................................................................35
61. Copy User ..................................................................................................................36
62. Group Management...................................................................................................36
63. Create group button..................................................................................................36
64. Delete Group button..................................................................................................36
65. Modify Group.............................................................................................................36
66. Copy Group................................................................................................................36
67. User/Group Permissions ..........................................................................................36
68. Network Settings ....................................................................................................... 38
69. Dynamic DNS.............................................................................................................40
70. Modem Settings.........................................................................................................42
71. Serial Port Settings ...................................................................................................43
72. Security Settings ....................................................................................................... 45
73. SNMP Settings...........................................................................................................49
74. The IP Extender SNMP MIB ......................................................................................51
75. IPMI Settings.............................................................................................................. 51
76. LDAP Settings ...........................................................................................................52
77. Maintenance...............................................................................................................53
78. Updating firmware.....................................................................................................53
79. Direct SmartIP Links .................................................................................................54
80. Data file for support ..................................................................................................56
81. Include/modify custom HTML code.........................................................................56
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82. Access via Telnet ......................................................................................................57
83. Telnet server commands ..........................................................................................57
Frequently Asked Questions ................................................................................. 58
Glossary of terms ................................................................................................... 59
Appendix A: IP Extender Video modes ................................................................ 60
Appendix B: Key codes.......................................................................................... 61
Appendix C: Pin assignments ............................................................................... 63
Appendix D: Technical specifications .................................................................. 65
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USER GUIDE
1. Welcome
The Smart IP Extender 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.
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.
© 2004 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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SMART IP EXTENDER
2. Introduction
The Smart IP Extender (IP Extender) from Minicom Advanced Systems redirects
local keyboard, mouse and video data to a remote computer. All data is transmitted
via IP.
IP Extender features, remote KVM access and control via a LAN or Internet
connection. IP Extender provides a non-intrusive solution for remote access and
control. Remote access and control software runs on the IP Extender embedded
processors only and not on the servers, so there is no interference with server
operation or impact on network performance.
The IP Extender can also be used in a multi administrator and multi server
environment. Combining one or several IP Extenders with a KVM switched matrix
allows access to multiple remote servers over via single remote console. The IP
Extender combines digital remote KVM access via IP networks with a
comprehensive and integrated system management.
Figure 1 illustrates the connections of IP Extender to its host, to peripheral devices,
to the power source and to the local area network.
Administrator
Smart IP Extender
IP Network
MINICOM
Figure 1 IP Extender usage scenario
Activity
System OK
SMART IP
Extender
KVM signals
Server
IP Extender is multi user capable, i.e. up to 64 concurrent users may use IP Extender
to administrate a remote site. Figure 2 illustrates a configuration with concurrent
users on a number of servers connected by a KVM switching matrix using one or
more IP Extenders. Using more than one IP Extender in a configuration prevents
blocking administrators who use the switching matrix.
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USER GUIDE
Smart IP Extenders
Activity
SystemOK
SMART IP
Extender
Activity
SystemOK
SMART IP
Extender
Activity
SystemOK
SMART IP
Extender
Activity
SystemOK
SMART IP
Extender
KVM
Matrix
switch
Administrators
IP Network
MINICOM
MINICOM
MINICOM
MINICOM
Figure 2 Multiple users/servers
3. Features of IP Extender
• KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) access over IP or analogous telephone line.
• Automatically senses video resolution for best possible screen capture
• High-performance mouse tracking and synchronization
• Connect a user console for direct access to KVM switch
• Local Mouse suppression (only when using SUN's Java Virtual Machine)
IP Extender supports PS/2 type keyboards and mice and HD 15 video output. See
the pin assignments in Appendix C.
IP Extender automatically detects the current video mode of the console, however
manual tuning is recommended to get the best video quality. IP Extender will accept
video streams up to 110 MHz dot clock. This results in a screen resolution of
1280x1024 dots with a refresh rate of 75Hz.
4. Remote power management
There are 2 remote power management options:
• External scalable power switch box
• IPMI Version 1.5
The management system to use depends on the remote server interface.
External Power Switch Option - When there is neither a IPMI V1.5 option
available or the ability to place a bracket in the remote system, an external power
switch box can switch the power on and off.
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SMART IP EXTENDER
IPMI Version 1.5 - defines a serial connection to access certain system parameters
and perform system actions like powering down or a hard reset. Modern server
systems, supporting the IPMI V1.5 specification, provide a mode where the
externally available COM2 serial connection can be configured as a system
management port (sometimes called an emergency management port). IP Extender
may use this port in order to enable remote system management operations.
5. System components
• 1 IP Extender Extender box
• Cables (illustrated below)
• Power cord
• Marketing & Documentation CD
• Optional IPMI Option. This is a serial cable for connecting the IP Extender
and an IPMI V1.5 compliant serial management port on the remote system.
6. The IP Extender cables
The IP Extender package contains the following cables.
3 in 1 CPU cable
Null Modem cable
7. IP Extender front panel
Figure 3 illustrates the IP Extender front panel.
Activi ty
System OK
MINICOM
SMART IP
Extender
Figure 3 Front panel
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USER GUIDE
The table below explains the functions of the front panel LEDs.
LED Function
Activity LED blinks when Network connection is functioning
System OK LED solid when IP Link system connected and functioning
8. The IP Extender rear panel ports
The figure below illustrates the ports on the IP Extender.
Computer
Video card
Mouse
Computer
Keyboard port
Computer
Mouse port
www.min icom.com
I
0
POWER
100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz
Power
connector
Serial 1
SERIAL 1
SERIAL 2
Serial 2
Monitor
USER COMPUTER
RST
ETHERNET
Reset
Keyboard
Ethernet
Figure 4 IP Extender ports
You can work locally on the host system by connecting a KVM console to IP
Extender rear panel.
The Reset button resets the IP Extender.
Serial 1 port
Serial 1 port is used as follows:
• IPMI Version 1.5 connection to the remote system using the IPMI Option
cable
• Serial output for modem dial in connection
• Serial pass-through via Telnet
• Initial configuration
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Serial 2 port
The Serial 2 port supports the external power option.
Ethernet
Connects the IP Extender to an Ethernet network.
9. Pre-installation instructions
Place cables away from fluorescent lights, air conditioners and other machines that
are likely to generate electrical noise.
Switch off the computer and disconnect the keyboard monitor and mouse.
10. Connecting the IP Extender to the host computer/KVM switch
Connect the host computer / KVM switch to the IP Extender as follows:
1. Connect the connectors of one end of the 3 in 1 CPU cable to the
Computer/Switch KVM ports of the IP Extender.
2. Connect the connectors of other end of the 3 in 1 CPU cable to the KVM ports of
the host computer / KVM switch.
3. Connect the power cord and Ethernet and/or modem connection.
4. You can connect a local KVM console to the IP Extender and work on the host
computer. Figure 5 and Figure 6 illustrate the connections to a computer and
KVM switch respectively.
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www.minicom.com
POWER
100-240 VAC50 /60Hz
USER GUIDE
Computer
SD
P110
3in1CPUcable
I
SERIAL1
0
SERIAL2
RST
ETHERNET
USER COMPUTER
Smart IP Extender
Figure 5 IP Extender connections to a computer
KVM switch
SERIAL MOUS E
SD
P110
POWER
SCREENPS/2 MOUSEKB
COMPUTER 6COMPUTER 5STATION 2
COMPUTER 1 COMPUTER 2
COMPUTER 8COMPUTER7
COMPUTER 3 CO MPUTER 4
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POWER
100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz
3in1CPUcable
ProLiant DL360
10k
10k
10k
10k
10k
10k
10k
9.1-GB
ULTRA2SC SI
10k
9.1-GB
ULTRA2SC SI
10k
9.1-GB
ULTRA2SC SI
10k
9.1-GB
ULTRA2SC SI
10k
9.1-GB
ULTRA2SC SI
10k
9.1-GB
ULTRA2SC SI
Computer rack
9.1-GB
ULTRA2SC SI
ProLiant DL360
9.1-GB
I
SERIAL 1
0
SERIAL 2
USER COMPUTER
RST
ETHERNET
Smart IP
Extender
ULTRA2SC SI
ProLiant DL360
9.1-GB
ULTRA2SC SI
ProLiant DL360
9.1-GB
ULTRA2SC SI
ProLiant DL360
9.1-GB
ULTRA2SC SI
ProLiant DL360
9.1-GB
ULTRA2SC SI
Figure 6 IP Extender connections to a KVM switch
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SMART IP EXTENDER
11. Connecting the Power management options
Figure 7 gives an overview of the three Power management options.
MINICOM
Activity
External power
Switch box
System OK
KVMIPMI
SMART IP
Extender
MINICOM
Server
Figure 7 Power management options
Activity
SystemOK
KVMIPMI
SMART IP
Extender
Server
IPMI versio n
1.5 interface
12. Connecting the IPMI option
IPMI Version 1.5 defines a serial connection to access certain system parameters
and to perform actions like switching off the system or performing a hard reset.
Connect a Serial cable to a Serial port on the host computer and the Serial 1 or 2 port
on the IP Extender.
For further information about IMPI 1.5, see
http://developer.intel.com/design/servers/ipmi/tools.htm
To use the IPMI over a serial interface enable it in the host computer. This is done
using BIOS settings or special utilities provided by the server manufacturer. Refer to
the server manufacturer's manual site.
Note! IPMI V1.5 is only supported by server systems manufactured in 2002
onwards.
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USER GUIDE
13. Connecting the External Reset/Power Option
Refer to the Power Switch guide to connect this to one of the serial ports. To date
supported options are:
• Minicom Power switch
• Avocent—SPC 1 800/1600
• Sentry In-Line Power Module
14. Connecting to Ethernet
The Ethernet connector on the IP Extender can be used either for a 100 Mbps
100BASE-TX connection or for a 10 Mbps 10BASE-T connection. The adapter
adjusts to the appropriate operation mode automatically.
15. 10 Mbps Connection
For 10BASE-T Ethernet networks, the Fast Ethernet adapter uses Category 3, 4, or 5
UTP/FTP cable. To establish a 10 Mbps connection, the cable must be connected to
a 10BASE-T hub. Ensure the cable is wired appropriately for a standard 10BASE-T
adapter. Align the RJ-45 plug with the notch on the adapter's connector and insert it
into the adapter's connector.
16. 100 Mbps Connection
For 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet networks, the IP Extender supports Category 5 UTP
cabling. To establish a 100 Mbps connection, the cable must be connected to a
100BASE-TX hub.
1. Make sure that the cable is wired appropriately for a standard 100BASE-TX
adapter.
2. Align the RJ-45 plug with the notch on the adapter's connector and insert it into
the adapter's connector.
Note! The UTP/FTP wire pairs and configuration for 100BASE-TX cable are
identical to those for 10BASE-T cable when used with Category 5 UTP/FTP cable.
17. Switching on
After connecting IP Extender to the computer, switch on IP Extender first and then
the computer.
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SMART IP EXTENDER
18. Configuring the system
The IP Extender's communication interfaces are based on TCP/IP, and it comes
configured with the values listed below.
• DHCP - active
• IP address - 192.168.0.220
• Net mask - 255.255.255.0
• Default Gateway - None
If the above values are unsuitable, change the IP configuration. This can be done in a
number of ways:
19. Configuration via DHCP server
By default, IP Extender will try to contact a DHCP server in the subnet to which it is
physically connected. If a DHCP server is found it may provide a valid IP address,
gateway address and net mask. Before connecting the IP Extender to your local
subnet complete the corresponding configuration of your DHCP server.
We recommended configuring a fixed IP assignment to the MAC address of IP
Extender. You can find the MAC address on the outside of the shipping box and also
labeled on IP Extender's underside. If the DHCP connection fails on boot up, IP
Extender will boot with the last known IP configuration. So for the initial use this
would be the pre-configured IP address as set out above.
20. Configuration via local console
There are two ways of doing this:
(A) Connect the NULL modem cable to the computer and to IP Extender’s
Serial 1 port. Use any Terminal software to connect to IP Extender. The
screen shots below use Windows Hyperterminal.
1. Choose Start/Programs/Accessories/Communications/Hyperterminal.
2. When prompted enter a name and click OK. The Connect To box appears.
See Figure 8.
3. Fill in the connection details. Select COM 1 in the Connect using box and
click OK. The COM 1 properties box appears. See Figure 9.
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USER GUIDE
Figure 8 Connect To box
Figure 9 COM 1 Properties box
4. Set the port settings to the following values:
• Bits/second - 115200
• Data bits - 8
• Parity - None
• Stop bits - 1
• Flow Control - None
5. Click OK. The Hyperterminal appears. See Figure 10.
Figure 10 The Hyperterminal
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SMART IP EXTENDER
6. Press Enter. Some device information and a prompt appear.
7. Type config and press Enter. Configuration questions appear. DHCP must be
disabled. You can change the IP address, net mask and default gateway. Pressing
Enter without entering values keeps the default values. To contact IP Extender
from outside the LAN configure a gateway. To remove an already configured
gateway, type 0.0.0.0.
The last question – enable IP access control – concerns switching IP packet
filtering on or off. This can re-enable access to IP Extender after an incorrect IP
access configuration has been activated. Page 47 has more information on IP
access control.
8. Confirm the settings, IP Extender resets the configuration.
(B) Use a crossover Ethernet cable to connect the IP Extender to the computer back-
to-back.
Set the IP address of the computer to 192.168.0.1 and type 192.168.0.220 into the
Address box of the web interface to carry out the IP configuration.
21. Mouse, Keyboard and Video configuration
The correct operation of the client mouse depends on the following two settings.
IP Extender mouse setting
To make the remote keyboard and mouse work properly the IP Extender settings for
the host's mouse and keyboard types must be correct. Check the settings in the IP
Extender front-end. See page 27.
Host system mouse settings
The host operating system has various settings for the mouse driver. IP Extender
works with accelerated mice and is able to synchronize the host with the client
mouse pointer. This is further discussed on page 23.
The following may prevent proper mouse synchronization.
Special vendor-specific Mouse drivers disrupt the synchronization process. Ensure
these are not on the host system
Windows XP has a setting ' enhanced pointer precision’. Deactivate it.
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USER GUIDE
Check the correct setting by moving the mouse of your administration system to the
upper left corner of the Remote Console and moving it there slightly forth and back.
This will force mouse synchronization in that corner of the screen. Once that is done
you may observe the behavior of your client mouse in accordance to the host one. If
both mice desynchronize quickly one of the above may be the reason.
22. IP Extender Video Modes
IP Extender recognizes a limited number of common video modes. When running
X-Window on the host system, don't use any custom modelines with special video
modes. If you do, IP Extender may not be able to detect these. Use any standard
VESA video mode. Refer to Appendix A on page 60 for a list of all known modes.
You can adjust up to 4 Custom Video Modes if your video mode differs from the
standard VESA video mode.
Set the Custom Video Modes in the Video settings section.
23. Operating the IP Extender system
Operate the IP Extender system through one of the following interfaces:
1. HTTP/HTTPS - Any standard Web browser. Depending on the Web browser, you
can access the IP Extender card using the unsecured HTTP protocol or, in case the
browser supports it, the encrypted HTTPS protocol. We recommend using HTTPS
when possible.
2. SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) - Any standard SNMP client can
use this protocol.
3. Telnet - Use a standard Telnet client to access an arbitrary device connected to
one of the IP Extender's serial ports via a terminal mode.
All the above interfaces are accessed using the TCP/IP protocol. They can thus be
used via the built-in Ethernet adapter or modem.
This chapter deals with the HTTP interface. The other two interfaces are explained
on pages 42 and 57.
The Web browser must come with a Java Runtime Environment version 1.1 or
higher. Without Java support, you can still maintain the remote host system using
the administration forms displayed by the browser.
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SMART IP EXTENDER
We recommend the following browsers for an unsecured connection:
• Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.0 or higher with Windows 98, ME,
2000 and XP
• Netscape Navigator 7.0 or Mozilla 1.0 with Windows 98, ME, 2000, and
XP, Linux and other UNIX like operating systems
To access the remote host system using a securely encrypted connection you need a
browser that supports the HTTPS protocol. Strong security is only assured by using
key length of 128 Bit. We recommend the following browsers.
• Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.5 or higher with Windows 98, ME,
2000 and XP
• Netscape Navigator 7.0 or Mozilla 1.0 with Windows 98, ME, 2000, and
XP, Linux and other UNIX like operating systems
24. Logging in
Type the configured IP address into the Web browser. Either http://192.168.0.220
for an unsecured connection. Or https://192.168.0.220 for a secured connection. The
Login screen appears. See Figure 11
Figure 11 The Login screen
Initially there is only one user configured who has unrestricted access to all IP
Extender features. Type the default Login name ‘super’ and Password ‘smart’ and
click Login. The IP Extender Home page appears. See Figure 12.
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Menu
USER GUIDE
Work area
Figure 12 The IP Extender Home page
25. Timeout
After half an hour of non-activity the system automatically logs out. Clicking
anywhere on the screen will lead back to the Login screen.
26. The Work area
The Work area has a short summary about your IP Extender.
• Server Power Status - On or Off
• Firmware Version - installed on your IP Extender
• Device management – self managed or connected to a management device
• Users - all currently logged in users and IP addresses. (Note: when
connected through a proxy server the IP address will be that of the proxy
server).
RC – Remote Control open. Exclusive – Exclusive mode. Idle – time since
last activity.
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SMART IP EXTENDER
27. Remote Console
From the menu click Show Remote Console. The remote console appears. See
Figure 13.
Information bar
Control buttons
Computer buttons
Figure 13 The remote console
You can work on it with the keyboard and mouse. The delay with keyboard and
mouse reactions - if any - depends on the line connection bandwidth.
28. Keyboard layout
Your host keyboard changes its layout to match the remote host system. So for
example if the host system uses a US English keyboard layout, special keys on a
German keyboard won't work but will function as US English keys.
To solve this problem, adjust the remote system keyboard to the same mapping as
your host one. Alternatively, use the Soft-Keyboard that is part of the Remote
Console applet.
The Remote Console window is a Java Applet that tries to establish its own TCP
connection to IP Extender. The protocol that is run over this connection is not HTTP
or HTTPS but a protocol called RFB (Remote Frame Buffer Protocol). Currently
RFB tries to establish a connection to port number 443. Your local network
environment must allow this connection to be made, i.e. your firewall and, in case
you have a private internal network, your NAT (Network Address Translation)
settings must be configured accordingly.
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USER GUIDE
In case IP Extender is connected to your local network environment and your
connection to the Internet is available using a proxy server only without NAT being
configured, the Remote Console is very unlikely to be able to establish the according
connection. This is because today's Web proxies are not capable of relaying the RFB
protocol. In case of problems, please consult your network administrator in order to
provide an appropriate network environment.
The Remote Console window shows the remote screen at its optimal size. However,
you can always resize the Remote Console window in your host window system.
Hint: The Remote Console window on your local window system is just one
window among others. To make the keyboard and mouse work, your Remote
Console window must have the local input focus.
29. The Control buttons /toolbar icons
The control buttons/toolbar icons have the following functions:
- Sends the `Control Alt Delete' key combination to the remote
system.
Auto adjust - Adjusts the screen to the best visual quality
Sync mouse - Synchronizes the host and remote mice. Necessary when
using accelerated mouse settings on the host system. There is generally no need to
change mouse settings on the host.
- Discussed on page 24.
Click the Options button to get the following options:
Monitor Only - When turned on, the Remote Console does not accept keyboard /
mouse input. The top right hand icon appears like this
.
Exclusive access - If a user has the appropriate permission, he can force the Remote
Consoles of all other users to close. No one can open the Remote Console until this
user disables the Exclusive access or logs off.
Scaling - Scale down the Remote Console. Not all display details will be preserved.
Readability Filter - Turn the filter on in scaling mode to preserve most of the
screen details. Only available with a Java Virtual Machine version number of 1.3 or
higher
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