Related Manuals for Dell Console Switch
Summary of Contents for Dell Console Switch
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Page 1: Console Switch
Dell™ Console Switch Console Switch Installer/User’s Guide Model: Console Switch w w w . d e l l . c o m | s u p p o r t . d e l l . c o m... -
Page 2: Notes And Cautions
Reproduction in any manner whatsoever without the written permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden. Trademarks used in this text: Dell and the DELL logo are trademarks of Dell Inc. Avocent is a trademark of Avocent Corporation. OSCAR is a registered trademark of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates; Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. -
Page 3: Table Of Contents
Rack Mounting Your Console Switch Installing the Console Switch Tiering Console Switches Adding Legacy Switches Setting Up Your Console Switch System Basic Operation Controlling Your System at the Local User Ports Viewing and Selecting Ports and Servers Viewing the Status of Your Switch . - Page 4 Resetting a SIP Resetting Your Keyboard and Mouse Scanning Your System Running System Diagnostics Broadcasting to Servers Changing Your Switch Mode (16-port Console Switch Only) A Appendices Appendix A: Flash Upgrades Upgrading the Console Switch Items Needed for the Upgrade...
- Page 5 Figures Figure 1-1. Console Switch Figure 1-2. Example of a Console Switch Configuration Figure 2-1. Console Switch Horizontal Installation Figure 2-2. Basic Console Switch Configuration Figure 2-3. Console Switch Configuration with a Tiered Switch Figure 2-4. Console Switch Configuration with a Legacy KVM Switch Figure 3-1.
- Page 6 ....Broadcast Enable Dialog Box ... Switch Dialog Box ....SIP Status Dialog Box.
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Page 7: Product Overview
16-port switch allows two simultaneous users to access attached servers. A unique benefit of the Console Switch is the Server Interface Pod (SIP) intelligent module. By utilizing CAT 5 cabling the SIP dramatically reduces cable clutter, while providing optimal resolution and video settings. -
Page 8: Multiplatform Support
Multiplatform Support The SIPs available with your Console Switch support PS/2 and USB server environments. PS/2, USB, Sun, and serial cabling options are also available using Avocent™ AVRIQ intelligent cables. Using the On-Screen Configuration and Activity Reporting (OSCAR conjunction with these modules allows you to switch easily across platforms. -
Page 9: Flash Upgradable
Tiering Expansion Each Console Switch supports up to 16 directly attached servers and can conveniently scale to support more. You can expand your system by tiering with Console Switches and legacy analog Console Switches. This extra “tier” of units allows you to attach up to 256 servers in one system. -
Page 10: General
NOTICE: To help avoid damaging your system, be sure the voltage selection switch (if provided) on the power supply is set for the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location. -
Page 11: Rack Mounting Of Systems
• System rack kits are intended to be installed in a rack by trained service technicians. If a non- Dell rack is utilized, be sure that the rack meets the specifications of a Dell rack. • Elevated Ambient Temperature: If installed in a closed rack assembly, the operation temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room ambient. - Page 12 Product Overview...
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Page 13: Installation
Installation Getting Started Before installing your Console Switch, refer to the following list to ensure you have all items that shipped with the appliance as well as other items necessary for proper installation. Supplied with the Console Switch The following are supplied with the Console Switch: •... -
Page 14: Installing The Console Switch
Plug the supplied power cord into the back of the appliance and then into an appropriate power source. Figure 2-2 illustrates one possible configuration for your Console Switch. See the following detailed set of procedures to successfully install your appliance. -
Page 15: Basic Console Switch Configuration
Attach the appropriately cable ends to the keyboard, monitor and mouse ports on the first server you will be connecting to the appliance. Attach one end of the CAT 5 cabling that will run between your SIP and Console Switch to the RJ-45 connector on the SIP. -
Page 16: Tiering Console Switches
Analog Console Interface (ACI) port on each tiered Console Switch. Each tiered switch can then be connected to a server with a SIP. The example in Figure 2-3 shows one Console Switch tiered under the main switch, enabling the connection of up to 15 primary servers and 16 secondary servers. -
Page 17: Console Switch Configuration With A Tiered Switch
Figure 2-3. Console Switch Configuration with a Tiered Switch Local user A Tiered (secondary) Console Switch Local User B (16 port model only) Console Switch ARI Ports Primary Servers Secondary Servers Installation... -
Page 18: Adding Legacy Switches
Adding Legacy Switches You can add legacy switches to the Console Switch system for easy integration into your existing configuration. In a tiered system, each ARI port will accommodate up to 24 servers. See the following table for legacy switches compatible with the Console Switch system. -
Page 19: Console Switch Configuration With A Legacy Kvm Switch
Server 1 To add a legacy KVM switch: Mount the KVM switch into your rack cabinet. Locate a length of CAT 5 cabling to connect between your Console Switch and the SIP for your switch. Attach the keyboard, monitor and mouse connectors of the SIP to a user port on your tiered switch. -
Page 20: Setting Up Your Console Switch System
Locate the port set labeled respective ports. NOTE: For the multiuser, 16-port Console Switch, repeat these steps for the local analog port set labeled Bundle and label the cables for easy identification. Setting Up Your Console Switch System With the Console Switch system, you can auto detect and configure each port on your appliance. -
Page 21: Basic Operation
Controlling Your System at the Local User Ports The Console Switch features up to two local user port sets on the back of the unit that allow you to connect a monitor and a PS/2 keyboard and mouse for direct access. The 8-port Console Switch allows you to connect a single user, whereas the 16-port Console Switch allows you to connect two local users. -
Page 22: Viewing The Status Of Your Switch
Description Server Interface Pod (SIP) is online (green circle). SIP is offline or is not operating properly. Connected switch is online. Connected switch is offline or is not operating properly. SIP is being upgraded (yellow circle). throughout this installer/user’s guide. -
Page 23: Selecting Servers
Soft Switching Soft switching is the ability to switch servers using a hotkey sequence. You can soft switch to a server by pressing <Print Screen> and then typing the first few characters of its name or number. If you have set a Screen Delay Time and you press the key sequences before that time has elapsed, the OSCAR interface will not display. -
Page 24: Navigating The Oscar Interface
EID number to establish it as unique and press <Enter>. To switch back to the previous server, press <Print Screen> then <Backspace>. Navigating the OSCAR Interface This table describes how to navigate the OSCAR interface using the keyboard and mouse. -
Page 25: Configuring Oscar Interface Menus
Type from the keyboard or keypad. Configuring OSCAR Interface Menus You can configure your Console Switch from the Setup dialog box in OSCAR. Click the Names button when initially setting up your appliance to identify servers by unique names. Select the other setup features to manage routine tasks for your servers from the OSCAR menu. -
Page 26: Assigning Server Names
Set passwords to restrict server access. Enable the screen saver. Identify the appropriate number of ports on an attached legacy switch. Identify servers by unique names. Choose the switch mode and the share mode time-out. The Names dialog box appears. -
Page 27: Names Dialog Box
Figure 3-3. Names Dialog Box NOTE: If the server list changes, the mouse cursor turns into an hourglass as the list is automatically updated. No mouse or keyboard input is accepted until the list update is complete. To assign names to servers: In the Names dialog box, select a server name or port number and click Modify. -
Page 28: Assigning Device Types
Click Setup - Devices. The Devices dialog box appears. Figure 3-5. Devices Dialog Box When the Console Switch discovers a legacy switch, the port numbering changes to accommodate each server under that switch. For example, if the switch is connected to ARI port 6, the switch port is listed as 06 and each server under it is numbered sequentially 06-01, 06-02 and so on. -
Page 29: Changing The Display Behavior
Figure 3-6. Device Modify Dialog Box Choose the number of ports supported by your legacy switch and click OK. Repeat steps 1 to 3 for each port requiring a device type to be assigned. Click OK in the Devices dialog box to save settings. -
Page 30: Menu Dialog Box
<Print Screen>. Entering <0> launches the OSCAR interface with no delay. Click OK. Setting a Screen Delay Time allows you to complete a soft switch without the OSCAR interface displaying. To perform a soft switch, see "Soft Switching". Controlling the Status Flag The status flag displays on your desktop and shows the name or EID number of the selected server or the status of the selected port. -
Page 31: Controlling The Status Flag
Table 3-4. OSCAR Status Flags (continued) Flag Description Flag indicating that the user has been disconnected from all systems Flag indicating that Broadcast mode is enabled To access the Flag dialog box: Press <Print Screen>. The Main dialog box appears. Click Setup - Flag. -
Page 32: Setting Console Security
Figure 3-9. Set Position Flag NOTE: Changes made to the flag position are not saved until you click OK in the Flag dialog box. Click OK to save settings. -or- Click X to exit without saving changes. Setting Console Security The OSCAR interface enables you to set security on your local user port console. -
Page 33: Security Dialog Box
In the Repeat box, type the password again and press <Enter>. Click OK to change only your password, and then close the dialog box. NOTE: If you should lose or forget your password, you must return your switch for service or technical support. To password protect your console:... - Page 34 Press <Print Screen>, then press <Pause>. Displaying Version Information The OSCAR interface enables you to display the versions of the Console Switch and the SIP firmware. For optimum performance, keep your firmware current. For more information, see "Appendix A: Flash Upgrades".
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Page 35: Displaying Version Information
Figure 3-11. Version Dialog Box Click SIP to view individual SIP version information.The SIP Selection dialog box appears. Figure 3-12. SIP Selection Dialog Box Select a SIP to view and click the Version button. The SIP Version dialog box appears. For more information on loading firmware, see "Appendix A: Flash Upgrades". -
Page 36: Resetting A Sip
NOTE: If a reset is performed when a Console Switch is connected directly to a server and not a tiered switch, the mouse/keyboard may fail to respond. When this occurs, the target server requires a reboot. To reset a SIP: Press <Print Screen>. -
Page 37: Resetting Your Keyboard And Mouse
Figure 3-14. SIP Version Dialog Box Click Reset. A warning message appears, warning that the function is for tiered switches only and that resetting the SIP could result in the need to reboot the target server. Click OK to proceed with the reset. Press <ESC>... -
Page 38: Scanning Your System
Figure 3-15. Commands Dialog Box Scanning Your System In scan mode, the appliance automatically scans from port to port (server to server). You can scan up to 16 servers, specifying which servers to scan and the number of seconds that each server will display. -
Page 39: Scan Dialog Box
Figure 3-16. Scan Dialog Box The dialog box contains a listing of all servers attached to your appliance. Click the check box next to the servers you wish to scan. -or- Double-click on a server’s name or port. -or- Press <Alt > and the number of the server you wish to scan. You can select up to 16 servers from the entire list. -
Page 40: Running System Diagnostics
You can validate the integrity of your system through the Run Diagnostics command. This command checks the main board functional sub-systems (memory, communications, switch control and the video channels) for each system controller. When you select the Run Diagnostics option, you will receive a warning indicating that all users (remote and local) will be disconnected. -
Page 41: Diagnostics Dialog Box
Validates the current firmware images stored in the system’s FLASH Comm Interfaces Validates internal communication pathways Switch Controller test Verifies the switch matrix controller is accessible and functional On-line SIPs Indicates the total number of currently connected and powered SIPs... -
Page 42: Broadcasting To Servers
Figure 3-19. Diagnostics Warning Message Box Click OK to begin diagnostics. -or- Click X or press <Escape> to exit the dialog box without running a diagnostic test. All users are disconnected and the Diagnostics dialog box displays. As each test is finished, a pass (green circle) or fail (red x) symbol appears. The test is complete when the last test’s symbol displays. -
Page 43: Broadcast Dialog Box
Figure 3-20. Broadcast Dialog Box NOTE: Broadcasting Keystrokes - The keyboard state must be identical for all servers receiving a broadcast to interpret keystrokes identically. Specifically, the <Caps Lock> and <Num Lock> modes must be the same on all keyboards. While the appliance attempts to send keystrokes to the selected servers simultaneously, some servers may inhibit and thereby delay the transmission. -
Page 44: Changing Your Switch Mode (16-Port Console Switch Only)
From the Commands dialog box, disable the Broadcast Enable check box. Changing Your Switch Mode (16-port Console Switch Only) Your Console Switch allows you to connect to attached servers using two methods: Preemptive and Cooperative. Select Preemptive (default setting) to allow any user to select any server at any time; a request from another user disconnects the current user without warning. -
Page 45: Switch Dialog Box
Figure 3-22. Switch Dialog Box Select either Preemptive or Cooperative as your switch mode. Basic Operation... - Page 46 Basic Operation...
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Page 47: A Appendices
Appendix A: Flash Upgrades Upgrading the Console Switch You can upgrade the firmware of your Console Switch by using a special update utility provided by Dell. This utility automatically configures the port communications settings to allow direct downloading from the connected server. - Page 48 High. CAUTION: While upgrading, do not use your computer for anything else or switch between windows. Close all other windows if necessary. If the upgrade was unsuccessful (such as during a power outage), repeat the procedure.
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Page 49: Upgrading The Sip
Upgrading the SIP The Server Interface Pods (SIPs) can be upgraded individually or simultaneously. NOTICE: Do not cycle power to the server or disconnect the SIP during this process. A loss of power will render the SIP inoperable and require the unit be returned to the factory for repair. To simultaneously upgrade multiple SIPs: Press <Print Screen>. -
Page 50: Sip Selection Dialog Box
To upgrade SIP firmware individually: Press <Print Screen>. The Main dialog box appears. Click Commands-Display Versions. The Version dialog box appears. Figure 4-3. Version Dialog Box Click SIP to view individual SIP version information. Figure 4-4. SIP Selection Dialog Box Select the SIP that you wish to upgrade and click the Version button. -
Page 51: Sip Version Dialog Box
Figure 4-5. SIP Version Dialog Box Click the Load Firmware button. The SIP Load dialog box appears. Figure 4-6. SIP Load Dialog Box Click OK to initiate the upgrade and return to the SIP Status dialog box. NOTE: During an upgrade, the SIP status indicator in the Main dialog box will be yellow. The SIP is unavailable while an upgrade is in progress. -
Page 52: Appendix B: Technical Specifications
Separate horizontal and vertical DDC2B Analog Port Maximum 1600x1280@ 75 Hz Serial RS232 1 (8-port Console Switch), 2 (16-port Console Switch) PS/2, VGA, and ACI PS/2 MiniDIN, 15 Pin D, RJ-45 4.36 x 42.9 x 16.56 cm 1U form factor (1.72 x 16.9 x 6.52 inches) - Page 53 Table 4-1. Technical Specifications (continued) 20 to 80% noncondensing operating Humidity 5 to 95% noncondensing nonoperating Appendices...
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Page 54: Appendix C: Notifications
Appendix C: Notifications USA Notification CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. -
Page 55: Agency Approvals
Agency Approvals UL/cUL (UL 60950/CSA 22.2 No. 60950:2000) ICES-003 NOM-019-SCFI-1993 IRAM S Mark (Resolution 92/98) ACA AS/NZS 55022, class A CNS 13438 FCC Class A, EN60950:2000, EN55022:1998, EN55024:1998, EN61000-3-3:1995 +A1,A2. GOST-R VCCI SASO MIC/RRL, Republic of Korea EMI Standard Certificate Number: E-F900-01-2012 (A) Appendices... - Page 56 Appendices...
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Page 57: Index
Enabling, 33 Testing, 33 Screen saver Mode, 34 Security, 8, 32, 34 Server names Assigning, 26 SIP, 49 Offline, 23 Resetting, 36 Upgrading, 49 Soft switching, 23 Status flag Controlling, 31 Positioning, 32 Switch status, 22 System Diagnostics Running, 40 Index... - Page 58 Tiering, 9, 16 Version Information Displaying, 35 Index...