AlterPath KVM Installation, Configuration, and User`s Guide

AlterPath™ KVM Installation,
Configuration, and User’s Guide
Software Version 1.1.0
Cyclades Corporation
3541 Gateway Boulevard
Fremont, CA 94538 USA
1.888.CYCLADES (292.5233)
1.510.771.6100
1.510.771.6200 (fax)
http://www.cyclades.com
Release Date: June, 2005
Part Number: PAC0266
©2005 Cyclades Corporation
This document contains proprietary information of Cyclades Corporation and is not to
be disclosed or used except in accordance with applicable contracts or agreements.
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
All trademarks, trade names, logos and service marks referenced herein, even when
not specifically marked as such, belong to their respective companies and are not to be
considered unprotected by law.
The following are registered or registration-pending trademarks of Cyclades
Corporation: Cyclades and AlterPath.
ActiveX, Microsoft, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Windows, and Windows NT are
registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other
countries.
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United States and other countries.
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countries.
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Sun, Sun Microsystems, Java, J2SE, Solaris, are trademarks or registered trademarks
of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.
UNIX is a registered trademark of The Open Group in the United States and other
countries.
All rights reserved. This document may not, in whole or part, be copied, photocopied,
reproduced, translated, or converted to any electronic or machine-readable form
without the prior written consent of Cyclades Corporation.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Before You Begin
Audience.............................................................................................................. ix
Document Organization ...................................................................................... ix
Typographical Conventions ................................................................................. x
Naming Conventions............................................................................................ x
Special Text Notations ........................................................................................ xi
1 Introduction
Connectivity and Capacity ............................................................................... 1-1
Product Components ........................................................................................ 1-2
KVM Terminator .................................................................................... 1-3
KVM RP Switch ..................................................................................... 1-3
Overview of AlterPath KVM ........................................................................... 1-3
KVM Product Features..................................................................................... 1-5
Cat-5-Based Cabling ............................................................................... 1-5
Server-Based Authentication .................................................................. 1-5
Local User Authentication ...................................................................... 1-6
User Access Lists Per Port ...................................................................... 1-6
Cascading Support with Centralized Port Management ......................... 1-6
Flexibility and Scalability ....................................................................... 1-6
On-Screen Display Capability ................................................................ 1-6
Mouse Support ........................................................................................ 1-6
Multi-User .............................................................................................. 1-7
Fan Monitoring ....................................................................................... 1-7
Event Logging Capabilities .................................................................... 1-7
The Linux Advantage ............................................................................. 1-7
Rack Space Convenience ........................................................................ 1-7
Setup Diagram.................................................................................................. 1-8
Types of Users.................................................................................................. 1-9
2 Installation
Product Installation Checklist .......................................................................... 2-1
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Table of Contents
Power Cables ................................................................................. 2-3
Port Connections .............................................................................................. 2-4
Rack Mounting the KVM................................................................................. 2-4
Installing AlterPath KVM ................................................................................ 2-5
Installing the KVM Terminator .............................................................. 2-6
About the KVM IP Address ............................................................................. 2-7
Configure the COM Port ......................................................................... 2-7
Determining the IP Address .................................................................... 2-7
Running the Configuration Wizard ......................................................... 2-8
Booting Messages ................................................................................... 2-9
Cascading AlterPath KVM............................................................................. 2-10
Connecting a Secondary KVM to a Primary KVM .............................. 2-11
Mouse Settings ...................................................................................... 2-11
Windows XP / Windows 2003 .................................................... 2-11
Windows 2000 / ME .................................................................... 2-12
Windows 95 / 98 / NT ................................................................. 2-12
Linux with Graphical Desktop ..................................................... 2-12
Installing Mozilla with ActiveX Plug-in .............................................. 2-13
Safety Considerations When Rack Mounting .............................. 2-16
Activity LEDs on the KVM Ports .................................................................. 2-16
LED Functions ............................................................................. 2-17
LED Status Definitions ............................................................. 2-18
Screen Resolution and Refresh Rate .............................................................. 2-18
3 KVM OSD Configuration
OSD and Web Configuration ........................................................................... 3-1
Configuring the KVM through the OSD .......................................................... 3-2
Basic Navigation Keys ............................................................................ 3-2
Default Key Sequences..................................................................................... 3-2
Sun Key Emulation Using a Non-Sun USB Keyboard .................................... 3-5
KVM User Interface Overview ........................................................................ 3-6
Logging In ........................................................................................................ 3-7
OSD Guidelines ...................................................................................... 3-7
Saving Your Configuration ............................................................ 3-7
KVM Main Menu ............................................................................................. 3-8
Configuration Menu ......................................................................................... 3-9
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General Configuration: Windows Summary ............................... 3-10
General Configuration: Authentication Type .............................. 3-10
Syslog Facility ............................................................................. 3-11
Escape Sequence ......................................................................... 3-11
Sun Keyboard .............................................................................. 3-12
Network Configuration .................................................................................. 3-13
DHCP .......................................................................................... 3-13
IP Address ................................................................................... 3-13
Netmask ....................................................................................... 3-14
Gateway ....................................................................................... 3-15
DNS Server .................................................................................. 3-15
Domain ........................................................................................ 3-16
Hostname ..................................................................................... 3-16
Date/Time ............................................................................................. 3-17
Enabling the NTP Server ............................................................. 3-17
User Station Configuration............................................................................. 3-19
Idle Timeout ................................................................................ 3-19
Cycle Time .................................................................................. 3-20
Keyboard Type ............................................................................ 3-21
Quit .............................................................................................. 3-22
Power Management ..................................................................... 3-22
Mouse/Keyboard Sync ................................................................ 3-23
Video Configuration .................................................................... 3-24
Switch Next ................................................................................. 3-25
Switch Previous ........................................................................... 3-25
Port Info ....................................................................................... 3-26
KVM Ports ............................................................................................ 3-26
Selecting a KVM Port to Configure ............................................ 3-26
Activating a Port .......................................................................... 3-27
Server Name ................................................................................ 3-28
Power Outlet ................................................................................ 3-29
Configuring a Server Connected to a Slave ................................ 3-29
Users and Groups ........................................................................................... 3-30
Configuring Users ................................................................................. 3-31
Adding a User .............................................................................. 3-31
Changing the User, Admin, or Root Password ............................ 3-33
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Deleting a User ............................................................................ 3-35
Local Groups ......................................................................................... 3-37
Adding a Group ........................................................................... 3-37
Adding a User to a Group ............................................................ 3-38
Deleting a User from a Group ..................................................... 3-40
Deleting a Group .......................................................................... 3-42
User Access Lists Menu ....................................................................... 3-43
Generic User ................................................................................ 3-43
Adding a User to the User Access List ........................................ 3-44
Edit User/Group ........................................................................... 3-46
Deleting a User from the User Access List ................................. 3-48
Cascade Devices............................................................................................. 3-49
Cascade Devices Menu ......................................................................... 3-49
Adding a Secondary Device ........................................................ 3-49
Syslog ............................................................................................................. 3-52
Save/Load Config........................................................................................... 3-53
Saving Your Configuration ................................................................... 3-53
Loading Your Configuration ................................................................ 3-54
Saving your Configuration to an FTP Server ....................................... 3-55
Loading Configuration from an FTP Server ......................................... 3-57
System Info Menu .......................................................................................... 3-59
System Info Window ................................................................... 3-61
Reboot............................................................................................................. 3-62
4 KVM Web Configuration
Overview .......................................................................................................... 4-1
Changing the Password ........................................................................... 4-2
Hierarchy of Permissions ........................................................................ 4-2
Conflicting Permissions ................................................................. 4-2
Complementary Permissions ......................................................... 4-2
Logging In ........................................................................................................ 4-3
KVM Web Management Interface ................................................................... 4-4
Wizard Mode .......................................................................................... 4-4
Expert Mode ........................................................................................... 4-5
Button Functions ..................................................................................... 4-6
Saving Your Configuration ..................................................................... 4-7
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Configuring in Wizard Mode ........................................................................... 4-7
Step 1: Network Settings ........................................................................ 4-7
Step 2: Access ......................................................................................... 4-9
To add a User ............................................................................... 4-10
To Delete a User .......................................................................... 4-11
To Change a User’s Password ..................................................... 4-11
Step 3: System Log ............................................................................... 4-12
To Add a Syslog Server ............................................................... 4-13
To Delete a Syslog Server ........................................................... 4-13
Configuring in Expert Mode .......................................................................... 4-13
Table of Menu and Forms .................................................................... 4-15
Access............................................................................................................. 4-16
Power Management........................................................................................ 4-17
Power Management > Outlets Manager ............................................... 4-17
To change an outlet name or power up interval: ......................... 4-18
Power Management > View IPDUs Info .............................................. 4-19
Power Management > Users Manager .................................................. 4-20
To add a user or edit an assigned user: ........................................ 4-20
To delete an assigned user ........................................................... 4-21
Power Management > Configuration ................................................... 4-21
Power Management > Software Upgrade ............................................. 4-22
Configuration ................................................................................................. 4-23
KVM ..................................................................................................... 4-24
Default Key Sequences ................................................................ 4-25
Devices ................................................................................................. 4-29
To add a secondary KVM to be cascaded to a master KVM: ..... 4-30
To edit a device configuration: .................................................... 4-32
To delete a device configuration: ................................................ 4-34
To Configure Ports ...................................................................... 4-34
To Enable or Disable a Port ......................................................... 4-36
Users & Groups .................................................................................... 4-36
To set KVM permissions for a user or a group: .......................... 4-37
To delete a user/group from the Access List: .............................. 4-39
To add a user/group to the Access list (to access KVM ports): .. 4-39
To change a user’s password ....................................................... 4-40
Network ................................................................................................ 4-41
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Network > Host Settings ....................................................................... 4-42
Network > Syslog ................................................................................. 4-44
Network > Services ............................................................................... 4-45
Network > IP Filtering .......................................................................... 4-46
IP Filtering: To add a chain: ........................................................ 4-47
IP Filtering: To edit a chain ......................................................... 4-48
IP Filtering: To Edit a Rule ......................................................... 4-48
Additional Fields ......................................................................... 4-52
To Add a Rule .............................................................................. 4-53
Network > IPsec VPN ........................................................................... 4-54
To configure VPN ........................................................................ 4-55
Network > SNMP ........................................................................ 4-58
To configure SNMP: .................................................................... 4-59
Network > Host Table ................................................................. 4-62
AUX Port .............................................................................................. 4-65
System ................................................................................................... 4-67
To configure the KVM boot settings: 69
Information ..................................................................................................... 4-70
General .................................................................................................. 4-70
To view General information: ..................................................... 4-71
Port Status ............................................................................................. 4-73
Management ................................................................................................... 4-73
Backup Configuration ........................................................................... 4-74
Firmware Update .................................................................................. 4-75
Microcode Update ................................................................................. 4-76
To update a microcode: ............................................................... 4-76
Microcode Reset ................................................................................... 4-77
Active Sessions ..................................................................................... 4-78
Reboot ................................................................................................... 4-80
5 KVM Operation
Basic Navigation Keys .....................................................................................
Default Key Sequences.....................................................................................
Changing the Root Password............................................................................
Logging In ........................................................................................................
Connecting to a Server .....................................................................................
vi
5-1
5-2
5-2
5-3
5-4
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Table of Contents
Successful / Unsuccessful Connection ................................................... 5-5
Cycling Among Servers .......................................................................... 5-6
Cycle by Server ............................................................................. 5-6
Cycle by Key Sequence ................................................................. 5-7
Remote Operation ............................................................................................ 5-8
Operating through the Remote Unit (RP) ............................................... 5-8
Finishing your Session ..................................................................................... 5-9
Method 1: Exiting through the Main Menu ............................................ 5-9
Method 2: Exiting by using the escape sequence. .................................. 5-9
Method 3: Exiting by Idle Timeout ...................................................... 5-10
OSD Screen Saver.......................................................................................... 5-10
Operating through the Remote Unit (RP) ...................................................... 5-10
Adjusting Screen Brightness and Contrast..................................................... 5-11
Automatic (Video) Control Adjustment ............................................... 5-11
Manual (Brightness/Contrast) Control ................................................. 5-11
Sharing Server Connection............................................................................. 5-12
Synchronizing Your Keyboard and Mouse.................................................... 5-14
Establishing a Power Control Session............................................................ 5-15
Logging Events .............................................................................................. 5-15
KVM Web Operation ..................................................................................... 5-15
Connecting to a Server ......................................................................... 5-16
Access > Power management > Outlets Manager ................................ 5-17
Access > Power Management > View IPDUs Info ............................. 5-19
6 Remote Authentication
Open Source Authentication Server................................................................. 6-2
Keberos ................................................................................................... 6-2
WMI Configuration ....................................................................... 6-2
OSD Configuration ........................................................................ 6-2
LDAP ...................................................................................................... 6-3
Required Information .................................................................... 6-3
WMI Configuration ....................................................................... 6-3
OSD Configuration ........................................................................ 6-3
Windows 2000/2003 Server (AD).................................................................... 6-3
Kerberos .................................................................................................. 6-3
LDAP ...................................................................................................... 6-3
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Required Information ..................................................................... 6-3
WMI Configuration ....................................................................... 6-4
OSD Configuration ........................................................................ 6-4
Novell Server (NDS) ........................................................................................ 6-4
LDAP ...................................................................................................... 6-4
WMI and OSD Configuration ....................................................... 6-4
A Technical Specifications
Features............................................................................................................ A-1
Hardware ......................................................................................................... A-3
Glossary
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AlterPath KVM User Manual
Before You Begin
Before You Begin
Welcome to the AlterPath™ KVM Manual! This manual is designed to help
you install, configure, and operate your AlterPath KVM switch.
For simplicity, the document also refers to the Alterpath KVM unit as KVM.
Audience
This manual is intended for System administrators and regular users of the
AlterPath KVM. At a minimum, the regular user must understand the basics
of using a graphical user interface such as Microsoft Windows.
Document Organization
The document is organized as follows:
1: Introduction
Defines and explains the overall product
features and uses of the KVM.
2: KVM Installation
Explains the procedure for installing and
setting up the KVM.
3: KVM OSD Configuration
Explains the procedures for configuring the
KVM switch, its devices, interfaces,
connections, and users using the on-screen
display (OSD).
4: KVM Web Configuration
Explains the procedures for configuring the
KVM switch, its devices, interfaces,
connections, and users using the web
management interface.
5: KVM Operation
Presents the procedures for connecting to a
port and other operations related to using the
web user interface.
6: Remote Authentication
Explains the purpose and benefits of using a
remote authentication server for added data
security.
Appendix A:
Technical Specifications
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Before You Begin
Appendix B
KVM Remote Authentication
Glossary
This is a glossary of terms and acronyms
used in the manual.
Typographical Conventions
Screen Labels
Words that appear on the screen are typed in
boldface.
Examples: The Configuration window; the
Password field.
Hypertext Links
With the exception of headings and the Table of
Contents (which are already linked), all underlined words are hypertext links.
Screen Levels
Screen levels are indicated by the “greater than”
symbol (>), starting from parent to child to
grandchild and so forth.
Example: Main Menu > Configure > User
Configuration
Important words
Certain words are italicized for emphasis.
Naming Conventions
x
Forms
The user input screens of the web management
interface is referred to as forms.
Window
The KVM online-screen display (OSD) uses for
its graphical user interface (GUI) similarly sized
windows designed to provide users a means to
enter commands to the system.
Window Names
Some windows do not have titles or unique titles.
While a name used to refer to a window may not
appear on the window itself, the assigned name
AlterPath KVM User Manual
Before You Begin
are designed to describe the purpose of the
window, and to better distinguish every window.
KVM
Short name for the AlterPath KVM.
Select
To select is the same as to click your mouse.
Special Text Notations
This manual uses special text notations to indicate the following:
Note: This indicates a note or comment.
Caution: This is an alert to take notice of a possibility of a loss of function, a
loss of configuration information, or of loss or corruption of data.
WARNING! This is an alert to warn of a possibility of damage to equipment
or a possibility of injury to the user.
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Before You Begin
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AlterPath KVM User Manual
Chapter 1
Introduction
Introduction
Cyclades AlterPath™ KVM is a family of CAT5-based keyboard-videomouse switches designed to provide you an easy and secure way to manage
remote servers from a desktop unit. KVM provides you full access and control
of any server or workstation (e.g., Windows NT, Windows Server 2003,
Windows 9.x, Linux, etc.) through a dedicated channel.
For simplicity, AlterPath KVM is also referred to in the
manual as KVM.
The flexibility of CAT5 cabling (supporting distances of up to 500 feet
between the switch and the managed servers) enables KVM to use any data
center’s existing cabling infrastructure and provide for an easy installation.
The security features of KVM allow integration with existing security
infrastructure such as RADIUS, TACACS+, LDAP, NTLM, and Kerberos.
Token-based strong authentication methods such as SecurID are also
supported. As a backup, the KVM provides local authentication should any of
the authentication servers fail.
The AlterPath KVM supports cascading, a feature which allows you to connect other KVM switches as secondary units connected to a primary KVM.
Cascading allows data center managers to centralize port management and
expand their coverage as the data center grows.
Connectivity and Capacity
KVM supports two concurrent users: one remote and one local.
For one primary AlterPath KVM 16, you can connect up to eight secondary
KVM units (or 16 with 1 user each). For an AlterPath KVM 32, you can
connect up to 16 KVM units (or 32 with 1 user each) as secondaries. Two
connections are used for each secondary-to-primary connection to allow two
simultaneous users. One CAT-5 cable between a primary port to a secondary
USER 2 port and another CAT-5 cable between a primary port and a USER 1
port through a Terminator.
Through cascading, using one port per secondary unit, AlterPath KVM allows
you to control up to 1024 servers (in a 1-user configuration or 512 servers in a
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1: Introduction
2-user configuration) from a single KVM console either locally or over the
Internet Protocol.
Product Components
AlterPath KVM family comprises four product components:
•
•
•
•
AlterPath KVM 16 - model that comes with 16 KVM ports.
AlterPath KVM 32 - model that comes with 32 KVM ports.
AlterPath KVM RP - allows a remote user to connect to the KVM.
AlterPath KVM Terminator - interfaces the console keyboard, video and
mouse to the KVM.
Figure 1.1 - AlterPath KVM: Front View
Figure 1.2 - AlterPath KVM 32: Back View
Figure 1.3 - AlterPath KVM Product Suite
(From bottom: KVM, front; KVM32, back; KVM RP; KVM Terminator.)
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1: Introduction
KVM Terminator
The AlterPath KVM terminator interfaces directly with the server through the
video, mouse, and keyboard ports. It behaves as though it were a real
keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
The KVM terminator comes in three models to support the following:
•
PC PS/2 (ATP4610)
•
PC USB (ATP4630)
•
Sun USB (ATP4620)
Note: A PC USB Terminator and a Sun USB terminator look identical.
PS/2 Terminator
USB Terminator
KVM RP Switch
The KVM RP switch allows you to connect a workstation to a local KVM
user port so you can switch between your local workstation and the KVM/net.
This adds the additional convenience of allowing your workstation to function
normally as a workstation, or allowing your workstation to be used as a keyboard, mouse, and monitor plugged directly into the KVN/net. In addition,
you can still plug an additional keyboard, mouse, and monitor into the local
User 1 port, so another local user can access the KVN/net.
Overview of AlterPath KVM
The AlterPath KVM operates by using the keyboard, video, and mouse as the
low-level access interfaces to the managed servers, which allows you to
access server information that is otherwise inaccessible through in-band network interfaces.
For example, BIOS access, POST, and boot messages are inaccessible
through in-band network management tools. In some cases, the in-band net-
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1: Introduction
work interfaces are not available even after the system boot is completed (e.g.,
after a Windows Safe Mode boot) which makes the KVM the only way to
manage remote GUI-based servers.
The KVM offers advanced options to meet the most demanding user requirements. Cascading support, CAT5-based cabling for up to 500 feet of distance
and integration with other server management devices such as the AlterPath
PM IPDUs make the AlterPath™ KVM a powerful addition to any data center.
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1: Introduction
KVM Product Features
AlterPath KVM provides enterprise solutions that meet the needs of today’s
data center. The most notable features of AlterPath KVM are:
•
CAT5-based cabling
•
Server-Based Authentication
•
Local User Authentication
•
User Access List Per Port
•
Cascading Support with Centralized Port Management
•
Flexibility and Scalability
•
Online Screen Display
•
Multi-User
•
Event Logging
•
Fan Monitoring
•
Compact 1U design minimizes rack space
Cat-5-Based Cabling
CAT-5-based cabling allows for a clean cabling setup and access to servers
located far away from the AlterPath KVM switch. CAT-5 cabling allows you
to use existing cabling infrastructure in the data center. Setup is quick and
simple. The KVM supports distances up to 500 feet between the switch and
the managed servers, which makes even the most remote server in the data
center reachable by the AlterPath KVM.
Server-Based Authentication
The AlterPath KVM’s support for existing security infrastructure and tokenbased strong authentication methods allows it to provide a high level of
security and adapt to your current security policies and infrastructure.
In large installations with hundreds of KVM switches that use only locallystored passwords, each time a new user is added or removed, the system
administrator has to manually reconfigure each device. Security is compromised if he forgets or misconfigures any device.
With server-based authentication, the administrator updates a single
centralized database and all access devices consult that database using a
server-based authentication method such as Radius or LDAP.
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1: Introduction
Local User Authentication
AlterPath KVM also supports local backup user authentication, allowing the
system to fall back to local authentication mode in case your server-based
authentication engine is unreachable. This ensures continuous, secured access
to your servers even if the network or the authentication server is down.
User Access Lists Per Port
This feature allows you to define which users have access to which servers,
which provides greater control and peace of mind.
Cascading Support with Centralized Port Management
You can have multiple AlterPath KVM switches cascaded to provide higher
port density, yet they will behave as one single, larger, KVM switch. This
means that you can configure the entire KVM switch chain from a single point
(the primary unit). Once it is ready, the configuration is broadcasted to all the
units in the chain, which eliminates the need to configure the cascaded devices
separately.
User authentication and access follows the same approach, which means you
authenticate only once and choose the server you want to access from a single
list, and the AlterPath KVM chain will automatically connect you to the
proper server.
Flexibility and Scalability
Cascading support with centralized port management allows the AlterPath
KVM to increase the number of managed servers without losing the initial
investment, or the advantage of a centralized configuration and access interface. As the data center grows, managers and system administrators have
greater control, and greater ability to expand their coverage.
On-Screen Display Capability
You can use the on-screen display to control your AlterPath KVM easily.
From the OSD, you can perform tasks such as navigating through the servers,
cycling servers, and more.
Mouse Support
The AlterPath KVM supports USB and PS/2 mouse interfaces.
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1: Introduction
Multi-User
The KVM supports two concurrent users. The maximum distance between a
user and the most remote server is 500 feet. The KVM RP enables an operator
to switch the local keyboard, video, and mouse between a local workstation
and a server connected to the AlterPath KVM.
Fan Monitoring
The KVM is designed with a circuit that senses and monitors the fan speed. If
configured, when the fan stops, an alarm message is sent to the syslog server
and the OSD screen.
Event Logging Capabilities
The AlterPath KVM provides event logging capabilities that allows your
organization to audit its usage and identify who accessed which KVM ports at
what time and date. This helps your organization track how server issues are
being handled by system administrators and analyze problem-solving policies
for future improvement.
The Linux Advantage
Instead of using proprietary software technologies, KVM leverages on Open
Source software (Linux), which gives users the freedom to customize its operation, to modify or add features.
Rack Space Convenience
Available in 16 and 32-port models that fit in 1U of rack space, KVM helps
maximize server availability with scalability and security. Using KVM for
server management decreases network maintenance costs while increasing
efficiency and productivity.
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1: Introduction
Setup Diagram
The diagram below shows a typical setup of the various KVM product
components.
Linux
Server
Unix
Server
Windows
Server
Sun
Server
KVM
Terminator
KVM
Terminator
KVM
Terminator
KVM
Terminator
CAT5
CAT5
CAT5
CAT5
Ethernet
AlterPath KVM
AlterPath
KVM RP
KVM
connection
Syslog/
Authentication
Servers
Workstation
Workstation
Figure 1.4 - AlterPath KVM Setup
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1: Introduction
Types of Users
KVM supports three types of users: root, admin, and the regular user.
Root User
Used in CLI configuration (as in the Configuration Wizard presented in
Chapter 2: KVM Installation), root is the super user of the KVM system
and cannot be deleted. For security purposes, the root user must change the
root password from the Unix shell as soon as possible.
To change the root password:
1. From the CLI, log in as root, password cyclades.
2. Type in the command, passwd followed by the new password.
Admin User
The admin is the default user of the KVM WMI and the KVM OSD in admin
mode. The admin user has full configuration access to the WMI and has full
read, write, and administrative privileges on the OSD. The admin user’s
default password is cyclades.
For security purposes, the admin user must change the admin password as
soon as possible. To change the admin user password in the WMI, go to
Configuration -> Users & Groups (or Step2: Access in the WMI Wizard).
If the administrator chooses, administrative privileges can be given to additional users, who can then access the WMI or the OSD in admin mode.
Regular User
The regular user is any user configured by the administrator to operate the
KVM in Access mode from the OSD. Regular users can access and mange
only those consoles to which they are assigned.
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1: Introduction
User Type
Default
Password
Access
Privileges
root
cyclades
Full Read/
Write/Delete,
and Admin
Linux shell only: full access
admin
cyclades
Full Read/
Write/Delete,
and Admin.
WMI, OSD: Full Read/Write,
power mgmt, admin.
Linux shell: IP configuration
access. Can write in own
directory.
[regular user] as assigned by Limited Read/
the admin.
Write
1-10
Environment
WMI, OSD: KVM port access,
Power mgmt, as assigned by
admin.
Linux shell: read access. Can
write in own directory.
AlterPath KVM User Manual
Chapter 2
KVM Installation
Installation
This section discusses the procedures and requirements for installing the
AlterPath KVM, and is organized as follows:
•
Product Installation Checklist
•
Rack Mounting and Connecting the KVM Components
•
Installing AlterPath KVM
•
Cascading AlterPath KVM
Product Installation Checklist
While the quantity of the product components may vary based on your order,
at a minimum, your AlterPath KVM package should contain the following
items:
•
1 AlterPath KVM
•
1 RJ-45 straight-through cable, with all 4 pairs wired (CAB0018)
•
1 RJ-45 to DB-9F crossover adapter (ADB0036)
•
1 power cable
•
1 Rack mounting kit (HAR0370)
•
1 Documentation CD
•
1 Quick Start Guide
In addition, you will need to order one or more KVM terminators that support
either PS/2 keyboard and mouse, USB keyboard and mouse, or Sun Microsystems USB keyboard and mouse.
The Rack Mounting Kit (P/N HAR0370) is shown below:
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The contents of a typical AlterPath KVM package are shown in the following
illustration:
Note: KVM terminators must be ordered separately.
The power cord and mounting kit are not shown.
Quickstart
Guide
AlterPath KVM/net
An AlterPath KVM RP is very useful if you want to use a workstation, instead
of just a keyboard, monitor, and mouse to as your interface to the KVM.
An AlterPath KVM RP typically comes packaged as follows:
•
1 AlterPath KVM RP
•
1 RJ-45 straight-through CAT-5 cable, with all 4 pairs wired (CAB0018)
•
1 Power cable
•
1 KVM cable (CAB00147)
•
4 Bumpon Protec Pads (PAC0149)
•
1 Quick Start Guide
The contents of a typical AlterPath KVM RP package are shown in the following illustration:
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2: AlterPath KVM Installation
Bumpon Protec
Pads
Power Cables
Power cables vary according to the country where the products ship.
USA - P/N CAB0010
Europe - P/N CAB0037
UK - P/N CAB0056
Australia - P/N CAB0055
Japan - P/N CAB0278
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Port Connections
The diagram below shows the port connections located in the back of a
KVM 32:
Auxiliary
User2
Mouse
Keyboard
Power
switch
32 CAT5 KVM ports
Power
cord
[-User1-]
Ethernet
Console
Rack Mounting the KVM
To rack-mount the KVM, perform the following steps:
1. Install the brackets onto the front corners of the box using a screw driver
and the screws and bolts provided with the mounting kit.
brackets
2. Mount the KVM unit in a secure position.
Refer to the Safety Considerations When Rack Mounting section of this
chapter to ensure safety.
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2: AlterPath KVM Installation
Installing AlterPath KVM
Caution: While the KVM and its components are hot-pluggable, be aware
that other non-Cyclades system components, such as the PS/2 keyboard and mouse ports on the server, may not respond properly
when hot-plugged. When in doubt, power on your servers only after
the KVM and its components are installed properly.
Caution: Important note about KVM port connections:
Be sure that all cables in the path are CAT-5 or better cable with all
4 pairs wired. Be sure that if the path runs through a patch panel,
that the patch panel has the connections for all 4 pairs wired. Do
not assume that this is always the case for an RJ-45 patch panel.
To install the AlterPath KVM, follow the procedure below:
1. Connect computers to the AlterPath KVM.
a. Select the appropriate KVM Terminator for the computer to be connected. Three Terminator types are available: PS/2, PC USB, and Sun
USB.
b. Plug the selected Terminator to the matching Keyboard, Video and
Mouse ports on the computer.
Notes: When connecting the terminator for the PC mini-DIN, you must first
connect the mouse, then the video, then the keyboard, before connecting the RJ-45 straight-through CAT-5 cable.
There are differences in connections for different terminator types.
Terminator Type
Connection
PS/2
keyboard, video, mouse
Sun-USB, PC-USB
video, USB
c. Repeat steps a and b for all computers to be connected.
d. Plug RJ-45 straight cables from each terminator to the CAT5 ports on
the AlterPath KVM.
2. Connect a local user station to the AlterPath KVM.
a. Plug your station's Keyboard, Video and Mouse cables to the Keyboard, Video and Mouse USER 1 connectors on your AlterPath
KVM.
3. Optional. Connect the Remote Point Unit (RP) to the AlterPath KVM.
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a. If you are not using an AlterPath KVM RP, skip this and proceed to
step 4.
b. Make sure the AlterPath KVM, the AlterPath KVM RP, and all connected computers are powered down.
c. Plug your Keyboard, Video and Mouse cables to the Keyboard, Video
and Mouse User ports on your AlterPath KVM RP.
d. Plug your station's Keyboard, Video and Mouse cables to the Keyboard, Video and Mouse Local PC connectors on your AlterPath
KVM RP.
e. Connect an RJ-45 straight cable from the REMOTE KVM port on the
AlterPath KVM RP to the USER 2 connector at the AlterPath KVM.
4. Power on your AlterPath KVM.
a. Connect the AC power cable of the AlterPath KVM to the power connector of the unit. Make sure the power switch is off.
b. Plug the other end of the cable to an AC wall power outlet.
c. Power on your AlterPath KVM by turning its power switch on.
5. Optional. Power on your AlterPath KVM RP.
Note: If you have a remote station connected to your AlterPath KVM RP, the
Keyboard interface on your workstation will power the RP, and you can
skip this step.
a. Connect the AC power cable of the AlterPath KVM RP to the power
connector of the unit. Make sure the power switch is off.
b. Plug the other end of the cable to an AC wall power outlet.
c. Power on your AlterPath KVM RP by turning its power switch on.
6. Power on the connected computers and proceed to Chapter 3: AlterPath
KVM Configuration.
Installing the KVM Terminator
This section provides a more detailed description on how to install the KVM
Terminator. To install the KVM Terminator, follow the steps below:
1. Optional. If the server VGA connector is too recessed, use an HD15 mini
extender. Insert it firmly into the server VGA connector and tighten both
screws evenly and firmly, but do not over-tighten.
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2: AlterPath KVM Installation
2. Insert the Terminator onto the server VGA connector (or onto the mini
extender installed in step 1) and tighten the screws evenly and firmly, but
do not over-tighten.
3. Insert the mouse connector (green) firmly into the mouse recepticle.
4. Insert the keyboard connector (purple) firmly into the keyboard recepticle.
5. Proceed with the KVM installation as outlined in the preceding section.
About the KVM IP Address
Configure the COM Port
In order to determine the KVM’s IP address and to run the Configuration Wizard, you will need to configure the COM port as follows:
1. Connect your PC terminal to the console port of your AlterPath KVM
2. Configure your COM port as follows:
Serial Speed: 9600 bps
Data Length: 8 bits
Parity: None
Stop Bits: 1 stop bit
Flow Control: None
ANSI emulation
3. Open your terminal emulation application (HyperTerminal, Kermit, or
Minicom) to access the console.
Determining the IP Address
The KVM switch comes with DHCP client enabled. When you connect the
ethernet port to your LAN, the KVM gets its IP address from your DHCP
server automatically. If, however, there is no DHCP server available, then the
DHCP request will fail, and the default IP address (192.168.160.10) will be
used.
To determine the IP address, log on to the console as root. Then enter the
command: ifconfig
A display containing the IP address of the KVM will shown on the console.
Once the KVM is assigned an IP address, any user on the network should be
able to access the KVM through the web user interface.
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Running the Configuration Wizard
Using the Configuration Wizard through the console is another method by
which you can determine as well as configure the KVM IP address.
Run the Configuration Wizard as follows
1. Log into the console port as root, using the password: cyclades.
2. Enter the command: wiz
The system launches the Configuration Wizard. Accept the default values
by pressing the <Enter> key or provide your own parameter values. This
procedure highlights some critical questions from the wizard:
Set to defaults (y/n)[n]: Press <Enter> to accept default value.
Hostname [kvm]: Press <Enter> to accept default hostname, otherwise enter
your own hostname.
Do you want to use DHCP to automatically assign an IP for your system? (y/
n)[n]: Press <Enter> to accept default value.
System IP[192.168.160.10]: Press <Enter> to accept default IP, otherwise enter
your own IP address.
.
.
.
Are all the parameters correct? (y/n)[n]: Enter y if correct, otherwise press
<Enter> and re-start the configuration wizard.
Do you want to save your configuration to Flash? (y/n)[n]: Enter y to save
your configuration in Flash. This last question concludes the wizard.
3. If you want to confirm your configuration, enter the command: ifconfig
from the console.
The system will list all the parameter values that you have just configured
though the Configuration Wizard.
Note: If you reboot a KVM that has an IP address that was assigned using
DHCP, the IP address can change during the next boot sequence.
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2: AlterPath KVM Installation
Booting Messages
During the booting process, the system will display a succession of messages
shown as follows:
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Cascading AlterPath KVM
A typical cascading configuration is shown here:
Up to 1024 servers
AlterPath KVM
Expander 16
AlterPath KVM 32
User1 User2 UserA UserB
Primary AlterPath KVM 32
local user
The AlterPath KVM can be cascaded to support up to 1024 computers. You
will need to use a single-user configuration to connect a primary KVM 32 to
up to 32 secondary KVM 32 units. For this configuration, you connect one
CAT-5 cable from a primary KVM port to the USER 2 port of a secondary
KVM unit. Repeat this for each secondary KVM unit you wish to cascade.
You can support up to 512 computers with a 2-user configuration. You will
need to connect a KVM 32 to up to 16 secondary KVM 32 units. For this configuration, you connect one CAT-5 cable from a primary KVM port to the
USER 2 port of a secondary KVM unit and another CAT-5 cable from a second primary KVM port to the USER 1 port (using a PS/2 terminator) of the
same secondary KVM unit. Repeat this for each secondary KVM unit you
wish to cascade.
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2: AlterPath KVM Installation
Connecting a Secondary KVM to a Primary KVM
The procedure for connecting a secondary KVM to a primary KVM is as follows:
1. Ensure that all hardware (KVM switches and computers) to be connected
are switched off.
2. Connect a CAT-5 cable from a primary KVM port to the USER 2 (for
remote station) port of the secondary KVM.
Note: For a single-user configuration, skip Steps 3 and 4.
3. Connect a KVM Terminator to the USER 1 (for local station) port of the
secondary KVM.
4. Connect CAT5 cable from a primary KVM port to the KVM Terminator
connected to the secondary KVM USER 1 port.
5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for each secondary KVM to be connected to the
primary KVM.
Caution: When physically cascading with only one user, always ensure that
the CAT-5 cable is connected to USER 2 of the secondary KVM or
KVM switch since connecting a CAT-5 single user to USER 1 will
not work.
In the KVM Expander, User A and User B are interchangable.
Mouse Settings
For optimal mouse performance, ensure that your mouse pointer acceleration
and related enhancement features are disabled. This ensures that your mouse
is synchronized with the server’s mouse. To verify or configure your mouse
settings, follow the procedure below:
Windows XP / Windows 2003
1. Go to: Settings > Control Panel > Mouse > Pointer Options
2. Disable Enhance pointer precision.
3. Set the motion speed to medium by positioning the slider right at the
middle.
4. Go to: Settings > Control Panel > Display > Effects
5. Disable transition effects.
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Windows 2000 / ME
1. Go to: Control Panel > Mouse > Pointer Options
2. Set the mouse pointer acceleration to none.
3. Set the motion speed to medium by positioning the slider right at the
middle.
4. Go to: Control Panel > Display > Effect
5. Disable transition effects.
Windows 95 / 98 / NT
1. Go to: Control Panel > Mouse > Motion
2. Set the motion speed to the lowest setting.
3. Go to: Control Panel > Display > Effects
4. Disable window, menu, and list animation.
Linux with Graphical Desktop
1. Set mouse acceleration to: 1
2. Set threshold to: 1
To set these values, use the xset command:
> xset m 1 1
You can also disable the mouse pointer acceleration setting by using the
xset command:
> xset m 0
Or reset the acceleration and threshold to the default values (m 2/1 4) as
follows:
> xset m default
- OR > xset m 1 10
All servers work with any of the above settings, albeit each system may vary
slightly.
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2: AlterPath KVM Installation
Installing Mozilla with ActiveX Plug-in
To install Mozilla 1.7 with ActiveX plug-in for Windows, follow the steps
below:
1. From your internet browser, go to: http://www.mozilla.org/products/
mozilla1.x/
The browser opens the following page:
Select
2. From the Download Now section of the page, select Windows, English.
3. Go to: http://www.iol.ie/~locka/mozilla/plugin.htm
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The browser displays the following page:
Select
4. From the left menu panel of this page, click on Download the Plug-in.
The browser displays the following page:
Select
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2: AlterPath KVM Installation
5. From the top row of the table (Mozilla 1.7), select Click here to start the
plug-in installation.
The system displays a Software Installation dialog box with the following
message: A web site is requesting to install Mozilla 1.7 ActiveX Plug-In.
6. Click on Install to proceed with the installation.
After the installation, the system displays a Successful Installation notice.
7. Click on OK.
8. Restart Mozilla.
9. To confirm that ActiveX is installed, after starting Mozilla, go to Help >
About plug-ins. It shows all plug-ins installed in your Moziklla. Check to
ensure that ActiveX is included.
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2: AlterPath KVM Installation
Safety Considerations When Rack Mounting
When rack-mounting the KVM box, consider the following:
Operating Temperature
Cyclades’s recommended operating temperature range for the KVM is:
50° to 112°F (10°C to 44°C).
Elevated operating ambient temperature
If you install the KVM in a closed or multi-rack assembly, the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment may be greater than the room ambient temperature. Ensure that you install the equipment in an environment
compatible with the manufacturer’s maximum rated ambient temperature.
Reduced air flow
Ensure that the amount of airflow required for safe operation is not compromised.
Mechanical loading
Ensure that the equipment is mounted or loaded evenly to prevent a potentially hazardous condition.
Circuit loading
Ensure that the connection of the equipment to the supply circuit and the
effect that overloading of circuits might have on overcurrent protection and
supply wiring. Check the equipment nameplate ratings to address this concern.
Reliable Earthing
Maintain reliable earthing of rack mounted equipment by inspecting supply
connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit such as power
strips or extension cords.
Activity LEDs on the KVM Ports
The KVM unit comes with LEDs positioned on each side of the following
ports:
•
•
•
•
2-16
User 2
Aux
Ethernet
Console
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2: AlterPath KVM Installation
The LEDS are designed to monitor the interface connections as described in
the succeeding LED tables.The diagram below shows the position of the
LEDs as they appear on the back of the KVM switch:
1
2
3
USER 2
VID
EN
AUX
SYN
LK/
ACT/
COL
100
LK
ACT
CPU
GP/
HD
CONSOLE
ETHERNET
5
4
6
7
8
LED Functions
The LED numbers in the tables below correspond to the bubbled numbers in
the previous diagram.
LED No.
Function
1 and 2
Monitors KVM CAT5 video output interface.
3 and 4
Monitors async interface.
5 and 6
Monitors Ethernet signals.
7
Monitors CPU control.
8
Not used.
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LED Status Definitions
LED
No.
Label
Color
Status
1
VID EN
Off
No video signal.
1
VID EN
Green
Video enabled.
1
VID EN
Orange
Video enabled internal blank screen
generated.
2
SYN
Off
No input channel signal.
2
SYN
Green
Input channel signal level detected
and synchronized.
2
SYN
Orange
Input channel signal level detected
but NOT synchronized.
3
LK
Orange
DTR active.
4
ACT
Green
RX or TX activity.
5
LK/ACT/COL
Green
Steady = Link, Blinking = Activity.
5
LK/ACT/COL
Orange
Collision.
6
100
Green
Speed 100.
6
100
Off
Speed 10.
7
CPU
Green
CPU control active.
8
GP/HD
Not Used
Screen Resolution and Refresh Rate
The table below summarizes the refresh rates for various screen resolutions.
Resolution
2-18
Refresh Rates (Hz)
640 x 480
60, 72, 75, 85, 90, 100, 120
720 x 400
(standard text mode)
75
800 x 600
60, 70, 72, 75, 85, 90, 100, 120, 160
1024 x 768
60, 70, 72, 75, 85, 90, 100, 120, 150, 160
1152 x 864
60, 70, 75, 85
1150 x 900
66
1280 x 1024
60
AlterPath KVM Manual
Chapter 3
KVM OSD Configuration
KVM OSD Configuration
This chapter discusses the procedures and requirements for configuring the
AlterPath KVM through the on-screen display (OSD), and is organized as
follows:
•
•
Configuring the KVM through the OSD
• Basic Navigation Keys
• Default Key Sequences
• KVM User Interface Overview
• Procedure for using each menu selection
• Saving your configuration
• Web Management Interface
Configuring through the WMI
• Logging In
• Running and Saving your Configuration
• General Configuration
• Syslog and SNMP
• KVM General
• KVM Slaves
• KVM Servers
• KVM Users
• Microcontroller Firmware Upgrade
• Users and Groups
OSD and Web Configuration
There are two types of visual interfaces that you can use to configure the
AlterPath KVM:
•
•
On Screen Display (OSD)
Web Management Interface (WMI)
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3: KVM Configuration
Configuring the KVM through the OSD
Basic Navigation Keys
A short list of keyboard controls to help you navigate through the KVM on
screen display is as follows:
Key
Action
TAB
Changes between fields on the window
UP / DOWN
Scrolls within a menu
LEFT / RIGHT
Selects a button in a button field
BACKSPACE
Deletes the character left to the cursor
PAGE UP / PAGE DOWN
Pages within a menu
END
Moves to the end of a menu
HOME
Moves to the top of a menu
ENTER
Selects highlighted item / Commit changes
Default Key Sequences
A key sequence (also known as escape sequence) is a sequence of special
characters used to send a command to a device or program, in this case the
KVM/net application. Typically, an escape sequence begins with an escape
character, but this is not universally true.
In KVM/net, the default key sequence (Ctrl-K, Q) for closing a window
(which does not save any changes made) while connected to a port is also
called escape sequence.
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3: KVM Configuration
You can use the following default key sequences to perform a specific action:
Key Sequence
Action
<Ctrl-K> <Q>
Quit command - closes the port session and takes
you back to the KVM Main Menu.
<Ctrl-K> <P>
Port command - initiates a power control session.
<Ctrl-K>, and then < . >
Next Port command - switches from the currently
connected port to your next authorized port.
<Ctrl-K>, and then < , >
Previous Port command - switches from the
current port to the previous port.
<Ctrl-K>, and then <V>
Video command - controls screen brightness and
contrast.
<Ctrl-K>, and then <S>
Keyboard & Mouse command - resets the keyboard and mouse interface if either of these
becomes unavailable after adding a new server to
the KVM/net.
Caution: Causes the keyboard and mouse to stop
working on some servers.
You can change or modify the escape key sequences in the User Configuration (Main Menu > Configure > User Configuration). See User Configuration
section.
There is also a set of escape key sequences for the RP switch. These are
invoked by pressing Scroll Lock twice in quick succession, followed immediately by the command character.
Note: You cannot modify the RP escape key sequences.
The RP switch escape sequences are shown in the following table:
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3: KVM Configuration
Key Sequence
3-4
Action
<Scroll Lock> <Scroll Lock>
<L>
RP Switch to Local command - switches the
AlterPath KVM RP video display to the local
computer.
<Scroll Lock> <Scroll Lock>
<R>
RP Switch to Remote command - switches the
AlterPath KVM RP video display to the remote
computer.
<Scroll Lock> <Scroll Lock>
<N>
RP Beep On - switches the beeper on when
switching between devices (local-remote).
<Scroll Lock> <Scroll Lock>
<F>
RP Beep Off - switches the beeper off when
switching between devices (local-remote).
<Scroll Lock> <Scroll Lock>
<Esc>
Microcontroller Reset - resets the RP local
microcontroller.
<Scroll Lock> <Scroll Lock>
<up arrow>
Increase Brightness - increases the video
brightness
<Scroll Lock> <Scroll Lock>
<down arrow>
Decrease Brightness - dims or decreases the video
brightness.
AlterPath KVM User Manual
3: KVM Configuration
Sun Key Emulation Using a Non-Sun USB Keyboard
Using the OSD, you can configure a PS/2 keyboard to emulate the Sun unique
keyboard actions. The table below summarizes the emulated keys.
PS/2 Keyboard Key
Mapped Sun Key Equivalent
F2
Again
F3
Props
F4
Undo
F5
Front
F6
Copy
F7
Open
F8
Paste
F9
Find
F10
Cut
F11
Help
F12
Mute
* [numpad]
Compose
+ [numpad]
Vol+
- [numpad]
Vol-
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3: KVM Configuration
KVM User Interface Overview
The KVM user interface is composed of windows, each of which has a
specific function, allowing you to interface with the KVM to perform all your
KVM configuration and management tasks.
The diagram below presents the organizational structure of the user interface:
Login
Main Menu
Connect
Configure
System
Info
Reboot
Exit
General
Network
User
Station
KVM Ports
Users and
Groups
Save/Load
Config
Cascade
Devices
Note: Not all names used to refer to windows appear in the actual windows.
Because some windows do not have distinguishable names, the document assigns names to these windows to best describe their function.
Consequently, these window names are not boldfaced. Some examples
are: Main Menu, Server Name Entry window, Access List - Port Selection window.
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Logging In
1. To log in, type in the default Login name, admin (lower case) followed by
the password, cyclades (lower case) in the respective fields.
2. Tab to the OK button and press <Enter>.
The system should bring up the KVM main menu.
OSD Guidelines
The succeeding procedures in this chapter assume that you are already logged
in. For security, Cyclades recommends that you change your password as
soon as convenient.
Saving Your Configuration
In most cases, changes take effect as soon as you make them and press
<Enter>. However, the changes will be forgotten if you reboot. Therefore, be
sure to go the Save/Config menu to save all your changes after you finish with
your configuration (see “KVM User Interface Overview” on page 3 - 6)
Press <Esc> to return to the last main menu.
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KVM Main Menu
The KVM Main Menu provides three selections:
Menu Selection
Select the menu item to:
Connect
View the Server Connection Menu. From this menu,
you can select the port to which you wish to connect,
or invoke the Cycle function to view the ports.
Configure
View the Configuration Menu.
System Info
View the system information pertaining to the KVM
version that you are using.
Reboot
Reboot the KVM switch.
Exit
Close the KVM OSD session.
The actual menu as viewed from the OSD:
Note: The Connect selection is discussed in more detail in
Chapter 5, “KVM OSD Configuration”
Before a user can connect to a port, you (as KVM system administrator) must
first configure the necessary port and user access requirements.
To start configuration, select Configure from the Main Menu.
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Configuration Menu
The Configuration Menu provides the following selections:
Menu Selection
Select the menu item to:
General
Configure authentication type, authentication
servers, syslog facility, IP Security, 3DES, Access
Type and more.
Network
Configure DHCP and/or IP address.
Date/Time
Configure the system date and time.
User Station
Configure the work station’s idle timeout, screen
saver time, cycle time, keyboard type, and the
various escape sequences for the current
workstation.
KVM Ports
Activate ports, name servers, and configure power
outlets.
Users and Groups
Configure local users and groups, set up user
passwords, and update the User Access List.
Cascade Devices
Add, edit or delete devices in connection with
cascading.
Syslog
Configure the syslog server.
Save/Load Config
Save or load configuration, and restore configuration
to factory default values.
Exit
Exit from the OSD and close the session.
The actual menu as viewed from the OSD:
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3: KVM Configuration
General Configuration: Windows Summary
The function of each General Configuration window is as follows:
Menu Selection
Select the menu item to:
Authentication Type
Assign the authentication type. (Select from: None,
Local, Radius, TacacsPlus, Kerberos, LDAP, and
Windows NT/2K/2K3.)
Syslog Facility
Define the number which the target syslog server
will use as a message identifier. Values are from 0
through 7.
Escape Sequence
Configure the escape sequence (default is ^K).
Sun Keyboard
Enable your keyboard to simulate the Sun keyboard.
Note: The Save button in every window saves your configuration into the running configuration. To save the configuration to Flash, you must select
Save from the Configuration Menu.
General Configuration: Authentication Type
(Configure > General > Authentication Type)
The Authentication Type window allows you to select the authentication
service to authenticate a KVM user. It is the first window in the General
Configuration menu.
1. From the Authentication Type window, select the authentication service.
2. Tab to the next button to configure the Syslog Facility.
Note: The type of dialog windows that appears depend on the type of authentication that you define in the Authentication Type window.
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Syslog Facility
(Configure > General > Authentication Type > Syslog Facility)
Assigning a Facility Number allows the syslog server to identify and
determine how to handle messages generated by devices connected to the
KVM ports. In other words, the Facility Number serves as an identifier for
messages generated by events relating to the KVM ports.
1. To configure, go to: General Configuration > Authentication Type >
Syslog Facility:
2. From the Syslog Facility window, select the right or left arrow key inside
the box to select the message identifier (0 through 7) relating to KVM port
events.
3. Tab to the forward button to configure the Escape Sequence.
Escape Sequence
(Configure > General > Authentication Type > Syslog Facility > Escape
Sequence.)
The Escape Sequence defines the key sequence for the escape function when
operating from the OSD.
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1. From the Escape Sequence window, enter the key sequence for the escape
function, or to change the default escape sequence (Ctrl-K).
2. Tab to the forward button to configure the Sun Keyboard.
Sun Keyboard
(Configure > General > Authentication Type > Syslog Facility >
Escape Sequence > Sun Keyboard)
The Sun Keyboard window allows you to configure and simulate a Sun
keyboard for the KVM.
1. From the Sun Keyboard window, enter the keyboard type that you are
using (default: WIN).
2. Tab to the Save button and press <Enter> to complete General
Configuration.
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Network Configuration
The Network Configuration screens allow you to configure the KVM switch
network settings. If you are not using a DHCP server, it will provide
additional screens to enable you to configure such network parameters as the
IP address, netmask, gateway, and more.
DHCP
(Configure > Network > DHCP)
The DHCP window allows you to enable or disable the DHCP server.
1. From the DHCP dialog window, select Disabled or Enabled.
2. If Enabled is selected, tab to the Save button and press <Enter>.
- OR Tab to the next button and press <Enter> to configure the IP address.
IP Address
(Configure > Network > DHCP > IP Address)
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If DHCP is disabled, continue on to the IP Address window and the rest of the
Network Configuration windows.
1. From the IP Address window, enter the IP address for the KVM.
2. Tab to the next button and press <Enter> to configure the Netmask.
Netmask
(Configure > Network > DHCP > IP Address > Netmask)
1. From the Netmask window, enter the Netmask address.
2. Tab to the next button and press <Enter> to configure the Gateway.
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Gateway
(Configure > Network > DHCP > IP Address > Netmask > Gateway)
1. From the Gateway window, enter the Gateway address.
2. Tab to the next button and press <Enter> to configure the DNS Server.
DNS Server
(Configure > Network > DHCP > IP Address > Netmask > Gateway > DNS
Server)
1. From the DNS Server window, enter the server address.
2. Tab to the next button and press <Enter> to configure the Domain name.
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Domain
(Configure > Network > DHCP > IP Address > Netmask > Gateway > DNS
Server > Domain Name)
1. From the Domain window, enter the domain name.
2. Tab to the next button and press <Enter> to configure the Hostname.
Hostname
(Configure > Network > DHCP > IP Address > Netmask > Gateway > DNS
Server > Domain Name > Hostname).
1. From the Hostname window, type in the hostname.
2. Tab to the Save button and press <Enter> to complete Network
configuration.
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Date/Time
(Configure > Date/Time)
The Date/Time window allows you to enable or disable the NTP server. If
disabled, more windows will be provided to allow you to enter the system
date and time manually.
Enabling the NTP Server
(Configure > Date/Time > NTP)
1. From the NTP window, select enabled and press <Enter>.
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The system displays the NTP Server window:
2. Tab to the Save button and press <Enter> to complete the procedure.
Entering the Date and Time Manually
1. From the NTP window, select disabled and press <Enter>.
The system displays the Date entry window:
2. From the resulting window, type in the date (follow the given format).
3. Tab to the next button and press <Enter>.
The system displays the Time entry window:
4. From the resulting window, type in the time (follow the given format).
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5. Tab to the Save button and press <Enter> to complete the procedure.
User Station Configuration
The User Station option allows you to configure the following user station
parameters:
•
•
•
•
Idle Timeout
Screen Saver Time
Cycle Time
Keyboard Type
The keyboard escape sequences for the following commands
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Quit
Power Management
Mouse/Keyboard Sync
Video Configuration
Switch Next
Switch Previous
Port Info
Lastly, it allows you to view the Port Information for a selected port.
Idle Timeout
(Configure > User Station > Idle Timeout)
1. From the Idle Timeout window, click on the forward or back button to
select the length of time (0 through 60 minutes) before the system times
out after a period of inactivity.
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Note: A setting of “0” disables the timeout.
2. Tab to the next button and press <Enter> to configure the Screen Saver
Time.
Screen Saver Time
(Configure > User Station > Idle Timeout > Screen Saver Time)
The screen saver is designed to protect your screen even after the
screen times out, by activating the screen saver mode after a period of
inactivity.
1. From the Screen Saver Time window, click on the forward or back button
to select the length of time (0 through 60 minutes) before the system
activates the screen saver after a period of inactivity.
Note: A setting of “0” disables the screen saver.
2. Tab to the next button and press <Enter> to configure the Cycle Time.
Cycle Time
(Configure > User Station > Idle Timeout > Screen Saver Time >
Cycle Time)
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The Cycle Time window allows you to set the time interval for cycling from
one port to another.
1. From the Cycle Time window, click on the forward or back button to
select the cycle time (0 through 60 seconds; default value is 3 seconds) for
cycling between ports.
2. Tab to the next button and press <Enter> to configure the Keyboard
Type.
Keyboard Type
(Configure > User Station > Idle Timeout > Screen Saver Time >
Cycle Time > Keyboard Type)
The keyboard type defines the keyboard layout connected to the USER 1 port
of the KVM box. The types of keyboard to choose from are:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
US
BR-ABNT
BR-ABNT2
Japanese
German
Italian
French
Spanish
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Quit
(Configure > User Station > Idle Timeout > Screen Saver Time >
Cycle Time > Keyboard Type > Quit)
The Quit window allows you to define (or change the default value of) the key
sequence for the quit command.
Power Management
(Configure > User Station > Idle Timeout > Screen Saver Time >
Cycle Time > Keyboard Type > Quit > Power Management)
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The Power Management screen defines the key sequence for the “Power
Management” command. The default key sequence (^KP) displays an OSD
menu which allows you to switch ON or OFF the remote server.
Mouse/Keyboard Sync
(Configure > User Station > Idle Timeout > Screen Saver Time >
Cycle Time > Keyboard Type > Quit > Power Management >
Mouse/Keyboard Sync)
The Mouse/Keyboard Reset defines the key sequence for the mouse and keyboard synchronization command.
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Video Configuration
(Configure > User Station > Idle Timeout > Screen Saver Time >
Cycle Time > Keyboard Type > Quit > Power Management >
Mouse/Keyboard Sync > Video Configuration)
The Video Configuration window defines the key sequence for displaying the
video configuration command.
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Switch Next
(Configure > User Station > Idle Timeout > Screen Saver Time >
Cycle Time > Keyboard Type > Quit > Power Management >
Mouse/Keyboard Sync > Video Configuration > Switch Next)
The Switch Next window allows you to define or change the default key
sequence for the switch next command. This command allows the user to
switch to the next port or server while using the OSD.
Switch Previous
(Configure > User Station > Idle Timeout > Screen Saver Time >
Cycle Time > Keyboard Type > Quit > Power Management >
Mouse/Keyboard Sync > Video Configuration > Switch Next >
Switch Previous)
The Switch Previous window allows you to define or change the
default key sequence for the switch previous command. This command
allows the user to switch to the previous port or server while using the
OSD.
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Port Info
(Configure > User Station > Idle Timeout > Screen Saver Time >
Cycle Time > Keyboard Type > Quit > Power Management >
Mouse/Keyboard Sync > Video Configuration > Switch Next >
Switch Previous > Port Info)
The Port Info window allows you to define or change the default key
sequence for the command to view port information while using the
OSD.
KVM Ports
The KVM Ports option allows you to configure the KVM ports as follows:
•
•
•
Enable or disable a port.
Name a server.
Define the power outlets to be used.
Selecting a KVM Port to Configure
(Configure > KVM Ports)
The KVM Ports (or port selection window) allows you to select from the
scrollable list the port you wish to configure.
The input field at the top of the window is a search box which functions
exactly the same as the port connection (Connect) window. Simply enter the
first letters of the KVM port name and, if a match is found, the system will
locate the port from the list.
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To select a KVM Port:
1. Go to the KVM Ports window:
2. From the resulting window, enter or select the port you wish to configure
3. Press <Enter>.
Note: All subsequent procedures in the KVM Ports section assume that you
have already selected a port using the KVM Ports window.
Activating a Port
(Configure > KVM Ports > Active)
1. From the Active window, select Yes or No to activate or disable the currently selected port.
2. Tab to the next button to configure the Server Name.
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Server Name
(Configure > KVM Ports > Active > Server Name)
1. From the Server Name window, type in the server name of the currently
selected port.
2. Tab to the next button to configure the KVM Ports.
- OR To verify the new server name, tab to the Save button and press <Enter>.
The system displays the KVM Ports selection window:
3. Type in the server name in the search box, as necessary.
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Power Outlet
(KVM Ports > Active > Server Name > Power Outlet)
The Power Outlet window allows you to assign the AlterPath PM outlet
number(s) that powers the current port.
1. Enter the AlterPath PM outlet number that powers the selected
computer, otherwise leave the field box blank. If you are using two
outlets, use a space to separate the second outlet (e.g., 4 16).
2. Tab to the Save button and press <Enter> to complete the procedure.
Notes: To complete the configuration required to establish a power control
session, you need to configure the AUX serial port of your KVM unit
for the power management profile. You can do this through the web
interface using the following procedure:
1.
Log on to the AlterPath KVM through the web interface as shown
in Chapter 5: KVM Operation.
2.
From the menu to the left of the Configuration screen, select Aux
Port.
You will see the screen for configuring the profile for the AUX port
of your KVM.
3.
Select Power Management.
4. Select Apply Changes to ensure the configuration is saved to flash.
Configuring a Server Connected to a Slave
When configuring a server that is connected to a slave KVM, follow the same
procedure described for configuring servers. You choose a server that is
connected to a slaved KVM. In response, the system will bring you the
Physical Port window, with the currently configured physical port selected
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(for example, kvm16.4). You can also define, if any, the AlterPath PM outlet
that powers the computer connected to the port of the slave KVM.
Note: KVM supports PM units connected to slave KVM switches.
Users and Groups
The Users and Groups option of the Configuration Menu allows you to
configure the following:
•
•
•
•
•
Add or delete local users
Set or reset passwords
Add or delete local groups
Configure or edit the User Access List
Configure or edit the access permissions of the Generic User
Note: To understand how the hierarchy of permissions work when creating
user permissions between groups and the generic user, refer to “Hierarchy of Permissions” on page 4 - 2.
The Users and Groups option of the Configuration Menu:
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Configuring Users
To configure local users, go to: Configure > Users and Groups > Local Users:
Tab to Local Users and press <Enter> to configure the Local Users.
Adding a User
(Configuration > Users and Groups > Local Users > Add User)
To Add a User follow the steps below:
1. With Add User highlighted from the Local Users Menu, press <Enter>.
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The system displays the Enter the Username window as shown:
2. From the resulting window, type in the username (this field is casesensitive) in the input box as shown by the following example:
3. Press <Enter> when done.
The system displays the Enter the Password window as shown:
4. From the resulting window, type in the user’s password (this field is also
case-sensitive) and then press <Enter>.
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The system displays the Confirm the Password window as shown:
5. From the resulting window, re-enter the password to confirm and then
press <Enter>.
The system displays the following message:
6. Click on OK to complete the procedure.
Changing the User, Admin, or Root Password
(Configure > Users and Groups > Local Users > Change Password)
To change the a user’s password, follow the steps below:
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1. From the Local User Menu, select Change Password and press <Enter>.
The system displays the Select the User window.
2. From the resulting window, select the user whose password you want to
change, and then press <Enter>.
The system displays the Enter the Password window:
3. Enter the new password and then press <Enter>.
The system displays a password confirmation window.
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4. Re-enter the password to confirm the new password and then press
<Enter>.
The system displays the following message:
5. Select OK to complete the procedure.
Deleting a User
(Configure > Users and Groups > Local Users > Delete User)
To delete a user, follow the steps below:
1. From the Local Users Menu, select Delete User and press <Enter>.
The system displays the Select the User window as shown:
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2. From the resulting window, select the user that you wish to delete and then
press <Enter>.
The system will display a message to confirm your deletion.
3. From the Select the User window, tab to the Exit line and press <Enter>.
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Local Groups
The Local Groups option allows you to perform the following:
• Add a new group
• Add a user to a group
• Delete a user from a group
• Delete a group
Users and Groups Menu:
Adding a Group
(Configure > User and Groups > Local Groups > Add Group)
To add a user group, follow the steps below:
1. From the Local Groups Menu, select Add Group and press <Enter>.
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The system displays the Enter the Group Name window as shown:
2. From the resulting window, type in the group name you wish to add and
then press <Enter>.
The system displays the following message:
3. Click on OK to complete the procedure.
Adding a User to a Group
(Configure > User and Groups > Local Groups > Add User to Group)
To add a user group, follow the steps below:
1. From the Local Groups Menu, select Add User to Group and press
<Enter>.
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The system displays the Add User to Group - Select Group window as
shown:
2. From the resulting window, select the group to which you wish to add the
user and then press <Enter>.
The system displays Group Configuration - Enter the Username window as shown:
3. From the resulting window, type in the username of the user that you wish
to add to the group you just selected.
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4. Press <Enter>.
The system displays the following message:
5. Click on OK to complete the procedure.
Deleting a User from a Group
(Configure > User and Groups > Local Groups > Delete User from Group)
To delete a user from a group, follow the steps below:
1. From the Local Groups Menu, select Delete User from Group and press
<Enter>.
The system displays the Delete User from Group - Select Group window
as shown:
2. From the resulting window, select from the list the group that you wish to
delete, and then press <Enter>.
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The system displays the Delete User from Group - Select Member
window as shown:
3. From the resulting window, select the user that you wish to delete from the
group, and then press <Enter>.
The system displays the following message:
4. Click on OK to complete the procedure.
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Deleting a Group
(Configure > User and Groups > Local Groups > Delete Group)
To delete a user group, follow the steps below:
1. From the Local Groups Menu, select Delete Group and press <Enter>.
The system displays the Delete Group - Select Group window.
2. From the resulting window, select from the list the group that you wish to
delete, and then press <Enter>.
The system displays the following message:
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3. Click on OK to complete the procedure.
User Access Lists Menu
(Configure > Users and Groups > User Access List)
The User Access Lists Menu allows you to add, edit, or delete users from the
user access list. The User Access List is a database that defines all KVM
users, the ports to which they have access, the types of permissions that they
have.
Generic User
The Generic User, which is part of User Access List configuration, allows you
to configure the default permission of all regular users in the User Access
List. Any user that you add to the User Access List inherits the properties of
the Generic User.
To retrieve the User Access List Menu, go to: Configure > Users and Groups
> User Access Lists.
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Adding a User to the User Access List
(Configure > Users and Groups > User Access List > Add User)
To add a user to the user access list, follow the steps below:
1. From the User Access Lists Menu, select Add User and press <Enter>.
The system displays the Group Configuration - Enter the Username
window as shown:
2. Type in the username of the user that you wish to add, and then press
<Enter>.
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The system displays the Access List for User - Select the Server window
as shown:
3. From the resulting window, select the server to which you wish to assign
to the user, and then press <Enter>.
The system displays the Permission for User window as shown:
4. From the resulting window, select the type of user permission you wish to
assign.
5. Tab to the Save button and press <Enter> to complete the procedure.
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Edit User/Group
(Configure > Users and Groups > User Access List > Edit User/Group)
Editing the Generic User
To edit the generic user, follow the steps below:
1. From the User Access List - Select the User window, select (Generic
Users) and press <Enter>.
The system displays the User Access List - Select the User window:
2. From the resulting window, select (Generic Users) and press <Enter>.
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The system displays the Access List for User - Select the Server window:
3. From the resulting window, select from the list the server you wish to
assign or re-assign to the generic user, and then press <Enter>.
If you select Reset All, the system displays the following window:
If you select Multiple Servers, the system displays the following window:
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When using the Multiple Servers window, you can specify the servers
using a comma (to separate each server) and/or a hyphen (to specify a
range of servers).
If you select an individual port (say, Port_2), the system displays the
Permissions window as shown:
4. From the resulting window, select the type of user permission you wish to
assign.
5. Tab to the Save button and press <Enter> to complete the procedure.
Deleting a User from the User Access List
(Configure > Users and Groups > User Access List > Delete User)
To delete a user from the user access list, follow the steps below:
1. From the User Access Lists Menu, select Delete User and press <Enter>.
The system displays the User Access List - Select the User window:
2. From the resulting window, select from the list the user you wish to delete
from the User Access List and then press <Enter>.
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The system displays a message to confirm your deletion.
Cascade Devices
(Configure > Cascade Devices)
The Cascade Devices option of the Configuration Menu allows you to
configure a secondary KVM to be cascaded to the primary KVM switch to
increase the number of supportable ports. The secondary device may be
another KVM/net switch, a KVM switch or a KVM expander.
Cascade Devices Menu
(Configure > Cascade Devices > Add Device)
The Cascade Devices Menu provides four options:
Adding a Secondary Device
To add a secondary device to be cascaded to the primary KVM switch, follow
the steps below:
1. From the Cascade Devices Menu, select Add Device and press <Enter>.
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The system displays the Add Device - Enter the Device Name window:
2. From the resulting window, select the device type and press <Enter>.
The system displays the Port Selection for B/USER 2 window:
Note: In the KVM Expander, User 1 is port A; User 2 is port B.
3. From the resulting window, select the port that connects to the USER 2
and then press <Enter>.
The system displays the Port Selection for A/USER 1 window:
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4. From the resulting window, select the port that connects to USER 1, and
then press <Enter>.
The system displays the Device Model Selection window:
5. From the resulting window, select Auto Detect and press <Enter>.
During auto detection, the system displays the following message:
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Syslog
(Configure > Syslog)
The Syslog option of the Configuration Menu allows you to enter the IP
address of the logging system. (To define the Syslog Facility, go to
Configuration > General.)
To configure the Syslog IP address:
1. From the Configuration Menu, select Syslog and press <Enter>.
The system displays the Syslog Sever window:
2. From the resulting window, enter the address of the syslog server.
Tab to the Save button and press <Enter> to complete Syslog
configuration.
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Save/Load Config
(Configure > Save/Load Config)
The Save/Load Config option allows you to save your configuration to Flash
and to upload (or download) the configuration file to (or from) the FTP server.
Saving Your Configuration
To save your configuration to Flash, follow the steps below:
1. From the Save/Load Config window, select Save Config and press
<Enter>.
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The system displays the following message:
The following message follows:
2. Click on OK to complete the procedure.
Loading Your Configuration
The Load Configuration command is the same as the shell command:
restoreconf. The command loads the configuration file from Flash. To load
the configuration file, follow the steps below:
1. From the Save/Load Config window, select Load Configuration.
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Once the system loads or restores the configuration from Flash, it displays
the following message:
2. Select OK to complete the procedure.
Saving your Configuration to an FTP Server
(Configure > Save/Load Config > Save to FTP)
To save your configuration file to an FTP server, complete the procedure
below:
1. From the Save/Load Config window, select Save to FTP and press
<Enter>.
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The system displays the Save to FTP Server - Filename window:
2. From the resulting window, type in the configuration filename.
3. Tab to the next button and press <Enter>.
The system displays the Save to FTP Server - Server window:
4. From the resulting window, type in the FTP server name.
5. Tab to the next button and press <Enter>.
The system displays the Save to FTP Server - Username:
6. From the resulting window, enter your username to access the FTP Server.
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7. Tab to the next button and press <Enter>.
The system displays the Save to FTP Server - Password window:
8. From the resulting window, type in your password to access the FTP
server.
9. Tab to the Save button and press <Enter> to complete the procedure.
Loading Configuration from an FTP Server
(Configure > Save/Load Config > Load from FTP)
To load a configuration file from an FTP server, complete the procedure
below:
1. From the Save/Load Config window, select Load from FTP and press
<Enter>.
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The system displays the Load from FTP Server - Filename window:
2. From the resulting window, enter the configuration filename.
3. Tab to the forward button and press <Enter>.
The system displays the Load from FTP Server - Server window:
4. From the resulting window, enter the FTP servername.
5. Tab to the forward button and press <Enter>.
The system displays the Load from FTP Server - Username:
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6. From the resulting window, enter your FTP username.
7. Tab to the forward button and press <Enter>.
The system displays the Load from FTP Server - Password:
8. From the resulting window, enter the FTP Server password.
9. Tab to the Save button and press <Enter>.
System Info Menu
System Information is the last menu option of the Main Menu. This feature is
designed to provide users detailed system information about the KVM. This
feature is available only to the Admin user, not to the regular user.
The System Information feature is available from both the OSD and the WMI.
The type of retrievable information depends on the current conditions (e.g.,
connectivity, user, etc.) of the KVM unit.
The information that you can retrieve from the OSD may be classified as
follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Board
KVM Hardware (FPGAs) and Firmware
Memory
CPU
Time
User 1 Microcode Version
User 2 microcode Version
To access System Information, follows the step below:
1. From the Main Menu, tab to the System Info and then press <Enter>.
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The system displays the KVM system information.
An example of the system information that you can retrieve from the OSD is
as follows:
1. Board:
KVM
Server ports: 32
User stations: 2
ID: B7DA3C0A000011
2. Version
Firmware: 1.1.0
Orig. Boot: 2.0.7
Alt. Boot: no code
SYS FPGA: 0x43
MUX FPGA: 0x5b
3. Memory
RAM: 128 Mbytes
Flash: 16 Mbytes
RAM usage: 17%
RAMDISK usage: 100%
4. CPU
Clock: 48 MHz
5. Time
Mon Jul 19 2004 12:35:12 PDT
up 10 min
6. User1 connection
Int. uC, V1.0.4
7. User2 connection
RP main, V1.0.4
RP local, V1.0.4
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System Info Window
Below is an example of the System Info screen. Use the up and down arrow
keys to view the information.
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Reboot
To reboot the KVM/net switch, select Reboot from the Main Menu.
The system will display the following message:
Select Yes to complete the reboot command.
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Chapter 4
KVM Web Configuration
KVM Web Configuration
This chapter presents the procedures for configuring the KVM using the web
management interface (WMI). It is organized as follows:
Overview
Logging In
KVM Web Management Interface
Configuring in Wizard Mode
Step 1: Network Settings
Step 2: Access
Step 3: System Log
Configuring in Expert Mode
Access
Configuration
Information
Management
Overview
This chapter is addressed to the System Administrator who is responsible for
configuring and managing the KVM and its users, as well as to those users
who are granted administrative access to configure the KVM through the web
management interface.
The KVM WMI provides two modes of operation: Wizard and Expert. The
organization of the chapter follows, in sequential order, the two modes and the
menu selections available from each mode.
Note: If you are a regular user, refer to Chapter 5, KVM Operation.
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Changing the Password
The table below summarizes the methods in which the different users can
change their password.
User
Type
Where to
Who can
change the PW change the PW
How
root
CLI
root user
From system prompt, type in
command, passwd, and follow
system prompt. Then type in
saveconf to save password.
admin
WMI and OSD
root user
admin user
From WMI, go to: Configuration >
KVM > Users & Groups.
From OSD, go to Configure >
Users and Groups > Local Users >
Change Password.
Regular
User
OSD
root user
admin user
Same as above.
For more detailed information, refer to the Users and Groups section of this
chapter and Chapter 3: OSD KVM Configuration.
Hierarchy of Permissions
By default, the Generic User has no access. Any user that you add inherits the
access permissions of the Generic User. To override the access permissions of
a Generic User, all you need to do is add the user to a group that has the
desired permissions.
Conflicting Permissions
When the configured permission for a user in a group varies from the Generic
User permission, the system will follow the user’s group permission. In short,
Group permissions supersede Generic User permissions.
If, for example, User X in Group A has Read/Write access, while the Generic
User is configured as Read Only, then the system follows the permissions for
Group A. User X should have Read/Write Access.
Complementary Permissions
With regards to port access, if the configured access permissions for a user in
a group varies from the generic user, then the access permissions to these ports
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are shared. This is true as long as both user types share the same permissions
(e.g., Read/Write, Read Only).
For example, if Group A has Read/Write permissions to ports 2, 4, and 6
while the Generic User has Read/Write Permissions to ports 1, 3, and 5, then
the system will provide both users (Group A and Generic User) Read/Write
Access to ports 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
Logging In
Note: IMPORTANT: Take note of this login procedure. All subsequent online
procedures in this chapter will assume that you are already logged in.
1. Connect your internet browser to the KVM web interface by typing in the
KVM server’s IP address (e.g., http://192.168.160.10) in the browser’s
address (URL) field.
Note: To determine the IP address, log on to the console as root. Then enter
the command: ifconfig
For more information about IP addresses, see About the KVM IP
Address on page 2 - 7.
The system brings up the AlterPath KVM Login page:
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2. Log in as admin and type in the password: cyclades
The system brings up the KVM web management page.
If another administrator is using the system, the following message
appears:
3. Click on the appropriate radio button and then click on the Apply button.
KVM Web Management Interface
You can use the KVM web management interface in two modes:
•
•
Wizard
Expert
Wizard Mode
The wizard is designed to simplify configuration by providing users the
default parameter values. The system will prompt you for the necessary fields,
give instructions during the process and, in some cases, populate the fields
automatically.
The Wizard Mode allows you to perform the basic configuration necessary to
set up KVM and users in the quickest possible way. When you log on to KVM
the first time, the system, by default, is in the Expert Mode. Make sure you
select the Wizard button located at the bottom of the Menu Panel the first
time you configure the web management interface.
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User Entry Panel or Form
Logout button and IP/Hostname Info
Menu
Panel
Unsaved Data
Indicator
Shown in the previous page is a typical configuration window of the
KVM web interface in Wizard Mode. The user entry panel or form varies
depending on the selected menu item. The KVM uses forms and dialog boxes
(i.e., pop-up windows that prompt you for information) to receive your data
input.
Control Buttons
As mentioned, the web interface always starts from the Expert Mode. To configure in Wizard Mode, you must select the Wizard button.
Expert Mode
Designed for advanced configuration, clicking the Expert button at the bottom of the menu panel switches the web interface from Wizard to Expert
Mode. Shown below is a typical KVM screen in Expert Mode. The Expert
Mode adds a top menu bar to support a wider array of menu choices.
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Form Tabs
Logout button and
IP/Hostname Info
Top Menu Bar
Menu
Panel
Control Buttons
User Entry Panel
or Form
Unsaved Data
Indicator
The top menu bar is the primary menu; the left menu panel is the secondary
menu. Based on what you select from the top menu bar, the left menu selections will change accordingly.
Occasionally, an Expert Mode menu selection will comprise multiple forms
such as the one shown above. These forms are identified by their tabs. Select
the tab to access the form that you want.
Button Functions
The control buttons located at the bottom of the KVM Web Configuration
window provide you the following functions for operating the interface.
Button Name
Wizard / Expert
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Use this button to:
Switch the KVM Web Configuration Screen to either
Wizard or Expert Mode. The Expert Mode is the
default mode; in this mode, the Wizard button is
visible and vice versa.
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Button Name
Use this button to:
try changes
Test or run the system based on the settings from the
current form without having to save the
configuration.
cancel changes
Cancel your changes or reverts back to the original
configuration values.
apply changes
Save your changes to the KVM Flash card.
reload page
Reloads or refreshes the current page.
Next
Traverse to the next screen or form.
Back
Return to the previous screen or form.
Saving Your Configuration
The Unsaved Changes indicator on the lower right hand corner of the KVM
web configuration window serves to remind you that you have made a configuration entry or change which has not been saved.
Unless you do not need to save your configuration, be sure to select the apply
changes button to save your configuration to Flash.
Configuring in Wizard Mode
As shown in the menu, the Wizard Mode configuration is composed of three
steps:
Step 1: Network Settings
Step 2: Access
Step 3: System Log
Step 1: Network Settings
The Network Settings form enables you to configure the KVM for networking. To configure the network settings for the KVM, follow the following
steps:
1. From the main menu of the web interface, select Step 1: Network Settings.
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The system brings up the DHCP page (shown below). By default, the
DHCP checkbox is checked, which means that the system is configured to
use a DHCP server for network configuration.
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2. If DHCP is your preferred setting, proceed to Step 2: Access; if not, click
on the checkbox to deselect DHCP and enter your network settings manually.
The Network Settings entry fields should appear as shown:
3. Type in the network information in the corresponding entry fields, and
then select apply changes.
Caution: If you change the IP address and then click on apply changes, you
will need to reconnect to the WMI.
4. Select the Next button OR proceed to Step 2: Access.
Step 2: Access
The Access form allows you to add or delete users from the User Access List.
It also allows you to set or change the password for each user.
1. From the main menu of the web interface, select Step 2: Access.
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The system brings up the Access form:
John
The Access form is composed of a Users list box and three buttons: Add,
Change Password, and Delete.
To add a User
1. From the Access form, select the Add button.
The system displays the Add User dialog box:
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2. Type in the necessary information as follows:
Field Name
Definition
User Name
Name of the user to be added to the Access List.
Password
The user password required to access the port.
Repeat Password
As indicated.
Group
Optional. Select whether the user is a Regular
User or an Admin.
Shell
Optional. The default shell the user will get
when they ssh or telnet into the KVM. Choices
are: sh or bash.
Comments
Optional. Notes pertaining to the current user or
setting.
3. From the dialog box, select OK when done.
4. From the Access form, select apply changes to save your configuration.
Note: To define a new user group, select the Expert button to switch to the
Expert Mode, and then select Configuration (top menu) > Users and
Groups (side menu).
To Delete a User
1. From the users list box of the Access form, select the user that you want to
delete.
2. Click on the Delete button
3. Click on the apply changes button.
To Change a User’s Password
Note: It is recommended that you change your admin password as soon as
you begin configuring the KVM system. If you haven’t changed your
password, now is the time to change it using the Change User Password dialog box.
1. From the Users List box of the Access form, select the user whose password you would like to change.
2. Select the Change Password button.
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The system displays the Change User Password dialog box:
3. Enter the password in both fields and then click OK.
4. From the Access form, select apply changes to save your configuration.
Step 3: System Log
You can send syslog messages to one or more syslog servers that you select.
The System Log form is used to add syslog servers to or delete syslog servers
from your server list. Select Step 3: System Log from the main menu.
The system brings up the System Log form:
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To Add a Syslog Server
The Facility Number serves as an identifier for messages generated by the
KVM relating to the AUX port (i.e., power strips and other such devices connected to this port). This number allows the syslog server to identify and
determine how to handle messages generated by the AUX port (e.g., PM
events).
Note: To assign the Facility Number for messages relating to the KVM ports,
use the General form (Expert Mode: Configuration > General).
1. From the Facility Number dropdown list, select the facility number.
2. From the New Syslog Server field, enter the IP address of the syslog
server that you are adding, and then select the Add button. (Repeat this
step for as many servers you need to add.)
The new server appears in the Syslog Servers list box.
3. Select apply changes to save your configuration.
To Delete a Syslog Server
1. From the Facility Number dropdown list, select the facility number from
which you want to configure your syslog servers.
2. From the Syslog Server list box, select the syslog server that you want to
delete from the current facility location, and then select Delete. (Repeat
this step for as many servers you need to delete.)
3. Select apply changes to save your configuration.
Configuring in Expert Mode
This section presents the procedures for configuring the KVM web interface
in Expert Mode. This mode is designed for the admin user who needs to configure the KVM beyond the capabilities of the basic wizard mode. A main difference between the two modes is the addition of a top menu bar in the Expert
Mode to support a wider array of menu choices.
The top menu bar is the primary menu; the left menu panel is the secondary
menu. Based on what you select from the top menu bar, the selections from
the left menu panel changes accordingly.
Additionally, the left menu selection can have child windows or forms which
are presented as tabbed forms within the initial form or as a second column
(Level 3 menu) in the left menu panel.
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Level 2 Level 3
Menu Menu
Level 1
Menu
Additional
Forms
Typographically, the menu path for, say, the User 2 form would be: Configuration > KVM > General > User 2.
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Table of Menu and Forms
The forms that compose the entire configuration interface in Expert Mode are
as follows:
Menu Selection
Form Name
Access
> Connect to Server
This is a form by itself.
> Power Management
Outlets Manager (tab 1)
View IPDUs Info (tab 2)
Users Manager (tab 3)
Configuration (tab 4)
Software Upgrade (tab 5)
Configuration
> KVM
General (tab 1)
User 1 (tab 2)
User 2 (tab 3)
Devices
Users & Groups
Security
> Network
Host Settings
Syslog
Services
IP Filtering
VPN
SNMP
Host Table
Static Routes
> AUX(iliary) Port
This is a form by itself.
> System
Date/Time
Boot
Information
> General
This is a form by itself.
> Port Status
This is a form by itself.
Management
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Menu Selection
Form Name
> Backup Configuration This is a form by itself.
> Firmware Update
This is a form by itself.
> Microcode Update
This is a form by itself.
> Microcode Reset
This is a form by itself.
> Active Sessions
This is a form by itself.
> Reboot
This is a form by itself.
Note: Most of the form fields are defined in the procedure section of each
form. For a more detailed definition of the field names or terms, refer to
the Glossary of this manual.
Access
The Access form is used by a regular or admin user to view power management (IPDU settings) information.
Menu Selection
Power Management
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Use this form to:
View and edit IPDU settings.This menu comprises
five tabbed forms: Outlets Manager, View IPDUs
Info, Users Manager, Configuration, and Software
Upgrade.
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Power Management
Power Management comprises five tabbed forms, which are designed to configure any Cyclades AlterPath Power Manager unit connected to the KVM
switch.
Menu Selection
Use this form to:
Outlets Manager
Switch on/off and lock/unlock outlets; reboot
network devices.
View IPDUs Info
View IPDU information by ports and slaves. The
information form provides real-time, global, current
monitoring of all connected devices.
Users Manager
Add or delete users assigned to specific outlets.
Configuration
Enable over current protection, syslog and alarm
notification from any specified port. The form
allows you to set a current alarm threshold that, once
exceeded, will cause the AlterPath PM to sound an
alarm or send a notification message.
Software Upgrade
Upgrade Software on the AlterPath PM IPDU.
Power Management > Outlets Manager
The Outlets Manager form allows you to check the status of all IPDUs connected to the Console Server including their outlets. Any user who has
Administration privileges can turn on, turn off, cycle (i.e., to automatically
switch off and on), lock, and unlock the outlets.
1. From the top menu, select Access; from the left menu, select Power Management.
The system displays the Outlets Manager tabbed form:
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In the example above, the yellow bulbs and the opened padlock indicate
that the outlets are switched on and unlocked, respectively.
To change an outlet name or power up interval:
1. From the Outlets Manager tabbed form, click on the Edit button.
Only alphabetic characters are allowed for outlet names.
2. To switch an outlet on or off, click on the light bulb; to lock or unlock an
outlet, click on the padlock.
In the sample form below, outlet 2 has been switched off and locked.
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3. To save your changes, click on the Save Outlets State button located in
the form.
4. Click on the apply changes button located at the bottom of the configuration window.
Power Management > View IPDUs Info
The IPDU Info form allows you to view all IPDU information (e.g., number
of outlets for each unit, current, temperature, alarm threshold levels, and firmware) by serial port.
The form stores the maximum current and the maximum temperature attained
by the IPDU.
To view the IPDU information, perform the following steps:
1. From the top menu, select Access; from the left menu panel, select Power
Management; from the form tabs, select View IPDUs Info.
The system brings up the IPDUs Info form:
2. To delete the stored values for the maximum detected current, select the
Clear Max Detected Current button.
3. To delete the stored values for the maximum detected temperature, select
the Clear Max Detected Temperature button.
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Power Management > Users Manager
The Users Management form of Power Management allows you to assign
users to selected outlets for each KVM port and vice versa.
To add a user or edit an assigned user:
1. From the top menu bar, select Access; from the left menu panel, select
Power Management; from the tabs, select Users Manager.
The system brings up the Users Manager form:
2. To edit an assigned user, select the user you wish to edit from the Serial
Port view table and then select the Edit button that corresponds to the
table.
- OR To add or assign a new user select the Add button from the appropriate
KVM Port view table.
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The system brings up the Add/Edit User Outlet dialog box:
3. From the resulting dialog box, modify or enter in the corresponding fields
the user and the outlets to which the user is assigned, and then select the
OK button.
Caution: In the Outlets field, use the comma to separate each outlet; use the
hyphen to indicate a range of outlets (e.g., 1, 3, 6, 9-12).
Caution: Selecting Edit will not allow you to edit or delete the user, only the
outlet assignments for that user.
4. Verify your entry by checking the appropriate Serial Port table from the
Users Manager form.
5. Select the apply changes button located at the bottom of the Access
Power Management form.
To delete an assigned user
1. Select the user you wish to delete from the appropriate KVM Port view
table.
2. Based on the KVM Port view table that you are working on, select the corresponding Delete button.
Power Management > Configuration
To configure IPDUs to generate alarms or syslog files, perform the following
steps:
1. From the top menu, select Access; from the left menu panel, select Power
Management; from the default Outlets Manager form select the Configuration tab.
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The system brings up the Configuration form:
2. From the Configuration form, select the KVM Port you wish to configure
and then click on the appropriate radio buttons to enable/disable Over Current Protection, Syslog, and Buzzer.
3. If enabling the buzzer or alarm notification, provide the Alarm Threshold
(1-100 amps) for that primary or secondary unit.
4. Click on the apply changes button at the bottom of the form.
Power Management > Software Upgrade
The Software Upgrade form of Power Management allows you to upgrade
the Power Management software for a selected serial port. The first line of the
form shows the latest software version available. The presence of an
Upgrade button indicates that a new software version for that master or slave
port is available.
To upgrade the software for a selected port, perform the following steps:
1. From the top menu, select Access; from the left menu, select Power Management; from the tabs, select Software Upgrade.
The system brings up the Software Upgrade form:
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2. Select the Refresh button to ensure that all software information on the
form is up-to-date.
3. From the Software Version list, select the software you wish to update,
and then select the Update button to the right of the listed version.
Note: The above form example does not have an Update button associated
with any of the software versions listed which means that they are upto-date and there is no need to update them.
4. Select the apply changes button at the bottom of the configuration window to save your configuration.
Configuration
Configuration, the second primary menu selection, is composed of four
menu selections with the following child menus and forms:
•
KVM - General (composed of four tabbed forms), Devices, Users &
Groups, and Security)
•
Network - Host Settings, Syslog, Services, IP Filtering, VPN, SNMP, and
Host Table.
•
AUX Port - no other forms associated.
•
System - Date/Time and Boot
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KVM
Composed of four tabbed forms, the first selection allows you to configure the
following KVM settings:
Form Name
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Use this form to:
General
Define the Facility Number (i.e., the location of the
managed server/s), IP settings, and authentication
type.
User 1
Configure the first user’s console and keyboard
settings: Idle Timeout, Screen Saver Timeout, and
various key commands or escape sequences.
User 2
Configure the second user’s console and keyboard
settings: Idle Timeout, Screen Saver Timeout, and
various key commands or escape sequences.
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Default Key Sequences
A main component of the KVM settings is defining the key sequences for
users when using the On Screen Display (OSD). A key sequence (also known
as escape sequence) is a sequence of special characters used to send a command to a device or program. In this case the escape sequence is sent to the
KVM application. Typically, an escape sequence begins with an escape character.
Aside from the navigation keys listed above, you can use the following key
sequences to perform a specific action:
Key Sequence
Action
Ctrl-K, and then Q
Quit command - closes the session to a port and takes
you back to the KVM Main Menu.
Ctrl-K, and then P
Port command - initiates a power control session.
Ctrl-K, and then C
KVM Switch command - switches from the currently
connected server to the next server that you are
authorized to access.
Ctrl-K, and then V
Video command - controls screen brightness and contrast.
Ctrl-K, and then S
Keyboard and Mouse Reset command - resets the
keyboard and mouse if either one stops responding
after adding a new server to the KVM
Note: Use with caution. This can cause some
servers to lock up. On a Linux server
command line, try using the command:
xset m 0
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1. To configure the KVM Settings from the top menu, select Configuration;
from the left menu, select KVM.
The system displays the first of four forms under KVM which is the
General form:
2. From the General form, complete the data entry fields as follows:
Field Name
Facility Number
Definition
The Facility Number serves as an identifier for
messages generated by the KVM relating to the
KVM ports. It allows the syslog server to identify
messages coming from the KVM ports and determine
how to handle this specific group of messages.
Note: To assign the Facility Number for messages relating to the AUX port, you must
use the Step 3: Syslog form (Wizard
Mode).
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Direct Access
Select this check box to enable direct access to a port
as the user logs in from the Login screen.
Common Escape
Sequence
The recommended key combinations are the control
key followed by a letter key (e.g., Ctrl + Q).
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Field Name
Authentication Type
Definition
Choice of authentication services are: None, Local,
Radius, TacacsPlus, Ldap, Kerberos, and NTLM.
NOTE: See Appendix B for more detailed
information about LDAP and Kerberos
authentication.
3. Click on apply changes to save your configuration.
4. If you need to configure another facility, select a new Facility Number and
then repeat steps 2 and 3.
- OR Proceed to the next form by clicking on the User 1 tab.
The system brings up the User 1 form:
The User 1 form is used to configure the first user’s console and keyboard
settings.
5. From the User 1 form, complete the data entry fields as follows:
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Field Name
Definition
Idle Timeout
The time (in minutes) it takes the system to
timeout after it remains idle (0 disables Idle
Timeout).
Screen Save Timeout
The time (in minutes) it takes for the screen saver
to activate after the system remains idle (0
disables Screen Saver).
Keyboard Type
From the drop-down list, select the keyboard type
assigned to User 1.
Quit
Key sequence for quit.
Power Management
Key sequence for Power Management.
Mouse/Keyboard Sync
Key sequence for M/K synchronization.
Video Control
Key sequence for video control.
Switch Next
Key sequence for switching to the next screen.
Switch Previous
Key sequence for switching to the previous
screen.
Port Info
Key sequence for invoking the Port Information
screen.
6. Click on apply changes to save your configuration.
7. Proceed to the next form by clicking the User 2 tab.
The system brings up the User 2 form:
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The User 2 form is used to configure the second user’s console and
keyboard settings.
8. Complete the data entry fields for User 2 and then click on the apply
changes button to save your configuration.
For a definition of the fields, see the field definition table from step 5.
Devices
The Devices form allows you to configure one or more secondary KVM units
to a primary KVM unit, a process also known as cascading or daisy-chaining.
See the diagram on page 2 - 11 for some examples of cascading.
If you already understand cascading, skip this introduction and proceed to the
procedural sections.
Cascading refers to the multiple connections of slave or secondary devices to
a primary KVM for as many allowable tiers or hierarchies. For example, a 2tier, cascaded configuration can have secondary KVM units connected to a
primary KVM. The diagram below shows a basic cascaded configuration of a
primary KVM 32 with all KVM components.
Using the KVM 32, 32 primary KVM units or switches can be cascaded for a
total of up to 32 units (regardless of how many times they are cascaded). A 2user configuration can control up to 512 servers; a single user, up to 1024
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servers (i.e., from a single keyboard-monitor-mouse console, either locally or
remotely through the ethernet LAN).
To add a secondary KVM to be cascaded to a master KVM:
Caution: When physically cascading with only one user, ensure that the
CAT-5 cable is connected to USER 2 of the secondary KVM switch
since connecting a CAT-5 single user to USER 1 will not work.
Note: In the KVM Expander, User A and User B are interchangable.
1. From the top menu, select Configuration; form the side menu, select
Devices.
The system displays the Devices configuration form:
2. From the Devices configuration form, select the Add button.
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The system brings up the Modify Device dialog box:
3. Complete the dialog box as follows:
Field Name
Definition
Device Name
Name of the secondary device or KVM switch.
Number of Ports
Number of ports contained in the device to be
cascaded.
Port Connected to User 2
The secondary KVM port to be connected to the
User 2 port of the primary KVM (or either port
A or B of the Expander).
Port Connected to User 1
The secondary KVM port to be connected to the
User 1 port of the primary KVM (or either port
A or B of the Expander).
4. Select the OK button when done.
5. From the configuration window, select apply changes to save your
configuration.
Caution: You must connect to USER 2 of the secondary KVM switch to the
port to be used for cascading from the primary KVM/net. In a 2user arrangement, in addition to connecting to USER 2 of the cascaded KVM switch, use a PS/2 Terminator to connect from a port on
the primary KVM/net switch to USER 1 (local) of the secondary
KVM switch.
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To edit a device configuration:
1. From the top menu, select Configuration; form the side menu, select
Devices.
The system brings up the Devices configuration form.
2. From the Device list box, select the line item you wish to edit, and then
select the Edit button.
The system brings up the Modify Device dialog box which is similar to
the dialog box used for adding a port.
3. From the dialog box, modify the configuration as necessary (see field definition table from the preceding procedure), and then select the OK button.
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4. From the configuration window, select apply changes to save your configuration.
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To delete a device configuration:
1. From the top menu, select Configuration; form the side menu, select
Devices.
The system brings up the Cascading configuration form.
2. From the Device list box, select the line item you wish to delete, and then
select the Delete button.
The system deletes the selected line item from the Device list box.
3. From the configuration window, select apply changes to save your configuration.
To Configure Ports
The Ports dialog box is used to modify the power outlet assignments for each
port connected to the KVM, as well as to enable/disable the ports.
1. From the Devices form (Configuration > KVM > Devices), select the
Device that contains the port(s) to be configured, and click Ports.
The system brings up a list of ports that are available for the (master or
cascaded) device selected.
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The system brings up the Modify Port dialog box:
2. Enter the Device and Outlet information, as necessary, and then select the
OK button.
3. Select the apply changes button to save your configuration.
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To Enable or Disable a Port
1. From the Devices configuration form (Configuration > KVM >
Devices), select the device that contains the port(s) you wish to enable or
disable. Then click the Ports button.
2. From the resulting list of ports, select the port to be enabled/disabled, and
then select the Enable or Disable button.
You can repeat this step to enable or disable any additional ports.
3. Verify your configuration change by checking the port status from the
Ports list box.
4. Select the apply changes button to save your configuration.
Users & Groups
The Users & Groups configuration form allows you to:
•
Set the default permissions of the Generic User.
Note: The Generic User allows you to set the default permissions for regular
users.
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•
Set specific KVM permissions for a non-generic user.
•
Assign or change user passwords.
•
Add or delete users from the User Access List.
•
Set specific KVM permissions by group.
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•
Add or delete user groups from the Group Access List.
To set KVM permissions for a user or a group:
1. From the top menu, select Configuration; from the side menu, select
KVM > Users & Groups.
The system invokes the Users & Groups configuration form:
john
2. From the User List box, select the user to be configured for KVM permissions.
- OR From the Group List box, select the group to be configured for KVM permissions.
3. Select the corresponding Set KVM Permissions button.
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The system displays the Set KVM Permissions form:
4. Complete the form as follows:
Field Name
Definition
Default Access List
Select this check box if you want to
include the current user to the default
Access List.
Default Permission
The default permission for the current
user.
[Device view list]
List of devices and type of permission for
each device.
Set Permissions for the Device
Button to invoke a dialog box to set or
reset the permission for a selected device
(from the Device view list).
5. Select OK when done.
6. Select apply changes at the bottom of the configuration window.
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To delete a user/group from the Access List:
1. Go to Configuration > KVM > Users & Groups.
2. To delete a user, select the user to be deleted from the User List box
- OR To delete a group, select the group name to be deleted from the Group
List box.
3. Select the corresponding Delete button.
4. Verify your deletion by checking the list box.
5. Select apply changes to save your configuration change.
To add a user/group to the Access list (to access KVM ports):
1. Go to Configuration > KVM > Users & Groups.
2. To add a user or a group to the Access list, select the appropriate Add button.
If you selected the Add button for the User List, the Add User dialog box
appears as follows:
Use the above dialog box for entering single users. For multiple users
within a group, use the Add Group dialog box and use a comma (,) to
separate each username.
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If you selected the Add button for the Group List, the Add Group dialog
box appears as follows:
3. Complete the fields, as necessary. For multiple users, use a comma (,) to
separate each user in the Users entry text box.
4. Click on OK.
5. From the configuration window, select apply changes to save your configuration.
To change a user’s password
1. Go to Configuration > KVM > Users & Groups.
2. From the User List box, select the user whose password you would like to
change, and then select the Change Password button.
The system brings up the Change User Password.
3. From the dialog box, type in the new password twice, and then select the
OK button.
4. From the configuration window, select the apply changes button to save
your configuration.
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Network
Network configuration (which is the second of four primary options that
belong to the top Configuration menu) comprises eight forms:
Form
Use this form to:
Host Settings
Configure host connections, including: Ethernet Port
connections, DNS Service, and Name Service
Access.
Syslog
Define the Syslog Servers to enable system logging.
Services
Define or activate the method of access (i.e., Telnet,
SSH, SNMP, Client, or NTP).
IP Filtering
Configure the selective filtering of packets that may
potentially crack your network system or generate
unnecessary traffic.
VPN
Configure IPsec tunnels to establish a secure
connection between KVM and a security gateway
machine.
SNMP
Configure the SNMP server to manage complex
networks.
Host Table
View hosts list; create, edit, and delete hosts.
Static Routes
View, create and delete routes from the table.
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Network > Host Settings
The Host Settings form allows you to configure the network settings for the
KVM.
1. From the top menu, select Network; from the side menu, select Host Settings.
The system brings up the Host Settings form:
2. By default, the DHCP field is check marked. If you wish to disable DHCP
and enter the host settings manually, click the checkbox to remove the
check mark.
The system should add the following fields to your form:
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3. From the Host Settings form, complete or edit the following fields, as necessary:
Field Name
Definition
DHCP
This default configuration is used if you are
using DHCP for your network settings.
Host Name
The fully qualified domain name identifying the
specific host computer within the Internet.
Console Banner
A text string designed to appear on the console
upon logging into and exiting from a port as a
way to verify or identify the particular port
connection.
Ethernet Port
Primary IP
The 32-bit numeric IP address of the KVM unit
on the Internet.
Network Mask
The 32-bit number used to group IP addresses
together or to indicate the range of IP addresses
for this IP network/subnet/supernet.
Secondary IP
The 32-bit numeric, secondary IP address of the
KVM unit on the Internet.
Secondary Network Mask
The network mask of the secondary IP.
MTU
Maximum Transmission Unit used by the TCP
protocol.
DNS Service
Primary DNS Server
Address of the Domain Name Server.
Secondary DNS Server
Address of the backup Domain Name Server.
Domain Name
The name that identifies the domain (e.g.,
domainname.com).
Gateway IP
The gateway numeric identification number.
4. Select apply changes when done to save your configuration to flash.
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Network > Syslog
The Syslog form allows you to configure one or more syslog servers to
receive KVM-generated syslog messages. The KVM generates syslog messages related to users connecting to ports, login failures and other information
that can be used for audit trailing purposes. You can also use this form to
delete syslog servers.
This form is the same as Step 5: System Log form in Wizard mode.
1. From the top menu, select Configuration; from the left menu, select Network > Syslog.
The system brings up the Syslog form.
2. Complete the form as follows:
Field Name
Definition
Facility Number
The Facility Number serves as an identifier for
messages generated by the KVM relating to the AUX
port (i.e., power strips and other such devices
connected to this port). It allows the syslog server to
identify and determine how to handle messages
generated by events relating to the AUX port (e.g.,
PM events).
New Syslog Server
Name of the Syslog Server that you wish to add.
Syslog Servers
List of all Syslog Servers connected to the KVM.
3. Select apply changes when done.
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Network > Services
By selecting the appropriate box, the Services form allows you to enable or
disable the daemons to use to allow different incoming connections.
1. From the top menu, select Configuration; from the side menu, select Network > Services.
The system invokes the Services form.
2. Select the service(s) you would to use to access devices.
3. Select apply changes when done.
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Network > IP Filtering
Note: If you already understand how IP filtering works, skip this section and
proceed to the procedure section, IP Filtering - To Add a Chain.
__________________________________________________________
IP filtering refers to the selective blocking of the passage of IP packets between
global and local networks. The filtering is based on rules that describe the
characteristics of the packet (e.g., the contents of the IP header, the input/output
interface, or the protocol).
This feature is used mainly in firewall applications to filter the packets that could
potentially crack the network system or generate unnecessary traffic in the network.
The IP Filtering form is structured in two levels:
•
•
Chain
Rule
Structure of IP Filtering
IP Filtering configuration is structured on two levels:
•
•
The IP Filtering form which contains a list of chains.
The chains which contain the rules that control filtering.
Chain
The filter table contains a number of built-in chains and may include user-defined
chains. The built-in chains are called according to the type of packet. User-defined
chains are called when a rule which is matched by the packet points to the chain. Each
table has a set of built-in chains classified as follows:
•
•
•
INPUT - For packets coming into the box itself.
FORWARD - For packets being routed through the box.
OUTPUT - For locally-generated packets.
Rule
Each chain has a sequence of rules that address the following:
•
•
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How the packet should appear in order to match the rule.
Some information about the packet is checked according to the rule, for example,
the IP header, the input and output interfaces, the TCP flags and the protocol.
What to do when the packet matches the rule.
The packet can be accepted, blocked, logged or jumped to a user-defined chain.
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When a chain is analyzed, the rules of this chain are reviewed one-by-one until
the packet matches one rule. If no rule is found, the default action for that chain
will be taken.
__________________________________________________________
IP Filtering: To add a chain:
1. From the top menu, select Configuration; from the left menu, select Network > IP Filtering.
The system brings up the IP Filtering configuration form:
Each line in the list box represents a chain. For a definition or explanation
of the field columns, refer to the introductory section of this procedure or
to the field definitions for the Edit Rule dialog box, next section.
2. To add a chain, select the Add button.
The system brings up the Add Chain dialog box:
3. Enter the name of the chain that you are adding to the filter table, and then
select OK. (Spaces are not allowed in the chain name.)
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4. After entering a new chain name, click on the Edit Rules button to access
the next dialog window to enter the rules for that chain.
5. Select OK to commit your changes.
6. To add rules to your new chain, see IP Filtering: To Add a Rule section.
IP Filtering: To edit a chain
1. From the IP Filtering form (Configuration > Network > IP Filtering),
select the Chain you wish to edit from the Chain list box (or filter table),
and then select the Edit button.
The system brings up the Edit Chain dialog box:
2. Modify the Policy field, as needed, and then select OK.
3. Verify your entry from the main form and then select apply changes to
save your changes.
4. If you need to edit any rules for this chain, proceed to IP Filtering: To Edit
a Rule section.
IP Filtering: To Edit a Rule
1. From the IP Filtering form (Configuration > Network > IP Filtering),
select from the Chain list box (or filter table) the chain containing the
rule(s) that you would like to edit, and then select the Edit Rules button.
The system brings up the Edit Rules form:
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In the example above, each line represents a rule for the INPUT chain that
you selected from the Chain list box from Step 1. Now you must select
from the above list box the rule you wish to edit.
2. From the Rules list box of the Edit Rules form, select the rule to be edited
and then select the Edit button.
The system brings up the Edit Rule dialog box:
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3. From the Edit Rule dialog box, complete the following data fields as necessary:
Field Name
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Definition
Target
Indicates the action to be performed to the IP
packet when it matches the rule. For example,
the kernel can ACCEPT DROP, RETURN,
LOG or REJECT the packet by sending a
message, translating the source or the
destination IP address/port or sending the packet
to another user-defined chain.
Source IP
The source IP address.
Mask
Source network mask. Required when a
network should be included in the rule.
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Field Name
Definition
Inverted
Select this box to invert the target action (i.e.,
the action assigned to the target will be
performed to all source IPs/Masks except to the
one just defined).
Destination IP
Destination IP address.
Mask
Destination network mask.
Inverted
Select this box to invert the target action (i.e.,
the action assigned to the target will be
performed to all Destination/Mask IPs except to
the one just defined).
Protocol
The transport protocol to check. If the numeric
value is available, select Numeric and type the
value in the adjacent text input field; otherwise,
select one of the other options.
Inverted
Select box to invert the target action (i.e., the
action assigned to the target will be performed
to all protocols except to the one just defined).
Input Interface
The interface where the IP packet should pass.
The Input Interface option will appear only for
the chains INPUT and FORWARD.
Inverted
Select box to invert the target action (i.e., the
action assigned to the target will be performed
to all interfaces except to the one just defined).
Output Interface
The interface where the IP packet should pass.
The Output interface option will appear for the
chains FORWARD and OUTPUT.
Inverted
Select box to invert the target action (i.e., the
action assigned to the target will be performed
to all interfaces except to the one just defined).
Fragments
Indicates the fragments or unfragmented
packets to be checked. The IP Tables can check
for:
- All Packets.
- 2nd, 3rd... fragmented packets.
- Non-fragmented and 1st fragmented packets.
ICMP Type
This dropdown list box contains all the ICMP
types that may be applied to the current rule.
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Field Name
Inverted
Definition
This ICMP option will be applied to all rules
except the currently selected rule.
Additional Fields
If you selected Log from the Target field, the following options also
appear:
Field Name
Definition
Log Level
The log level classification to be used based on the
type of error message (e.g., alert, warning, info,
debug, etc.).
Log Prefix
The prefix that will identify the log.
TCP Sequence
Check box to include TCP sequence in the log.
TCP Options
Check box to include TCP options in the log.
IP Options
Check box to include IP options in the log.
If you selected Reject from the Target field, the following field appears:
Field Name
Reject with
Definition
“Reject with” means that the filter will drop the
input packet and send back a reply packet
according to any of the reject types listed below.
Using tcp flags and appropriate reject type, the packets
are matched with the REJECT target.
Choices are:
icmp-net-unreachable
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ICMP network unreachable alias.
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Field Name
Definition
icmp-host-unreachable
ICMP host unreachable alias.
icmp-port-unreachable
ICMP port unreachable alias.
icmp-proto-unreachable
ICMP protocol unreachable alias.
icmp-net-prohibited
ICMP network prohibited alias.
icmp-host-prohibited
ICMP host prohibited alias.
echo-reply
Echo reply alias.
tcp-reset
TCP RST packet alias.
4. Click on the OK button when done.
5. Click on the apply changes located at the bottom of the ACS configuration window to save your configuration.
To Add a Rule
The forms and dialog boxes for adding a rule is similar to the ones used for
editing a rule. Refer to IP Filtering: To Edit a Rule procedure section for a
definition of the user input fields.
1. From the IP Filtering form, select the chain to which you wish to add a
rule (or if you are adding a new chain, select the Add button and follow
the procedure for adding a chain.)
2. Click on the Edit Rule button.
The system brings up the Edit Rule for Chain dialog box.
3. From the Edit Rule for Chain dialog box, click on the Add button.
The system brings up the Add Rule dialog box.
4. Complete the Add Rule dialog box. (Refer to IP Filtering: To Edit a Rule
section for a definition of the input fields, as needed.)
5. Click on the apply changes button located at the bottom of the ACS configuration window to complete the procedure.
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Network > IPsec VPN
The IP security VPN configuration form allows you to configure one or more
VPN connections to other systems or KVM devices.
Select one of the existing VPN connections and click the edit button or click
the add button to add a new one. This launches a dialog box to prompt for the
details of the connection. Complete the fields in the dialog box. The RSA keys
may be entered using the Copy and Paste feature of your Browser.
Note: If you already understand how VPN works, skip this section and proceed to the next procedure, To configure VPN.
____________________________________________________________________
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network lets the KVM and a whole network communicate
securely when the only connection between them is over a third network which is
untrustable. The method is to put a security gateway machine in the network and
create a security tunnel between the KVM and the gateway. The gateway machine and
the KVM encrypt packets entering the untrusted net and decrypt packets leaving it,
creating a secure tunnel through it.
Often it may be useful to have explicitly configured IPsec tunnels between the KVM
and a gateway of an office with a fixed IP address (in this case every machine on the
office network would have a secure connection with the KVM), or between the KVM
and the KVM administrator machine, which must, in this case, have a fixed IP
address. You can add this connection descriptor to both the Console Server and the
other end. This is the advantage of using left and right instead of using local remote
parameters.
If you give an explicit IP address for left (and left and right are not directly
connected), then you must specify leftnexthop (the router which KVM sends packets
to in order to get them delivered to right). Similarly, you may need to specify
rightnexthop (vice versa).
The Role of IPsec
IPsec is used mainly to construct a secure connection (tunnel) between two networks
(ends) over a not-necessarily-secure third network. In the KVM, the IPsec is used to
connect the KVM switch securely to a host or to a whole network--configurations
usually referred to as host-to-network and host-to-host tunnel. Practically, this is the
same thing as a VPN, but here one or both sides have a degenerated subnet (i.e., only
one machine).
The IPsec protocol provides encryption and authentication services at the IP level of
the network protocol stack. Working at this level, IPsec can protect any traffic carried
over IP, unlike other encryption which generally protects only a particular higher-
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level protocol (e.g., SSH for login, SSL for Web work and so on). The
implementation of IPsec used by the AlterPath KVM is FreeSWAN
(www.freeswan.org).
You can use IPsec on any machine that does IP networking. Wherever required to
protect traffic, you can install dedicated IPsec gateway machines. IPsec can also run
on routers, firewall machines, various application servers, and end-user desktop or
laptop machines.
Authentication Keys
To establish a connection, the Console Server and the other end must be able to
authenticate each other. For FreeS/WAN, the default is public key authentication
based on the RSA algorithm.
____________________________________________________________________
To configure VPN
Caution: For the VPN to function to properly, ensure that you have also
enabled IPsec from the Services form.
1. Select Network from the top menu bar, and then select VPN
Connections from the left menu panel.
The system brings up the VPN Connections form:
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2. To edit a VPN connection, select the VPN connection that you wish to edit
from the form, and then select the Edit button.
- OR To add a VPN Connection, select the Add button.
The system brings up the New/Modify Connection dialog box:
If the selected Authentication Method is RSA Public Keys, the left
dialog box is used. If the Authentication Method is Shared Secret, the
right dialog box is used.
3. Edit or complete the appropriate fields from either dialog box as follows:
Field Name
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Definition
Connector Name
Name of the VPN connection.
Authentication Protocol
Authentication protocol used to establish a VPN
connection.
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Field Name
Authentication Method
Definition
Authentication method used to establish a VPN
connection.
Remote (“Right”)
ID
The identification name of the remote host,
commonly referred to as the “right” host.
IP Address
Remote IP address.
NextHop
The router to which the Console Server sends
packets in order to deliver them to the left.
Subnet Mask
As indicated.
RSA Key
You may use the copy and paste feature of your
browser to enter the RSA key.
Local (“Left”)
ID
The identification name of the local host,
commonly referred to as the “left” host.
IP Address
The IP address of the local or left host.
NextHop
The router to which the Console Server sends
packets in order to deliver them to the right.
Subnet Mask
As indicated
RSA Key
You may use the copy and paste feature of your
browser to enter the RSA key.
Boot Action
The boot action configured for the local host.
Pre-Shared Secret
Pre-shared password between left and right
users.
4. Select the OK button when done.
5. Select the apply changes button to save your configuration.
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Network > SNMP
Short for Simple Network Management Protocol, SNMP is a set of protocols
for managing network devices. SNMP works by sending messages, called
protocol data units (PDUs), to different parts of a network. SNMP-compliant
devices (agents), store data about themselves in Management Information
Bases (MIBs) and return this data to the SNMP requesters.
The KVM uses the Net-SNMP package (http://www.net-snmp.org/). The NetSNMP package contains various tools relating to the Simple Network Management Protocol including an extensible agent, an SNMP library, tools to
request or set information from SNMP agents, tools to generate and handle
SNMP traps, a version of the unix 'netstat' command using SNMP and a
Tk/Perl mib browser.
SNMP is configured with community names, OID and user names. The KVM
supports SNMP v1, v2 and v3. The two versions require different configurations. SNMP v1/v2 requires community, source, object ID and the type of
community (read-write, read-only). V3 requires user name.
Caution: Check the SNMP configuration before gathering information about
KVM by SNMP. There are different types of attacks an unauthorized
user can implement to retrieve sensitive information contained in
the MIB. By default, the SNMP configuration in KVM cannot permit
the public community to read SNMP information.
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To configure SNMP:
1. From the top menu bar, select Networks; from the left menu panel, select
SNMP.
The system invokes the SNMP Daemon Settings form:
2. Type in the following System Information, as necessary:
Field Name
Definition
Community
The community name acts as a password to
authenticate messages sent between an SNMP
client and a router containing an SNMP server.
The community name is sent in every packet
between the client and the server.
SysContact
The email of the person to contact regarding the
host on which the agent is running (e.g.,
[email protected])
SysLocation
The physical location of the system (e.g.,
mydomain).
Note: If you are using SNMPv3, skip steps 2 and 3; proceed to step 4.
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3. To Add an SNMP agent using SNMPv1/SNMP2 Configuration, select the
Add button located at the bottom of this view table.
- OR To edit an SNMP agent, select the Edit button.
The system invokes the New/Modify SNMP Daemon Configuration dialog box:
4. Complete the dialog box as follows:
Field Name
Definition
Community
The community name acts as a password to
authenticate messages sent between an SNMP
client and a router containing an SNMP server.
The community name is sent in every packet
between the client and the server.
Source
The source IP address or range of IP address.
OID
Object Identifier.
Permission
Select the permission type:
Read Only - Read-only access to the entire MIB
except for SNMP configuration objects.
Read/Write - Read-write access to the entire MIB
except for SNMP configuration objects.
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5. If you are adding or editing an SNMP agent using SNMPv3, scroll down
to the lower half of the SNMP Configuration form:
6. To Add an SNMP agent using SNMPv3 Configuration, select the Add
button located at the bottom of this view table.
OR
To edit an SNMP agent, select the Edit button.
The system invokes the New/Modify SNMP Daemon Configuration dialog box.
7. Complete the form and when done, select the OK button from the dialog
box.
8. Verify your entry or modification from the respective tables of the SNMP
Configuration form.
9. Select the apply changes button to complete the procedure.
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Network > Host Table
The Host Tables form enables you to keep a table of host names and IP
addresses that comprise your local network, and thus provide information
about your network environment.
1. From the top menu, select Network; from the left menu, select Host
Table.
The system invokes the Host Table form:
2. To edit host, select the host IP address from the Host Table and then click
on the Edit button. (If the list is long, use the Up and Down buttons to go
through each item in the list.)
- OR To add a host, click the Add button.
The system brings up the following dialog box:
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3. Type in the new or modified host address in the IP Address field, and the
host name in the Name field, and then select the OK button.
4. To delete a host, select the host you wish to delete from the Host Table
form, and then select the Delete button from the form.
5. Select the apply changes button to save your configuration to Flash.
Note: IP table entries overide DNS server entries.
Network > Static Routes
The Static Routes form allows you to manually add routes. The Routing Table
defines which interface should transmit an IP packet based on destination IP
information. Static routes are a quick and effective way to route data from one
subnet to another.
You can add or edit a hard-coded static route by clicking on the corresponding
buttons. They'll bring you to a dialog box to enter the route to be added. To
delete a static route, highlight the route and select Delete.
1. From the top menu, select Network; from the left menu, select Static
Routes.
The system brings up the Static Routes table form:
Note: Refer to the field definitions in Step 3 for the meaning of each field in
the table.
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2. To edit a static route, select a route from the Static Routes form, and then
select the Edit button.
- OR To add a static route, select the Add button from the form.
The system invokes the New/Modify Route dialog box:
3. Complete the dialog box as follows:
Field Name
Definition
Route
Select Default, Network, or Host.
Network IP
This field appears only if Network is selected.
The address of the destination network.
Network Mask
Only if Network is selected.
The mask of the destination network.
Host IP
Only if Host is selected.
The IP address of the destination host.
Go to
Select Gateway or Interface.
[Adjacent field]
The address of the gateway or interface.
Metric
The number of hops.
4. Select Apply when done.
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AUX Port
The AUX(iliary) Port form is used to configure the auxiliary port settings to
suit the profile or the device to be connected (in this case, a modem or a power
management) to the KVM unit.
Caution: To connect a modem to the KVM/net Aux port, be sure to use the
Cyclades RJ-45M to DB-25M straight-through cable (CAB0025).
1. From the top menu, select Configuration; from the side menu, select
AUX Port.
The system brings up the Auxiliary Port form.
From the Profile field of the Auxiliary Port form, select Power
Management or PPP. If you select PPP, the following additional fields will
appear on the form:
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2. To configure the Aux Port for PPP, complete the fields as shown below
and select apply changes when done.
Field Name
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Definition
Profile
Select the device to be connected.
For PPP, the following input fields are used:
Baud Rate
The port speed.
Flow Control
Gateway or interface address used for the route.
Data Size
The number of data bits.
Parity
None, even or odd.
Stop Bits
The number of stop bits.
Modem Initialization
The modem initialization string.
Local IP Address
The local IP address.
Remote IP Address
The remote IP address
Authentication Required
Select checkbox if authentication is required.
MTU/MRU
The maximum transmission unit / maximum
receive units for the PPP.
PPP Options
The options for this protocol.
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System
The System menu, which is the fourth selection under the Configuration
menu, comprises two forms: Date/Time and Boot.
System > Date/Time
The Date/Time form is used to enable the KVM to work as an NTP client,
synchronizing your system clock with the true time (i.e., the average of many
high-accuracy clocks around the world. By default, NTP is disabled; you may
enter the time and date manually using the Time/Date form.
Manual Setting
To set time and date manually, perform the following steps:
1. From the top menu, select Configuration; from the left menu, under System, select Date/Time.
The system brings up the Date/Time form:
2. If you are not using NTP, complete the date and time fields by selecting
the appropriate numbers from the dropdown list boxes.
3. Click on the apply changes button to complete the procedure.
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NTP Setting
To set the time and date through NTP, perform the following steps:
1. Choose Enable from the Network Time Protocol field of the Date/Time
form.
The system invokes the NTP Server field.
2. Type in the address of the NTP server in the NTP Server field.
3. Click on the apply changes button.
System > Boot
Boot configuration defines the settings for loading the operating system.
The KVM can boot from its internal firmware or from the network. By
default, the unit boots from Flash. If you need to boot from the network,
install one TFTP or BOOTP server with the firmware to boot from, and then
choose boot from network and fill in the fields. You may skip Flash test and
RAM test for a faster boot.
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To configure the KVM boot settings:
1. From the top menu bar, select Configuration; from the left menu panel,
under System, select Boot Configuration.
The system brings up the Boot Configuration form:
2. Complete the fields as follows:
Field Name
Definition
IP Address assigned to
Ethernet
Usually your KVM’s IP address
Watchdog Timer
Sets the Watchdog Timer to Active or Inactive.
Unit boot from
Specify whether to boot unit up from Flash or
from the Network.
Boot Type
Select from the following types of booting: bootp,
tftp, or both.
Boot File Name
Filename of the boot program you want to use.
Server’s IP Address
The IP address of the TFTP or BOOTP server.
Console Speed
Select from: 4800 through 118200.
Flash Test
Select this to test boot from the Flash card. You
can Skip this test, or do a Full test.
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Field Name
Definition
RAM Test
Select this to test boot from RAM. You can Skip
this test, do a Quick test or a Full test.
Fast Ethernet
Select the appropriate Ethernet setting if you need
to change the Auto Negotiation (default value):
100BaseT Half-Duplex
100BaseT Full-Duplex
10BaseT Half-Duplex
10BaseT Full-Duplex
Fast Ethernet Max. Interrupt The maximum number of packets that the CPU
Events
will handle.
3. Select apply changes to save your configuration to Flash.
Information
The Information menu provides two forms for viewing information:
•
General
•
Port Status
General
Use the General form to view system information in the following categories:
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•
System (e.g., Kernel version, Date, Uptime, etc.)
•
CPU
•
Memory
•
Ram Disk Usage
•
Fan Status
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To view General information:
1. From the top menu, go to Information; from the side menu, select General.
The system brings up the following view form:
An example of the types of general information available from this window is
as follows:
System Information
Kernel Version: Linux version 2.4.17_mvl21-linuxplanet
([email protected])
(gcc version 2.95.3 20010315 (release/MontaVista)) #409
Thu Aug 5 17:50:53 PDT 2004
AlterPath-KVM16-Linux V_1.1.0a (August/04/04) a
Date: Tue Oct 5 10:45:39
Up Time: 56 min
Power Supply State: SINGLE
CPU Information
Cpu: 8xx
Clock: 48MHz
Revision: 0.0 (pvr 0050 0000)
Bogomips: 47.82
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Memory Information
MemTotal: 127140 kB
MemFree: 96328 kB
MemShared: 0 kB
Buffers: 3952 kB
Cached: 16424 kB
SwapCached: 0 kB
Active: 8888 kB
Inactive: 18252 kB
HighTotal: 0 kB
HighFree: 0 kB
LowTotal: 127140 kB
LowFree: 96328 kB
SwapTotal: 0 kB
SwapFree: 0 kB
Ram Disk Usage
Filesystem 1k-blocks Used Available Use% Mounted
/dev/ram0 8992 8992 0 100%/ /
Fan Status
Fan 1: '8000' rotations per minute
Fan 2: '0' rotations per minute
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Port Status
Use the Port Status form to view the system status of each KVM port.
1. From the top menu, select Information; from the side menu, select Port
Status.
The system brings up the Port Status view form:
Management
The Management menu comprises seven forms relating to system and software management such as booting, backing up, and handling configuration
data.
Menu Selection
Use this menu to:
Backup Configuration
Use a FTP server to save or retrieve your
configuration data.
Firmware Update
Upload firmware from the web to the KVM and save
the new software version or update.
Microcode Update
Update any of the microcontroller microcodes that
are stored in the KVM terminator, internal KVM
switch, KVM RP main, KVM RP local, and KVM
Port Expander.
Microcode Reset
Reset any of the microcontroller microcodes.
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Menu Selection
Use this menu to:
Active Sessions
View the status of all active sessions as well as reset
or kill sessions.
Reboot
Reboot the system.
Backup Configuration
The Backup Configuration form allows you to set the KVM to use a FTP
server to save and retrieve its configuration. For the backup configuration to
work, the FTP server must be on the same subnet. Ensure that it is accessible
from the KVM by pinging the FTP server.
1. From the top menu, select Management; from the left menu, select
Backup Configuration.
The system brings up the Backup Configuration form:
2. Complete the fields and then select one of the following buttons:
• Save to FTP server - select this if you want to save your configuration to the FTP server.
•
Load from FTP server - select this if you want to load your configuration from the FTP server to the KVM.
3. Select the apply changes button when done. The configuration loaded
should run after a reboot.
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Firmware Update
To upgrade your KVM firmware, perform the following steps:
1. From the top menu, select Management; from the side menu, select
Firmware Update.
The system brings up the Firmware Update form:
2. From the Firmware Update form, complete the fields as follows:
Field Name
Definition
Type
The method of upload.
FTP Site
The address of the FTP site.
Username
Username of the person who is doing the upload.
Password
Password associated with the Username.
File Version
The full path and filename of the image to be
loaded.
Run Checksum
Runs the checksum program to verify the
accuracy of the uploaded data.
3. Select the Upgrade Now button.
4. Select the apply changes button at the bottom of the configuration window.
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Microcode Update
Through an FTP server, the Microcode form is used to update any of the micro
controller microcodes that are stored separately in each of the following target
locations:
•
KVM Terminator
•
KVM Switch (internal)
•
KVM Main
•
KVM Local
•
KVM Video Compression Module
To update a microcode:
1. From the top menu, select Management; from the side menu, select
Microcode Update.
The system brings up the Microcode form:
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2. Complete the input fields as follows:
Field Name
Definition
Target
The specific KVM microcode that you wish to
update (i.e., KVM Terminator, KVM Switch
(internal), KVM Main, and KVM Local).
FTP server
Address of the FTP server used to update the
microcode.
User
The authorized user name.
Password
The user’s password.
Directory
Location (directory path) of the microcode file.
Filename
The microcode filename.
3. From the scrollable port list, select the port to which the target is connected.
4. Select the Upgrade Now button.
Microcode Reset
The Microcode Reset form is used to reset the hardware associated with the
afore-discussed microcodes.
1. From the top menu, select Management; from the side menu, select
Microcode Reset.
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The system brings up the Microcode Reset form:
2. From the form select the microcode or hardware target.
3. From the scrollable port list, select the port to which the target is connected, and then select the Reset Now button.
Active Sessions
The Active Sessions form is designed to provide you a quick status, and usage
information (e.g., user, tty, Login time, JCPU, etc.) pertaining to all active
server sessions. You may also kill or refresh a session.
Open sessions are displayed with their identifications and statistics data for
login, session and CPU usage for the specific client. JCPU relates all processes attached to that port including running background processes. PCPU
relates the current processing time.
1. From the top menu bar, select Management; from the left menu panel,
select Active Sessions.
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The system invokes the Active Sessions window:
What the heading and column name means:
Field / Column
Definition
Uptime
System uptime in minutes and seconds (mm:ss).
# Users
Number of current users.
User
The user who initiated the session.
TTY
The name of the serial port.
From
The network machine to which the port is connected.
Login@
The day and time of the last login.
Idle
The time when the session or server became inactive.
JCPU
The duration of time used by all processes attached to the
tty. It does not include past background jobs; only currently
running background jobs.
PCPU
The time used by the current process that is named in the
What column.
What
The current process attached to the tty.
2. To kill or refresh a session, select from the Active Sessions view table the
session you wish to delete or refresh.
3. Click on the Kill Session or Refresh button.
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4. From the configuration window, click on the apply changes button.
Reboot
The Reboot form allows you to reboot the system by clicking the Reboot button (go to Management > Reboot) as shown:
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Chapter 5
KVM Operation
KVM Operation
This chapter discusses the procedures and requirements for operating the
AlterPath KVM, and is organized as follows:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Basic Navigation Keys
Default Key Sequences
Changing Your Password
Connecting to a Server
Cycling Between Servers
Remote Operation
Operating through the Remote Unit (RP)
Adjusting Screen Brightness and Contrast
Sharing Server Connection
Synchronizing Keyboard and Mouse
Establishing a Power Control Session
Logging Events
Operating through a Web Browser
Upgrading Software
Basic Navigation Keys
Below is a short list of keyboard controls to help you navigate through the
KVM on-screen display. For the keys to work, ensure that your window is
selected so that it is in the active state.
Key
Action
TAB
Changes between fields on the window
UP / DOWN
Scrolls within a menu
LEFT / RIGHT
Selects a button in a button field
BACKSPACE
Deletes character left to the cursor
PAGE UP / PAGE DOWN
Pages within a menu
END
Moves to the end of a menu
HOME
Moves to the top of a menu
ENTER
Selects highlighted item / Commit changes
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Default Key Sequences
A key sequence (also known as escape sequence) is a sequence of special
characters used to send a command to a device or program, in this case the
KVM application.
Aside from the navigation keys, you can use the following key sequences to
perform a specific action:
Key Sequence
Action
<Ctrl-K>, and then <Q>
Quit command - closes the session to a port and
takes you back to the KVM Main Menu.
<Ctrl-K>, and then <P>
Port command - initiates a power control session.
<Ctrl-K>, and then < . >
Move to the next port - switches from the currently
connected server to your next authorized server.
<Ctrl-K>, and then < , >
Move to the previous port - switches from the
currently connected server to the previous server.
<Ctrl-K>, and then <V>
Video command - controls screen brightness and
contrast.
<Ctrl-K>, and then <S>
Keyboard and Mouse Synchronization command resets the keyboard and mouse synchronization if
either one becomes unavailable after adding a new
server to the KVM.
Note: The default key sequence ^KP is also used for controlling the power
outlet in cascading. By typing <Ctrl-K><P>, while connected to a
server in a KVM port, an OSD menu opens which allows you to switch
on/off or cycle (i.e., switch OFF and ON quickly and sequentially) the
connected server that is powered by the AlterPath PM.
Changing the Root Password
If you are a system administrator or a user with admin privileges, you can
change your password by using your terminal emulation program.
1. Connect your PC terminal to the console port of your AlterPath KVM.
2. Configure your COM port as follows:
Serial Speed: 9600 bps
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5: AlterPath KVM Operation
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Data Length: 8 bits
Parity: None
Stop Bits: 1 stop bit
Flow Control: None
ANSI emulation
Open your terminal emulation application (HyperTerminal, Kermit, or
Minicom).
Log in as: root Password: Cyclades
Upon system prompt, enter the command: passwd
Type in your new password when prompted.
As prompted, type in your password again to confirm.
Save your new password to Flash by typing in: saveconf
Close your terminal session.
Logging In
1. To log in to the KVM application, type in your log in name followed by
your password in the respective fields.
2. Tab to the OK button and press <Enter>.
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The system displays the KVM main menu.
Connecting to a Server
1. To connect to a server, select Connect from the main menu.
2. Press <Enter>.
The system brings up the Connection menu which lists all KVM ports by
name. The menu selections are chronologically arranged from local ports
to cascaded ports and devices, in ascending order.
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5: AlterPath KVM Operation
3. From the Server Connection menu, select the server to which you wish to
connect.
- OR From the quick search box, enter the KVM port name (this field is casesensitive). If a match is found, the system will automatically highlight the
port name from the list.
4. Press <Enter>.
Note: The quick search box of the Connection Menu is designed to speed up
the connection process by allowing you to type in the first letters of the
port name. Based on your search entry, the port name list box will automatically scroll to the port that matches your entry. The search box
works for both User 1 and User 2 connecting to any KVM port in the
master or cascaded KVM units.
Successful / Unsuccessful Connection
When you connect to a port, the system takes you to the console of the
selected server on that port:
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If there is no device connected, the system displays the following error message:
If the port is already connected to another station, the system displays the
following message:
Select the appropriate action to continue.
Cycling Among Servers
Cycle refers to the capability to access or connect from one authorized server
to another. There are two ways in which you can cycle between servers:
•
Cycle by Server (automatic)
•
Cycle by Key Sequence (manual)
Cycle by Server
Cycle by Server (or automatic cycling) enables you to view all authorized
servers on a continuous basis until all servers have been exhausted and then
start over again.
To initiate cycling by server, perform the following steps:
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1. From the Main Menu, choose Connect and press <Enter>.
The system brings up the Server Selection Menu:
2. From the Server Selection window, select Cycle and then press <Enter>.
3. To stop the cycling, enter the escape sequence (default: Ctrl-K, Q) to
abort the process and close the session.
In the cycle process, if there is no device attached to the port associated with
the next logical port, the no device connected message will appear.
Cycle by Key Sequence
Cycle by Key Sequence allows you to view or access the next server manually
(that is, one key sequence at a time).
To step forward through ports, press <Ctrl-K> followed by the period (.) key.
To step backward through ports, press <Ctrl-K> followed by the comma (,)
key.
To quit the session and return to the previous menu, press <Ctrl-K><Q>.
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Remote Operation
You can operate your AlterPath KVM remotely using the AlterPath KVM RP.
KVM supports two concurrent users:
•
One local user at the KVM switch
•
One remote user at the AlterPath RP location.
The AlterPath RP may be placed up to 500 feet away from the KVM unit. The
KVM RP enables the remote user to select the local keyboard, video, and
mouse console between a local station and a server connected to the KVM.
Note: See Chapter 2, KVM Installation for details on how to install the AlterPath KVM RP.
Operating through the Remote Unit (RP)
You can select the keyboard, video, and mouse remote console between a
local station and a server connected to the KVM using any of the following
methods:
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•
Press the button at the AlterPath KVM RP unit to switch the local video
display between a local station and a server connected to the KVM.
•
Use the key sequence [Scroll Lock] + [Scroll Lock] + the letter designating the desired function as shown in the following table:.
Key Sequence
Action
<Scroll Lock> twice,
and then <L>
RP Switch to Local command - switches the
AlterPath KVM RP video display to the local
computer.
<Scroll Lock> twice,
and then <R>
RP Switch to Remote command - switches the
AlterPath KVM RP video display to the remote
computer.
<Scroll Lock> twice,
and then <N> or <F>
RP Beep On/Off - switches the beeper on or off
when switching between devices (local-remote).
Use <N> for ON and <F> for OFF.
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5: AlterPath KVM Operation
Finishing your Session
There are two ways to end your session:
•
Press the escape sequence (Ctrl-K and then Q and then Esc)
•
Through Idle Timeout
Method 1: Exiting through the Main Menu
Return to the Main Menu and select Exit.
Method 2: Exiting by using the escape sequence.
Press Ctrl-K keys followed by the Q key.
The system will close the session and send the following message:
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Method 3: Exiting by Idle Timeout
Leaving your system idle will eventually close the session based on the configured idle time. When this happens, the system closes the session and sends
the following message:
The idle time is set by the KVM administrator.
OSD Screen Saver
The OSD Screen Saver consists of a black screen that activates after a period
of inactivity. You can configure the time or period of inactivity before the
screen saver activates from the OSD.
Designed to prevent the monitor screen from being “burned,” the screen saver
is displayable on the workstation of the local user or remote (RP) user.
Operating through the Remote Unit (RP)
You may configure and operate your KVM remotely from your station connected to the AlterPath KVM RP. To switch your Keyboard, Video and Mouse
(KVM) console from your local PC to the remote server connected to the
KVM switch, you may do any of the following:
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•
Toggle the switch button located in front of your KVM RP unit.
•
Press ScrLK twice then L, to switch to the local PC.
•
Press ScrLK twice then R, to switch to the remote server connected to the
KVM.
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5: AlterPath KVM Operation
Adjusting Screen Brightness and Contrast
To adjust screen brightness, press the video control key sequence (Ctrl-K followed by the V key, default).
Depending on which window was accessed last, the system will display either
one of the following overlaying windows:
•
Automatic (Video) Control Adjustment
•
Manual Brightness and Contrast Control
Automatic (Video) Control Adjustment
The Automatic Video Control window is used to compensate for cable length.
For example, if you use a 500-feet cable, the setting might be 10 or 20. If a
shorter cable such as 6 or 3 feet is used, a value of 128 or 150 is more appropriate.
If this setting is not adjusted properly, the video quality will be poor.
In the Automatic Control screen, press the <Tab> key to move from the
Adjustment field to the Exit/Auto/Manual buttons. Once you are in one of
the buttons, select the right or left arrows to move from one button to another.
Manual (Brightness/Contrast) Control
The Manual Control window is used to control the levels of video brightness
and contrast. As in the Automatic Control overlay window, use the <Tab> key
to move between the Brightness/Contrast fields and the Exit/Auto/Manual
buttons. The Manual Brightness/Contrast Control screen follows:
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Sharing Server Connection
The AlterPath KVM supports shared connections to a server. This feature is
implemented based on the type of access permissions each of the users have
for the specified server port.
When a user connects to a server that is already in use, the software autodetects the event and presents a menu to the connecting user. Options available
under this menu will vary depending on the connecting user access permissions. Also, a notification is presented to the current user, depending on the
action selected by the connecting user. To better understand how this is done
consider the following definitions:
•
Read-only mode: session mode of a user with read-only permission for
the server port
•
Read-write mode: session mode of a user with read-write, read-write-config, read-write-power or full access permission for the server port
The following two options are always presented in the menu to the connecting
user:
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•
Quit: Just quits the connection attempt and returns to the Server Connection Menu
•
Connect read-only: connects the user in read-only mode and notifies the
previously connected user of the new connection.
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5: AlterPath KVM Operation
The menu presented to the connecting user and the notification message to the
previous user are as follows:
If the connecting user has either read-write, read-write-config, read-writepower or full access permission to the server port, the following additional
options are presented in the menu:
•
Connect read write: connects the user in read-write mode and the previous
user is notified of the event. A previous user who is connected in readwrite mode is changed to read-only mode and is notified of the event.
•
Kill the other session: kills the existing session and connects the user in
read-write mode. The previous user is notified of the event and is disconnected from the server port.
The menu presented to the connecting user and the notification messages to
the previous user are as follows:
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The connecting user is always granted the highest privilege mode based on his
or her permission rights when the previous user is in read-only mode.
Once two users are connected to a server port, either user may choose at any
time to change his/her access mode (or disconnect from the session by issuing
an escape sequence command).
Synchronizing Your Keyboard and Mouse
There may be circumstances when your recently connected server do not support full operation of keyboard and mouse. To fix this, just issue a Keyboard/
Mouse Sync command (default keys: Ctrl-K, and then S). This key sequence
invokes the following confirmation window:
Select Yes to enable your keyboard and mouse again.
Note: See also the section on Mouse Settings in Chapter 2, KVM Installation.
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Establishing a Power Control Session
If you have an AlterPath PM powering one or more computers connected to
your KVM unit, you may initiate a power control session at any time once you
are connected. You first connect to the desired computer following the Connecting to a Server section of this chapter. Then press, at any time, the power
command key sequence (Ctrl-K then P, default).
If you have correctly performed the Power Outlet configuration option as
described under Server Configuration (Chapter 3), the system will bring you a
Power management window which will:
•
Indicate if the power outlet configured for the selected server is ON or
OFF.
•
Allow you to select power ON, OFF, or CYCLE.
•
Allow you to exit from the Power Control Session.
Logging Events
You can audit the use of your KVM unit by checking log files. Logging capabilities and message treatment are supported through a daemon called syslogng. Its basic function is to read and log messages to the system console; log
files, remote servers and/or users as specified by its configuration file.
The syslog-ng can filter messages based on their content and perform an
action (e.g., send an email or a pager message). To access this function, you
need to configure the syslog-ng.conf file.
The syslog-ng.conf file is read at startup and is re-read after receiving a hangup signal. When reloading the configuration file, all destination files are
closed and re-opened as appropriate. The syslog-ng reads from various
sources (files, TCP/UDP connections, syslogd clients), filters the messages
and takes an action (writes in files, sends SNMP trap, pager or email, or syslogs to a remote server).
KVM Web Operation
Using the KVM web interface allows you to:
•
Connect to a server
•
Perform power management
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To operate the KVM switch from the web, enter the IP address of the KVM on
your internet browser as provided by your KVM administrator.
Once connected, login your username and password (also as provided by your
KVM administrator).
Upon logging in successfully, the system displays the Connection form:
Connecting to a Server
To connect to a server, follow the following steps:
1. From the Connection form, select the port to which you wish to connect.
2. Click on Connect.
The system connects you to the server.
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Power Management
Depending on your access rights, KVM/net allows you to remotely view and
manage all Intelligent Power Distribution Units (IPDUs) connected to the
KVM/net unit. Power management configuration comprises five tabbed
forms, of which only the first two are available to the regular user:
Form Title
Use this form to:
Outlets Manager
Switch on/off and lock/unlock outlets; reboot
network devices.
View IPDUs Info
View IPDU information by ports and slaves. The
information form provides real-time, global, current
monitoring of all connected devices.
Users Manager
For admin user only. This form is used to Add or
delete users assigned to specific outlets.
Configuration
For admin user only. This form is used to enable
over power protection, syslog and alarm notification
from any specified port. The form allows the
administrator to set a current alarm threshold that
once exceeded will have the KVM/net sound an
alarm or send a notification message.
Software Upgrade
For admin user only. This form is used to upgrade
the AlterPath Power Manager software.
If you have admin privileges and you need to configure Power Management
using the other tabbed forms, refer to Chapter 3: KVM/net Configuration
for a detailed explanation of these forms.
Access > Power management > Outlets Manager
The Outlets Manager form allows you to check the status of all IPDUs connected to the Console Server, including their outlets. Any user who has
Administration privileges can turn on, turn off, cycle, lock and unlock the outlets.
1. From the top menu, select Access; from the left menu, select Power Management.
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The system invokes the following form:
In the example above, the yellow bulbs (i.e, the actual color online when
the switch is ON) and the opened padlock indicate that the outlets are
switched on and unlocked.
2. To switch on/off an outlet, click on the light bulb; to lock/unlock an outlet,
click on the padlock.
In the sample form below, outlet 2 is switched off and locked.
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5: AlterPath KVM Operation
3. To save your changes, click on the Save Outlets State button located in
the form.
4. From the lower control buttons of the main window, click on the Apply
Changes button.
Access > Power Management > View IPDUs Info
The IPDU Info form allows you to view all IPDU information (e.g., number
of outlets of each unit, current, temperature, alarm threshold levels, firmware,
etc.) by serial port.
The form stores historical values of the maximum current and the maximum
temperature.
To view IPDU information, perform the following steps:
1. From the top menu bar, select Access; from the left menu panel, select
Power Management; from the form tabs, select View IPDUs Info.
The system brings up the IPDUs Info form:
2. To delete the stored values for the maximum detected current, select the
Clear Max Detected Current button.
3. To delete the stored values for the maximum detected temperature, select
the Clear Max Detected Temperature button.
AlterPath KVM Manual
5-19
5: AlterPath KVM Operation
5-20
AlterPath KVM Manual
Chapter 6
Remote Authentication
Remote Authentication
This section provides some guidelines for configuring remote authentication
in the KVM using LDAP and Kerberos. It attempts to address the unique
implementation requirements of each protocol from different platforms.
It is assumed that the user already has a fully functional authentication server
in place, an administrator who can manage the server, and the username and
password for the server has been already configured.
The authentication server administrator must add the KVM/net user, admin,
to the authentication server. This is to enable the admin user to log in and
manage the KVM properly when they are not using local authentication.
Cyclades recommends that the local password and the remote authentication
server password be different. Using the same password will not signal a failure of the authentication server and can mislead the administrator because the
user will always authenticate.
Remotely authenticated users need not exist in the local KVM user database
since they are added automatically with READ/WRITE access to all ports on
the KVM. The added users, however, cannot authenticate locally even after
entry in the local user database. The system grants local access only if a local
password has been set for the user.
Note: Regarding LDAP, the KVM web management interface assumes that
the distinguished name of the search base is:
“Ldap Base Domain Name” or “dc=”
For configurations that use “Organization” or “o=” the admin user
must edit the configuration file (/etc/ldap.conf) using vi /etc/ldap.conf
and modify the line to “base o=...” from “base dc=....”
AlterPath KVM Manual
6-1
6: Authentication
Open Source Authentication Server
Keberos
Required Information:
•
•
•
Realm name and KDC address
Realm username (principal) and password
User admin and realm password
Hostname sensitive (i.e., hostname cannot be a canonicalized error)
The KVM and the authentication server should both have an entry in the hosts
file of the KVM.
To add the name and IP addres to the KVM host file, use the KVM/net WMI
(Configuration > Network > Host Table).
Set the KVM hostname by typing in the hostname from the console. The
default KVM should be returned if it is new.
Time and Timezone sensitive (clock skew errors)
•
KVM and KDC may need to use NTP service using the same NTP server.
•
KVM can be set for NTP from the WMI (Configuration > System > Date/
Time).
•
Set the timezone if you are not in the PST zone.
From the console, type in: set_timezone
WMI Configuration
Required KVM/net WMI fields:
•
Authentication Type: Kerberos
Authentication Down Local
•
•
Kerberos Server (Realm) <192.168.47.125>
Kerberos Realm Domain Name <cyclades.com>
OSD Configuration
6-2
•
•
•
Authentication Type <Kerberos>
Authentication down local <Yes/No>
1st Authent. server <192.168.47.125>
•
Authent. domain <cyclades.com>
AlterPath KVM Manual
6: Authentication
LDAP
Required Information
•
•
•
Domain name and LDAP server address
Domain username and Domain user password
User admin and Domain password
WMI Configuration
LDAP allows anonymous binds so the only required fields in the WMI are:
•
•
LDAP Server <192.168.47.125>
LDAP Base Domain Name <dc=cyclades,dc=com>
OSD Configuration
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Authentication Type <LDAP>
Authent. Down Local <Yes/No>
1st Authent. Server <192.168.47.125>
LDAP Base <dc=cyclades,dc=com>
LDAP Binddn
LDAP Attribute
Authent. Secret
Secure Auth. <Yes/No>
Windows 2000/2003 Server (AD)
Kerberos
The requirements for Kerberos authentication is the same as that of the Open
Source Authentication server.
LDAP
Required Information
•
•
Domain name and LDAP server address
AD username and AD user password
•
User admin and Domain password
You may want to create an AD user just for authentication binds (Ldap User
Name)
AlterPath KVM Manual
6-3
6: Authentication
WMI Configuration
The aforementioned fields require entries in the KVM/net WMI:
•
•
•
•
•
LDAP Server <192.168.47.59
LDAP Base Domain Name <rdcyclades.com>
LDAP User Name <[email protected]>
LDAP password <abc123>
LDAP Login Attribute <samaccountname>
OSD Configuration
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Authentication Type <LDAP>
Authent. Down Local <Yes/No>
1st Authent. Server <192.168.47.125>
LDAP Base <dc=rdcyclades,dc=com>
LDAP Binddn <[email protected]>
LDAP Attribute <samaccountname>
Authent. Secret <abc123>
Secure Auth. <Yes/No>
Novell Server (NDS)
LDAP
Ideally the NDS administrator is not named, “admin” to avoid exposing the
server administrator password.
Required information is the same as that for Open Source Authentication
Server.
WMI and OSD Configuration
See Open Source Authentication Server.
6-4
AlterPath KVM Manual
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
Features
Operating System
•
Linux®
Accessibility
•
Local (KVM) or Remote (CAT5) User Interfaces
Security
•
•
•
•
•
•
Local, RADIUS, TACACS+, LDAP, Kerberos, and NTLM (Windows NT LAN Manager) authentication
Token-based strong authentication (SecurID)
Local backup user authentication support
User Access Lists per port
User Access Logging
System Event Syslog
Server Management
•
•
•
•
•
•
Access through On Screen Display (OSD)
Support for port name assignment
Simultaneous access on the same port (port sharing)
Cascading with centralized port management (access and configuration)
Programmable cycling of screens
Support for VGA resolutions up to 1600 x1200
System Management
•
•
On Screen Display (OSD) for configuration
Web Management Interface (WMI) for configuration
AlterPath KVM Manual
A-1
A: Technical Specifications
Cabling
•
•
•
•
CAT5-based Terminators
Compatible with PS/2, USB and Sun keyboard/mouse interfaces
Support for CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6 and CAT7 UTP cabling
Support for up to 500 ft. distance between Terminator and KVM
switch
Upgrades
•
•
•
Upgrades are available on FTP site at no additional charge
Flash upgradeable
TFTP support for network boot
Part Numbers:
ATP4016 AlterPath™ KVM16
16-port switch
ATP4032 AlterPath™ KVM32
32-port switch
ATP4610 AlterPath™ KVM Terminator, PS/2
Server-side Unit, PS/2
ATP4620 AlterPath™ KVM Terminator, Sun USB
Server-side Unit, Sun USB
ATP4630 AlterPath™ KVM Terminator, PC USB
Server-side Unit, PC USB
ATP4710 AlterPath™ KVM RP
Remote User Interface Unit
A-2
AlterPath KVM Manual
A: Technical Specifications
Hardware
CPU
•
MPC855T (PowerPC Dual-CPU @48 MHz)
Memory
•
128MB DIMM SDRAM / 16MB Compact Flash
Interfaces
•
•
•
•
•
•
1 Ethernet 10/100BT on RJ-45
1 RS-232 Console on RJ-45
1 RS-232 Auxiliary Port on RJ-45
16 or 32 RJ-45 KVM Ports (CAT5-based)
1 VGA HD15 female and 2 MiniDIN6 (PS/2)
1 RJ-45 User Interface (CAT5-based)
Power
•
Internal 100-240V~, 50/60 Hz, 0.5A
Operating Temperature
•
32°F to 122°F (0°C to 50°C)
Storage Temperature
•
-40°F to 185°F (-40°C to 85°C)
Humidity
•
5% to 90% non-condensating
Dimensions (WxDxH)
•
17 x 9.5 x 1.75 in (43.18 x 24.13 x 4.45 cm)
Certification FCC Part 15, A
•
EN55022, A (CE)
AlterPath KVM Manual
A-3
A: Technical Specifications
A-4
AlterPath KVM Manual
Glossary
Glossary
3DES
Derived from DES which is an acronym for Data Encryption
Standard. DES was originally developed by IBM as Lucifer
in the early 1970's. The NSA and NIST used a modified
version of Lucifer and named it DES. DES was adopted as
the federal standard in 1976 (FIPS (46-3) and ANSI standard
X9.32).
However, DES became vulnerable as computers got more
powerful and so NIST defined 3DES or Triple DES in 1999.
3DES uses three stages of DES so it is much more secure and
suffices for most applications currently. In 2001, NIST
replaced DES by AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). It is
hoped that AES will remain strong enough for the next 10-20
years.
Advantages of 3DES:
It is easy to implement in both hardware and software
compared to other algorithms.
It is based on DES which is a very trusted cipher. DES has
been studied thoroughly for over 25 years now and is proven
to have sound basics though the keylength is too small now.
It is much faster than public key cryptography methods like
the RSA method. (Source: www: 3DES and Encryption,
Kenneth Castelino)
Authentication
The process by which a user’s identity is checked within the
network to ensure that the user has access to the requested
resources.
Basic In/Out System
(BIOS)
Chips on the motherboard of a computer contain read only
memory instructions that are used to start up a computer. The
operating system of a PC also makes use of BIOS
instructions and settings to access hardware components such
AlterPath KVM Manual
Glossary-1
Glossary
as a disk drive. Some BIOS/CMOS settings can be set to scan
for viruses, causing problems for some installation programs.
Boot
To start a computer so that it is ready to run programs for the
user. A PC can be booted either by turning its power on,
(Cold Boot) or by pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del (Warm Boot).
CAT-5 (Category 5)
A cabling standard for use on networks at speeds up to 100
Mbits including FDDI and 100base-T. The 5 refers to the
number of turns per inch with which the cable is constructed.
Console
Terminal used to configure network devices at boot (start-up)
time. Also used to refer to the keyboard, video and mouse
user interface to a server.
DHCP
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol. A protocol for automatic TCP/IP configuration that provides static and dynamic
address allocation and management.
DHCP enables individual computers on an IP network to
extract their configurations from a server (the 'DHCP server')
or servers, in particular, servers that have no exact information about the individual computers until they request the
information. The overall purpose of this is to reduce the work
necessary to administer a large IP network. The most significant piece of information distributed in this manner is the IP
address.
Escape Sequence
A sequence of special characters that sends a command to a
device or program. Typically, an escape sequence begins with
an escape character, but this is not universally true.
An escape sequence is commonly used when the computer
and the peripheral have only a single channel in which to
send information back and forth. If the device in question is
"dumb" and can only do one thing with the information being
sent to it (for instance, print it) then there is no need for an
escape sequence. However most devices have more than one
Glossary-2
AlterPath KVM Manual
Glossary
capability, and thus need some way to tell data from commands.
Ethernet
A LAN cable-and-access protocol that uses twisted-pair or
coaxial cables and CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple
Access with Collision Detection), a method for sharing
devices over a common medium. Ethernet runs at 10 Mbps;
Fast Ethernet runs at 100 Mbps. Ethernet is the most common
type of LAN.
Flash
Flash refers to a type of memory that can be erased and
reprogrammed in units of memory known as blocks rather
than one byte at a time; thus, making updating to memory
easier.
Hot-Swap
Ability to remove and add hardware to a computer system
without powering off the system.
IP Address
A 32-bit address assigned to hosts using TCP/IP. It belongs to
one of five classes (A-E) and is expressed as 4 octets separated by periods formatted as dotted decimals. Each address
has a network number, an optional sub network number and a
host number. The first two numbers are used for routing,
while the host number addresses an individual host within the
network or sub network. A subnet mask is used to extract network and sub network information from the IP address.
IP packet filtering
This is a set of facilities in network equipment that allows the
filtering of data packets based on source/destination
addresses, protocol, TCP port number and other parameters.
Packet filtering is one of the main functions of a firewall.
IPsec
Short for IP Security Protocol, IPsec is an extended IP
protocol that provides encrypted security services. These
services enable authentication, as well as for access and
trustwothiness control. IPsec provides similar services as
SSL, but it works on a network layer. Through IPsec you can
create encrypted tunnels (VPN) or encrypt traffic between
two hosts.
AlterPath KVM Manual
Glossary-3
Glossary
Kerberos
Kerberos was created by MIT as a solution to network security problems. The Kerberos protocol uses strong cryptography so that a client can prove its identity to a server (and vice
versa) across an insecure network connection. After a client
and server has used Kerberos to prove their identity, they can
also encrypt all of their communications to assure privacy
and data integrity as they go about their business.
KVM
Keyboard, video and mouse interface to a server.
LDAP
Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. A software protocol
for enabling anyone to locate organizations, individuals, and
other resources such as files and devices in a network,
whether on the Internet or on a corporate intranet. LDAP is a
"lightweight" (smaller amount of code) version of DAP
(Directory Access Protocol), which is part of X.500, a standard for directory services in a network.
MAC
Medium Access Control. Internationally unique hardware
identification address that is assigned to the NIC (Network
Interface Card) which interfaces the node to the LAN.
Network Mask
A number used by software to separate the local subnet
address from the rest of a given Internet protocol address
Network masks divide IP addresses into two parts (network
address and address of a particular host within the network).
Mask have the same form as IP addresses (i.e.
255.255.255.0), however, its value is needed to be understood
as a 32-bit number with certain number of ones on the left
end and zeros as the rest. The mask cannot have an arbitrary
value. The primary function of a subnet mask is to define the
number of IP hosts that participate in an IP subnet.
Computers in the same IP subnet should not require a router
for network communication.
NTP
Glossary-4
Network Time Protocol. A standard for synchronizing your
system clock with the ``true time'', defined as the average of
many high-accuracy clocks around the world.
AlterPath KVM Manual
Glossary
OSD
Port
On-Screen Display.
A port is a 16-bit number (the allowed range being 1 through
65535) used by the TCP and UDP protocols at the transport
layer. Ports are used to address applications (services) that
run on a computer. If there was only a single network
application running on the computer, there would be no need
for port numbers and the IP address only would suffice for
addressing services. However, several applications may run
at once on a particular computer and we need to differentiate
among them. This is what port numbers are used for. Thus, a
port number may be seen as an address of an application
within the computer.
RADIUS
Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service) is a client/
server protocol and software that enables remote access servers to communicate with a central server to authenticate dialin users and authorize their access to the requested system or
service. RADIUS allows a company to maintain user profiles
in a central database that all remote servers can share.
SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. Specifies the format of messages that an SMTP client on one computer can use to send
electronic mail to an SMTP server on another computer.
SNMP
Short for Simple Network Management Protocol, a set of
protocols for managing complex networks. The first versions
of SNMP were developed in the early 80s. SNMP works by
sending messages, called protocol data units (PDUs), to
different parts of a network.
SNMP-compliant devices, called agents, store data about
themselves in Management Information Bases (MIBs) and
return this data to the SNMP requesters.
(Source: Webopedia)
SNMP Traps
AlterPath KVM Manual
Notifications or Event Reports are occurrences of Events in a
Managed system, sent to a list of managers configured to
receive Events for that managed system. These Event
Glossary-5
Glossary
Reports are called Traps in SNMP. The Traps provide the
value of one or more instances of management information.
Any SNMP enabled Device generates Fault Reports (Traps)
that are defined in the MIB (which the SNMP Agent has
implemented).
The Trap Definition vary with the SNMP Version (which
defines the messaging format), but the information contained
in these are essentially identical. The major difference
between the two message formats is in identifying the events.
SSH (Secure Shell)
A protocol which permits secure remote access over a network from one computer to another. SSH negotiates and
establishes an encrypted connection between an SSH client
and an SSH server.
TACACS
Terminal Access Controller Access Control System.
Authentication protocol, developed by the DDN community,
that provides remote access authentication and related services, such as event logging. User passwords are administered in a central database rather than in individual routers,
providing an easily scalable network security solution.
TACACS+
Terminal Access Controller Access Control System Plus. A
protocol that provides remote access authentication, authorization, and related accounting and logging services, used by
Cisco Systems.
Telnet
A terminal emulation program for TCP/IP networks such as
the Internet. The Telnet program runs on your computer and
Glossary-6
AlterPath KVM Manual