© Copyright 2007. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.

CHAPTER 6: How to Remotely Control the Host Computer(s)

6. How to Remotely Control the Host Computer(s)

6.1 Accessing the VNC Interface

There are three ways to communicate with the ServSwitch in order to control the host computer(s):

1. Web interface: The integrated Web server includes a Java based VNC client.

This allows easy browser-based remote control.

2. Native VNC client: There are several third-party software programs that use the standard VNC protocol, available in open source and commercial VNC clients.

3. SSH Tunnel: By default, there is a standard SSH server running on Port 22

(the standard SSH port). Once connected via SSH, the VNC traffic is tunneled through the SSH connection and encrypts the VNC session. Each method is discussed briefly in the following section. The type of encryption method or client used is not critical.

6.1.1 W

EB

I

NTERFACE

The Java based VNC client that is integrated into the ServSwitch requires a browser with cookies and JavaScript ® enabled. To start the Java VNC client, log in to the

Web configuration interface and click on the thumbnail of the desktop on the

Home screen, or follow one of the two links on that page. See Figure 6-1.

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4-, 8-, AND 16-PORT SERVSWITCH EC SERIES IP KVM SWITCH

Figure 6-1. The Home screen.

Click on one of the following options (scroll down in the Home screen to see these

Java options):

Java VNC with no encryption (faster).

Java VNC with SSL encryption (more secure).

Click on the

Refresh

button to refresh the screen.

NOTE

You may need to upgrade or download your Java (http://www.java.com) support in your browser before using the VNC screen to remotely control the host computer(s). However, most modern browsers come with a version of Java that’s compatible with this application.

The Java VNC client makes a connection back to the ServSwitch over Port 5900

(by default) or 15900, if encrypted. The encrypted connection is a standard SSL

(Secure Socket Layer) encrypted link that encrypts all data from the session, including the actual video pictures.

Because Java is considered a “safe” programming language, the Java VNC client has some limitations. Certain special keystrokes cannot be sent, such as Scroll Lock on the keyboard.

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