Avocent Cyclades ACS 6000 Service manual

CYCLADES™ ACS 6000
Installation/Administration/User Guide

FCC Warning Statement
The Cyclades ACS 6000 advanced console server has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for Class A digital devices, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the Installation and Service Manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in
which case the user is required to correct the problem at his or her own expense.
Notice about FCC Compliance for All Cyclades ACS 6000 Advanced Console
Server Models
To comply with FCC standards, the Cyclades ACS 6000 advanced console server requires
the use of a shielded CAT 5 cable for the Ethernet interface. Notice that this cable is not
supplied with either of the products and must be provided by the customer.
Canadian DOC Notice
The Cyclades ACS 6000 advanced console server does not exceed the Class A limits for
radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of
the Canadian Department of Communications.
L’Cyclades ACS 6000 advanced console server n’émete pas de bruits radioélectriques
dépassant les limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans
le règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique edicté par le Ministère des Communications du
Canada.
Safety and EMC Approvals and Markings
FCC Class A (USA), CE Class A (EU), ICES-003 (Canada), VCCI (Japan), C-Tick (Australia),
A-Tick (Australia, with internal modem), UL 60950-1 (USA), cUL (Canada), EN-60950-1
(EU), CB, KCC (Korea), GS, GOSTR (Russia)
This product contains certain free and/or open source components. To request an open
source software kit for the open source components used in this product, please complete at
FOSS Request Form at http://www.avocent.com/x_For_The_User/Policies/Open_Source_
Policy.aspx.

Cyclades™ ACS6000
Console Server
Installation/Administration/User Guide
Avocent, the Avocent logo, The Power of Being There, DSView and Cyclades are
trademarks or registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates in the
U.S. and other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective
owners. Internet Explorer and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Firefox is a registered
trademark of Mozilla Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Linux is the registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States and other
countries. Sentry is a trademark of Server Technology Inc. Cisco is the registered
trademark of Cisco Technology Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
HyperTerminal is the registered trademark of Hilgraeve Inc. in the United States
and/or other countries. Java is the registered trademark of Oracle America, Inc. in
the United States and/or other countries.
© 2011 Avocent Corporation.
590-767-501E

Symbols Used
NOTE: The following symbols may appear within the documentation or on the appliance.
Instructions
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Dangerous Voltage
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous
voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
Power On
This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the on position.
Power Off
This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the off position.
Protective Grounding Terminal
This symbol indicates a terminal which must be connected to earth ground prior to
making any other connections to the equipment.
Functional Earthing Terminal
This symbol indicates a terminal which serves the purpose of establishing chassis
ground equal potential.

T A B L E  OF  C O N T E N T S
Introduction 1
Features and Benefits 1
Access options 1
Web manager 2
IPv4 and IPv6 support 2
Flexible users and groups 3
Security 3
Authentication 3
VPN based on IPSec with NAT traversal 3
Packet filtering 4
SNMP 4
Data logging, notifications, alarms and data buffering 4
Power management 4
Auto discovery 4
FIPS module 5
Configuration Example 5
Installation 7
Getting Started 7
Supplied with the console server 7
Additional items needed 7
Rack Mounting 8
Connecting the Hardware 8
Console server connectors 8
Connecting device consoles or modems to serial ports 10
Turning On the Console Server 12
Configuring a Console Server 14
Using Telnet or SSH 14
Pluggable Devices Installation and Configuration 16
Accessing the Console Server via the Web Manager 19
Web Manager Overview for Administrators 19
ii

Wizard Mode 20
Expert Mode 23
Access 23
System Tools 24
System 24
Security 24
Bootp Configuration Retrieval 26
Date and Time 27
Help and Language 28
General 28
Boot Configuration 29
Information 29
Usage 30
Network 30
Settings 30
Devices 30
IPv4 and IPv6 static routes 31
Hosts 31
Firewall 32
IPSec(VPN) 34
SNMP Configuration 35
Ports 36
Serial ports 36
Auxiliary ports 44
CAS Profile 45
Dial-in Profile 48
Pluggable Devices 50
Authentication 50
Appliance authentication 51
Authentication servers 51
iii Cyclades™ ACS 6000 Advanced Console Server Installation/Administration/User Guide

Users Accounts and User Groups 53
Local accounts 54
User groups 55
Event Notifications 62
Event List 62
Event Destinations 62
Data Buffering 63
Appliance logging 64
Sensors 64
Power Management 65
PDUs 65
Login 67
Outlet Groups 67
Active Sessions 68
Monitoring 68
Change Password 69
Web Manager Overview for Regular Users 69
Appendix A: Technical Specifications 73
Appendix B: Recovering a Console Server's Password 75
Appendix C: Port Information for Communication with the DSView 3 Software 76
Appendix D: Accessing a Console Server with a DSView 3 Software Installation
via Dial-up 77
Appendix E: Internal Modem 80
Appendix F: Technical Support 91
Table of Contentsiv

vCyclades™ ACS 6000 Advanced Console Server Installation/Administration/User Guide

Introduction
1
1
The Cyclades™ ACS 6000 advanced console server is a 1U appliance that serves as a single
point for access and administration of connected devices, such as target device consoles, modems
and power devices. Console servers support secure remote data center management and out-of-
band management of IT assets from any location worldwide.
NOTE: Unless noted, references to a console server refer to all models in the 60XX series.
Console servers provide secure local (console port) and remote (IP and dial-up) access. The
console servers run the Linux®operating system with a persistent file system in Flash memory,
and can be upgraded from either FTP or a DSView™3 management software server.
Multiple administrators can be logged into the console server at the same time and can use the
web manager, the Command Line Interface (CLI utility) or DSView 3 software (version 3.6.0.152
and greater) to access and configure the console server.
Two PC card/slots support modem (V.92 and Wireless GSM/CDMA), Ethernet, fast Ethernet
(fiber optic) and storage PC cards (16 bit and 32 bit). One USB port supports modem (V.92 and
Wireless GSM/CDMA), storage devices and USB hubs. Two fast Ethernet ports support
connections to more than one network or configuration of Ethernet bonding (failover) for
redundancy and greater reliability. For dial-in and secure dial-back with Point-to-Point Protocol
(PPP), optional internal modems can be factory installed, or you can use external modems or
wireless modem CardBus devices.
Features and Benefits
Access options
Secure access is available through the following local (analog console port) and remote (digital
IP and dial-up) options:
• LAN/WAN IP network connection.

• Dial-up to a factory-configured internal modem (optional), a modem connected either to a
serial port or the AUX port (which is only possible when an internal modem is not
installed), or to a PC phone card (modem, GSM or CDMA) installed in one of the PC card
slots or in the USB port.
• Target device connection. An authorized user can make a Telnet, SSH v1, SSH v2 or Raw
connection to a target device. For Telnet or SSH to be used for target device connections,
the Telnet or SSH service must be configured in the Security Profile that is in effect.
• Console server console connection. An administrator can log in either from a local terminal
or from a computer with a terminal emulation program that is connected to the console port
and can use the CLI utility. The CLI utility prompt (--|- cli>) displays at login.
More than one administrator can log into the console server and have an active CLI or web
manager session. All sessions receive the following warning message when the configuration is
changed by another administrator or by the system: The appliance configuration has been
altered from outside of your session. Upon receipt of this message, each administrator needs to
verify that changes made during the session were saved.
Web manager
Users and administrators can perform most tasks through the web manager (accessed with HTTP
or HTTPS). The web manager runs in Internet Explorer®6.0 and 7.0, and Firefox®2 and 3 on
any supported computer that has network access to the console server.
An administrator can use the web manager to create user accounts, authorize groups and
configure security and ports. Authorized users can access connected devices through the web
manager to troubleshoot, maintain, cycle power, reboot connected devices and change their
password. For more information on the web manager, see Chapter 3.
IPv4 and IPv6 support
The console server supports dual stack IPv4 and IPv6 protocols. The administrator can use the
web manager or CLI to configure support for IPv4 addresses only or for both IPv4 and IPv6
addresses. The following list describes the IPv6 support provided in the console server:
• DHCP
• Dial-in sessions (PPP links)
• DSView software integration
• eth0 and eth1 Ethernet interfaces
• Firewall (IP tables)
• HTTP/HTTPs
2Cyclades™ ACS 6000 Advanced Console Server Installation/Administration/User Guide

• Linux kernel
• Remote authentication: Radius, Tacacs+, LDAP and Kerberos servers
• SNMP
• SSH and Telnet access
• Syslog server
NOTE: Remote authentication NFS, NIS and IPSec are not supported with IPv6.
Flexible users and groups
An account can be defined for each user on the console server or on an authentication server.
The admin and root users have accounts by default, and either can add and configure other user
accounts. Access to ports can be optionally restricted based on authorizations an administrator
can assign to custom user groups. For more information, see Users Accounts and User Groups
on page 53.
Security
Security profiles determine which network services are enabled on the console server.
Administrators can either allow all users to access enabled ports or allow the configuration of
group authorizations to restrict access. You can also select a security profile, which defines
which services (FTP, ICMP, IPSec and Telnet) are enabled and SSH and HTTP/HTTPS access.
The administrator can select either a preconfigured security profile or create a custom profile.
For more information, see Security on page 24.
Authentication
Authentication can be performed locally, with One Time Passwords (OTP), a remote Kerberos,
LDAP, NIS, RADIUS, TACACS+ authentication server or a DSView 3 server. The console
server also supports remote group authorizations for the LDAP, RADIUS and TACACS+
authentication methods. Fallback mechanisms are also available.
Any authentication method configured for the console server or the ports is used for
authentication of any user who attempts to log in through Telnet, SSH or the web manager. For
more information, see Authentication on page 50.
VPN based on IPSec with NAT traversal
If IPSec is enabled in the selected security profile, an administrator can use the VPN feature to
enable secure connections. IPSec encryption with optional NAT traversal (which is configured
by default) creates a secure tunnel for dedicated communications between the console server
Chapter 1: Introduction 3

and other computers that have IPSec installed. ESP and AH authentication protocols, RSA
Public Keys and Shared Secret aresupported. For more information, see IPSec(VPN) on page 34.
Packet filtering
An administrator can configure a console server to filter packets like a firewall. Packet filtering
is controlled by chains, which are named profiles with user-defined rules. The console server
filter table contains a number of built-in chains that can be modified but not deleted. An
administrator can also create and configure new chains.
SNMP
If SNMP is enabled in the selected security profile, an administrator can configure the Simple
Network Management Protocol (SNMP) agent on the console server to answer requests sent by
an SNMP management application.
The console server SNMP agent supports SNMP v1/v2 and v3, MIB-II and Enterprise MIB. For
more information, see SNMP Configuration on page 35.
NOTE: The text files with the Enterprise MIB (ACS6000-MIB.asn) and the TRAP MIB (ACS6000-TRAP-MIB.asn)
are available in the appliance under the /usr/local/mibs directory.
Data logging, notifications, alarms and data buffering
An administrator can set up data logging, notifications and alarms to alert administrators of
problems with email, SMS, SNMP trap or DSView 3 software notifications. An administrator
can also store buffered data locally, remotely or with DSView 3 management software.
Messages about the console server and connected servers or devices can also be sent to syslog
servers.
Power management
The console server enables users who are authorized for power management to turn power on,
turn power off and reset devices plugged into a connected power distribution unit (PDU). The
power devices can be connected to any serial port or to the AUX/Modem port (if an internal
modem is not installed). For more information, see Power Management on page 65
Auto discovery
An administrator can enable auto discovery to find the hostname of a target connected to a
serial port. Auto discovery’s default probe and answer strings have a broad range. An
administrator can configure site-specific probe and answer strings. Auto discovery can also be
configured through the DSView 3 software.
4Cyclades™ ACS 6000 Advanced Console Server Installation/Administration/User Guide

FIPS module
The 140 series of Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) are U.S. government
computer security standards that specify requirements for cryptography modules.
The console server uses an embedded FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic module (Certificate
No. 1051)running on a Linux PPCplatform per FIPS 140-2 Implementation Guidance section
G.5 guidelines. For more information, see FIPS module on page 25.
Configuration Example
The following graphic and table illustrate a typical ACS 6000 console server configuration.
Figure 1.1: Typical ACS 6000 Advanced Console Server Configuration
Chapter 1: Introduction 5

Number Description Number Description
1 ACS 6000 advanced console server 8 Phone line
2 Target devices 9 Remote dial-in client
3 PDU (one or more) 10 Local Area Network (LAN)
4 Serial port connection 11 LAN firewall
5 PC card (modem, Ethernet or storage) 12 Remote authentication server
6 Either AUX/Modem or any serial port 13 DSView client/server
7
Modem ordered and configured internally at the factory -
or- External modem (on a device in one of the PC card
slots or USB port, or connected to a serial port or the AUX
port)
14 Remote/local Windows/Linux
computer
Table 1.1: Typical ACS 6000 Advanced Console Server Configuration Descriptions
6Cyclades™ ACS 6000 Advanced Console Server Installation/Administration/User Guide

Installation
2
7
Getting Started
Before installing your ACS 6000 console server, refer to the following list to ensure you have all
items that shipped with it , as well as other items necessary for proper installation.
Supplied with the console server
• Quick InstallationGuide (QIG)
• Power Cord
• RJ-45 to RJ-45 straight-through CAT 5cable
• RJ-45 to DB-9F cross adaptor
• DB-25 loop-back plug
• RJ-45 to DB-25M cross adaptor
• RJ-45 to DB-25F cross adaptor
• RJ-45 to DM-25M straight-through cable
• Mounting brackets, screws and cord retention clips
• Keyhole mounting kit
• Software License Agreement
• Safety Sheet
Additional items needed
If you are configuring the console server in a standalone configuration, you will also need the
following items:
• One or more RJ-45 to RJ-45 CAT 5 straight-through cables
• An RJ-45 to DB-9F straight-through adaptor

• A PC running a terminal emulation program
Rack Mounting
You can mount the console server in a rack or cabinet, or place it on a desktop or other flat
surface. For rack or cabinet mounting, two mounting brackets are supplied.
To rack mount a console server:
1. Install the brackets at the front or back edges of the console server with the screws
provided with the mounting kit.
2. Mount the console server in a secure position.
Figure 2.1: Bracket Connections for Front Mount Configuration
Connecting the Hardware
Console server connectors
The following figure shows the connectors on the front of the ACS 6000 console server.
8Cyclades™ ACS 6000 Advanced Console Server Installation/Administration/User Guide

Figure 2.2: Front of the Console Server (ACS 6032 Console Server Shown)
Number Description
1 USB connector.
2 LEDs.
3 PC card slots.
Table 2.1: Connectors on the Console Server Front
Label Description
PWR/CPU
Blue
• Blinks - During unit boot
• Solid - During operation
• Off - Power is off
ETH 0/ETH 1
• Amber - Link at 10BaseT speed
• Yellow - Link at 100BaseT speed
• Green - Link at 1000BaseT speed
• Off - No link/cable disconnected/Ethernet
fault
Table 2.2: LEDs on the Console Server Front
Chapter 2: Installation 9

Label Description
AUX/MODEM
Dual LED: Yellow on top, green on bottom
• Yellow - DTR/DCD activity
• Green - TXD and RXD activity
• Off - No activity
[One LED for each serial port]
Green
• Blinks - Ready, with activity
• Solid - Ready
• Off - Not ready
The following figure shows the rear connectors on the console server.
Figure 2.3: Rear of the Console Server (ACS 6032 Console Server Shown)
Number Description
1 Power supplies (dual AC shown).
2 Serial ports (32 ports shown). Models come with 4, 8, 16, 32 or 48 serial ports.
3 ETH 1 10/100M/1G Ethernet port. Can be connected to a second network or used for failover.
4
AUX/Modem port. If an optional internal modem is ordered, this port is defined as a V.92
modem at the factory; otherwise, the port is factory-defined as RS-232 with an RJ-45 ACS con-
sole server pinout and can be used to connect either an external modem or a power device.
5 ETH0 10/100M/1G Ethernet port for remote IP access.
6Console port. Allows for local administration and access to connected devices through a ter-
minal or a computer with a terminal emulator.
Table 2.3: Connectors on the Console Server Rear
Connecting device consoles or modems to serial ports
Use CAT 5 or greater cables and DB-9 or DB-25 console adaptors as needed to connect target
device consoles or modems to the serial ports on the console server.
The console server supports the Cisco®serial port pinout configuration, which is disabled by
default. If a Cisco cable is connected to a port, an administrator must enable the Cisco pinout
10 Cyclades™ ACS 6000 Advanced Console Server Installation/Administration/User Guide

for the port. An administrator can select Expert - Ports - Serial Ports - (SetCAS or SetPower) -
Physical to open the Physical Settings screen, then check Enable Cisco RJ Pin-Out.
The following tables show serial port pinout information.
Pin No. Signal Name Input/Output
1 RTS OUT
2 DTR OUT
3 TxD OUT
4 GND N/A
5 CTS IN
6 RxD IN
7 DCD/DSR IN
8 Not Used N/A
Table 2.4: ACS Console Server Serial Port
Pinout
Pin No. Signal Name Input/Output
1 CTS IN
2 DCD/DSR IN
3 RxD IN
4 GND N/A
5 Not Used N/A
6 TxD OUT
7 DTR OUT
8 RTS OUT
Table 2.5: Cisco Serial Port Pinout
To connect devices, modems and PDUs to serial ports:
Make sure the crossover cable used to connect a device has the same pinout type that is
configured in the software for the port (either Cyclades or Cisco).
Chapter 2: Installation 11

1. Make sure the devices to be connected are turned off.
2. Use CAT 5 or greater crossover cables to connect the devices to the console server, using
an adaptor, if necessary.
3. To connect modems, use straight-through CAT 5 or greater cables, with an appropriate
connector or adaptor (USB, DB-9 or DB-25) for the modem.
NOTE: To comply with EMC requirements, use shielded cables for all port connections.
WARNING: Do not turn on the power on the connected devices until after the console server is turned on.
To daisy chain PDUs to a console server:
This procedure assumes that you have one PDU connected to a serial port on a console server.
NOTE: Daisy chaining is not possible with SPC PDUs. ServerTech PDUs will allow only one level (Master and
Slave) of daisy chaining.
1. Connect one end of a UTP cable with RJ-45 connectors to the OUT port of the connected
PDU.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the IN port of the chained PDU. Repeat both steps
until you have connected the desired number of PDUs.
NOTE: For performance reasons, Avocent recommends connecting no more than 128 outlets per serial port.
Turning On the Console Server
The console server is supplied with single or dual AC or DC power supplies.
WARNING: Always execute the shutdown command through the web manager, CLI or DSView 3 software under
the Overview/Tools node before turning the console server off, then on again. This will ensure the reset doesn't
occur while the file system in Flash is being accessed, and it helps avoiding Flash memory corruptions.
To turn on a console server with AC power:
1. Make sure the console server is turned off.
2. Plug the power cable into the console server and into a power source.
3. Turn the console server on.
4. Turn on the power switches of the connected devices.
To turn on a console server with DC power:
DC power is connected to DC-powered console servers by way of three wires: Return (RTN),
Ground (GND) and -48 VDC.
12 Cyclades™ ACS 6000 Advanced Console Server Installation/Administration/User Guide