Avocent AMWorks Installation and maintenance instructions

Installer/User Guide
For Technical Support:
Avocent Corporation
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Tel: [phone]
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590-605-501C
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www.avocent.com/support
AMWorks®

USA Notification
Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursu-
ant 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 instruction 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 will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.
Canadian Notification
This digital apparatus 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.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites applicables aux
appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par le
Ministère des Communications du Canada.
Japanese Approvals
Safety and EMC Approvals and Markings
EN55022 Class A, EN55024, EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3, EN60950, FCC 47CFR Part 15 Class A, CSA
C22.2 No. 60950, IEC 60950, FCC Class A, UL 60950 3rd Edition, VCCI Class A

AMWorks®
Installer/User Guide
Avocent, the Avocent logo, The Power of Being There, AMX,
AMWorks, OSCAR, AutoView, DSR, OutLook, SwitchView and XP
are registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates. All
other marks are the property of their respective owners.
© 2007 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved. 590-605-501C

iii
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Product Overview.......................................................................................... 1
Features and Benefits ........................................................................................................................1
Getting Started...................................................................................................................................3
Chapter 2: Installation ..................................................................................................... 5
System Requirements .........................................................................................................................5
Installing and Updating the AMWorks Software...............................................................................6
Uninstalling the AMWorks Software .................................................................................................7
Chapter 3: Basic Operations........................................................................................... 9
Launching the AMWorks Software ....................................................................................................9
Navigating the AMWorks Software....................................................................................................9
Device icons..............................................................................................................................12
Connectivity table.....................................................................................................................12
Logging Out of the AMWorks Software...........................................................................................13
Exiting the AMWorks Software........................................................................................................13
Chapter 4: Resource Switching Router ....................................................................... 15
Adding a Switching Router..............................................................................................................15
Deleting a Switching Router............................................................................................................16
Configuring a Switching Router ......................................................................................................17
Naming Router Levels and Ports.....................................................................................................17
Defining TRGs .................................................................................................................................18
Defining CRGs.................................................................................................................................20
Defining DRGs.................................................................................................................................21
Defining TRGs - Multiple Routers, Levels, I/O ...............................................................................23
Defining CRGs - Multiple Routers, Levels, I/O...............................................................................24
Defining DRGs - Multiple Routers, Levels, I/O...............................................................................25
Viewing Switching Router Information............................................................................................26
Chapter 5: Managing Multimedia.................................................................................. 27
Setting Audio and Serial for Users ..................................................................................................27
Setting Audio and Serial for Servers................................................................................................28
Setting Global Audio and Serial for Users and Servers..................................................................28
TABLE OF CONTENTS

iv AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide
Setting Audio and Serial for the Administrator ...............................................................................29
Chapter 6: Managing Users and User Groups ............................................................ 31
Adding and Removing Users............................................................................................................31
Importing Usernames ......................................................................................................................33
Editing and Viewing Users..............................................................................................................34
Viewing User Permissions...............................................................................................................35
Editing and Viewing the Administrator ...........................................................................................35
Setting Hotkeys, Target Flag and Scan Dwell Time........................................................................36
Adding and Removing User Groups................................................................................................38
Editing and Viewing User Groups...................................................................................................39
Exporting Usernames ......................................................................................................................40
Logging Out Users...........................................................................................................................40
Chapter 7: Managing Servers and Server Groups...................................................... 43
Adding and Removing Server Groups .............................................................................................43
Importing Server Names..................................................................................................................45
Editing and Viewing Servers............................................................................................................46
Editing and Viewing Server Groups................................................................................................47
Offline servers...........................................................................................................................48
Exporting Server Names..................................................................................................................48
Chapter 8: Managing AMX Switching System Devices .............................................. 49
Editing and Viewing AMX Switches ................................................................................................49
Offline matrix switches.............................................................................................................50
Dual AMX Switch Configuration.....................................................................................................50
Editing and Viewing AMX User Stations.........................................................................................51
Viewing AMIQ and AMIQDM Modules ..........................................................................................52
Viewing All Matrix Switches............................................................................................................52
Editing and Viewing MDM-Capable Devices .................................................................................53
Chapter 9: Connection Control..................................................................................... 55
Forcing a Connection......................................................................................................................55
Forcing a Disconnect.......................................................................................................................56
Configuring a Matrix.......................................................................................................................56
Follow Mode....................................................................................................................................57

Table of Contents v
Chapter 10: Managing Event Logs............................................................................... 61
Changing the Order in an Event Log Display.................................................................................61
Changing Log Properties.................................................................................................................61
Clearing the Log..............................................................................................................................62
Displaying the User Events Log ......................................................................................................62
Displaying the Server Events Log....................................................................................................63
Displaying the System Events Log...................................................................................................63
Displaying the All Events Log .........................................................................................................63
Chapter 11: System Administration Tools................................................................... 65
Adding AMX Switching System Devices..........................................................................................65
Changing the Session Time-out Value.............................................................................................66
Configuring Network Settings..........................................................................................................67
Changing the Administrator’s Password.........................................................................................67
Setting Blank Passwords..................................................................................................................68
Enabling Auto Login........................................................................................................................68
Discovering Devices ........................................................................................................................69
Displaying Connection Comparisons..............................................................................................70
Find..................................................................................................................................................71
Pinging Devices...............................................................................................................................71
Removing Offline Devices................................................................................................................72
Removing Offline Servers ................................................................................................................72
Removing Offline Switches ..............................................................................................................72
Synchronizing the System Database................................................................................................73
Updating Firmware .........................................................................................................................74
Forcing a User Login ......................................................................................................................74
Viewing Offline Devices...................................................................................................................75
Database Maintenance ....................................................................................................................75
Controlling Multiple AMX Switching Systems from the AMWorks Software..................................76
Changing network environments..............................................................................................76
Managing event logs.................................................................................................................76
Working Offline................................................................................................................................77
Chapter 12: Configuring LDAP ..................................................................................... 79
Selecting a User Authentication Option ..........................................................................................79
Setting Server Parameters for LDAP User Authentication .............................................................80

vi AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide
Setting Search and Query Parameters for LDAP User Authentication...........................................81
Appendices..................................................................................................................... 83
Appendix A: System Configuration..................................................................................................83
Appendix B: Glossary......................................................................................................................86
Appendix C: Reference ....................................................................................................................88
Appendix D: Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................95
Appendix E: Technical Support.....................................................................................................103

1
CHAPTER
1Product Overview
The AMWorks®software is a Java™-based system administration tool that enables you to easily
customize the user, server, device and security environments of your Avocent AMX®switching
system. The AMWorks software supports the management of a cross-subnet AMX switch
configuration and automatic synchronization of data through tiers.
Features and Benefits
Comprehensive system administration
The AMWorks software enables you to configure and manage all users, servers and AMX
switching system devices across networks through one easy-to-navigate interface. Using
AMWorks software, you can display user and server information and group membership, as well as
user login status and device configuration. Overall system management includes verifying device
communication, initiating software updates, removing offline devices and synchronizing databases.
Cross network discovery
Cross network discovery is the mechanism used by the AMWorks software to automatically
determine the matrix switches on the AMX switching system configuration.
Multimedia modules
The AMWorks software enables you to discover AMIQDM-PS2, AMIQDM-USB and AMIQDM-
VSN dual port/multimedia modules connected to your AMX switching system. The AMIQDM
modules provide multimedia access to attached servers and may be connected to two AMX
switches, an AMX switch and user station or two ports on the same AMX switch.
Multimedia feature
The AMWorks software provides settings for enabling and disabling the multimedia features
(audio and serial) of the AMIQDM module for users and servers individually and globally. These
features can also be set for the AMWorks software administrator.
Multilevel access to servers with password protection for each user
Each user profile supports a username and password for increased system security. User access to
each system server can be individually configured with No access, View Only or Full access rights.

2AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide
System synchronization
The AMWorks software provides enhanced system synchronization, which enables database
changes (made on the AMX user station OSCAR®graphical user interface or from the AMWorks
software) to be replicated across the entire AMX switching system in real time. This enhancement
enables the AMX switching system to maintain a synchronized state without the need for users to
perform repetitive synchronization. An overwrite option enables the pre-selected system database
to replace all existing individual databases residing on the system. A merge option combines all
existing databases, redistributes the new database across the AMX switching system and resolves
any conflicts found on the system. The Sync Status Indicator displays the system synchronization
state at a glance.
User and server groups
The AMWorks software enables you to create user groups to easily configure and manage multiple
users with identical access rights to system servers. Change user group membership and server
access rights at any time. Similarly, servers can be grouped for easy access management. Assign
users specific access rights to all grouped servers with point and click ease. Both user and server
groups allow easy viewing of group membership and characteristics.
System activity logs
The AMWorks software maintains detailed logs that record user, server and AMX switching
system events for your reference. Events may be tailored by date and time intervals, type of device
and type of event. Additionally, you may change the log’s maximum size, event capacity and
duration. Log maintenance operations include saving the event log contents to a specified location
and clearing the log.
Seamless cascading
The AMWorks software enables you to seamlessly connect to servers attached to KVM switches
cascaded below an AMX switch. The AMWorks software also enables you to change the mode of
an MDM-capable device from Multiple Device mode to Single Device mode and back.
Redundancy and scalability
The AMX5111, AMX5121 and AMX5130 user stations may be connected to two AMX matrix
switches in the same AMX switching system to allow redundancy and fault tolerance. In addition,
you may increase the number of available target devices accessed from a single AMX user station.
Firmware updates
The AMWorks software provides the Update Firmware option, enabling you to update any of the
devices in either Parallel or Sequential mode. In either mode, accurate update progress is reported
from the system and displayed in the AMWorks software.
Resource switching router
The AMWorks software allows you to automatically control the switching of input ports to output
ports on a resource switching router. This control is configurable, and based on AMX user station

Chapter 1: Product Overview 3
and server combinations. Within the AMWorks software, you can add, delete and configure one or
multiple resource switching routers. The AMWorks software supports standalone routers and
backup routers for redundancy.
LDAP user authentication
The AMWorks software enables you to configure LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol)
and/or native AMX user authentication on AMX switches in your system that support LDAP.
When AMX switches are discovered on the system, the AMWorks software will identify the LDAP
compatible AMX switches, enabling you to choose an authentication method and set server and
query/search parameters.
Getting Started
Begin your AMWorks Java-based system administration tool session by installing and/or updating
the AMWorks software. After installation, launch the AMWorks software and configure the
network before using the management features. If a switching router has been installed in the AMX
switching system, see Resource Switching Router on page 15 to add and configure the router.
For more information, see the following topics:
•Installing and Updating the AMWorks Software on page 6
•Launching the AMWorks Software on page 9
•Configuring Network Settings on page 67
NOTE: You must configure the network settings the first time the AMWorks software is installed. Once
installation is complete, you may reconfigure the networks settings at any time.
•Changing the Administrator’s Password on page 67
•Adding AMX Switching System Devices on page 65
•Discovering Devices on page 69
•Updating Firmware on page 74
•Synchronizing the System Database on page 73

4AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide

5
CHAPTER
2Installation
If you already have the AMWorks software installed, we strongly recommend that you update to
the most recent revision on your installation CD. If you are updating to the AMWorks software
revision 5.0.x.x (or later) from 4.x.x.x (or earlier), we also recommend that you update the
firmware on your AMX switches to revision 3.x.x.x (or later). The AMX switches must be at
revision 3.x.x.x or later to be fully compatible with all revisions of the AMWorks software from
5.0.x.x and later. At this time, you also should update user station and server (AMIQ module)
firmware. You may update your firmware either before or after you update the AMWorks software.
Visit http://www.avocent.com to download the AMX switching system firmware update files.
NOTE: If you are installing an earlier version of the AMWorks software, we recommend that you delete the
current database and then install the database of the desired version. Deleting the current database and
installing the new one will guarantee its proper operation.
See Updating Firmware on page 74 for instructions on updating the firmware on your
AMX switches.
System Requirements
To run AMWorks software, your PC must meet the following system requirements:
• Windows NT®with Service Pack 5.0 or higher.
• Windows®2000 with Service Pack 2.0 or higher.
• Windows Server 2003.
• Windows XP.
• For optimal performance, at least 128 MB of RAM available for AMWorks software only.
• A minimum of 100 MB hard drive space. The total amount of storage space required will vary
according to the size of the database and number of users, servers and Avocent AMX switch
equipment being used.
You must have administrator privileges to install AMWorks software.

6AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide
Installing and Updating the AMWorks Software
To install AMWorks software for the first time:
1. Place the AMWorks software installation CD into an appropriate drive and select Setup.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Launch the AMWorks software. You will be prompted to enter a password. The default
password is password. We recommend that you change the password from its default setting.
See Changing the Administrator’s Password on page 67.
4. After initial installation, follow the instructions in Configuring Network Settings on page 67.
NOTE: You must configure the network settings the first time the AMWorks software is installed. Once
installation is complete, you may reconfigure the network settings at any time.
To update from AMWorks software revision 3.0.x.x (or earlier):
1. Ensure that the correct database information is distributed across the AMX switching system
by performing a Synchronize System Database command from your existing AMWorks
software installation. Use the AMWorks software database as the database reference source.
2. Note all user and server group information (see User groups and server groups on page 93 for
more information). This upgrade will not restore current user and server group information.
3. Stop the mySql service. You must have administrator privileges to do this. If you are unsure
about this process, contact your system administrator.
4. Uninstall the existing AMWorks software installation.
5. Continue with the previous instructions provided for installing AMWorks software for the
first time.
To update from AMWorks software revision 4.x.x.x (or later):
1. Ensure that the correct database information is distributed across the system by performing a
Synchronize System Database command from your existing installation. Use the AMWorks
software database as your database source.
2. When synchronization has completed, close your version of AMWorks software.
3. Place the installation CD for your new version of AMWorks software into your CD drive, and
select Setup.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. You may install the new version of AMWorks software over
the old version, and you may choose to keep your existing database intact.
5. Proceed to the next section.
To complete the installation:
1. After updating the AMWorks software, follow the instructions in Discovering Devices on page
69 or Adding AMX Switching System Devices on page 65. If the AMWorks software exists on
the same physical network and subnet as the AMX switches, then you will only need to a

Chapter 2: Installation 7
perform a Discover Devices command, and all of your AMX switches will be automatically
discovered. If they are not automatically discovered, check that the configuration ID specified
in the Network Settings dialog box matches the configuration ID specified on all of your AMX
switches.
2. Perform a Synchronize System Database command on your newly configured system. See
Synchronizing the System Database on page 73 for more information.
a. Choose one of your AMX switches as your database source.
b. Select the Overwrite option.
c. Click the Start button.
3. Update the firmware on your AMX switches, if necessary. See Updating Firmware on page 74
for more information. After updating firmware, proceed to step 4.
NOTE: Unless firmware updates are made to AMX switches, synchronization of the system databases will not be
performed successfully.
4. If you wish to set up user groups and server groups, you may do so now.
Uninstalling the AMWorks Software
To uninstall the AMWorks software:
1. Go to the Windows Control Panel.
2. Select the Add or Remove Programs option from the Control Panel.
3. Select Avocent AMWorks.
4. Click the Change/Remove button.
5. Follow the uninstall instructions.

8AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide

9
CHAPTER
3Basic Operations
Once installed, you may begin using the AMWorks software to manage the AMX
switching system.
Launching the AMWorks Software
To launch the AMWorks software:
1. Select Start - Programs - AMWorks from the menu bar.
- or -
Click the AMWorks icon on your desktop, if available.
2. When prompted, type your password. The default is password. Click OK.
To change your password, see Changing the Administrator’s Password on page 67.
NOTE: Only one instance of the AMWorks software is permitted to run at any one time.
Navigating the AMWorks Software
The AMWorks software window is divided into several areas: the menu bar, toolbar, tree view,
display screen and synchronization status bar. The connectivity table is also displayed when
applicable. The content of these areas changes based on whether a user, server or device is selected
or what task is to be completed. The following section illustrates the AMWorks software window
and provides descriptions of each area.

A
B
C
F
D
E
10 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide
Figure 3.1: AMWorks Software Window
Table 3.1: Window Areas
Window Areas Content
A: Menu Bar
The menu bar at the top of the window contains command menus for
Admin Tools, Users, Servers, Devices, Event Logs and Help.
NOTE: The term “devices” is used in the AMWorks Java-based system
administration tool to refer to AMX switches, AMX user stations and
AMIQ modules.

Chapter 3: Basic Operations 11
NOTE: Some AMWorks software operations have equivalent functions in the OSCAR interface. If a change is
made to the same object using the AMWorks software and the OSCAR interface, the most recent change will
take precedence.
B: Group Selector Pane (Toolbar)
The toolbar contains icons that are equivalent to certain
menu commands:
• New User, Edit/View User
• New User Group, Edit/View User Group, Edit/View Server
• Add Server Groups, Edit/View Server Groups
• Edit/View User Station, Edit/View Matrix Switch, View AMIQ
Module, View All Matrix Switches
• User Event Log, Server Event Log, System Event Log
•Help
When you place the mouse pointer over a toolbar icon without selecting
it, a tool tip appears, displaying the icon name.
C: System Selector Pane
(Tree View)
The system selector pane in the left portion of the window contains icons
for user groups, users, server groups, servers, devices and offline
devices. Double-clicking an icon expands the tree view, enabling you to
view the selected information. Right-clicking certain icons displays
additional functionality.
D: Display Screen The display screen in the right portion of the window contains user, user
group, server, server group or device information, according to what has
been selected in the system selector pane.
E: Connectivity Table
When a device is selected in the system selector pane, the connectivity
table displays detailed connection information.
If an AMX5111, AMX5121 or AMX5130 user station is connected to two
AMX switches within the same AMX switching system, the connectivity
table displays the connection information for both switches.
F: Synchronization Status Bar
The status bar at the bottom-left corner of the window indicates the
AMWorks software synchronization status. The synchronization indicator
is green when the local database is synchronized with the AMX switch
databases. The synchronization indicator is red when a change has been
made to the AMWorks software, and it is no longer synchronized with the
local database.
Table 3.1: Window Areas
Window Areas Content

12 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide
Device icons
The AMX switching system and MDM devices are represented in the AMWorks software menu
bar, tree view and connectivity table by the following icons.
Table 3.2: Tree View
Device Icon Description
AMX switch
AMX user station
AMIQ/AMIQDM modules
MDM-capable AMIQ module (AMIQ module attached to a KVM switch)
MDM server (MDM servers within an AMIQ module that represent the physical
servers attached through a KVM switch)
AMIQ/AMIQDM module icons
The AMIQDM modules are represented in the AMWorks software tree view by the MDM AMIQ
module icon. The AMIQDM module is represented by only one MDM AMIQ module icon in the
AMWorks software device tree regardless of how it is physically configured. You can display
AMIQDM module connectivity information by clicking on the MDM AMIQ module icon. When
you expand the MDM AMIQ module branch in the tree view and click on the attached server
icon(s), the information panel will display the AMIQDM module name, device type and
port information.
NOTE: The AMIQDM modules in your system will not operate in Dual mode or support multimedia functionality
unless your AMX switching system is upgraded to the latest AMX switch system firmware.
Connectivity table
Connectivity information for each of the devices (matrix switches, user stations and AMIQ
modules) present in the AMX switching system is displayed in a connectivity table when a device
is selected. You may select a device by clicking the device icon in the tree view or by going to the
menu bar and choosing Admin Tools - Find.
The task bar on the connectivity table displays the number and type of connections for the input and
output ports on the selected AMX switch. See Device icons on page 12 for more information.
If an AMIQDM module is connected to two ports on the same switch, there will be two entries for
the AMIQDM module in the connectivity table for that switch. Otherwise, the connectivity table
will display a single entry for each AMIQDM module connected to the selected switch.