Avocent CPS1610 Installation and maintenance instructions

CPS810
CPS1610
Installer/User Guide
CPS

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 OFF
This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the off position.
POWER ON
This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the on 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.
This document is written for use with the CPS application version 2.1.

Avocent, the Avocent logo, The Power of Being There, CPS,
DSView and AVWorks are trademarks or registered trademarks
of Avocent Corporation. All other marks are the property of their
respective owners.
© 2003 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved.
CPS
Installer/User Guide

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, 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 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 Notification
Agency Approvals
UL 1950, CSA C22.2 No. 950, EN60950, IEC 950
FCC part 15A, EN55022, EN610003-2, EN610003-3, EN5502

Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Product Overview
Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration
Hardware Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installing the CPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Configuring the CPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Reinitializing the CPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Chapter 3: Operations
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Configuring Serial Port Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Connecting to Serial Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Managing User Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Using Authentication and Encryption . . . . . . . . . . 31
Using Security Lock-out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Managing the Port History Buffer . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Managing SNMP Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Chapter 4: Using CPS Commands
Accessing the CLI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Entering Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Understanding Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Command Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Chapter 5: CPS Commands
Connect Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Disconnect Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Help Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Port Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Quit Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Resume Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Server Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Show Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
SPC Command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
User Commands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Appendices
Appendix A: Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . 85
Appendix B: Device Cabling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Appendix C: Ports Used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Appendix D: Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Contents
Features and Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1
Product Overview

Chapter 1: Product Overview 3
Chapter 1: Product Overview
Features and Benefits
Overview
The CPS is a serial over IP network appliance that provides non-blocked
access and control for multiplatform servers and serial devices such as routers,
power management devices and firewalls. This includes Avocent SPC power
distribution units that provide advanced power management and security.
You may connect up to 8 serial devices to a CPS810, and 16 serial devices to
a CPS1610. A single 10/100 Ethernet port provides network connectivity on
each CPS. Two CPS appliances may be mounted in 1U of vertical space in a
standard 19 inch rack.
Figure 1.1: CPS Model 1610
Serial device access options
You may choose from among several available Telnet options to access the CPS
and its attached serial devices:
• The proprietary DS family of access and management interfaces, includ-
ing DSAdmin, DSAuth and DSView™, which offers a built-in enhanced
Telnet client
• Third-party Telnet clients
Access to attached serial devices is also possible via a serial Command Line
Interface (CLI) connection, a PPP (Point to Point Protocol) dial-in connection to
a serial CLI modem or from a third-party SSH client.
User authentication and data security
The CPS user database supports up to 64 user accounts, which include
usernames, passwords and/or keys, plus specifications of access rights to CPS
ports and commands. User definitions may be changed at any time. You may
choose to have user access authenticated locally at the CPS user database, at
one or more DS authentication servers or at one or more RADIUS (Remote
Access Dial-In User Service) servers. Data security may be enhanced via
industry-standard Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and SSH encryption methods.

4CPS Installer/User Guide
Extensive command set
The CPS offers a wide range of commands that allow administrators to
easily configure, control and display information about the CPS operating
environment, including its ports, user accounts and active sessions. The user
interface also offers descriptive error message data and built-in command help
information. On-board Trivial File Transfer Protocol (TFTP) support allows
administrators to upload new functionality to CPS units in the field.
Port history
Each CPS port has a buffer that holds the most recent 64K bytes of online and
offline serial data. A separate history command mode lets you navigate within
a port’s current history file and conduct tailored searches.
Safety Precautions
To avoid potential device problems when using Avocent products, if the building
has 3-phase AC power, ensure that a computer and its monitor (if used) are on
the same phase. For best results, they should be on the same circuit.
To avoid potentially fatal shock hazard and possible damage to equipment,
please observe the following precautions:
• Do not use a 2-wire extension cord in any Avocent product configuration.
• Test AC outlets at the computer and monitor (if used) for proper polarity
and grounding.
• Use only with grounded outlets at both the computer and monitor. When
using a backup Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), power the computer,
the monitor and the CPS unit off the supply.
NOTE: The AC inlet is the main disconnect.
Rack mount safety considerations
• Elevated Ambient Temperature: If installed in a closed rack assembly, the
operation temperature of the rack environment may be greater than room
ambient. Use care not to exceed the rated maximum ambient temperature
of the unit.
• Reduced Airflow: Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such
that the amount of airflow required for safe operation of the equipment is
not compromised.
• Mechanical Loading: Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be
such that a hazardous condition is not achieved due to uneven
mechanical loading.

Chapter 1: Product Overview 5
• Circuit Overloading: Consideration should be given to the connection
of the equipment to the supply circuit and the effect that overloading of
circuits might have on overcurrent protection and supply wiring. Consider
equipment nameplate ratings for maximum current.
• Reliable Earthing: Reliable earthing of rack mounted equipment should
be maintained. Pay particular attention to supply connections other than
direct connections to the branch circuit (for example, use of power strips).

6CPS Installer/User Guide

Contents
Hardware Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Installing the CPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Configuring the CPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Reinitializing the CPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2
Installation and
Configuration

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 9
Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration
Hardware Overview
Figure 2.1 shows the front panel of a CPS1610.
Figure 2.1: CPS1610 Front Panel
The lower left area of the front panel contains five LEDs and two buttons,
which are described in the following table.
CPS LEDs and Buttons
LED/Button Description
POWER The POWER LED illuminates when the CPS is connected to a
power source.
ONLINE The ONLINE LED illuminates steadily (not blinking) when the CPS
self-test and initialization procedures complete successfully.
LINK The LINK LED illuminates when the CPS establishes a connection
to the network.
TRAFFIC The TRAFFIC LED blinks when there is network traffic.
100MBps The 100MBps LED illuminates when the CPS is connected to a 100
MBps LAN.
RESET The RESET button, when pressed, reboots the CPS.
INIT The INIT button, when pressed, restores the CPS to factory defaults;
for more information, see Reinitializing the CPS in this chapter.
As shown in Figure 2.2, the back of the CPS contains 8 (CPS810) or 16
(CPS1610) RJ-45 connectors for serial cabling, a LAN connector for a 10BaseT
or 100BaseT interface cable and a power receptacle.
Figure 2.2: CPS1610 Back Panel

10 CPS Installer/User Guide
Installing the CPS
See Appendix B for device cabling information.
WARNING: The power outlet should be installed near the equipment and should be
easily accessible.
To install the CPS hardware:
1. Locate the CPS where you can connect cables between the serial devices
and the CPS serial ports, and where you can connect a LAN interface
cable between the Ethernet hub or switch and the CPS LAN connector.
If you are using a CPS rack mount kit, follow the instructions included
with the kit.
2. Attach a 10BaseT or 100BaseT LAN interface cable to the LAN connector on
the back of the CPS. The CPS requires a CAT 5 cable for 100BaseT operation.
3. Insert the power cord into the back of the CPS. Insert the other end of the
power cord into a grounded electrical receptacle.
4. Check that the POWER LED is illuminated. If not, check the power cable
to ensure that it is inserted snugly into the back of the CPS. The ONLINE
LED will illuminate within one minute to indicate that the CPS self-test is
complete. If the ONLINE LED blinks, contact Avocent Technical Support
for assistance.
5. Check that the LINK LED is also illuminated. If not, check the Ethernet
cable to ensure that both ends are correctly inserted into their jacks. If the
CPS is not correctly connected to an Ethernet hub or switch, you will not
be able to configure the CPS for operation. If the CPS is connected to a 100
MB Ethernet hub, the 10 0M Bps LED will also be illuminated.
6. Once the POWER, ONLINE and LINK LEDs are illuminated, remove
power from the CPS and proceed with the configuration process.
WARNING: The CPS and all attached devices should be powered down before servicing the
unit. Always disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.
Configuring the CPS
To configure the CPS, you must enter a unique IP address and the network’s
subnet mask. This information will be stored in the CPS configuration
database. During initial login, you will specify a password for the Admin user.

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 11
Configuring the IP address and subnet mask
You may use any of three methods to configure the CPS IP address and subnet
mask: BootP, Telnet Command Line Interface (CLI) or the serial CLI on port 1.
These methods work as documented on most Windows® and UNIX systems;
however, the actual implementation on your system may differ from the
instructions provided. Refer to your system administrator guide.
To configure the IP address and subnet mask using BootP:
1. Ensure that there is a BootP server on your network that is configured
to correctly respond to a BootP request from the CPS. BootP servers
require the Ethernet MAC address of network devices. The CPS Ethernet
MAC address is located on the back panel above the LAN connector.
See your BootP server’s system administrator guide for information about
configuring the BootP server.
2. After you have configured your network’s BootP server with the CPS
Ethernet MAC address, IP address and subnet mask, restore power to the
CPS and wait for the ONLINE LED to illuminate. Once this occurs, the
CPS has completed the BootP protocol, obtained its IP address and subnet
mask and stored these in FLASH.
3. You may verify that the BootP process was successful with a ping command,
which tests network connectivity. The ping command is entered as:
ping <ip_address>
For example, the following command tests the network connectivity of a
CPS with the IP address 192.168.0.5.
ping 192.168.0.5
4. If the CPS completes the BootP successfully, you will see a display similar
to the following.
Pinging 192.168.0.5 with 32 bytes of data:
Reply from 192.168.0.5: bytes=32 time<10ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.0.5: bytes=32 time<10ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.0.5: bytes=32 time<10ms TTL=128
Reply from 192.168.0.5: bytes=32 time<10ms TTL=128
If the CPS did not successfully obtain its IP address with the BootP
protocol, you will see a display similar to the following.
Pinging 192.168.0.5 with 32 bytes of data:
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
Request timed out.
In this case, check the MAC address and IP address provided to the BootP
server to confirm they are correct. Verify that the Ethernet LAN adaptor
cable is correctly installed on the CPS and the Ethernet hub.

12 CPS Installer/User Guide
After the IP address is configured successfully, launch a Telnet session to the
CPS IP address. Then, see Initial CPS login in this chapter.
To configure the IP address and subnet mask using a Telnet CLI:
1. Ensure that your server or workstation has a Telnet client and is located on
the same LAN segment as the CPS.
2. Use the arp command to update the server or workstation with the CPS
IP address and Ethernet MAC address. The CPS Ethernet MAC address is
located on the back panel above the LAN connector. The arp command
is entered as:
arp -s <ip_address> <mac_address>
For example, the following command assigns the IP address 192.168.0.5
and the Ethernet MAC address 00-80-7d-54-01-54 to the CPS.
arp -s 192.168.0.5 00-80-7d-54-01-54
On a UNIX platform, the MAC address may require colons (:) instead of
dashes (-), for example, 00:80:7d:54:01:54.
3. You may verify that you entered the information correctly by using an arp
command with the -a option.
arp -a
This command shows all arp entries for the server or workstation. See
your system administrator guide if you need additional help with the
arp command.
4. After the above arp command is entered correctly, launch a Telnet client to
the assigned IP address. Then, continue with Initial CPS login in this chapter.
To configure the CPS using the serial CLI:
1. By factory default, port 1 of the CPS is configured for the serial CLI. To
access the serial CLI, attach a compatible device to port 1. The compatible
device types are: ASCII, VT52, VT100, VT102, VT220 and VT320.
Appendix B lists the required cables and adaptors. You may also use any
terminal emulation program that is available on your system.
2. Configure your terminal or terminal emulation program as follows.
Baud rate 9600
Bits per character 8
Parity None
Stop bits 1
Flow control None
3. Press the Return or Enter key until a prompt appears, requesting your
username. If you do not receive a prompt after pressing the key five times,
check your cable and serial settings to be sure that they are correct.

Chapter 2: Installation and Configuration 13
4. Proceed to Initial CPS login in this chapter.
After you complete the CPS configuration, you may reconfigure the CLI on
another port or disable it completely and use port 1 with an attached device.
For more information, see Connecting to devices from the serial CLI port in
Chapter 3.
Initial CPS login
The CPS ships with a single user defined in its user database. The first time you
connect to the CPS via Telnet or serial CLI, you are prompted for a username.
To log in to the CPS for the first time:
1. At the Username prompt, type Admin. There is no factory default
password for the Admin user. At the Password prompt, press Return.
Avocent CPS1610 S/W Version 2.1 (ASCII)
Username: Admin
Password:
Authentication Complete
CPS configuration is required.
2. Once authentication completes, the CPS prompts for any missing
configuration values that are required for operation.
If you already provided the IP address and subnet mask, you will not be
prompted for those values again.
If you have not already provided the IP address and subnet mask, you will
be prompted for them. Enter the CPS IP address and subnet mask using
standard dot notation.
CPS configuration is required
Enter CPS IP address > 192.168.0.5
Enter CPS Subnet mask > 255.255.255.0
3. You are prompted for a new Admin password. Passwords are case
sensitive and must contain 3-16 alphanumeric characters. You must enter
the new password twice to confirm that you entered it correctly.
Enter CPS New Admin Password > *****
Confirm New Admin Password > *****
After you have provided the required configuration information, a
confirmation message appears while the CPS stores the values in its
configuration database.
You have now completed the initial login, and you may enter additional
commands at the CLI prompt (>). To configure other CPS ports, see
Configuring Serial Port Settings in Chapter 3.

14 CPS Installer/User Guide
Reinitializing the CPS
Reinitializing the CPS removes configured information. This may be useful
when reinstalling the CPS at another location in your network.
The CPS stores configuration information in FLASH databases. During
reinitialization, the FLASH erase has two phases. The first phase erases the
CPS configuration database, which contains all nonvolatile data except the IP
address. The second phase erases the IP address and restores the CPS to its
factory default settings.
To reinitialize the CPS:
1. Locate the recessed INIT button on the front of the CPS. You will need a
non-conductive, non-metallic tool that fits inside the recess.
2. Insert the tool in the recess, then depress and hold the button. The
ONLINE LED will blink, indicating a CPS initialization has been
requested. You have approximately seven seconds to release the button
before any action is taken.
After seven seconds, the ONLINE LED will blink more rapidly to confirm
that the CPS configuration database has been erased. Continuing to hold
the INIT button for a few more seconds will erase the IP address as well.
The ONLINE LED will blink faster to confirm the deletion.
If any portion of FLASH is erased, the CPS reboots when the INIT button is released.
You can also use the Server FLASH command to update the CPS FLASH
application or boot program. For more information, see Server FLASH
command in Chapter 5.