Avocent DSR Series DSR1021 Installation and maintenance instructions

DSR®1021/1022 Switch
Installer/User Guide
Avocent, the Avocent logo, The Power of Being There, DSR, DSView
and OSCAR are registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its
affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
©2004 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved.

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 is a residential
area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at
his/her own expense.
Japanese Approvals
Safety and EMC Standards
UL, FCC, cUL, ICES-003, CE, GS, VCCI, MIC, C-Tick, GOST

iii
List of Figures .................................................................................................................. v
List of Tables..................................................................................................................vii
Chapter 1: Product Overview.......................................................................................... 1
Features and Benefits.................................................................................................................1
Safety Precautions......................................................................................................................4
Chapter 2: Installation ..................................................................................................... 5
Installation Overview..................................................................................................................5
Getting Started............................................................................................................................7
Connecting the DSR Switch Hardware.......................................................................................8
Verifying the Connections.........................................................................................................10
Configuring DSView Software and Adjusting Mouse Settings.................................................10
Chapter 3: Local Port Operation................................................................................... 13
Controlling Your System at the Local Port ..............................................................................13
Viewing and Selecting Ports and Servers.................................................................................13
Navigating the OSCAR Interface..............................................................................................15
Configuring OSCAR Interface Menus......................................................................................17
Managing Server Tasks Using the OSCAR Interface...............................................................33
Chapter 4: Terminal Operations ................................................................................... 39
The Console Menu....................................................................................................................39
Other Console Main Menu Options..........................................................................................42
Appendices..................................................................................................................... 45
Appendix A: FLASH Upgrades.................................................................................................45
Appendix B: Using DSView Software Over a Modem Connection..........................................47
Appendix C: Using DSRIQ-SRL Modules ................................................................................48
Appendix D: UTP Cabling........................................................................................................52
Appendix E: Technical Specifications......................................................................................54
Appendix F: Sun Advanced Key Emulation..............................................................................56
Appendix G: Technical Support................................................................................................58
Index................................................................................................................................ 59
TABLE OF CONTENTS

iv DSR1021/1022 Switch Installer/User Guide

v
Figure 1.1: Example DSR1021/1022 Switch Configuration .............................................................3
Figure 1.2: The DSR1021 Switch ......................................................................................................3
Figure 1.3: The DSR1022 Switch ......................................................................................................4
Figure 2.1: Basic DSR1021 Switch Configuration............................................................................6
Figure 3.1: Main Dialog Box ..........................................................................................................13
Figure 3.2: Setup Dialog Box..........................................................................................................18
Figure 3.3: Names Dialog Box........................................................................................................19
Figure 3.4: Name Modify Dialog Box.............................................................................................20
Figure 3.5: Devices Dialog Box ......................................................................................................21
Figure 3.6: Device Modify Dialog Box ...........................................................................................22
Figure 3.7: Menu Dialog Box..........................................................................................................23
Figure 3.8: Flag Dialog Box ...........................................................................................................24
Figure 3.9: Position Flag ................................................................................................................25
Figure 3.10: Broadcast Dialog Box ................................................................................................26
Figure 3.11: Scan Dialog Box.........................................................................................................27
Figure 3.12: Commands Dialog Box...............................................................................................29
Figure 3.13: Screen Saver Dialog Box............................................................................................30
Figure 3.14: Keyboard Dialog Box.................................................................................................32
Figure 3.15: Commands Dialog Box...............................................................................................33
Figure 3.16: User Status Dialog Box ..............................................................................................34
Figure 3.17: Disconnect Dialog Box...............................................................................................35
Figure 3.18: Version Dialog Box ....................................................................................................36
Figure 3.19: DSRIQ Selection Dialog Box......................................................................................37
Figure 3.20: DSRIQ Version Dialog Box........................................................................................37
Figure 4.1: Console Main Menu......................................................................................................40
Figure 4.2: Network Configuration Menu.......................................................................................41
LIST OF FIGURES

vi DSR1021/1022 Switch Installer/User Guide

vii
Table 3.1: OSCAR Interface Status Symbols...................................................................................14
Table 3.2: OSCAR Interface Navigation Basics..............................................................................15
Table 3.3: Setup Features to Configure the OSCAR Interface........................................................17
Table 3.4: OSCAR Interface Status Flags .......................................................................................24
Table 3.5: Commands to Manage Routine Tasks for Your Target Device(s)..................................33
Table C.1: DSRIQ-SRL Module Pinouts .........................................................................................51
Table D.1: UTP Wiring Standards ..................................................................................................52
Table E.1: DSR1021/1022 Switch Product Specifications..............................................................54
Table F.1: Sun Key Emulation.........................................................................................................56
Table F.2: PS/2-to-USB Keyboard Mappings.................................................................................57
LIST OF TABLES

viii DSR1021/1022 Switch Installer/User Guide

1
CHAPTER
1Product Overview
Features and Benefits
Avocent DSR®switches combine analog and digital technology to provide flexible, centralized
control of data center servers and facilitate the OA&M (operations, activation and maintenance) of
remote branch offices where trained operators may be unavailable. They provide enterprise
customers with a significant reduction of cable volume, secure remote access and flexible server
management from anywhere at anytime.
Each DSR switch model consists of a rack mountable keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) switch,
configurable for analog (local) or digital (remote) connectivity. Video resolutions are supported
up to 1280 x 1024 for remote users. Enhanced video quality of up to 1600 x 1200 is available
to local users via the video port.
The DSR switch has user peripheral ports for PS/2 keyboards and mice and an SPC port that may
be used to connect to an SPC power control device. An SPC device is an 8- or 16-outlet device that
can be used to control the power state of any attached target devices using the DS software.
Users can access target devices across a 100BaseT LAN port that is used to establish an Ethernet
connection, or directly through a local port. Each DSR switch model includes a MODEM port
that supports V.34, V.90 or V.92-compatible modems that may be used to access the switch
when an Ethernet connection is not available.
The only significant difference between the two models described in this manual is that the
DSR1021 supports control of up to eight target devices, while the DSR1022 supports control of up
to four target devices.
The IP-based DSR switches give you flexible target device management control from anywhere in
the world.
Reduce cable bulk
With server densities continually increasing, cable bulk remains a major concern for network
administrators.The DSR switches significantly reduce KVM cable volume in the rack by utilizing
the innovative DSRIQ module and single, industry-standard Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) CAT
5 cabling. This allows a higher server density while providing greater airflow and cooling capacity.
The DSRIQ module is powered directly from the target device and provides Keep Alive
functionality when the DSR1021/1022 switch is not powered.

2DSR1021/1022 Switch Installer/User Guide
The DSRIQ-SRL (serial) module is a DCE device that provides the primary interface between a
serial device and a DSR1021/1022 switch. It provides VT100 terminal emulation, break
suppression and port history in a compact, convenient module.
Access the DSR1021/1022 switch via network connection
No special software or drivers are required on the attached, or client, computers.
NOTE: The client connects to the server housing the DSView®management software using an Internet browser.
For modem access, you must install DSR Remote Operations software included on the DSView software
CD-ROM (see the DSView Installer/User Guide for more information).
Users access the DSR1021/1022 switch and all attached systems via Ethernet or using a V.34, V.90
or V.92 modem from a client computer, such as a PC. Clients can be located anywhere a valid
network connection exists.
Simple access to any target device
When a user accesses the DSView Server software, a listing of all target devices to which the user
has permission to view and manage is displayed. When a user selects a target device from the list,
the video of the selected target device is displayed in a Video Viewer window.

Chapter 1: Product Overview 3
Figure 1.1: Example DSR1021/1022 Switch Configuration
Figure 1.2: The DSR1021 Switch
Digital User
(Computer with Internet browser)
Analog User
(OSCAR Graphical
User Interface)
DSR Switch
Modem Telephone
Network
Ethernet DSView Server
Software
Number of target devices 8
Digital paths 1
Analog user 1
DSR1021 Switch

4DSR1021/1022 Switch Installer/User Guide
Figure 1.3: The DSR1022 Switch
Safety Precautions
To avoid potential video and/or keyboard problems when using Avocent products:
• If the building has 3-phase AC power, ensure that the computer and monitor 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 power cord in any Avocent product configuration.
• Test AC outlets at the target device and monitor for proper polarity and grounding.
• Use only with grounded outlets at both the target device and monitor. When using a backup
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), power the target device, the monitor and theDSR switch from
the UPS.
NOTE: The AC inlet is the main power disconnect.
Rack mount safety considerations
• Elevated Ambient Temperature: If installed in a closed rack assembly, the operating temperature of
the rack environment may be greater than room ambient. Use care not to exceedthe rated maximum
ambient temperature of the switch.
• Reduced Air Flow: 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.
• 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).
Number of target devices 4
Digital paths 1
Analog user 1
DSR1022 Switch

5
CHAPTER
2Installation
The DSR switching system requires connectivity to a server running the DSView Server software.
DSView software allows a user to view and control target devices (one at a time) attached to the
DSR switching system. For more information on the DSView software, see the DSView
Installer/User Guide.
The DSR switching system transmits keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) information between
operators and target devices attached to the DSR switch over a network using either an Ethernet
connection or a modem connection.
The DSR1021/1022 switch uses TCP/IP for communication over Ethernet. Although 10BaseT
Ethernet may be used, Avocent recommends a dedicated, switched 100BaseT network.
The DSR1021/1022 switch uses the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) for communication over a V.34,
V.90 or V.92 modem.
Installation Overview
The general procedure for setting up and installing the DSR switch is as follows:
• Unpack the DSR switch and verify that all components are present and in good condition. See
the Getting Started section in this chapter.
• Make all hardware connections between the power source, DSR switch, target devices,
optional SPC device, the Ethernet and the optional modem connection. See the Connecting the
DSR Switch Hardware section.
• Turn on the power and verify that all connections are working. See the Verifying the
Connections section.
• If you are configuring the DSR switch using the console menu interface, do that at this point.
See Chapter 4 for more information.
• Use the DSView Server software to configure the DSR switch. See the DSView Installer/User
Guide for detailed instructions.
• Make the appropriate mouse setting adjustments. See the Adjusting mouse settings on target
devices section.

6DSR1021/1022 Switch Installer/User Guide
The following diagram illustrates one possible configuration for your DSR1021/1022 switch.
Figure 2.1: Basic DSR1021 Switch Configuration
Digital User
Server
DSR1021 Switch
Power Telephone
Network
Ethernet
Internet Connection
SETUP Port
Cord
Ethernet and/or
Modem
Server
Server
Server
DSRIQ Modules
PS/2, USB, Sun
and serial adaptors
are available
Analog User
SPC
Power Control
Device
SPC Port
Connection
KVM
Connections
Ports
1-8 CAT 5
Cable

Chapter 2: Installation 7
Setting up your network
The DSR switching system uses IP addresses to uniquely identify the switch and the target devices.
The DSR1021/1022 switch supports both Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and static
IP addressing. Avocent recommends that IP addresses be reserved for each switch and that they
remain static while the DSR switches are connected to the network. For additional information on
setting up the DSR switch using the DSView Server software, and for information on how the DSR
switch uses TCP/IP, see the DSView Installer/User Guide.
Getting Started
Before installing your DSR1021/1022 switch, refer to the following lists to ensure you have all items
that shipped with the DSR1021/1022 switch, as well as other items necessary for proper installation.
Supplied with the DSR1021/1022 switch
• Local country power cord
• Rack mounting brackets
• Null modem cable
• DSR1021/1022 Installer/User Guide (this manual)
• DSR1021/1022 Quick Installation Guide
Additional items needed
• One DSRIQ module per target server or DSRIQ-SRL module per serial device
• One CAT 5 patch cable per DSRIQ module (4-pair UTP, up to 10 meters)
• One CAT 5 patch cable for network connectivity (4-pair UTP, up to 10 meters)
• DSView software
• (Optional) V.34, V.90 or V.92-compatible modem and cables
• (Optional) SPC power control device

8DSR1021/1022 Switch Installer/User Guide
Connecting the DSR Switch Hardware
NOTE: The DSR1021/1022 switch may be rack mounted in a 1U configuration. The DSR1021/1022 switch
does not support a 0U configuration.
To connect and power up your DSR1021/1022 switch:
1. Power down the target device(s) that will be part of your DSR switching system. Locate the
power cord that came with the DSR1021/1022 switch. Plug one end into the power socket on
the rear of the DSR1021/1022 switch. Plug the other end into an appropriate AC wall outlet.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your equipment:
- Do not disable the power cord grounding plug. The grounding plug is an important safety feature.
- Plug the power cord into a grounded (earthed) outlet that is easily accessible at all times.
- Disconnect the power from the switch by unplugging the power cord from either the electrical outlet or
the appliance.
2. Plug your VGA monitor and PS/2 keyboard and mouse cables into appropriately labeled
DSR1021/1022 switch ports. You must install both a keyboard and mouse on the local port or
the keyboard will not initialize properly.
3. Choose an available numbered port on the rear of your DSR1021/1022 switch. Plug one end of
a CAT 5 patch cable (4-pair, up to 10 meters) into the selected port and plug the other end into
the RJ-45 connector of a DSRIQ module.
4. Plug the DSRIQ module into the appropriate ports on the back of the target server. Repeat this
procedure for all servers that are to be connected to the DSR1021/1022 switch. See To connect
a DSRIQ module to a server and To connect a DSRIQ module to a serial device for
more information.
5. Plug a CAT 5 patch cable from your Ethernet network into the LAN port on the back of your
DSR1021/1022 switch. Network users will access the DSR switch through this port.
6. (Optional) The DSR1021/1022 switch may also be accessed using a ITU V.92, V.90 or V.34-
compatible modem. Plug the 9-pin serial cable into the MODEM port on the back of your
DSR1021/1022 switch. Plug the other end into the connector on the modem.
NOTE: Using a modem connection instead of a LAN connection will limit the performance capability of your
DSR1021/1022 switch.
7. (Optional) Plug one end of the cable supplied with the SPC power control device into the SPC
port on the DSR1021/1022 switch and plug the other end into an SPC device. Plug the power
cords from the target servers into the SPC device power outlets. Plug the SPC device into an
appropriate AC wall outlet. Plug the SPC device into an appropriate AC wall outlet.
8. If you will be configuring the DSR switch using the console menu interface, connect a terminal
or PC running terminal emulation software (such as HyperTerminal®) to the SETUP port on
the back panel of the DSR1021/1022 switch using the supplied null modem cable. The
terminal should be set to 9600 bits per second (bps), 8 bits, 1 stop bit, no parity and no flow
control. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.

Chapter 2: Installation 9
9. Power up each target device and then power up the DSR1021/1022 switch. After
approximately one minute, the switch completes initialization and displays the OSCAR®
graphical user interface Free tag on the local port monitor.
10. Use the DSView software to configure the switch. See the DSView Installer/User Guide for
detailed instructions.
To connect a DSRIQ module to a server:
1. Attach the appropriately color-coded connectors of a DSRIQ module to the keyboard, monitor
and mouse ports on the server you will be connecting to this DSR1021/1022 switch.
2. Attach one end of the CAT 5 patch cable to the RJ-45 connector on the DSRIQ module.
Connect the other end of the CAT 5 patch cable to the desired port on the back of your
DSR1021/1022 switch.
3. Repeat this procedure for all servers you wish to attach.
NOTE: When connecting a Sun DSRIQ module, you must use a multi-sync monitor in the local port to
accommodate Sun computers that support both VGA and sync-on-green or composite sync.
To connect a DSRIQ module to a serial device:
1. Attach the DSRIQ-SRL module 9-pin serial connector to the serial port of the device to be
connected to your DSR1021/1022 switch.
2. Attach one end of the CAT 5 patch cable to the RJ-45 connector on the DSRIQ-SRL module.
Connect the other end of the CAT 5 patch cable to the desired port on the back of your
DSR1021/1022 switch.
NOTE: The DSRIQ-SRL module is a DCE device and only supports VT100 terminal emulation.
3. Connect the power supply to the power connector on your DSRIQ-SRL module. The cable
expander can be used to power up to four DSRIQ-SRL modules from a single power supply.
4. Connect the DSRIQ-SRL module power supply to an appropriate AC wall outlet. Power up
your serial device. See Appendix C for more information on DSRIQ-SRL modules.

10 DSR1021/1022 Switch Installer/User Guide
Verifying the Connections
DSR switch
The front panel of the DSR1021/1022 switch features two LEDs indicating the Ethernet
connection. The top green LED is the Link indicator. It will illuminate when a valid connection to
the network is established and blink when there is activity on the port. The lower amber LED,
labeled 100M, will indicate that you are communicating at the 100 Mbps rate when using an
Ethernet connection.
Additionally, there are two LEDs above each port number on the front of your DSR1021/1022
switch to indicate the target device status: one green and one amber. The green LED will illuminate
when the attached target device is powered. The amber LED will illuminate when that port is
selected.
DSRIQ modules
PS/2, Sun and USB DSRIQ modules are available for attaching computers to your DSR switch.
The DSRIQ-SRL serial module is used to connect serial devices to your DSR switch and features
two green LEDs: a POWER LED and a STATUS LED. The POWER LED indicates that the
attached DSRIQ-SRL is powered. The STATUS LED indicates that a valid selection has been made
to a DSR switch. The DSRIQ-SRL module prevents a serial break from the attached device if the
module loses power. However, a user can generate a serial break with the attached device by
pressing Alt-B after accessing the Terminal Applications menu.
Configuring DSView Software and Adjusting Mouse Settings
Setting up the DSView software
See the DSView Installer/User Guide that ships with your software.
Adjusting mouse settings on target devices
Before a computer connected to the DSR1021/1022 switch may be used for remote user control,
you must set the target mouse speed and turn off acceleration. For machines running Microsoft®
Windows®(Windows NT®, 2000, XP, Server 2003), use the default PS/2 mouse driver.
NOTE: For the various versions of Windows, mouse motion and acceleration are set in different places within the
Mouse Control Panel applet. If you don’t find the motion or acceleration options as described in the following
procedures, check the other tabs on the Mouse Control Panel applet.
To adjust mouse settings on Windows NT (using default drivers):
1. From the Desktop, select Start - Settings - Control Panel - Mouse. The Mouse Properties
dialog box will appear.
2. Click on the Motion tab.

Chapter 2: Installation 11
3. Set the Pointer speed to Slow. This will also need to be done for any NT user account that will
be accessing the NT system through the DSR1021/1022 switch.
4. Set Acceleration to None for mouse sync.
5. Click OK.
6. Click Mouse Align in the DSView software remote session window(s) to realign the mouse.
To adjust mouse settings on Windows 2000 (using default drivers):
1. From the Desktop, select Start - Settings - Control Panel - Mouse. The Mouse Properties
dialog box will appear.
2. Click on the Motion tab.
3. Set Speed to the default of 50% (the sixth tick mark from the left).
4. Set Acceleration to None for mouse sync.
5. Click OK.
6. Click Mouse Align in the DSView software remote session window(s) to realign the mouse.
To adjust mouse settings on Windows XP or Server 2003 (using default drivers):
1. From the Desktop, select Start - Control Panel - Mouse. The Mouse Properties dialog box
will appear.
2. Click on the Pointer Options tab.
3. Set Speed to the default of 50% (the sixth tick mark from the left).
4. Uncheck the Enhance pointer precision checkbox.
5. Click OK.
6. Click Mouse Align in the DSView software remote session window(s) to realign the mouse.
To adjust mouse settings using IntelliPoint®drivers:
1. From the Desktop, select Start - Settings - Control Panel - Mouse. The Mouse Properties
dialog box will appear.
2. Click on the Pointer Options tab.
3. Set the speed setting to the default, which is the midpoint of the Pointer Speed slider (five tick
marks on each side of the slider).
4. Click Advanced. The Advanced Pointer Speed dialog box will appear.
5. Uncheck the Enhanced pointer precision checkbox, then click OK to close the dialog box.
6. Click OK to close the Mouse Properties dialog box.
7. Click Mouse Align in the DSView software remote session window(s) to realign the mouse.

12 DSR1021/1022 Switch Installer/User Guide
To adjust mouse settings using Red Hat®Linux®drivers:
1. From the Desktop Controls, select the mouse settings.
2. Set acceleration to the center position of the slider (the fourth tick mark from the left) and
apply the changes.
NOTE: If you are using an older version of Red Hat Linux software with a numerical slider, set mouse
acceleration to 1.0 and apply the changes.
3. Click Mouse Align in the DSView software remote session window(s) to realign the mouse.
To adjust mouse settings using Sun Solaris™ drivers:
1. From the Workspace Menu, select Applications and then select Application Manager from the
Applications menu. The Application Manager will appear.
2. From the Application Manager, double-click Desktop_Controls. The Application Manager -
Desktop_Controls will appear.
3. From the Application Manager - Desktop_Controls, double-click Mouse Style Manager. The
Mouse Style Manager dialog box will appear.
4. Set Acceleration to 1.0 for mouse sync.
5. Click OK.
6. In the DSView software remote session window, select Video - Scaling - Auto Scale.
7. In the DSView software remote session window, select Mouse - Scale. The Mouse Scaling
dialog box will appear.
8. In the Scaling Type area, select Normal, then click OK.
9. Click Mouse Align in the DSView software remote session window(s) to realign the mouse.