Avocent DSR SWITCH - Installation and maintenance instructions

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DS R
®
Switch
Installer/User Guide
Guide d’installation et d’utilisation

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.

DSR®1031 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.
2005 Avocent Corporation.Allrightsreserved.590-497-616A.

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.
Canadian Notification
This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Japanese Notification
Korean Notification
Please note that this equipment has obtained EMC registration for commercial use. In the event
that this has been mistakenly sold or purchased, please exchange it for equipment certified for
home use.
Safety and EMC Approvals and Markings
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 ............................................................................................................................. 3
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..................................................................................................... 16
Configuring OSCAR Interface Menus ............................................................................................. 18
Setting Virtual Media Options ......................................................................................................... 33
Managing Server Tasks Using the OSCAR Interface ...................................................................... 35
Chapter 4: Terminal Operations ................................................................................... 41
The Console Menu ........................................................................................................................... 41
Other Console Main Menu Options.................................................................................................44
Appendices..................................................................................................................... 47
Appendix A: FLASH Upgrades........................................................................................................ 47
Appendix B: Using DSView Software Over a Modem Connection ................................................. 49
Appendix C: Using DSRIQ-SRL Modules ....................................................................................... 50
Appendix D: UTP Cabling............................................................................................................... 54
Appendix E: Technical Specifications ............................................................................................. 56
Appendix F: Sun Advanced Key Emulation..................................................................................... 58
Appendix G: Technical Support....................................................................................................... 60
Index................................................................................................................................ 61
TABLE OF CONTENTS

iv DSR Switch Installer/User Guide

v
Figure 1.1: Example DSR Switch Configuration............................................................................... 3
Figure 2.1: Basic DSR Switch Configuration.................................................................................... 6
Figure 3.1: Main Dialog Box .......................................................................................................... 14
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: Virtual Media Dialog Box .......................................................................................... 34
Figure 3.16: Commands Dialog Box ............................................................................................... 35
Figure 3.17: User Status Dialog Box .............................................................................................. 36
Figure 3.18: Disconnect Dialog Box............................................................................................... 37
Figure 3.19: Version Dialog Box .................................................................................................... 38
Figure 3.20: DSRIQ Selection Dialog Box...................................................................................... 39
Figure 3.21: DSRIQ Version Dialog Box........................................................................................ 39
Figure 4.1: Console Main Menu...................................................................................................... 42
Figure 4.2: Network Configuration Menu ....................................................................................... 43
LIST OF FIGURES

vi DSR Switch Installer/User Guide

vii
List of Tables
Table 3.1: Main Dialog Box Functions ........................................................................................... 14
Table 3.2: OSCAR Interface Status Symbols ................................................................................... 15
Table 3.3: OSCAR Interface Navigation Basics.............................................................................. 16
Table 3.4: Setup Features to Configure the OSCAR Interface........................................................ 18
Table 3.5: OSCAR Interface Status Flags ....................................................................................... 24
Table 3.6: Virtual Media Options.................................................................................................... 33
Table 3.7: Commands to Manage Routine Tasks for Your Target Device(s).................................. 35
Table C.1: DSRIQ-SRL Module Pinouts.......................................................................................... 53
Table D.1: UTP Wiring Standards................................................................................................... 54
Table E.1: DSR1031 Switch Product Specifications........................................................................ 56
Table F.1: Sun Key Emulation......................................................................................................... 58
Table F.2: PS/2-to-USB Keyboard Mappings.................................................................................. 59
LIST OF TABLES

viii DSR Switch Installer/User Guide

1
CHAPTER
1
Product Overview
Features and Benefits
The Avocent DSR®1031 switch combines analog and digital technology to provide flexible,
centralized control of data center servers and virtual media, and to facilitate the OA&M
(operations, activation and maintenance) of remote branch offices where trained operators may be
unavailable. It also provides enterprise customers with a significant reduction of cable volume,
secure remote access and flexible server management from anywhere at anytime.
The DSR1031 switch 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.
User peripheral ports for PS/2 and USB keyboards and mice, and an SPC port that may be used to
connect to an SPC power control device are also supported. 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
DSView® 3 management software. Additionally, virtual media such as generic removable media
and CD-ROM drives can be connected to any one of five USB ports.
This DSR switch works over standard LAN connections. Users can access target devices across
a 1000BaseT LAN port that is used to establish an Ethernet connection, or directly through
a local port. Each DSR1031 switch 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 IP-based DSR switch gives 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 switch significantly reduces KVM cable volume in the rack by utilizing
the 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 DSR switch is not powered.

2DSR Switch Installer/User Guide
The DSRIQ-SRL (serial) module is a DCE device that provides the primary interface between a
serial device and a DSR switch. It provides VT100 terminal emulation, break suppression and port
history in a compact, convenient module.
Control of virtual media-capable appliances
The DSR switch allows you to view, move or copy data located on virtual media to and from any
server. This feature allows you to manage remote systems more efficiently by allowing operating
system installation, operating system recovery, hard drive recovery or duplication, BIOS updating
and server backup.
Virtual media can be connected directly to the DSR switch using one of five USB ports located on
the switch. Virtual media may also be connected to a remote workstation that is running DSView®
3 management software and is connected to the DSR switch using an Ethernet connection.
NOTE: To open a virtual media session with a server, the server must first be connected to the switch using a
virtual media-capable DSRIQ module (USB2 or USB2L).
Access the DSR 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 3 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 DSR 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 DSR Switch Configuration
Safety Precautions
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 exceed the 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.
Digital User
(Computer with Internet browser)
Analog User
(OSCAR Graphical
User Interface)
DSR Switch
Modem
Telephone
Network
Ethernet

4DSR Switch Installer/User Guide
• 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).
NOTE: The AC inlet is the main power disconnect.

5
CHAPTER
2
Installation
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 DSR switch uses TCP/IP for communication over Ethernet. Although 10BaseT Ethernet may
be used, Avocent recommends a dedicated, switched 100BaseT network, or even a
1000BaseT network.
The DSR 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.

6DSR Switch Installer/User Guide
The following diagram illustrates one possible configuration for your DSR switch.
Figure 2.1: Basic DSR Switch Configuration
Digital User
Power
Telephone
Network
Ethernet
Cord
Modem
Analog User
CAT 5
Cable
* To open a virtual media session with a server,
the server must first be connected to the switch
using a virtual media-capable DSRIQ module
(USB2 or USB2L).
Server
Server
Server
Server
PS/2, USB*, Sun
and serial adaptors
are available.
DSRIQ Modules

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 DSR 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 DSR switch, refer to the following lists to ensure you have all items that shipped
with the DSR switch, as well as other items necessary for proper installation.
Supplied with the DSR switch
• Local country power cord
• Rack mounting brackets
• Null modem cable
• DSR Installer/User Guide (this manual)
• DSR 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)
• One USB2 or USB2L DSRIQ module per target server for virtual media sessions
• DSView software
• (Optional) V.34, V.90 or V.92-compatible modem and cables
• (Optional) SPC power control device

8DSR Switch Installer/User Guide
Connecting the DSR Switch Hardware
NOTE: The DSR switch may be rack mounted in a 1U configuration. The DSR switch does not support a
0U configuration.
To connect and power up your DSR 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 DSR switch. Plug one end into the power socket on the rear of
the DSR 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 either PS/2 or USB keyboard and mouse cables into the
appropriately labeled DSR switch ports. You must install both a keyboard and mouse on the
local ports or the keyboard will not initialize properly.
3. Choose an available numbered port on the rear of your DSR 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 DSR 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
DSR switch. Network users will access the DSR switch through this port.
6. (Optional) The DSR switch may also be accessed using a ITU V.92, V.90 or V.34-compatible
modem. Plug one end of the 9-pin serial cable into the MODEM port on the back of your DSR
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
DSR switch.
7. (Optional) Plug one end of the cable supplied with the SPC power control device into the SPC
port on the DSR 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.
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 DSR 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 DSR 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 DSR 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
DSR 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 local virtual media:
Connect the mass storage device to any one of the five USB ports on the DSR switch.
NOTE: For all virtual media sessions, you must use a USB2 or USB2L DSRIQ module at the target device.
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 DSR 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
DSR 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 DSR Switch Installer/User Guide
Verifying the Connections
DSR switch
The front panel of the DSR 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/green LED, labeled 100/
1000, will indicate that you are communicating at the 100 Mbps rate (amber) or the 1000 Mbps rate
(green) when using an Ethernet connection.
Additionally, there are two LEDs above each port number on the front of your DSR 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, USB, USB2 and USB2L DSRIQ modules are available for attaching servers to your
DSR switch. Connect virtual media to a server using USB2 and USB2L DSRIQ modules.
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 DSR 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 and 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.