Avocent MPU1016-001 Installation and maintenance instructions

MERGEPOINT UNITY® SWITCH
Installer/User Guide

European Union Notification
WARNING: This is a class A product. In a domestic environment this product may cause
radio interference in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
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/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

MergePoint Unity® Switch
Installer/User Guide
Avocent, the Avocent logo, The Power of Being There, MergePoint Unity,
DSView and Dambrackas Video Compression are registered trademarks of
Avocent Corporation or its affiliates in the U.S. and other countries. All other
marks are the property of their respective owners.
© 2009 Avocent Corporation. 590-883-501C

Instructions
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Dangerous Voltage
This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated dangerous
voltage within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock to persons.
Power On
This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the on position.
Power Off
This symbol indicates the principal on/off switch is in the off position.
Protective Grounding Terminal
This symbol indicates a terminal which must be connected to earth ground prior to
making any other connections to the equipment.

T A B L E  OF  C O N T E N T S
Product Overview 1
Features and Benefits 1
Reduce cable bulk 2
KVMswitching capabilities 2
True serial capabilities 2
Local and remote user interfaces 2
Control of virtual media and smart card-capable appliances 2
Access the MergePoint Unity switch via a standard TCP/IP network 3
DSView 3 management software plug-in 3
Sample Configuration 4
Installation 5
MergePoint Unity Switch Connectivity 5
Getting started 7
Setting up your network 8
Rack Mounting a MergePoint Unity Switch 8
Rack mounting safety considerations 8
Connecting the MergePoint Unity Switch Hardware 9
Cascading MergePoint Unity Switches 11
Configuring the MergePoint Unity Switch 12
Setting up the built-in web server 12
Connecting to the OBWI through a firewall 12
Verifying the Connections 14
Front and rear panel Ethernet connection LEDs 14
Front panel status LEDs 14
Rear panel power status LEDs 14
IQ and DSRIQ-SRL modules 15
Adjusting Mouse Settings on Target Devices 15
Local and Remote Configuration 17
The User Interfaces 17
Local UI 17
iii

OBWI 18
Using the user interfaces 19
Viewing System Information 22
MergePoint Unity Switch Sessions 23
Launching a session 23
Configuring sessions 23
Closing a session 24
MergePoint Unity Switch Appliance Tools 24
Rebooting the MergePoint Unity switch 25
Upgrading the MergePoint Unity switch firmware 25
Saving and restoring appliance configurations and appliance user databases 26
Network Settings 27
DNSSettings 28
Local UI Settings 28
Local port user settings 28
Virtual Media 29
Local virtual media settings 30
Modem Settings 31
Scan Mode 31
DSView 3 Server IP Addresses 32
User Accounts 32
Managing local accounts 32
Access levels 32
SNMP Settings 34
Event Settings 34
Setting Event Destinations 35
Configuring IQ Modules 35
Upgrading IQ modules 36
Power Device Settings 36
The Video Viewer 39
iv MergePoint Unity® Switch Installer/User Guide

The Video Viewer Window 39
Changing the toolbar 41
Launching a Session 42
Session time-out 42
Window Size 42
Adjusting the View 43
Refreshing the Image 44
Video Settings 44
Additional video adjustment 44
Target video settings 46
Automatic video adjustment 46
Video Test Pattern 46
Vendor-specific video settings 46
Color Settings 47
Adjusting Color Depth 47
Contrast and brightness 47
Noise Settings 47
Detection thresholds 47
Block Noise Threshold and Pixel Noise Threshold 47
Mouse Settings 48
Adjusting mouse options 48
Cursor type 48
Mouse scaling 50
Mouse alignment and synchronization 51
Avocent Mouse Sync 51
Virtual Media 52
Requirements 52
Sharing and preemption considerations 52
Virtual Media dialog box 53
Opening a virtual media session 53
Table of Contents v

Closing a virtual media session 56
Smart Cards 56
Keyboard Pass-through 57
Macros 58
Saving the View 58
Closing a Session 58
LDAP 59
Configuring LDAP in the User Interface 59
LDAP Overview parameters 59
LDAP Search parameters 60
LDAP Query parameters 61
Appliance and Target Device Query Modes 62
Setting up Active Directory for Performing Queries 65
Appendix A: Terminal Operations 67
Appendix B: Using Serial IQ Modules 69
Appendix C: UTP Cabling 75
Appendix D: Cable Pinout Information 78
Appendix E: Technical Specifications 80
Appendix F: Sun Advanced Key Emulation 84
Appendix G: Technical Support 87
vi MergePoint Unity® Switch Installer/User Guide

Product Overview
1
1
Features and Benefits
The Avocent MergePoint Unity® KVM over IP and serial console 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. The IP-based MergePoint Unity switch gives
you flexible target device management control and secure remote access from anywhere at
anytime.
The MergePoint Unity switch provides enterprise customers with the following features and
options:
• significant reduction of cable volume
• keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) capabilites, configurable for analog (local) or digital
(remote) connectivity
• true serial capability through Secure Shell (SSH) and Telnet
• enhanced video resolution support, up to 1600 x 1200 or 1680 x 1050 (wide-screen) native
from target to remote
• optional dual power models for redundancy
• optional support for managing intelligent power devices
• virtual media capability accessed through USB ports
• dual independent local port video paths (dedicated to ACI)
• dual stack IPv4 (DHCP) and IPv6 (DHCPv6 and auto configuration) for simultaneous access
• smart card capability
• accessibility to target devices across 10/100 or 1000BaseT (some models) LAN port(s)

• 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
Reduce cable bulk
With server densities continually increasing, cable bulk remains a major concern for network
administrators. The MergePoint Unity switches significantly reduce KVM cable volume in the
rack by utilizing the innovative IQ module and single, industry-standard Unshielded Twisted
Pair (UTP) cabling. This allows a higher server density while providing greater airflow and
cooling capacity.
KVMswitching capabilities
The MergePoint Unity switch supports IQmodules, which are powered directly from the target
device and provides Keep Alive functionality when the switch is not powered. The following
IQ modules are supported:DSRIQ-PS2, DSRIQ-USB, DSRIQ-VMC, DSRIQ-SUN, DSAVIQ-
USB2 DSAVIQ-PS2M and MPUIQ-VMC modules. The DSAVIQ-USB2, DSAVIQ-PS2M
DSRIQ-VMC and MPUIQ-VMC modules are virtual media-capable. The DSRIQ-VMC and
MPUIQ-VMC modules are also smart card-capable.
True serial capabilities
The MergePoint Unity switch supports the MPUIQ-SRL module, which provides true serial
capabilities through Telnet. You can launch an SSHsession or launch a serial viewer from the
on-board web interface (OBWI) to connect the MergePoint Unity switch's attached target
devices that have an MPUIQ-SRL module.
Local and remote user interfaces
You can use the local user interface (local UI) by connecting directly to the local port to
manage the MergePoint Unity switch. You can also use the remote OBWI to manage your
switch system. The OBWI is web-browser based and is launched directly from the switch, and
any servers connected to the MergePoint Unity switch are automatically detected. The two user
interfaces share a similar look and feel for an optimal user experience.
Control of virtual media and smart card-capable appliances
The MergePoint Unity switches allow you to view, move or copy data located on virtual media
to and from any target device. Manage remote systems more efficiently by allowing operating
system installation, operating system recovery, hard drive recovery or duplication, BIOS
updating and target device backup.
The MergePoint Unity switches allow you to use smart cards in conjunction with your
MergePoint Unity switch system. Smart cards are pocket-sized cards that store and process
2MergePoint Unity® Switch Installer/User Guide

information. Smart cards such as the Common Access Card (CAC) can be used to store
identification and authentication to enable access to computers, networks and secure rooms or
buildings.
Virtual media and smart card readers can be connected directly to the switch using USB ports
located on the switch. In addition, virtual media and smart card readers may be connected to
any remote workstation that is running the remote OBWI or DSView®3 management software
and is connected to the MergePoint Unity switch using an Ethernet connection.
NOTE: To open a virtual media session with a target device, you must first connect the target device to a switch
using a virtual media capable DSAVIQ-USB2, DSRIQ-PS/2M DSRIQ-VMC or MPUIQ-VMC module. For a smart
card, you must first connect the target device to a switch using a smart card-capable DSRIQ-VMC or MPUIQ-VMC
module.
Access the MergePoint Unity switch via a standard TCP/IP network
The MergePoint Unity switches provide agentless remote control and access. No special
software or drivers are required on the attached servers or client.
NOTE: The client connects to the server housing the DSView 3 management software using an Internet browser.
For modem access, you must install MergePoint Unity Remote Operations software included on the DSView 3
software CD-ROM (see the DSView 3 Installer/User Guide for more information).
Users access the MergePoint Unity switch and all attached systems via Ethernet or using a
V.34, V.90 or V.92 modem from a client. The clients can be located anywhere a valid network
connection exists.
DSView 3 management software plug-in
The DSView 3 software may be used with the MergePoint Unity switch to allow IT
administrators to remotely access, monitor and control target devices on multiple platforms
through a single, web-based user interface. For more information, see the DSView 3 Software
Plug-In for MergePoint Unity Switches Technical Bulletin.
Chapter 1: Product Overview 3

Sample Configuration
Figure 1.1: Example MergePoint Unity Switch Configuration
Table 1.1: Descriptions for Figure 1.1
Number Description Number Description
1CAT 5 Connection 6Telephone Network
2KVM Connection to the Switch 7Ethernet
3Remote IP Connection 8DSView 3 Server
4MergePoint Unity Switch 9Analog User (local UI)
5Modem 10 Digital User (computer with Internet browser,
remote OBWI)
4MergePoint Unity® Switch Installer/User Guide

Installation
2
5
MergePoint Unity Switch Connectivity
A MergePoint Unity switching system transmits KVM and serial information between operators
and target devices attached to the switch over a network using either an Ethernet or modem
connection.
The MergePoint Unity switch uses TCP/IP for communication over Ethernet. Although 10BaseT
Ethernet may be used, Avocent recommends a dedicated, switched 100BaseT or 1000BaseT
network for switches that support it.
The MergePoint Unity switch uses the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) for communication over a
V.34, V.90 or V.92 modem. You can perform KVM and serial switching tasks by using the
OBWI or the DSView 3 software. For more information on the DSView 3 software, visit
www.avocent.com or see the DSView 3 Installer/User Guide.
Figure 2.1 illustrates a basic configuration for the MergePoint Unity switch, using the
MergePoint Unity 8032 switch model for the example. Descriptions follow in Table 2.1.

Figure 2.1: Basic MergePoint Unity Switch Configuration (MergePoint Unity 8032 Switch Shown)
Table 2.1: Descriptions for Figure 2.1
Number Description Number Description
1Digital User 8Power Cord
2Telephone Network 9Ports 1-32
6MergePoint Unity® Switch Installer/User Guide

Number Description Number Description
3Network 10 Local USB Connections
4Modem 11 Power Control Device
5Analog User 12 Target Devices 1-32
6External Virtual Media 13 IQ Modules (PS/2, USB, VMC, Sun and serial are
available)
7MergePoint Unity 8035
Switch
Getting started
Before installing your MergePoint Unity switch, refer to the following lists to ensure you have
all items that shipped with the MergePoint Unity switch, as well as other items necessary for
proper installation.
Supplied with the MergePoint Unity switch
• Rack mount bracket kit
• Rack Mounting Bracket Quick Installation Guide
• MergePoint Unity Switch Quick Installation Guide
• Safety and Regulatory Statements Guide
• Cables and adaptors for the MODEM and SETUPports
• AC power cord(s)
Additional items needed
• One IQ module per target device
• One DSRIQ-SRL or MPUIQ-SRLmodule per serial device
• One UTP patch cable per IQ module (4-pair UTP, up to 45 meters)
• UTP patch cable(s) for network connectivity (4-pair UTP, up to 45 meters)
• One DSAVIQ-USB2, DSAVIQ-PS2M DSRIQ-VMC or MPUIQ-VMC module per target
device for virtual media sessions
• One DSRIQ-VMCor MPUIQ-VMC module per target device for smart card control
• (Optional) DSView 3 software
• (Optional) V.34, V.90 or V.92-compatible modem and cables
Chapter 2: Installation 7

• (Optional) Power control device(s)
Setting up your network
The MergePoint Unity switching system uses IP addresses to uniquely identify the switch and
the target devices. The MergePoint Unity switch family 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 switches are connected to the
network.
For additional information on setting up the MergePoint Unity switch using the DSView 3
software, and for information on how the MergePoint Unity switch uses TCP/IP, see the
DSView 3 Installer/User Guide.
Rack Mounting a MergePoint Unity Switch
A rack mounting kit is supplied with each MergePoint Unity switch. You may either place the
MergePoint Unity switch on the rack shelf or mount the switch directly into an Electronic
Industries Alliance (EIA) standard rack.
Most MergePoint Unity switches may be rack mounted in a 1U configuration. The MergePoint
Unity switch family does not support a 0U configuration.
Rack mounting safety considerations
• Rack Loading: Overloading or uneven loading of racks may result in shelf or rack failure,
causing damage to equipment and possible personal injury. Stabilize racks in a permanent
location before loading begins. Mount components beginning at the bottom of the rack,
then work to the top. Do not exceed your rack load rating.
• Power Considerations: Connect only to the power source specified on the unit. When
multiple electrical components are installed in a rack, ensure that the total component
power ratings do not exceed circuit capabilities. Overloaded power sources and extension
cords present fire and shock hazards.
• 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: Install the equipment in the rack so that the amount of airflow required
for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised.
• Reliable Earthing: Maintain reliable earthing of rack mounted equipment. Pay particular
attention to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit (for
example, use of power strips).
8MergePoint Unity® Switch Installer/User Guide

For complete instructions on installing the rack mounting bracket, please refer to your Rack
Mounting Bracket Quick Installation Guide.
Connecting the MergePoint Unity Switch Hardware
To connect and turn on your MergePoint Unity switch:
NOTE: 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.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your equipment:
- Do not disable the power 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 product by unplugging the power cord from either the electrical outlet or the
product.
- The AC inlet is the main disconnect for removing power to this product. For products that have more than one AC
inlet, to remove power completely, all AC line cords must be disconnected.
- This product has no user serviceable parts inside the product enclosure. Do not open or remove product cover.
1. Plug your VGA monitor and USB keyboard and mouse cables into the appropriately
labeled ports. You must install both a keyboard and mouse on the local ports or the
keyboard will not initialize properly.
2. Choose an available port on the MergePoint Unity switch. Plug one end of a CAT 5 cable
(4-pair, up to 150 ft/45 m) into a numbered port. Plug the other end into an RJ-45
connector of an IQ module.
3. Plug the IQ module into the appropriate ports on the back of a target device. Repeat this
procedure for all target devices you want to connect.
NOTE: When connecting a DSRIQ-SUN 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.
4. Plug a CAT 5 cable from the Ethernet network into a LAN port on the back of the
MergePoint Unity switch. Network users will access the MergePoint Unity switch through
this port.
5. (Optional) The MergePoint Unity switch may also be accessed using an ITU V.92, V.90 or
V.24-compatible modem. Plug one end of an RJ-45 cable into the MODEM port on the
MergePoint Unity switch. Plug the other end into the RJ-45 to DB-9 (male) adaptor, which
then plugs into the appropriate port on the back of the modem.
NOTE: Using a modem connection instead of a LAN connection will limit the performance capability of your
MergePoint Unity switch.
Chapter 2: Installation 9

6. (Optional) Plug one end of the RJ-45 cable supplied with the Power Distribution Unit
(PDU) into the PDU1 port on the MergePoint Unity switch. Using the supplied RJ-45
adaptor, plug the other end into the PDU. Plug the power cords from the target devices into
the PDU. Plug the PDU into an appropriate AC wall outlet. Repeat this procedure for the
PDU2 port to connect a second PDU, if desired.
7. Turn on each target device, then locate the power cord that came with the MergePoint
Unity switch. Plug one end into the power socket on the rear of the MergePoint Unity
switch. Plug the other end into an appropriate AC wall outlet. If using a model equipped
with dual power, use your second power cord to connect to the second power socket on
the rear of the MergePoint Unity switch and plug the other end into an appropriate AC
wall outlet.
To connect local virtual media or a smart card reader:
Connect the virtual media or smart card reader to an available USB port on the MergePoint
Unity switch.
NOTE: For all virtual media sessions, you must use a DSAVIQ-USB2, DSAVIQ-PS2M, DSRIQ-VMC or MPUIQ-
VMC module. For all smart card readers, you must use a DSRIQ-VMC or MPUIQ-VMC module.
For information on connecting virtual media remotely, see Virtual Media on page 52. For
information on connecting a smart card reader remotely, see Smart Cards on page 56.
To connect a DSRIQ-SRL 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 MergePoint Unity switch.
2. Attach one end of the UTP patch cable to the RJ-45 connector on the DSRIQ-SRL module.
Connect the other end of the UTP patch cable to the desired port on the back of your
MergePoint Unity 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 provide power for up to four DSRIQ-SRL modules from a single
power supply.
4. Connect the DSRIQ-SRL module power supply to a grounded AC wall outlet. Turn on
your serial device. See Using DSRIQ-SRL Modules on page 69.
To connect an MPUIQ-SRL module to a serial device:
1. Attach the MPUIQ-SRL module CAT 5 connector to the serial device.
10 MergePoint Unity® Switch Installer/User Guide

2. (Optional) Attach the MPUIQ-SRL module to an RJ-45 to 9-pin female adaptor. Attach the
adaptor to the serial port of the serial device.
3. Plug one end of a CAT 5 cable (4-pair, up to 150 ft/45 m) into an available numbered port
on the rear of the MergePoint Unity switch. Plug the other end into the RJ-45 connector of
the MPUIQ-SRL module.
4. Connect the power supply to the power connector on your MPUIQ-SRL module. The cable
expander can be used to provide power for up to four MPUIQ-SRL modules from a single
power supply.
5. (Optional) Attach a USB-to-barrel power cord to the power connector on your MPUIQ-SRL
module. Plug the USB connector on the USB-to-barrel power cord into any available USB
port on the serial target device.
NOTE: You can not use the cable expander with the USB-to-barrel power cord. Multiple MPUIQ modules can use
power off of the power supply, but not off of the target device.
6. If using the power supply, connect the MPUIQ-SRL module power supply to an
appropriate AC wall outlet. Turn on your serial device.
Cascading MergePoint Unity Switches
You can cascade up to two levels of MergePoint Unity switches, enabling users to connect to
up to 1024 servers. In a cascaded system, each target port on the main MergePoint Unity switch
will connect to the ACI port on each cascaded MergePoint Unity switch. Each cascaded switch
can then be connected to a server with an IQ module.
To cascade multiple MergePoint Unity switches:
1. Attach one end of a CAT 5 cable to a target port on the MergePoint Unity switch.
2. Connect the other end of the CAT 5 cable to the ACI port on the back of your cascaded
MergePoint Unity switch.
3. Connect the devices to your cascaded MergePoint Unity switch.
4. Repeat these steps for all the cascaded MergePoint Unity switches you wish to attach to
your system.
NOTE: The system will automatically “merge” the two switches. All servers connected to the cascaded MergePoint
Unity switch will display on the main MergePoint Unity switch server list in the local UI.
NOTE: The MergePoint Unity switch supports one cascaded switch per target port of the main switch. You cannot
attach more switches to the cascaded switches.
NOTE: Local port cascading is not supported on the MergePoint Unity switch.
Chapter 2: Installation 11

Configuring the MergePoint Unity Switch
Once all physical connections have been made, you will need to configure the switch for use in
the overall switching system. This can be accomplished in two ways.
To configure the MergePoint Unity switch using the DSView 3 software:
See the DSView 3 Installer/User Guide for detailed instructions.
To configure the MergePoint Unity switch using the local UI:
See Network Settings on page 27 for detailed instructions on using the local UI to configure
initial network setup.
Setting up the built-in web server
You can access the MergePoint Unity switch via an embedded web server that handles most
day-to-day switching tasks. Before using the web server to access the switch, first specify an IP
address through the local port on the back panel of the switch or local UI. See Chapter 3 for
detailed instructions on using the user interface for switching.
Connecting to the OBWI through a firewall
For MergePoint Unity switch installations that use the OBWI for access, four ports must be
opened in a firewall if outside access is desired.
TCP Port
Number Function
22 Used for SSH for serial sessions to an MPUIQ-SRL module
23 Used for Telnet (when Telnet is enabled)
80 Used for the initial downloading of the Avocent Video Viewer (for downloading the Java
applet)
443 Used by the web browser interface for managing the MergePoint Unity switch and launching
KVM sessions
2068 Transmission of KVM session data (mouse & keyboard) or transmission of video on
MergePoint Unity switches
Table 2.2: TCP Ports and Functions for the MergePoint Unity Switch OBWI
In a typical configuration, as shown in Figure 2.2, the user’s computer is located outside of the
firewall, and the MergePoint Unity switch resides inside the firewall.
12 MergePoint Unity® Switch Installer/User Guide