Cyclades User's Guide User manual

AlterPath KVM/net Installation,
Administration, and User’s Guide
Software Version 2.1.1
Cyclades Corporation
3541 Gateway Boulevard
Fremont, CA 94538 USA
1.888.CYCLADES (292.5233)
1.510.771.6100
1.510.771.6200 (fax)
http://www.cyclades.com
Release Date: May 2006
Part Number: PAC0368

©2006 Cyclades Corporation
Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
The following are registered or registration-pending trademarks of Cyclades Corporation in the United
States and other countries: Cyclades and AlterPath.
All trademarks, trade names, logos and service marks referenced herein, even when not specifically
marked as such, belong to their respective companies and are not to be considered unprotected by law.

Contents
Before You Begin ...................................................xiii
Chapter 1: Introduction.............................................1
Description ......................................................................................................2
Guidelines for Using the KVM/net .................................................................4
Connectors on the KVM/net ...........................................................................4
Types of Ports .............................................................................................4
Connectors on the Back ..............................................................................6
Power Connector and Power Switch .......................................................7
KVM Ports ..............................................................................................7
Management Ports (Console, Ethernet, User 1, User 2) .........................8
AUX Ports .............................................................................................10
Activity LEDs on the Back of the KVM/net ................................................10
AlterPath KVM/net Ordering Options ..........................................................13
Types of Users ..............................................................................................14
Simultaneous KVM/net Logins ................................................................15
Simultaneous Server Connections ............................................................16
Administration Options .................................................................................17
Cyclades Web Manager ................................................................................18
Prerequisites for Using the Web Manager ....................................................19
TCP Ports ......................................................................................................20
Cascaded Devices .........................................................................................21
Accessing Ports on Cascaded KVM Devices ...........................................24
KVM/net Port Permissions .......................................................................24
Understanding KVM Port Permissions .....................................................25
KVM Port Permissions Hierarchy ............................................................26

iv AlterPath KVM/net Installation, Administration, and User’s Guide
Decision 1: Check User’s KVM Port Permissions ...............................26
Decision 2: Check Group’s KVM Port Permissions .............................27
Decision 3: Check Generic User’s KVM Port Permissions ..................27
Decision 4: Check User’s Default Permissions ....................................28
Decision 5: Check Group’s Default Permissions ..................................28
Decision 6: Check Generic User’s Default Permissions .......................29
Server Access: Inband and Out of Band .......................................................29
Determining the Connection Type and its Supported Functionality ........31
Administering Users of Connected Servers ..................................................33
Types of Access to Ports ...........................................................................33
Tasks Related to Access to Connected Devices .......................................33
Redefining Keyboard Shortcuts (Hot Keys) .................................................35
Redefining KVM Connection Hot Keys ...................................................35
Redefining Sun Keyboard Equivalent Hot Keys ......................................35
Summary of Tasks for Redefining Hot Keys ............................................36
Disabling Mouse Acceleration ......................................................................36
Screen Resolution and Refresh Rate .............................................................37
Packet Filtering on the KVM/net ..............................................................38
Power Management ......................................................................................40
Options for Managing Power ....................................................................40
Controlling Power Through the Web Manager IPDU Power Management
Forms ....................................................................................................41
Controlling Power While Connected to KVM Ports ............................41
Setting Up and Configuring Power Management .....................................42
Security .........................................................................................................44
Security Profiles ........................................................................................44
Encryption .................................................................................................45
Authentication ...........................................................................................45
Choosing Among Authentication Methods ..........................................45
Tools for Specifying Authentication Methods ......................................48
Lockout Macro ..........................................................................................49
Notifications, Alarms, and Data Buffering ...................................................53
Syslog Servers ...........................................................................................54
Prerequisites for Logging to Syslog Servers .........................................54
Facility Numbers for Syslog Messages .................................................54
Example of Using Facility Numbers .....................................................54
SNMP Traps ..............................................................................................55
Configuring Logging, Alarms, and SNMP Traps .....................................55
VPN and the KVM/net .................................................................................56

v
Considerations When Choosing Whether to Enable DHCP .........................57
KVM Terminator Usage and Types ..............................................................58
Activity LEDs on the Terminator .............................................................58
KVM Expander .............................................................................................59
KVM Expander Features ..........................................................................59
KVM Expander Models and Components ................................................60
Ports on the KVM Expander .....................................................................62
LEDs on the KVM Expander ....................................................................63
Power Outlets on the KVM Expander ......................................................63
Cascading a KVM Expander ....................................................................64
Adding the KVM Expander to the KVM/net Unit’s List
of Cascaded Devices .................................................................................67
Upgrading the Microcontroller Code ........................................................67
User Access ...............................................................................................68
AlterPath KVM RP .......................................................................................68
Connectors on the Back of the KVM RP ..................................................69
Chapter 2: Installation.............................................71
Shipping Box Contents KVM/net .................................................................73
Setting Up the KVM/net ...............................................................................75
Making an Ethernet Connection ...................................................................77
Connecting Servers to the KVM Ports .........................................................78
Making a Direct Connection for Network Configuration .............................82
Powering On the KVM/net and Connected Devices ....................................83
Performing Basic Network Configuration ....................................................84
Configuring Basic Networking Using the wiz Command ........................85
Configuring Basic Networking Using the OSD ........................................89
Completing Configuration Using the Web Manager ....................................98
Changing Default Passwords ........................................................................99
Enabling Access to the Web Manager without Making a Direct Connection ..
.....................................................................................................................101
Preconfiguring the KVM/net for Remote Installation ................................104
Additional Configuration Tasks ..................................................................105
Disabling Mouse Acceleration ...................................................................106
Required Security Settings For Internet Explorer .......................................109
Modify IE Security Settings ....................................................................109

vi AlterPath KVM/net Installation, Administration, and User’s Guide
Chapter 3: Advanced Installation Procedures....115
Connecting an External Modem .................................................................116
Connecting AlterPath PMs to the KVM/net ...............................................117
Installing the AlterPath KVM Expander ....................................................119
Shipping Box Contents KVM Expander .................................................120
Setting Up the KVM Expander ...............................................................121
Powering On the KVM Expander and Connected Devices ....................124
Connecting Cascaded KVM Units to the Primary KVM/net .....................126
Installing the AlterPath KVM RP ...............................................................129
Shipping Box Contents AlterPath KVM RP ...........................................130
Options for Accessing the KVM RP .......................................................131
Supplying Power to the KVM RP ...........................................................132
Chapter 4: Web Manager for Administrators ......133
Common Tasks ...........................................................................................134
Common Features of Administrators’ Windows ........................................136
Administrators’ Control Buttons, Logout Button, and KVM/net Information
..................................................................................................................136
Obtaining More Information ...................................................................137
Logging In to the Web Manager and Saving Changes ...........................137
Administrative Modes .................................................................................141
Wizard Mode ..............................................................................................141
Procedures in Wizard Mode ....................................................................142
Steps in Wizard Mode [Wizard] .............................................................143
Step 1: Security Profile [Wizard] ............................................................143
Pre-defined Security Profiles ..............................................................143
Custom Security Profile ......................................................................144
Step 2: Network Settings [Wizard] .........................................................149
Step 3: Access [Wizard] ..........................................................................151
Step 4: System Log [Wizard] ..................................................................157
Expert Mode ..............................................................................................159
Access .........................................................................................................160
Connect to Server ....................................................................................161
IPDU Power Management ......................................................................161
Outlets Manager ..................................................................................162
View IPDUs Info ................................................................................164
Users Manager ....................................................................................165

vii
Configuration ......................................................................................167
Software Upgrade ...............................................................................169
Configuration ..............................................................................................169
KVM .......................................................................................................170
General ................................................................................................171
General ................................................................................................172
Enabling Direct Access to KVM Ports ...............................................173
Redefining KVM Connection Keyboard Shortcuts (Hot Keys) .........173
Redefining Sun Keyboard Modifier Keys ..........................................175
Specifying Authentication for KVM Port Logins ...............................175
Local Users and IP Users ....................................................................176
Devices ................................................................................................182
Configuring Individual KVM Ports ....................................................183
Configuring Cascaded KVM Units .....................................................187
Users & Groups ...................................................................................191
Configuring Inband (RDP) Servers ........................................................199
Prerequisites for Inband Access to RDP Servers ....................................200
Security ...................................................................................................204
Configuring an Authentication Method ..............................................205
Configuring Authentication Servers for Logins to the KVM/net and
Connected Devices ..............................................................................208
Group Authorization ...........................................................................209
Group Authorization on TACACS+ ...................................................220
Security Profiles ......................................................................................221
Pre-defined Security Profiles ..............................................................221
Custom Security Profile ......................................................................222
Network ...................................................................................................226
Host Settings .......................................................................................228
Syslog ..................................................................................................231
IP Filtering ..........................................................................................233
VPN .....................................................................................................250
SNMP ..................................................................................................253
Notifications ........................................................................................258
Host Tables .........................................................................................262
Static Routes .......................................................................................264
AUX Port ................................................................................................266
System .....................................................................................................268
Time/Date ...........................................................................................269

viii AlterPath KVM/net Installation, Administration, and User’s Guide
Setting up Customized Timezone Configuration ................................271
Boot Configuration .............................................................................273
Online Help .............................................................................................277
Viewing System Information ......................................................................278
General ....................................................................................................278
Station Status ..........................................................................................279
Management ................................................................................................281
Backup Configuration .............................................................................283
Firmware Upgrade ..................................................................................287
Microcode Upgrade ................................................................................290
Microcode Reset .....................................................................................294
Active Sessions .......................................................................................296
Reboot .....................................................................................................298
Chapter 5: Web Manager for Regular Users........299
Web Manager for Regular Users ................................................................300
Prerequisites for Logging in to the Web Manager ......................................302
Connect to Server ........................................................................................304
IPDU Power Management ..........................................................................304
Power Control of Any Device Plugged Into an AlterPath PM on the KVM/
net ............................................................................................................305
Changing Your KVM/net Password ...........................................................306
Chapter 6: Accessing Connected Devices..........307
Who Can Access Connected Devices .........................................................309
Server Connections: What You See ............................................................310
Viewing KVM Connections ...................................................................311
Viewing In-band Connections ................................................................313
Prerequisites for Accessing Servers With In-band Connections ................313
Prerequisites for Accessing Servers With KVM Connections ...................314
Disabling Mouse Acceleration ....................................................................314
Screen Resolution and Refresh Rate ...........................................................315
Web Manager Login Screen .......................................................................316
Login Screen: Direct Logins Not Enabled ..............................................318
Connect to Server Drop-down List .........................................................318
Servers and Connection Types in the Connect to Server Drop-down List

ix
..............................................................................................................318
Port Numbers of Cascaded KVM Devices in the Connect to Server Drop-
down List ............................................................................................319
Login Screen: Direct Logins Enabled, Only IP Address Entered ...........320
Login Screen: Direct Logins Enabled, IP Address and Port Entered .....320
Connecting to Servers Remotely Through the Web Manager ....................321
Connecting to Servers Locally Through the OSD ......................................325
Controlling KVM Port Connections ...........................................................328
Hot Keys for KVM Connections ............................................................329
Hot Keys for Emulating Sun Keyboard Keys .........................................330
Cycling Between Servers ........................................................................332
Resetting the Keyboard and Mouse ........................................................334
Controlling Power of a KVM-connected Server ....................................335
Closing a KVM Connection ....................................................................336
Sharing KVM Port Connections .............................................................336
AlterPath Viewer Settings ..........................................................................339
Recommended Settings ...........................................................................339
Options Menu ..........................................................................................340
Setting the Viewer Options .....................................................................341
Connection Menu ....................................................................................342
Power Management ....................................................................................343
Modem Connections ...................................................................................346
Chapter 7: On Screen Display ..............................351
Navigating the OSD ....................................................................................352
Basic Navigation Keys ............................................................................352
Common Navigation Actions .................................................................353
Logging In Through the OSD .....................................................................353
OSD Main Menu .........................................................................................354
Invoking OSD Using [PrintScreen] Key ....................................................355
Connection Menu ........................................................................................356
Power Management Menu ..........................................................................357
Configure Menu Overview .........................................................................358
Understanding OSD Configuration Screen Series ..................................361
General Configuration Screens [OSD] ...................................................362
Network Configuration Menu Options [OSD] .......................................365
Network Configuration Screens [OSD] ..............................................366

x AlterPath KVM/net Installation, Administration, and User’s Guide
SNMP Configuration Screens [OSD] .................................................369
VPN Configuration Screens [OSD] ....................................................373
IP Filtering Configuration Screens .....................................................377
Hosts Configuration Screens [OSD] ...................................................384
Static Routes Configuration Screens ..................................................386
Date/time Configuration Screens ............................................................389
User Station Screens ...............................................................................390
KVM Ports Screens .................................................................................394
AUX Port Screens ...................................................................................396
Cascade Devices .....................................................................................399
Users and Groups Screens ......................................................................403
Syslog Screens ........................................................................................410
Notification Screens ................................................................................411
Authentication Screens ...........................................................................413
Save/Load Configuration Screens ...........................................................421
System Info Menu .......................................................................................424
Reboot .........................................................................................................426
Controlling the OSD Through the AlterPath KVM RP ..............................428
Appendix A: Troubleshooting ..............................431
How to Replace the KVM/net’s Boot Image ..........................................431
How to Upgrade the Firmware on KVM/net ..........................................437
How to Boot the KVM/net Over the Network. .......................................440
How to Boot the KVM/net in Single User Mode ...................................442
How to Disable Mouse Acceleration Using Windows Registry .............445
Appendix B: Technical Specifications.................447
Appendix C: Safety Guidelines.............................449
General Safety Precautions .........................................................................449
Rack or Cabinet Placement .........................................................................451
Table Placement ..........................................................................................451
Safety Guidelines for Rack-Mounting the KVM/net ..................................451
Safety Precautions for Operating the AlterPath KVM/net .........................453

xi
Glossary .................................................................457
Index .......................................................................471

xii AlterPath KVM/net Installation, Administration, and User’s Guide

Before You Begin
This installation, administration, and user’s guide provides background
information and procedures for installing, configuring, and administering the
Cyclades™ AlterPath family of KVM products including:
• AlterPath KVM/net
• AlterPath KVM Expander
• AlterPath KVM RP
• AlterPath KVM Terminators
In addition, this guide offers information and procedures for accessing
connected servers and other connected devices.
Audience
This manual is intended for installers and system administrators of the
AlterPath KVM/net and for users who may be authorized to connect to
devices and to manage power through the AlterPath KVM/net.
This document describes configuration, administration, and use of the
AlterPath KVM/net only. It does not describe how to set up and administer
other external services or servers that the AlterPath KVM/net may access for
authentication, system logging, SNMP notifications, data logging, file
sharing, or other purposes. This document assumes that users who are
authorized to connect to servers and other devices through the AlterPath
KVM/net already know how to use the connected devices.

xiv AlterPath KVM/net Installation, Administration, and User’s Guide
Document Organization
This document contains the following chapters:
Chapter 1: Introduction Defines and explains the overall product
features and uses of AlterPath KVM/net.
Chapter 2: Installation Explains the procedures for installing the
AlterPath KVM/net and setting up its basic
configuration.
Chapter 3: Advanced Installation
Procedures Explains the procedures for installing the KVM
Expander and the KVM RP in addition to
explaining how to install an external modem,
an AlterPath PM and how to cascade KVM
units to the AlterPath KVM/net.
Chapter 4: Web Manager for
Administrators Explains how to use the Web Manager,
highlighting such procedures as how to
configure the AlterPath KVM/net, add or delete
users, define user access, add or delete server
connections, and other topics pertaining to
AlterPath KVM/net administration.
Chapter 5: Web Manager for Regular
Users Presents the procedures for connecting to a port
and other operations related to using the web
user interface.
Chapter 6: Accessing Connected
Devices Explains how to connect to KVM ports and
inband servers and how to use the AlterPath
Viewer and control KVM connection sessions.
Chapter 7: On Screen Display Describes how to use the On Screen display for
local connections to the User 1 port.
Appendix A: Troubleshooting Explains how to troubleshoot
commonAlterPath KVM/net issues.
Appendix B: Technical Specifications List the technical specifications for the KVM/
net

xv
Related Documents
The following document for the AlterPath KVM/net is shipped with the
product.
•AlterPath KVM/net QuickStart Guide (hard-copy)
The documentation for Cyclades AlterPath products mentioned in this guide
such as AlterPath PM, and AlterPath KVM family of products are on the
Documentation CD shipped with the product and they are also available at:
http://www.cyclades.com/support/downloads.php.
Updated versions of this document will be posted on the downloads section of
the Cyclades website in the “AlterPath KVM/net” section when Cyclades
releases new versions of the software.
A printed version of this document can be ordered under part number
PAC0368through your Cyclades sales representative.
Typographic and Other Conventions
The following table describes the typographic conventions used in Cyclades
manuals.
Appendix C: Safety Guidelines List the general safety guidelines for Cyclades
products.
Glossary Glossary of terms and acronyms used in the
manual.
Table P-1: Typographic Conventions
Typeface Meaning Example
Links Hypertext links or URLs Go to:
http://www.cyclades.com

xvi AlterPath KVM/net Installation, Administration, and User’s Guide
The following table describes other terms and conventions.
Emphasis Titles or emphasized or new words or
terms See the AlterPath KVM/net Quick Start
Filename or
Command Names of commands, files, and directories; onscreen computer output. Edit the pslave.conf file.
User type What you type in an example, compared
to what the computer displays [kvm #] ifconfig eth0
Table P-2: Other Terms and Conventions
Term or Convention Meaning Examples
Hot keys When hot keys are shown, a plus
(+) appears between two keys
that must be pressed at the same
time, and a space appears
between two keys that must be
pressed sequentially.
Ctrl+k p entered while
the user is connected to a
KVM port brings up an
IPDU power management
screen. Ctrl and kmust be
pressed at the same time
followed by p.
Navigation shortcuts Shortcuts use the “greater than”
symbol (>) to indicate how to
navigate to Web Manager forms
or OSD screens.
Go to Configuration>KVM>
General in Expert mode.
Table P-1: Typographic Conventions
Typeface Meaning Example

Chapter 1
Introduction
This chapter gives an overview of the features of the Cyclades AlterPath
KVM/net. This chapter describes how administrators and operators can use
the KVM/net features to securely manage connected computer systems and a
large variety of devices from anywhere on the local area network or on the
Internet. This chapter also provides important prerequisite information for
understanding the information and procedures in this manual.
The following table lists the topics in this chapter.
Description Page 2
Connectors on the KVM/net Page 4
Cyclades Web Manager Page 18
Prerequisites for Using the Web Manager Page 19
Cyclades Web Manager Page 18
Accessing Ports on Cascaded KVM Devices Page 24
TCP Ports Page 20
AlterPath KVM/net Ordering Options Page 13
Administering Users of Connected Servers Page 33
Power Management Page 40
Notifications, Alarms, and Data Buffering Page 53
Considerations When Choosing Whether to Enable DHCP Page 57

Description
2 AlterPath KVM/net Installation, Administration, and User’s Guide
Description
The KVM/net is a 1U rack-mountble device that serves as a single access
point for administering and using servers and other devices through inband
and out-of-band access methods.
The following figure shows the front and back of the KVM/net.
Figure 1-1: KVM/net Front and Back
You use the KVM ports on the left and middle back of the KVM/net to
connect servers. You can use the AUX port on the right back to connect
AlterPath PMs or an optional external modem. You use the management ports
on the right back to connect to the KVM/net and to its connected devices.
Depending on the model, the KVM/net comes with either 16- or 32-KVM
ports to connect from 16 to 32 servers with KVM connections.
The KVM/net can be used to manage power of up to 128 devices when the
devices are plugged into up to 32 daisy-chained AlterPath PM intelligent
power distribution units that are connected to the AUX port on the KVM/net.
KVM/net administrators and users who are authorized to access connected
devices can connect locally or remotely from LANs, WANs, or other dial-in
connections through the Ethernet port or through an optional external modem.
For extended local administration, administrators can connect the Cyclades
AlterPath KVM Expander (purchased separately) to the KVM/net with a
CAT5 cable of up to 500 feet in length.
KVM Terminator Usage and Types Page 58

Introduction 3
Description
Note: The 500-foot limit includes the distance of the User 2 from the KVM/net and
the distance of the most remote system connected to a KVM port.
Secondary KVM units such as the Cyclades AlterPath KVM Expander or an
AlterPath KVM can be cascaded for extended KVM server connections. A
maximum of 32 secondary KVM devices can be cascaded from the primary
KVM/net extending the number of KVM ports to a maximum of 512 for two-
user configuration (i.e. two connections to each cascaded device), or 1024 for
a one-user configuration.
If multiple KVM/net units are installed in multiple remote locations, a
Cyclades AlterPath Manager (purchased separately) can manage all the
KVM/net units together with other Cyclades products and their connected
devices through a single IP address.
Access to the KVM/net for administration is separate from access to
connected devices. Only the KVM/net administrator can configure access to
the KVM/net and to the connected devices.
Both KVM/net administrators and users authorized to access connected
devices can use the Web Manager from a browser. Authorized users can log in
to devices, manage power, and change their own passwords, but they do not
have access to the KVM/net screens for configuring users or ports.
All logins to the KVM/net are subject to authentication. The KVM/net
administrator can restrict access to each of the connected devices by choosing
among authentication methods for logins to the KVM/net and to its ports.
Authentication can be local to the KVM/net or through an authentication
server.
The KVM/net administrator can further control access by controlling which
ports are assigned to each user name.
The KVM/net administrator can configure event logging, alarms, and
notifications, set up encryption, and data buffering.
After initial network configuration is performed on the KVM/net, the
Cyclades Web Manager provides a real-time view of all the connected
equipment and makes it possible for administration to be done from a browser
on any computer on site or on the Internet.

Guidelines for Using the KVM/net
4 AlterPath KVM/net Installation, Administration, and User’s Guide
Guidelines for Using the KVM/net
Configuration of user accounts and access to the ports and all other
management of the connected devices is done through the Web Manager.
Troubleshooting in the event of network failure can be done using one of the
two direct-connect methods, or by using the Web Manager through a dial-up
connection to an external modem connected to the AUX port.
See “Accessing Connected Devices” on page 307 for instructions on how
users without KVM/net administration privileges can access computers and
AlterPath PMs that are connected to the KVM/net.
Connectors on the KVM/net
The following sections describe the connectors on the back and front of the
KVM/net, including ports, card slots, and plugs.
Types of Ports
The KVM/nets ports include KVM ports, which support server connections,
an AUX ports, and management ports including the User 1, User 2, Console,
and Ethernet ports, as described in the following table.
Table 1-1: Port Types
Port
Type Connection Information Where Documented
KVM Connect an RJ-45 CAT5 cable to a
Terminator, which is connected to a
server.
• “KVM Ports” on page 7
• “To Connect Computers to KVM
Ports” on page 80
AUX Connect an RJ-45 cable to an:
• AlterPath PM intelligent power
distribution unit (IPDU)
or
• external modem.
• “AUX Ports” on page 10
• “To Connect an AlterPath PM to
the AUX Port” on page 117
• “To Connect an External Modem
to the AUX Port” on page 116