Dell Server Console Switch User manual

Dell™ Server Console Switch
User's Guide

Notes, Cautions, and Warnings
NOTE: A NOTE indicates important information that helps you make
better use of your computer.
CAUTION: A CAUTION indicates potential damage to
hardware or loss of data if instructions are not followed.
WARNING: A WARNING indicates a potential for property
damage, personal injury, or death.
____________________
Information in this publication is subject to change without notice.
© 2011 Dell Inc. All rights reserved.
Reproduction of these materials in any manner whatsoever without the written
permission of Dell Inc. is strictly forbidden.
Trademarks used in this text: Dell, the DELL logo, and PowerEdge are trademarks
of Dell Inc.; Avocent is a registered trademark of Avocent Corporation. Microsoft®,
Windows®, Windows Server®, MS-DOS®, and Windows Vista® are either
trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries. Red Hat Enterprise Linux® and Enterprise Linux® are
registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this publication to refer to either
the entities claiming the marks and names or their products. Dell Inc. disclaims any
proprietary interest in trademarks and trade names other than its own.
590-1068-501A
Model 1081AD/2161AD Server Console Switch
July 2011

Contentsxxx |xxx3
Contents
Product Overview 1
Features and Benefits 1
Reduce Cable Bulk 1
SIP Intelligent Modules 1
Multiplatform Support 2
User Interfaces 2
Virtual Media and Smart Card-capable Switches 3
IPv4 and IPv6 Capabilities 3
Access the SCS Using a Standard TCP/IP Network 4
Upgradeable 4
Two-tier Expansion 4
Dell Remote Access Key (RAK) 4
KVM Remote Access 4
Avocent Management Software Plug-in 5
Local Video Scaling 5
Encryption 5
Safety Precautions 7
General 7
LAN Related Precautions 9
Installation 11
Getting Started 11
Setting Up Your Network 12
SCS Quick Setup 13
Rack Mounting the Switch 14
Rack Mounting Safety Considerations 14

Contentsxxx |xxx4
Installing the Dell ReadyRails System 15
Installing the Switch 20
Connecting the SCS Hardware 23
Tiering Your Switch Using a SIP 26
Adding a Tiered Switch 29
Adding a Tiered Legacy Switch 31
Adding a Port Expansion Module (Optional) 33
Configuring Your SCS 35
Setting Up the Built-in Web Server 35
Connecting to the OBWI Through a Firewall 35
Verifying Power Status 37
Adjusting Mouse Settings on Target Devices 37
Local OSCAR User Interface 39
Main Dialog Box Functions 39
Viewing and Selecting Ports and Devices 39
Viewing Switch System Status 41
Selecting Devices 42
Soft Switching 43
Navigating the OSCAR Interface 43
Connecting Local Virtual Media 45
Setup Dialog Box Functions 46
Changing the Display Behavior 47
Controlling the Status Flag 48
Setting the Keyboard Country Code 49
Assigning Device Types 50
Assigning Device Names 50
Configuring Network Settings 51
Commands Dialog Box Functions 52
Selecting Devices for Scan Mode 53

Contentsxxx |xxx5
Enabling or Disabling Scan Mode 54
Viewing and Disconnecting User Connections 54
Displaying Version Information and Upgrading Firmware 55
OBWI Operation 57
Using the OBWI 59
Viewing System Information 61
Scan Mode 63
Generating a Certificate 63
Tools - Rebooting and Upgrading 65
Rebooting the SCS 65
Upgrading SCS Firmware 65
Saving and Restoring SCS Configurations and User Databases 66
Property Identity and Location Settings 68
Viewing Version Information 68
Network Settings 68
SNMP Settings 70
Auditing Event Settings 71
Setting Event Destinations 71
Ports Settings- Configuring a SIP 72
Deleting SIPs 72
Upgrading SIPs 72
Launching a Session 73
General Sessions Settings 74
Local User Account Settings 75
Virtual Media Session Settings 76

Contentsxxx |xxx6
Avocent User Account Settings 78
Override Admin 78
Active Sessions 79
Closing a Session 79
Video Viewer 81
Changing the Toolbar 84
Window Size 84
Adjusting the View 85
Refreshing the Image 86
Video Settings 86
Target Video Settings 88
Automatic Video Adjustment 89
Video Test Pattern 89
Vendor-specific Video Settings 89
Color Settings 89
Contrast and Brightness 90
Noise Settings 90
Mouse Settings 91
Cursor Type 91
Mouse Scaling 94
Mouse Alignment and Synchronization 94
Virtual Media 95
Requirements 95
Sharing and Preemption Considerations 96
Virtual Media Dialog Box 96
Opening a Virtual Media Session 97

Contentsxxx |xxx7
Closing a Virtual Media Session 100
Smart Cards 101
Keyboard Pass-through 102
Macros 103
Saving the View 103
Closing a Session 103
Terminal Operation 105
Network Configuration 105
Other Console Main Menu Options 106
Firmware Management 107
Enable Debug Messages 107
Set/Change Password 107
Restore Factory Defaults 107
Reset Switch 107
Set Web Interface Ports 107
Exit 107
Appendix A: MIB and SNMP Traps 109
Appendix B: Setup Port Pinouts 113
Appendix C: Using Avocent Serial IQ Modules 115
Serial IQ Module Modes 115
Configuring the Serial IQ Module 115
Creating a Serial IQ Module Macro 118
Using History Mode 119

Contentsxxx |xxx8
Serial IQ Module Pinouts 120
Appendix D: Sun Advanced Key Emulation 121
Appendix E: UTP Cabling 123
UTP Copper Cabling 123
Wiring Standards 123
Cabling Installation, Maintenance, and Safety Tips 124
Appendix F: Technical Specifications 127
Appendix G: Technical Support 131

1
Product Overviewxxx |xxx1
Product Overview
The Dell 1081AD/2161AD Server Console Switch (SCS) is an analog keyboard,
video, and mouse (KVM) switch that provides flexible, centralized local access
to data center servers. It can also provide centralized remote access to data
center servers when used in conjunction with the optional Remote Access Key
(RAK).
Features and Benefits
Reduce Cable Bulk
With device densities continually increasing, cable bulk remains a major concern
for network administrators. The SCS significantly reduces KVM cable volume in
the rack by utilizing the innovative Server Interface Pod (SIP) and single,
industry-standard Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cabling. This allows a higher
device density while providing greater airflow and cooling capacity.
SIP Intelligent Modules
The SCS supports SIPs that are powered directly from the target device and
provide Keep Alive functionality when the SCS is not powered. The SIPs with
CAT 5 design dramatically reduce cable clutter while providing optimal
resolution and video settings. The built-in memory of SIPs simplifies
configuration by assigning and retaining unique device names and Electronic ID
(EID) numbers for each attached device.
PS/2 and USB SIPs are available allowing direct KVM connectivity to devices.
The USB2+CAC SIP is also available. The SCS is offered with 8 or 16 ARI

2xxx |Product Overviewxxx
ports that are used to connect SIPs to the SCS. Then utilizing the SIPs, you can
attach additional switches to expand your SCS system. This flexibility allows
you to add capacity as your data center grows.
Multiplatform Support
Dell SIPs are available for use with the SCS to support PS/2, USB, USB2, and
USB2+CAC device environments.
Interoperability with Avocent®IQ Module Intelligent Cabling may also be used
to connect local devices to the SCS. PS/2, USB, and Sun®module options are
available. For more information, please refer to the appropriate Avocent
installer/user guide for your product or visit avocent.com/manuals for more
information.
User Interfaces
The SCS is equipped with two “point-and-click” interfaces to manage the SCS
locally. They are the local user interface (UI), referred to as OSCAR™, and the
on-board web interface (OBWI). Using the configuration options provided by
these interfaces, you can tailor your SCS to your specific application. The
OBWI can also be used to access and control any attached devices, and handle
all basic KVM needs remotely.
NOTE: Remote KVM sessions via the OBWI requires the installation of the Dell RAK.
OSCAR Interface
The OSCAR interface, accessed using the local port, features intuitive menus
and operation modes to configure your SCS and devices. Devices can be
identified by name, EID, or port number.
The OSCAR interface allows you to protect your system with a screen saver
password. When the screen saver mode engages, access is prohibited until the
appropriate password is entered to reactivate the system. By typing Help in the
password dialog, you are directed to Dell Technical Support. Recommended
usage for the SCS is in a data center infrastructure protected by a firewall.