Digi Connect IT 16 User manual

Digi Connect IT® 16/48
User Guide
User Guide

Revision history—90002332
Revision Date Description
A July 2019 Initial release.
B September 2019 Added information for Remote Power
Management.
Additional edits.
Trademarks and copyright
Digi, Digi International, and the Digi logo are trademarks or registered trademarks in the United
States and other countries worldwide. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the
property of their respective owners.
© 2019 Digi International Inc. All rights reserved.
Disclaimers
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Digi International. Digi provides this document “as is,” without warranty of
any kind, expressed or implied, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of fitness or
merchantability for a particular purpose. Digi may make improvements and/or changes in this manual
or in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this manual at any time.
Warranty
To view product warranty information, go to the following website:
www.digi.com/howtobuy/terms
Send comments
Documentation feedback: To provide feedback on this document, send your comments to
[e-mail].
Customer support
Digi Technical Support: Digi offers multiple technical support plans and service packages to help our
customers get the most out of their Digi product. For information on Technical Support plans and
pricing, contact us at +1 952.912.3444 or visit us at www.digi.com/support.
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 2

Contents
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide
Connect IT 16 and 48 key features 6
Get started with Connect IT 16/48
Verify product components 8
Included equipment 8
Required additional equipment 9
Optional additional equipment 9
Optional equipment 10
Cellular ONLY: Insert the CORE module 10
Prerequisites 10
Connect the power supplies and fans 11
Optional: Connect SFP+ modules 12
Connect the hardware 12
Connect hardware and connect to site network using an Ethernet LAN 12
Connect hardware and connect to a cellular network 13
Connect equipment to the Connect IT serial ports
Serial connector pinout 14
Configure the Connect IT 16/48
Change a Connect IT password 16
Manage users and groups 16
Create a group 16
Configure an access control group 16
Create a user profile and assign an access control group 17
Configure two-factor authentication for a user 18
Update the firmware on the Connect IT 18
Update Connect IT firmware from the local web user interface 18
Update the firmware on Connect IT from Remote Manager 19
Download the Connect IT firmware to your PC 19
Configure authentication methods 19
Configure idle timeout 20
Update modem firmware from the local web user interface 20
Configure Remote Power Management 21
Configure the Connect IT to connect to a power controller 21
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 3

Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 4
Create an access control group for power management and assign to users 23
View power controller status and manage power (Administrators) 24
Control the outlet power from a terminal (all users) 24
Configure a serial port 25
Configure the connection settings for a serial port 25
Monitor serial port changes 27
Enable a Telnet connection on the serial port 28
Enable a TCP connection on the serial port 29
Enable an SSH connection on the serial port 30
Configure a modem 31
Configure the modem 31
Define a custom APN list 34
Configure a custom gateway for the modem 35
Configure an IPv4 network interface for the modem 35
Configure an IPv6 network interface for the modem 36
Configure the network 37
Configure the Connect IT name from the local web user interface 38
Configure a VPN 39
Configure an IPsec tunnel for a VPN 39
Configure an OpenVPN server 39
Configure an IP tunnel for a VPN 40
Back up, restore, and delete the configuration 40
Back up the Connect IT configuration 41
Restore the Connect IT configuration 41
Delete the Connect IT configuration 41
Configure the firewall 41
Configure services 42
Monitor the data from the Connect IT 43
Reboot the Connect IT 43
Immediately reboot the Connect IT from the local web user interface 44
Immediately reboot the Connect IT from Remote Manager 44
Schedule a reboot from the local web user interface 44
Schedule system maintenance 45
Synchronize system time 46
View Connect IT status information 47
Download an archive of the supported MIBs 47
Download a support report file 47
Configure and view events and logs 48
View events information 48
Configure log messages 48
View system log information 49
Work with the web UI (web user interface)
Log in to the local web userinterface or Remote Manager 50
Access a screen in the local web user interface or Remote Manager 50
Add an item 50
Access the Terminal screen 51
Access help 51
Save your changes 51
Log in to the Connect IT local web user interface 51
Manually configure PCto connect to the Connect IT 52
Log in to Remote Manager and access the Configuration screen 53

Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 5
Troubleshooting
Reset your device to the factory defaults 56
Tips for improving cellular signal strength 56
Download a support report 56
Hardware
Front panel and LEDs 57
Back panel and LEDs 59
Hardware specifications 61
Power supply 61
Electrical rating 61
Mounting options 62
Regulatory and safety information
Safety warnings 63
Power supply and supplemental fan module considerations 64
Information access 64

Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide
This guide provides reference and usage information for the Connect IT 16/48.
The 16/48 provides out-of-band management for remote network or infrastructure devices. Cellular
connectivity, available as standard in some models and as an option in other models, provides fast
reliable cellular connections without additional equipment. All connections are encrypted for security.
Connect IT 16 and 48 key features
The Digi Connect IT 16/48 port products provide these key features:
nDual Gigabit Ethernet and Dual SFP+ option for robust flexible network connectivity.
nDevices with either 16 or 48 serial connections to manage IT assets via console port.
nOption to install Certified Digi Cellular CORE Module to support different cellular speeds with
modules certified for specific regions.
nSuperior network performance management through Digi Remote Manager® (DRM).
nGlobal Deployment support.
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 6

Get started with Connect IT 16/48
This section explains what comes with each Connect IT model, how to install the necessary software,
and how to connect the hardware.
1. Verify product components.
2. Cellular ONLY: Insert the CORE module.
3. Connect the power supplies and fans.
4. Optional: Connect SFP+ modules.
5. Connect the hardware to a network.
6. Access the device from the web UI.
7. Update the firmware on the Connect IT from the web UI.
8. Change the password.
9. Administrators only: Additional configuration to the Connect IT can be done in Remote Manager
or in the Connect IT's local web user interface. See Configure the Connect IT 16/48.
10. Mount the Connect IT to a rack.
11. Connect equipment to the Connect IT serial ports.
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 7

Get started with Connect IT 16/48 Verify product components
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 8
Verify product components
Verify that you have the following included equipment.
Included equipment
Equipment Description
Digi
Connect IT
16
Digi
Connect IT
48
Note This image is of Connect IT 48. The Connect IT 16 has a blank panel instead of
ports 17 - 48.
For detailed information about the front and back panels, see Connect IT 16/48
hardware and LEDs.
Serial
adapter
DB9 female to RJ45 adapter.
Connects a DB9 serial port on a PC to the Connect IT 16/48 console port.
Ethernet
cable
8-wire straight-through shielded Cat5 Ethernet cable.
You can also choose to connect to the network with an Ethernet connection rather
than connecting to a cellular network. See Connect hardware and connect to site
network using an Ethernet LAN.
Label The label includes the MAC addresses of the device.

Get started with Connect IT 16/48 Verify product components
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 9
Required additional equipment
Equipment Description
Power supply kit Each kit includes three items: two power supply items and one fan
item. These items are connected to the Connect IT 16/48. See
Connect the power supplies and fans.
You can choose between the following two kits:
nITPS-PSEK: Connect IT 16/48 power supply kit, port-side
exhaust. Use this when the serial ports will be in the hot
aisle. The thumb screws used to connect the items to the
Connect IT are blue.
nITPS-PSIK: Connect IT 16/48 power supply kit, port-side
intake. Use this when the serial ports will be in the cold
aisle. The thumb screws used to connect the items to the
Connect IT are red.
Power cord IEC 60320 power cord
Optional additional equipment
Equipment Description
COREmodule
Note This is required only if you want to connect to a cellular
network. A SIM card is also required.
SIMcard An activated SIM card provided by your cellular network operator.
You can insert up to two SIMcards in the CORE module. See
Connect hardware and connect to a cellular network.
The COREmodule supports the standard mini-SIM cards (2FF).
Note This is required only if you are using a COREmodule to
connect to a cellular network.

Get started with Connect IT 16/48 Cellular ONLY: Insert the CORE module
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 10
Equipment Description
Antennas (2)
Optional equipment
Equipment Description
Power cord IEC 60320 power cord.
An additional power cord used for redundancy.
Cellular ONLY: Insert the CORE module
Note If you are connecting to a network using an Ethernet connection, you can skip this section. See
Connect hardware and connect to site network using an Ethernet LAN.
This section explains how to connect the COREmodule and cellular antennas to the Connect IT
hardware.
Prerequisites
nActivated SIM card from your cellular network provider.
nCORE module. This may be included with your device. If it is not, you must purchase one
separately.
To connect the hardware and connect to the cellular network:
1. Insert your activated SIM card into the COREmodule. The notched end of SIM card should be
inserted first, with the gold metal contacts facing down. You will hear a click once the SIM is
completely inserted.
Note If one SIM card is being used, insert the SIMcard into the SIM 1 slot.
2. Insert the COREmodule into the device.
a. Orient the device so the rear of the device is facing you.
b. Remove the COREmodule slot cover from the back of the device.
c. Insert the COREmodule into the slot. Make sure the pin holes on the back of the
module match the location of the pins in the slot.
d. Push the module into the slot.
e. Push the white handle down until you hear it click.

Get started with Connect IT 16/48 Connect the power supplies and fans
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 11
f. Optionally, you can screw one of the COREmodule cover screws into the center of
the handle.
g. Place the white CORE module cover over the end of the device. Make sure that the
antenna labels are oriented correctly.
h. Push the cover in place.
3. Attach both of the included antennas. While gripping the metal connector section with your
thumb and forefinger, tighten until secure. Do not tighten the antenna by holding any part of
the plastic antenna housing.
Note Attaching both antennas ensures maximum performance. If a single antenna solution is
required, it must be attached to the antenna port labeled MAIN.
Connect the power supplies and fans
You must purchase a power supply kit. Each kit includes three units: two fan and power supply units
and one fan unit.
You can choose between the following two kits:
nITPS-PSEK: Connect IT 16/48 power supply kit, port-side exhaust. Use this when the serial
ports will be in the hot aisle. The thumb screws used to connect the items to the Connect IT
are blue.
nITPS-PSIK: Connect IT 16/48 power supply kit, port-side intake. Use this when the serial ports
will be in the cold aisle. The thumb screws used to connect the items to the Connect IT are red.
1. Orient the device so the back of the device is facing you.
2. Connect the first power supply and fan unit to the Connect IT.
a. Orient a power supply and fan unit to match the picture shown above.
b. Insert the unit into the slot on the left side of the device.
c. Turn the red or blue screws to securely attach the unit to the device case.

Get started with Connect IT 16/48 Optional: Connect SFP+ modules
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 12
3. Connect the second power supply and fan unit to the Connect IT.
a. Orient the second power supply and fan unit to match the picture shown above.
b. Insert the unit into the slot on the right side of the device.
c. Turn the red or blue screws to securely attach the unit to the device case.
4. Connect the stand-alone fan unit to the Connect IT.
a. Orient the fan unit to match the picture shown above.
b. Insert the fan into the slot next to the power supply and fan unit on the right side of
the device.
c. Turn the red or blue screws to securely attach the fan to the device case.
Optional: Connect SFP+ modules
You can choose to connect up to two SFP+ modules to the Connect IT.
Note When you use an SFP+ module, you cannot use the equivalent Ethernet port. For example, if you
insert an SFP+ module into the SFP+1 slot, you cannot use the ETH1 slot. If you insert an SFP+ module
into the SFP+2 slot, you cannot use the ETH2 slot.
1. Orient the device so the front of the device is facing you.
2. Insert the first SFP+ module into the SFP+1 slot on the Connect IT.
3. Insert the second SFP+ module into the SFP+2 slot on the Connect IT.
Connect the hardware
These sections explain how to connect the hardware and then connect to either a cellular network
using the COREmodule or to a site network using an Ethernet cable.
nConnect hardware and connect to site network using an Ethernet LAN
nConnect hardware and connect to a cellular network
Connect hardware and connect to site network using an Ethernet
LAN
This section explains how to connect the Connect IT hardware and then connect to a site network,
using an Ethernet WAN cable.
Prerequisites
nCAT5/6 Ethernet cable, which must be purchased separately.
To connect the hardware and connect to a site network:
1. Connect the power supply and fan units to the device. See Connect the power supplies and
fans.
2. Plug the power supply unit into an AC power outlet and connect the other end to the Power
plug on the 16/48.
3. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to your site network.

Get started with Connect IT 16/48 Connect the hardware
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 13
4. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet ETH2 port on the 16/48. By
default a DHCP request will be sent to the local Ethernet network.
Connect hardware and connect to a cellular network
This section explains how to connect the Connect IT hardware and then connect to a cellular network,
using a CORE module. You must have purchased a COREmodule to be able to connect to the cellular
network.
Note As an alternative, you can also use an Ethernet LAN connection. See Connect hardware and
connect to site network using an Ethernet LAN.
To connect the hardware and connect to the cellular network:
1. Insert a COREmodule with an activated SIM card. See Cellular ONLY: Insert the CORE module.
2. Plug the power supply cord into at least one of the power supplies on the back of the device.
The second power cord can also be plugged in, but it is not required. It is available for power
redundancy.
3. Plug the power supply unit into an AC power outlet to power up the Connect IT 16/48.

Connect equipment to the Connect IT serial ports
After your device is connected and powered up, you can connect equipment to the device using the
serial ports.
The serial ports on the Connect IT provide console access to connected critical equipment through the
cellular network or a connected Ethernet LAN. Depending on your model, you can connect up to 16 or
48 of your network devices to the Connect IT serial ports. For pinout information, see Serial connector
pinout.
You must use a cable with an RJ45 connector to connect to the Connect IT 16/48 with a RJ45, DB9F or
DB9M connector, as determined by your device type, to terminate to your device. Consult the user
guide for the device you are connecting to the Connect IT to determine the connector type, cable type,
and pinout positions for your specific device.
The serial ports are enabled by default. The network devices connected to the serial ports may be
accessed using Remote Manager, the local web user interface, TCP, telnet, or SSH connections. TCP,
telnet and SSH connections to serial ports are disabled by default and must be enabled by a device-
specific configuration.
Serial connector pinout
The Connect IT console port is DTE. The Connect IT serial ports 1-48 (1-16 for IT 16) are DTE ports by
default but may be software configured for DCE.
Signal name Console port and DTE mode DCE mode
CTS 1 N/A
Signals are not used in DCEmode.
DSR 2 N/A
Signals are not used in DCEmode.
RXD 3 6
GND 4 5
GND/DCD 5 4
TXD 6 3
DTR 7 N/A
Signals are not used in DCEmode.
RTS 8 N/A
Signals are not used in DCEmode.
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 14

Configure the Connect IT 16/48
You can configure the Connect IT 16/48 in either web UI method: the local web user interface or
Remote Manager. Once you have selected a web UI option and logged in, the features and page layout
are the same in both the local web user interface and Remote Manager.
Change a Connect IT password 16
Manage users and groups 16
Update the firmware on the Connect IT 18
Configure authentication methods 19
Configure idle timeout 20
Update modem firmware from the local web user interface 20
Configure Remote Power Management 21
Configure a serial port 25
Configure a modem 31
Configure the network 37
Configure the Connect IT name from the local web user interface 38
Configure a VPN 39
Back up, restore, and delete the configuration 40
Configure the firewall 41
Configure services 42
Monitor the data from the Connect IT 43
Reboot the Connect IT 43
Schedule system maintenance 45
Synchronize system time 46
View Connect IT status information 47
Download an archive of the supported MIBs 47
Download a support report file 47
Configure and view events and logs 48
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 15

Configure the Connect IT 16/48 Change a Connect IT password
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 16
Change a Connect IT password
You can change either the root password or the user password for the Connect IT.
1. Log in to manage the Connect IT.
2. Access the Configuration >Authentication screen.
3. Expand the Users section.
4. Determine for whom you want to change the password.
nExpand the root section to change the root password for the Connect IT.
nExpand a section with a user name to change the password that user would use when
logging on to the Connect IT.
5. In the Password field, enter a new password.
6. Select the Show option if you want the password to display in the field. If you don't select this
option, a series of dots displays.
7. Click Save or Apply.
Manage users and groups
Users and groups work together to enable access to the desired serial ports and other features.
Groups are assigned to user profiles and the users in the group inherit the access rights specified for
that group.
Create a group
You can create a group that represents a set of users that should have the same access rights. After a
group has been created, you should configure it to allow access to the desired serial ports and
features. Users inherit the rights specified for that group.
1. Log in to manage the Connect IT.
2. Access the Configuration >Authentication screen.
3. Expand the Groups section.
4. Click Add or +.
5. In the Add Group field, enter the group name.
6. Click Add or OK. The new group is immediately added to the list of groups.
7. Click Save or Apply.
8. Configure an access control group.
Configure an access control group
You can configure an access control group to allow access to the desired serial ports and features.
Note The users to which this group is assigned inherit the access rights configured for the group. For
information about assigning a group to a user, see Create a user profile and assign an access control
group.

Configure the Connect IT 16/48 Manage users and groups
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 17
1. Log in to manage the Connect IT.
2. Access the Configuration >Authentication screen.
3. Expand the Groups section.
4. Expand the group that you want to configure: admin,serial, or a user group that you have
added.
5. Configure the group as desired.
Setting Description
Admin access When selected, members assigned to this group have full access to
configure all of the features on the Connect IT. One admin group is
available by default.
Shell access When selected, members of this group can access a Linus shell on this
Connect IT.
Serial access When selected, members of this group have access to the set of ports listed
in the Serial ports section. One serial group is available by default.
Serial ports A list of ports to which members of this group may access.
The Serial access option must be selected for the users in this group to
have access to the ports.
1. Click Add or +. A new port row is added.
2. From the Port list box, select the appropriate port.
OpenVPN access When selected, allows members of this group access the specified
OpenVPN tunnels listed in the OpenVPN section.
OpenVPN A list of OpenVPN tunnels to which members of this group may access.
The OpenVPN access option must be selected for the users in this group to
have access to the tunnels. You must have previously added at least one
OpenVPN tunnel.
1. Click Add or +. A new tunnel row is added.
2. From the Tunnel list box, select the appropriate tunnel.
Nagios access When selected, allows members of this group to query the device for
service status for Nagios.
Power outlet access When selected, allows members of this group to access the power outlets
specified in the Power outlets section. See Create an access control group
for power management and assign to users.
Power outlets Defines the outlets that members in this group can access. See Create an
access control group for power management and assign to users.
6. Click Save or Apply.
Create a user profile and assign an access control group
You can create a new user profile and assign a log in password.

Configure the Connect IT 16/48 Update the firmware on the Connect IT
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 18
1. Log in to manage the Connect IT.
2. Access the Configuration >Authentication screen.
3. Expand the Users section.
4. Click Add or +to add a new user name.
5. Select Enable. If the user profile is not enabled, the user will not be able to log in.
6. Enter the password for this user in the Password field.
If the Show option is selected, the password appears in the field. If it is not selected, a series of
dots appear.
7. Assign the user to a group.
a. Expand the Groups section.
b. Click Add or +.
c. From the Group list box, select the desired group.
8. Click Save or Apply.
Configure two-factor authentication for a user
You can configure two-factor authentication for a user.
1. Log in to manage the Connect IT.
2. Access the Configuration >Authentication screen.
3. Expand the Users section.
4. Expand the group that you want to configure for two-factor authentication.
5. Expand the Two-factor authentication section.
6. Click Enable.
7. Complete the fields in the section.
8. Click Save or Apply.
Update the firmware on the Connect IT
You can update the firmware on the Connect IT from either Remote Manger or the local web user
interface.
Update Connect IT firmware from the local web user interface
You can update the firmware on the Connect IT. Before you begin, you must download the desired
version of the firmware onto your PC.
1. Download the Connect IT firmware to your PC.
2. Log in to the Connect IT local web user interface.
3. Select the System tab in the left pane.
4. In the Device Firmware section, click Choose File.

Configure the Connect IT 16/48 Configure authentication methods
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 19
5. Browse for and select the firmware file downloaded to your PC.
6. Click Update Firmware.
Update the firmware on Connect IT from Remote Manager
You can update the firmware on Connect IT from Remote Manager. You must first get the current
firmware file, and then you can upload it to the device.
1. Log in to your Remote Manager account.
2. Click Try Remote Manager 3.0 preview in the top right of the screen.
3. Click Devices in the left pane.
4. Select the device you want to update.
5. In the toolbar, click Actions >Update Firmware. The Update Firmware pane displays.
6. From the list box, select the appropriate firmware option.
nThe most current firmware file.
nUpload Firmware File: Select this option if you want to use a firmware file other than
the most current file. If you choose this option, you should Download the Connect IT
firmware to your PC.
7. Click Update to immediately update the firmware.
Download the Connect IT firmware to your PC
1. Go to www.digi.com/support.
2. Scroll down to the Support Downloads section.
3. Click Firmware Updates.
4. In the Filter the list box, enter Connect IT. As you type, matches display.
5. Click Connect IT.
6. From the list of options, select the option for your model: Connect IT 16 or Connect IT 48.
7. From the Firmware Updates section, select the version you want to download. The file is
downloaded to a folder on your computer. Make a note of the folder path and name.
Configure authentication methods
You can configure a list of the authentication methods to use when authenticating access to services
on the Connect IT. The methods are attempted in the list order until the first successful
authentication result is returned. A user fails authentication when no method succeeds.
1. Log in to manage the Connect IT.
2. Access the Configuration >Authentication screen.
3. Expand the Methods section. One method is included by default. The Local users option is
selected by default.

Configure the Connect IT 16/48 Configure idle timeout
Digi Connect IT® 16/48 User Guide 20
4. You can add additional methods.
a. Click Add or +. The new row is immediately added to the list of methods.
b. From the Method list box, select the method that you want to use for
authentication:
nLocal users: Authenticate using the users defined with the configuration.
nTACACS+: Authenticate using an external TACACS+ server. If you choose this
option, make sure you have configured an external TACACS+ server, in Step
5.
5. Configure an external TACACS+ server. This allows access to services on this Connect IT to be
authenticated externally, which is useful for central management of users.
Note This step is required only if you chose the TACACS+ option in Step 4.
Expand each sub-section and complete the fields in each of the sections. To display information
about what you should enter in each field, click the down arrow and then Help next to each
field.
6. Click Save or Apply.
Configure idle timeout
You can configure the length of time after which users are disconnected from services. If you do not
enter a value, the idle timeouts feature is disabled, and the user will not be disconnected from
services.
1. Log in to manage the Connect IT.
2. Access the Configuration >Authentication screen.
3. In the Idle timeout field, enter the length of time after which users are disconnected from
services. Leave this field blank to disable this feature.
Syntax:number{w|d|h|m|s}
4. Click Save or Apply.
Update modem firmware from the local web user interface
You can update the modem firmware on the Connect IT. Before you begin, you must download the
desired version of the modem firmware onto your PC.
1. Download the Connect IT firmware to your PC.
2. Log in to the Connect IT local web user interface.
3. Select the System tab in the left pane.
4. Scroll down to the Modem Firmware section.
5. Click Choose File.
6. Browse for and select the modem firmware file downloaded to your PC.
7. Click Upload & Install Firmware.