Emerson Avocent AutoView 2108 Installation and maintenance instructions

Avocent® AutoView™ 2108/2216/3108/3216 Switch
Installer/User Guide

Emerson, Emerson Network Power and the Emerson Network Power logo are trademarks or service marks of Emerson
Electric Co. Avocent, the Avocent logo, AutoView, Dambrackas Video Compression, DSView and OSCAR are trademarks or
service marks of Avocent Corporation. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. This document may
contain confidential and/or proprietary information of Avocent Corporation, and its receipt or possession does not convey any
right to reproduce, disclose its contents, or to manufacture or sell anything that it may describe. Reproduction, disclosure, or
use without specific authorization from Avocent Corporation is strictly prohibited. ©2016 Avocent Corporation. All rights
reserved.
For important safety information, visit:
www.emersonnetworkpower.com/ComplianceRegulatoryInfo
This document supports versions up to and including release 1.22.

i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Product Overview 1
Features and Benefits 1
Reduce cable bulk 1
IQ modules 1
Multiplatform support 1
User interfaces 1
Security 2
Virtual media and smart card support 2
IPv4 and IPv6 capabilities 2
Access the AutoView switch using a standard TCP/IP network 2
Upgradeable 3
Two-tier expansion 3
KVM remote access 3
DSView™ management software plug-in 3
Local video scaling 3
Encryption 3
Safety Precautions 3
LAN Related Precautions 5
Installation 7
Setting Up Your Network 7
Keyboards 7
Quick Setup 7
Connecting the AutoView Switch Hardware 7
Tiering Your Switch Using an IQ Module 9
Adding a tiered switch 11
Adding a tiered legacy switch 12
Configuring Your Switch 15
Setting Up the Built-in Web Server 15
Connecting to the OBWI Through a Firewall 15
Verifying Power Status 16
Adjusting Mouse Settings on Target Devices 16
Local OSCAR™ User Interface 17
Main Dialog Box Functions 17
Viewing and selecting ports and devices 17
Viewing switch system status 18
Selecting devices 19
Soft switching 19
Navigating the OSCAR interface 19
Connecting local virtual media 20
Setup Dialog Box Functions 21
Changing the display behavior 22
Controlling the status flag 22

ii.....Avocent® AutoView™ 2108/2216/3108/3216 Switch Installer/User Guide
Setting the keyboard country code 23
Assigning device types 23
Assigning device names 24
Configuring network settings 24
Commands Dialog Box Functions 25
Selecting devices for scan mode 25
Enabling or disabling scan mode 26
Viewing and disconnecting user connections 26
Displaying version information and upgrading firmware 27
OBWI Operation 29
Using the OBWI 30
Viewing System Information 31
Generating a Certificate 32
Tools - Rebooting and Upgrading 32
Rebooting the Switch 32
Upgrading switch firmware 33
Saving and restoring configurations and user databases 33
Property Identity and Location Settings 34
Viewing Version Information 34
Network Settings 35
SNMP Settings 36
Auditing Event Settings 36
Setting Event Destinations 36
Ports Settings - Configuring an IQ Adaptor 37
Deleting IQ adaptors 37
Upgrading IQ adaptors 37
Launching a Session 37
General sessions settings 38
Local user account settings 38
Access levels 38
Virtual media session settings 39
Virtual media options 40
Local users 40
DSView Software Settings 40
LDAP 41
Configuring LDAP in the User Interface 41
Appliance and Target Device Query Modes 44
Setting up Active Directory for Performing Queries 45
Active Sessions 46
Closing a Session 46
KVM Video Viewer 47
Terminal Operation 49
Network Configuration 49
Other Console Main Menu Options 50

Table of Contents.....iii
Firmware management 50
Enable debug messages 50
Set/Change password 50
Restore factory defaults 50
Reset appliance 50
Set web interface ports 50
Exit 50
Appendices 51
Appendix A: MIB SNMP Traps 51
Appendix B: Setup Port Pinouts 53
Appendix C: Using Serial IQ Modules 54
Serial IQ module modes 54
Configuring the serial IQ module 54
Creating a serial IQ module macro 55
Using history mode 56
Serial IQ module pinouts 58
Appendix D: Sun Advanced Key Emulation 59
Appendix E: UTP Cabling 60
UTP copper cabling 60
Wiring standards 60
Cabling installation, maintenance and safety tips 61
Appendix F: Technical Specifications 62

iv.....Avocent® AutoView™ 2108/2216/3108/3216 Switch Installer/User Guide

Product Overview
The Avocent® AutoView™ 2108/2216/3108/3216 switch is an analog keyboard, video and mouse (KVM)
switch that provides flexible, centralized local access to data center servers. The 2108/2216 switch models
also provide centralized remote access to data center servers when used in conjunction with the optional
Remote Access Key (RAK-key).
Features and Benefits
Reduce cable bulk
With device densities continually increasing, cable bulk remains a major concern for network administrators.
The switch significantly reduces 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 device density while
providing greater airflow and cooling capacity.
IQ modules
The switch supports IQ modules that are powered directly from the target device and provide Keep Alive
functionality when the switch is not powered. The IQ modules with CAT 5 design dramatically reduce cable
clutter while providing optimal resolution and video settings. The built-in memory of IQ modules simplifies
configuration by assigning and retaining unique device names and Electronic ID (EID) numbers for each
attached device.
PS/2 and USB IQ modules are available allowing direct KVM connectivity to devices. A VMC IQ module is
also available. The switch is offered with 8 or 16 ARI ports that are used to connect IQ modules to the switch.
Then utilizing the IQ modules, you can attach additional switches to expand your switch system. This
flexibility allows you to add capacity as your data center grows.
Multiplatform support
Avocent®IQ module intelligent cabling may be used to connect local devices to the switch. PS/2 and USB
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 switch is equipped with two “point-and-click” interfaces to manage the switch locally. They are the local
user interface (UI), referred to as the Avocent®OSCAR™ graphical user interface (GUI), and the on-board
web interface (OBWI). Using the configuration options provided by these interfaces, you can tailor your switch
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: For the 2108/2216 switch models, remote KVM sessions via the OBWI require the installation of
the RAK-key.

2.....Avocent® AutoView™ 2108/2216/3108/3216 Switch Installer/User Guide
OSCAR graphical user interface
The OSCAR user interface, accessed using the local port, features intuitive menus and operation modes to
configure your switch and devices. Devices can be identified by name, EID, or port number.
Security
The 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 Avocent Technical Support.
Recommended usage for the switch is in a data center infrastructure protected by a firewall.
OBWI
You can also use the OBWI to manage your switch. The OBWI is launched directly from the switch and does
not require a software server or any installation. With the addition of the optional RAK-key installed, you can
also establish remote KVM and virtual media sessions to target devices. For more information, see Product
Overview on page 1.
Terminal console interface
The terminal console interface is accessed through the "SETUP" port. A terminal screen or a PC running
terminal emulation software can be used to access these screens.
Virtual media and smart card support
The switch allows you to view, move, or copy data located on local media and smart cards. Smart cards are
pocket-sized cards that store and process information including identification and authentication information
to enable access to computers, networks, and secure rooms or buildings.
A virtual media or a smart card reader can be connected directly to the USB ports on the switch. In addition,
virtual media or smart card readers may be connected to any remote workstation that is running the remote
OBWI, switch software, or DSView management software, and is connected to the switch using an Ethernet
connection.
NOTE: To open a virtual media or smart card session with a target device, you must first connect the target
device to a switch using a USB 2 or VMC IQ module.
IPv4 and IPv6 capabilities
The switch is compatible with systems using either of the currently used Internet Protocol Versions, IPv4 or
IPv6. You can change the network settings and choose either IPv4 or IPv6 mode via the terminal console,
OSCAR interface, or OBWI.
Access the AutoView switch using a standard TCP/IP network
The device is accessible for configuration via the standard TCP/IP Network. If the optional RAK-key is
installed, you can access all attached systems via Ethernet. See Product Overview on page 1.
NOTE: The client connects to the switch using an Internet browser.

Product Overview.....3
NOTE: KVM over IP sessions are supported on the 2108/2216 switch models when the RAK-key is
installed.
Upgradeable
Upgrade your switch at any time to ensure you are always running the most current firmware version
available. For more information, see Tools - Rebooting and Upgrading on page 32.
Two-tier expansion
The switch allows you to tier one additional switch from each ARI port on the primary switch. Each tiered
switch is attached in the same manner as any device. This additional tier of units allows you to attach up to
256 servers in one system. See Tiering Your Switch Using an IQ Module on page 9.
KVM remote access
A single KVM remote user is supported. You can manage remote operating system installation, operating
system recovery, hard drive recovery or duplication, BIOS updating and server backup. You must install the
optional Remote Access Key (RAK-key) to a USB port to enable KVMremote access on the 2108/2216
switch models.
DSView™ management software plug-in
The DSView management software may be used with the switch to allow IT administrators to securely and
remotely access and monitor target devices on multiple platforms through a single, web-based user interface.
A session may be launched to a device from a single point of access. For more information, see the Technical
Bulletin for the DSView management software plug-in.
Local video scaling
The switch digitizes a video signal with a maximum pixel resolution of up to 1600 x 1200 or 1680 x 1050
(widescreen), depending on the length of cable separating your switch and devices.
Encryption
The switch supports AES, DES, and 3DES encryption of keyboard/mouse, video, and virtual media sessions.
Safety Precautions
This document pertains only to the AutoView 2108, 2216, 3108 and 3216 switches. You should also refer to
the following additional safety instructions:
•Safety Sheet
•RTF Regulatory Tech Bulletin
Use the following safety guidelines to help ensure your own personal safety and to help protect your system
and working environment from potential damage:

4.....Avocent® AutoView™ 2108/2216/3108/3216 Switch Installer/User Guide
WARNING: The power supplies in your system may produce high voltages and energy hazards, which
can cause bodily harm. Only trained service technicians are authorized to remove the covers and access
any of the components inside the system.
•Observe and follow service markings.
•Do not service any product except as explained in your system documentation.
•Opening or removing covers that are marked with the triangular symbol with a lightning bolt may expose
you to electrical shock.
•Components inside these compartments should be serviced only by a trained service technician.
•Do not attempt to open. This product contains no serviceable components.
•If any of the following conditions occur, unplug the product from the electrical outlet and replace the part
or contact your trained service provider:
•The power cable, extension cable, or plug is damaged.
•An object has fallen into the product.
•The product has been exposed to water.
•The product has been dropped or damaged.
•The product does not operate correctly when you follow the operating instructions.
•Keep your system away from radiators and heat sources. Also, do not block cooling vents.
•Do not spill food or liquids on your system components, and never operate the product in a wet
environment. If the system gets wet, see the appropriate section in your troubleshooting guide or contact
your trained service provider.
•Use the product only with approved equipment.
•Allow the product to cool before removing covers or touching internal components.
•Operate the product only from the type of external power source indicated on the electrical ratings label.
If you are not sure of the type of power source required, consult your service provider or local power
company.
CAUTION: To help avoid damaging your system, be sure the voltage selection switch (if provided) on the
power supply is set for the voltage that most closely matches the AC power available in your location. Also
be sure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate.
•Be sure that your monitor and attached devices are electrically rated to operate with the power available
in your location.
•Use only power cables provided with this product.
•To help prevent electric shock, plug the system and peripheral power cables into properly grounded
electrical outlets. These cables are equipped with three-prong plugs to help ensure proper grounding. Do
not use adaptor plugs or remove the grounding prong from a cable.
•Observe extension cable and power strip ratings. Make sure that the total ampere rating of all products
plugged into the power strip does not exceed 80 percent of the ampere ratings limit for the power strip.

Product Overview.....5
•To help protect your system from sudden, transient increases and decreases in electrical power, use a
surge suppressor, line conditioner, or uninterruptible power supply (UPS).
•Position system cables and power cables carefully. Route cables so that they cannot be stepped on or
tripped over. Be sure that nothing rests on any cables.
•Do not modify power cables or plugs. Consult a licensed electrician or your power company for site
modifications. Always follow your local/national wiring rules.
LAN Related Precautions
•Do not connect or use during a lightning storm. There may be a risk of electrical shock from lightning.
•Never connect or use in a wet environment.

6.....Avocent® AutoView™ 2108/2216/3108/3216 Switch Installer/User Guide

Installation
The switch uses TCP/IP for communication over Ethernet. For the best system performance, use a
dedicated, switched 10Base-T or 100Base-T Ethernet network.
You may use the terminal software, OSCAR interface, or the OBWI to manage your switch system. The
OBWI manages a single switch and its connections. You can also perform KVM and serial switching tasks
using the OBWI or DSView management software. The optional RAK-key is required to use the remote
KVMfeature on the 2108/2216 switch models. For more information about DSView management software,
visit http://www.emersonnetworkpower.com.
NOTE: Ensure that every switch has been upgraded to the most recent version of firmware. For
information on upgrading the switch using the OBWI, see Tools - Rebooting and Upgrading on page 32.
Setting Up Your Network
The switch uses IP addresses to uniquely identify the switch and attached devices. The switch supports both
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and static IP addressing. Make sure that an IP address is
reserved for each switch and that each IP address remains static while the switch is connected to the
network.
Keyboards
A USB keyboard and mouse can be connected to the analog ports of the switch.
NOTE: The switch also supports the use of multiple keyboards and multiple mice on the analog port. The
use of more than one input device simultaneously, however, may produce unpredictable results.
Quick Setup
The following is a quick setup list. For detailed rack mounting and installation instructions, see the KVM
Switch Rack Mount Quick Installation Guide.
1. Unpack the switch and verify that all components are present and in good condition.
2. Install the switch hardware and connect an IQ module to each target device or tiered switch. Connect
each IQ module to the switch with CAT 5 cabling and connect the keyboard, monitor, and mouse
connectors to the analog ports of the switch.
3. Connect the local port peripherals to the appropriate ports on the back panel of the switch and set up the
network configuration. The IP address can be set here. Using a static IP address is recommended.
4. For the local port connection, input all device names using the OSCAR interface or the OBWI.
5. Adjust mouse acceleration on each device to Slow or None.
Connecting the AutoView Switch Hardware
The following figure illustrates an example configuration for the AutoView switch.

8.....Avocent® AutoView™ 2108/2216/3108/3216 Switch Installer/User Guide
Basic Configuration
Number Description Number Description
1AutoView switch (16-Port Model
Shown) 7 ACI Connection
2 Power Cord 8 External Virtual Media - USB Connections
3 Analog Users (2) 9 Target Device Ports
4Digital User (requires the RAK-
key) 10 IQ modules
5 LAN/Network 11 Servers/Target Devices
6 SETUP Console Setup Port
Basic Configuration Descriptions

Installation.....9
NOTE: The switch supports connecting to another appliance via an ACI connection. This connection
requires that the secondary appliance in the tier have an ACI connector on the user side.
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your equipment, do not disable the jumper
cord grounding plug. The grounding plug is an important safety feature. Plug the jumper cord into a
grounded (earthed) outlet that is easily accessible at all times. Disconnect the power from the unit by
unplugging the jumper cord from either the power source or the unit.
NOTE: If the building has 3-phase AC power, ensure that the computer and monitor are on the same phase
to avoid potential phase-related video and/or keyboard problems.
NOTE: The maximum supported cable length from switch to server is 30 meters.
•Do not disable the power grounding plug. The grounding plug is an important safety feature.
•Connect the jumper cord into a grounded (earthed) outlet that is easily accessible at all times.
•Disconnect the power from the product by unplugging the jumper cord from either the power source
or the product.
•This product has no user-serviceable parts inside the product enclosure. Do not open or remove
product cover.
To connect and turn on your switch:
1. Connect your VGA monitor and USB keyboard and mouse cables to the appropriately labeled ports.
2. Connect one end of a UTP cable (4-pair, up to 98 ft/30 m) to an available numbered port. Connect the
other end to an RJ-45 connector of a IQ module.
3. Connect a IQ module to the appropriate port on the back of a device. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all devices
you want to connect.
NOTE: When connecting to a Sun Microsystems server, 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. Connect a user-supplied UTP cable from the Ethernet network to the LAN port on the back of the switch.
Network users will access the switch through this port.
5. Turn on each device, then locate the jumper cord that came with the switch. Connect one end to the
power socket on the rear of the switch. Connect the other end into an appropriate power source.
6. (Optional) Connect the virtual media or smart card readers to any of the USB ports on the switch.
NOTE: For all virtual media sessions, you must use a USB2 or VMC IQ module.
Tiering Your Switch Using an IQ Module
The following figure illustrates a typical IQ module connection between the switch and a device.

10.....Avocent® AutoView™ 2108/2216/3108/3216 Switch Installer/User Guide
To connect a IQ module to each device:
NOTE: When tiering devices, the switch closest to the actual user is the primary switch.
1. Locate the IQ modules for your switch.
2. If you are using a PS/2 IQ module connection, attach the color-coded ends of the IQ module cable to the
appropriate keyboard, monitor, and mouse ports on the first device you will be connecting to this switch.
If you are using a USB connection, attach the plug from the IQ module to the USB port on the first device
you will be connecting to this switch.
3. To the RJ-45 connector on the IQ module, attach one end of the CAT 5 cabling that will run from your IQ
module to the switch.
4. Connect the other end of the CAT 5 cable to the desired ARI port on the back of your switch.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for all devices you wish to attach.
NOTE: Turn off the switch before servicing. Always disconnect the jumper cord from the power source.
IQ Module Connection

Installation.....11
Number Description
1 CAT 5
2 USB Connection
3 VGA Connection
Descriptions for IQ Module Configuration
Adding a tiered switch
You can tier up to two levels of switches, enabling users to connect to up to 256 devices. In a tiered system,
each device port on the main switch will connect to the ACI port on each tiered switch. Each tiered switch can
then be connected to a device with an IQ module.
To tier multiple switches:
1. Attach one end of a UTP cable (up to 30 meters in length) to a device port on the switch.
2. Connect the other end of the UTP cable to the ACI port on the back of your tiered switch.
3. Connect the devices to your tiered switch.
4. Repeat these steps for all the tiered switches you wish to attach to your system.
NOTE: The system automatically “merges” the two switches. All switches connected to the tiered switch
are displayed on the main switch list in the local UI.
NOTE: The switch supports one tiered switch per device port of the main switch. You cannot attach a
switch to the tiered switch.

12.....Avocent® AutoView™ 2108/2216/3108/3216 Switch Installer/User Guide
Tiering the Switch With a UTP Analog Switch
Number Description
1 Local User
2 ARI Connection
3 UTP Connection
4 ACI Connection (chain icon)
Descriptions for Tiering the Switch
Adding a tiered legacy switch
The following figure illustrates a tiered legacy switch configuration.
To add a legacy switch (optional):
1. Mount the switch into your rack. Locate a UTP cable (up to 30 meters) to connect your switch to the
legacy switch.
2. Attach one end of the UTP cabling to the ARI port on your switch.

Installation.....13
3. Connect the other end of the UTP cable to a PS/2 IQ module.
4. Connect the IQ module to the legacy switch according to the switch manufacturer's recommendations.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for all the legacy switches you wish to attach to your switch.
NOTE: The primary switch supports only one switch per ARI port or USB port. You cannot tier a switch to
a tiered switch.

14.....Avocent® AutoView™ 2108/2216/3108/3216 Switch Installer/User Guide
Tiering Legacy Switches
Number Description
1 Local User
2 ARI Connection
3 IQ module
4 PS2 Connection
5 Target Device Connection
Descriptions for Tiering Legacy Switches