HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 User manual

HP IP and Server Console Switches G2
User Guide
Abstract
This document is for the person who installs racks and rack products. This procedure is performed only by trained personnel.
HP assumes you are
qualified in performing installations and trained in recognizing hazards in rack products.
Part Number: 585313-002a
May 2013
Edition: 2

© Copyright 2009, 2013 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express
warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall
not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
Microsoft®, Windows®, Windows Server®, and Windows® XP are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Intel® is a trademark or
registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. AMD and Opteron are trademarks of Advanced
Micro Devices, Inc.

Contents 3
Contents
Product features............................................................................................................................ 6
Overview of features ....................................................................................................................................6
KVM switching capabilities ...........................................................................................................................6
True serial capabilities..................................................................................................................................7
Local and remote user interfaces....................................................................................................................7
Virtual media capabilities..............................................................................................................................7
Smart card capabilities.................................................................................................................................7
FIPS cryptographic module............................................................................................................................7
Component identification............................................................................................................... 9
HP Server G2 Console Switch components .....................................................................................................9
HP IP G2 Console Switch components............................................................................................................ 9
Interface adapters ......................................................................................................................................11
Installing the console switch ......................................................................................................... 14
Installation overview ...................................................................................................................................14
Rack-mount safety instructions ............................................................................................................14
Installation checklist....................................................................................................................................14
Console switch kit contents................................................................................................................14
Required items not included...............................................................................................................15
Required tools..................................................................................................................................15
Rack-mounting the console switch.................................................................................................................15
Performing a standard-mount installation.............................................................................................15
Performing a cantilever-mount installation ...........................................................................................17
Performing a side-mount installation ...................................................................................................17
Connecting the console switch.....................................................................................................................19
Verifying connections .................................................................................................................................20
Rear panel power status LEDs ............................................................................................................21
Rear panel Ethernet connection LEDs ..................................................................................................21
Virtual media and serial interface adapters LEDs .................................................................................21
HP IP Console Viewer overview ...................................................................................................................21
Installing the interface adapter ..................................................................................................... 23
Interface adapter overview..........................................................................................................................23
Selecting an interface adapter.....................................................................................................................23
Connecting the interface adapter.................................................................................................................24
Cascading console switches......................................................................................................... 25
Cascading console switches overview ..........................................................................................................25
Cascading console switches matrix ....................................................................................................25
Cascading two HP Server Console Switches G2............................................................................................26
Example of an HP Server Console Switch G2 cascade configuration.....................................................27
Cascading an HP Server Console Switch G2 under an HP IP Console Switch G2 ............................................. 28
Configuring the console switch..................................................................................................... 29
The user interfaces......................................................................................................................................29
Configuring the console switch using the local console UI.....................................................................29
Configuring the console switch using the remote OBWI........................................................................29

Contents 4
Using the user interfaces .............................................................................................................................31
Local console user interface.........................................................................................................................31
Target devices ...........................................................................................................................................31
Filtering target devices................................................................................................................................32
Appliance tools..........................................................................................................................................32
Upgrading the console switch firmware ..............................................................................................33
Saving the console switch configuration or user database ....................................................................34
Restoring the console switch configuration or user database .................................................................35
Viewing system information.........................................................................................................................35
System alerts....................................................................................................................................36
Network settings ........................................................................................................................................36
General network settings...................................................................................................................36
DNS settings....................................................................................................................................37
NTP settings.....................................................................................................................................37
SNMP settings .................................................................................................................................37
Ports .........................................................................................................................................................40
Interface adapter ports......................................................................................................................40
Cascade devices ports......................................................................................................................41
Local console UI settings .............................................................................................................................41
Configuring sessions...................................................................................................................................42
Configuring General Session settings .................................................................................................42
Configuring KVM Session settings......................................................................................................44
Configuring Virtual Media Session settings .........................................................................................44
Configuring Serial Session settings.....................................................................................................46
Setting up serial access from a command line .....................................................................................46
User accounts ............................................................................................................................................47
Local user accounts ..........................................................................................................................47
MergePoint Access settings .........................................................................................................................48
Configuring LDAP.......................................................................................................................................49
LDAP search ....................................................................................................................................50
LDAP query......................................................................................................................................51
Override admin .........................................................................................................................................53
Connections ..............................................................................................................................................53
Active sessions...........................................................................................................................................53
Local sessions ..................................................................................................................................54
Scan mode......................................................................................................................................54
Disconnecting an active session.........................................................................................................55
Video Session Viewer.................................................................................................................. 56
The Video Session Viewer overview .............................................................................................................56
Changing the toolbar .......................................................................................................................57
Launching a session....................................................................................................................................58
Session time-out ...............................................................................................................................58
Adjusting the view......................................................................................................................................58
Window size...................................................................................................................................59
Video Session Viewer tasks .........................................................................................................................59
Closing a session .......................................................................................................................................59
Using Virtual Media .................................................................................................................... 60
Virtual Media overview...............................................................................................................................60
Limitations of using USB 2.0 composite devices with Virtual Media ....................................................... 60
Virtual Media resources ..............................................................................................................................61
Configuring Virtual Media...........................................................................................................................61
Sharing and preemption considerations........................................................................................................61

Contents 5
Virtual Media dialog box............................................................................................................................61
Using Virtual Media through the Video Session Viewer ..................................................................................62
Using local Virtual Media............................................................................................................................62
Using Virtual Media in a two-level cascade configuration...............................................................................63
Using smart cards ....................................................................................................................... 64
Smart card overview...................................................................................................................................64
Using a smart card through Video Session Viewer.........................................................................................64
LDAP ......................................................................................................................................... 65
LDAP overview...........................................................................................................................................65
LDAP configuration.....................................................................................................................................65
Setting up Active Directory for performing queries .........................................................................................65
Console switch serial management ............................................................................................... 66
Establishing LAN connections ......................................................................................................................66
Connecting to the serial management and setup port .....................................................................................66
Configuring HyperTerminal ...............................................................................................................66
Configuring Minicom........................................................................................................................66
Using the Main Menu .................................................................................................................................67
Network Configuration .....................................................................................................................68
Enable Debug Messages...................................................................................................................68
Reset Appliance...............................................................................................................................68
Exit .................................................................................................................................................68
Configuring the console switch NIC .............................................................................................................69
Recovering a lost console switch serial management password .......................................................................69
Firmware ................................................................................................................................... 70
Upgrading the firmware..............................................................................................................................70
Enabling TFTP for Microsoft Windows operating systems......................................................................70
Enabling TFTP for Linux operating systems...........................................................................................70
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................... 72
Console switch troubleshooting....................................................................................................................72
Connection length table..............................................................................................................................73
Frequently asked questions .......................................................................................................... 75
Console switch frequently asked questions ....................................................................................................75
Regulatory information ................................................................................................................ 76
Safety and regulatory compliance................................................................................................................76
Turkey RoHS material content declaration .....................................................................................................76
Ukraine RoHS material content declaration ...................................................................................................76
Warranty information .................................................................................................................................76
Support and other resources ........................................................................................................ 77
Before you contact HP ................................................................................................................................77
HP contact information................................................................................................................................77
Acronyms and abbreviations........................................................................................................ 78
Documentation feedback ............................................................................................................. 80
Index......................................................................................................................................... 81

Product features 6
Product features
Overview of features
HP offers two types of console switches that provide flexible, centralized control of data center servers and
infrastructure appliances:
•HP IP Console Switch G2
•HP Server Console Switch G2
NOTE: Unless otherwise specified, console switch refers to both the HP IP Console Switch and
the HP Server Console Switch.
The following features are available for the new generation console switches:
•Local and remote KVM console access
•True serial capability
•Dual power supplies for redundancy
•Virtual media capability
•Smart card (CAC) capability
•Enhanced video resolution support
•Dual Gigabit NICs for transparent network failover (HP IP Console Switch G2 only)
KVM switching capabilities
The console switch supports several interface adapters, powered directly from the target device to provide
Keep Alive functionality when the switch is not powered. The following interface adapters are supported:
•C-Class Blade KVM
•PS2
•USB
•Serial
•PS2 with Virtual Media
•USB with Virtual Media
•PS2 with Virtual Media and CAC
•USB with Virtual Media and CAC
•Serial G2
For more information on interface adapters, see Selecting an interface adapter (on page 23).

Product features 7
True serial capabilities
The console switch supports the HP Serial G2 Adapter, which provides true serial capabilities. You can
directly launch an SSH or Telnet session or launch a serial viewer from the local console UI or remote OBWI
to establish a serial console session.
Local and remote user interfaces
To configure and manage your console switch, you can use either the local console UI or the remote OBWI.
The two user interfaces share a similar look and feel for optimal user experience.
Virtual media capabilities
You can view, move, or copy data located on virtual media to and from any target device. This functionality
enables you to manage remote systems more efficiently for standard tasks such as operating system
installation, operating system recovery, hard drive recovery or duplication, BIOS updating, and target
device backup.
NOTE: To open a virtual media session with a target device, you must first connect the target
device to a console switch using a virtual media capable interface adapter.
You can connect virtual media for the local console to the console switch using local USB ports, or you can
connect virtual media remotely from the client computer.
Smart card capabilities
You can use a smart card, also referred to as a CAC, with your console switch when two-factor authentication
is required.
NOTE: To use a smart card reader with a target device, you must first connect the target device
to a console switch using a smart card capable interface adapter.
You can connect smart card readers directly to the console switch using local USB ports, or you can connect
smart card readers to any remote workstation. The smart card reader must be connected prior to starting a
console session with the server. For more information about smart cards, see Using Smart Cards (on page
64).
FIPS cryptographic module
The KVM switch supports FIPS 140-2 Level 1 cryptographic security requirements. The FIPS mode of
operation can be enabled or disabled via the OBWI or local port and executed after a reboot. When FIPS
is enabled, a reboot of the switch requires approximately two additional minutes to complete a FIPS mode
integrity check. Also, when FIPS is enabled, if the keyboard, mouse, or video encryption is set to 128-bit SSL
(ARCFOUR) or DES, the encryption level is automatically changed to the encryption level AES.
IMPORTANT: The FIPS mode can be changed via the DSView software plug-in.

Product features 8
IMPORTANT: The FIPS mode of operation is initially disabled and must be enabled to operate.
IMPORTANT: The Setup port factory default setting automatically disables the FIPS module.
KVM switches use an embedded FIPS 140-2 validated cryptographic module (Cerificate #1051) running on
a Linux PPC platform per FIPS 140-2 Implementation Guidance section G.5 guidelines
(http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/documents/fips140-2/FIPS1402IG.pdf).
The FIPS mode can be enabled or disabled via the OBWI, Local Port, or DSView plug-in. A reboot is required
to enable or disable the FIPS mode. A firmware upgrade to this version or setting the state to the default state
(Setup Port menu) disables the FIPS mode.
In FIPS mode, encryption ciphers are restricted to AES or 3DES. When FIPS is enabled, if the keyboard,
mouse, or video encryption is set to 128-bit SSL or DES, the encryption level is automatically changed to AES.
With FIPS enabled, the files are saved, or restored, using AES, a FIPS compatible algorithm. When FIPS is
disabled, the User Database and Appliance Configuration files saved from or restored to the appliance as
external files are encrypted, or decrypted, using DES.
The external files are encrypted even when the user does not fill in the Password parameter in the Save (or
Load) dialog on the OBWI, in which case a default OEM password is used for encryption or decryption.
One result of enabling the FIPS module is to render previously saved User Database and Appliance
Configuration files incompatible. In this case, temporarily disable the FIPS module.
To disable the FIPS module:
1. Reboot the appliance.
2. Restore the previously saved database or configuration file.
3. Re-enable the FIPS module.
4. Reboot the appliance.
5. Save the file externally again while the FIPS module is enabled.
The new saved external file is compatible with the appliance as long as the appliance is running with the FIPS
mode enabled. Database and configuration files saved with the FIPS module enabled are not compatible for
restoring a database or configuration file to an appliance without the FIPS module enabled or to an
appliance with older firmware not supporting the FIPS module.

Component identification 9
Component identification
HP Server G2 Console Switch components
Item Description
1 Power supply status indicator LEDs
2 LAN connector
3 Tiering chain port
4
RJ-45 serial setup port
5 Console A VGA connector
6 Console A USB ports
7 Console B VGA connector
8 Console B USB ports
9
Interface adapter ports (1-16)
10 Interface adapter ports (17-32)
11 Power connectors A & B
HP IP G2 Console Switch components
1x1Ex8

Component identification 10
Item Description
1 Power supply status indicator LEDs
2 LAN 1
3
LAN 2
4 S1, S2, and S3 (reserved for future use)
5 Tiering chain port
6 RJ-45 serial setup port
7 Local console VGA
8 Local console USB ports
9 Interface adapter ports (1-4)
10
Interface adapter ports (5-8)
11 Power connectors A & B
2x1Ex16 or 4x1Ex32
Item Description
1
Power supply status indicator LEDs
2 LAN 1 and LAN 2
3 S1, S2, and S3 (reserved for future use)
4 Tiering chain port
5 RJ-45 serial setup port
6
Local console VGA
7 Local console USB ports
8 Interface adapter ports (1-16)
9 Interface adapter ports (17-32)
10 Power connectors A & B

Component identification 11
Interface adapters
Interface adapters that support Virtual Media have two LEDs on the front of the RJ-45 connector.
Item Description
1 When lit, this LED indicates that the interface adapter has power from
the server.
2 When lit, this LED indicates that there is an active console session with
the interface adapter.
When flashing, this LED indicates that the interface adapter firmware is
being upgraded.
USB 2.0 interface adapter with Virtual Media
Item Description
1 Video connector

Component identification 12
Item Description
2 RJ-45 connector
3 USB connector
PS2 interface adapter with Virtual Media
Item Description
1 Video connector
2 RJ-45 connector
3 USB connector (for Virtual Media only)
4
Mouse connector
5 Keyboard connector
Serial interface adapter G2
Item Description
1 RJ-45 serial connector (to RJ-45/DB9 adapter or to a Cisco
appliance)
2 Power connector (mate to USB power connector or power
supply)
3 RJ-45 connector (for CAT5 to switch)

Component identification 13
USB interface adapter with Virtual Media and CAC
Item Description
1 Video connector
2 RJ-45 connector
3 USB connector
PS2 interface adapter with Virtual Media and CAC
Item Description
1 Video connector
2 Mouse connector
3 Keyboard connector
4 USB connector (for Virtual Media only)
5 RJ-45 connector
To determine which interface adapter you should use, see Selecting an interface adapter (on page 23).

Installing the console switch 14
Installing the console switch
Installation overview
This product ships with rack-mounting brackets for easy integration into the rack. Before installing this product
and other components in the rack cabinet (if they are not already installed), stabilize the rack in a permanent
location. Begin installing the equipment at the bottom of the rack cabinet, and then work to the top. Avoid
uneven loading or overloading of the rack cabinets.
Rack-mount safety instructions
When rack-mounting a console switch, consider the following factors:
•Elevated operating ambient temperature—If the equipment is installed in a closed or multi-unit rack
assembly, the operating ambient temperature of the rack environment might be greater than room
ambient temperature. Install the equipment in an environment compatible with the operating
temperature.
•Reduced air flow—In the rack, the rate of air flow required for safe operation of the equipment must not
be compromised.
•Mechanical loading—Avoid a potentially hazardous condition caused by uneven mechanical loading
by carefully mounting the equipment in the rack.
•Circuit overloading—When connecting the equipment to the supply circuit, consider the effect that
overloading of the circuits might have on overcurrent protection and supply wiring. Consider the
equipment nameplate ratings when addressing this concern.
•Reliable earthing—Maintain reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment. Pay particular attention to
supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit, such as the use of power strips.
Installation checklist
Before installation, refer to the following lists to be sure that all of the listed components were received.
Console switch kit contents
•Console switch
•Power cords
•Rack mounting kit
•CAT 5 serial adapter
•Documentation kit
This kit might contain extra hardware for your convenience.

Installing the console switch 15
Required items not included
•Interface adapters ("Installing the interface adapter" on page 23)
One interface adapter is needed for each server or device.
oUSB
oPS2
oSerial
oHP BladeSystem
•UTP CAT 5 or better cable
•Cage nuts and M6 screws (included with your original rack hardware kit)
Required tools
The following tools are required for some procedures:
•Phillips screwdriver
•Cage nut insertion tool (included with your original rack hardware kit)
Rack-mounting the console switch
WARNING: For safe use, do not mount this product with the rear panel, which is the side of the
console switch with I/O connectors and the AC power inlet, facing downward (facing the floor).
1. Before installing the console switch into the rack, connect the console switch to a power source using the
power cords provided.
An activity indicator light is displayed after a few seconds. If the activity indicator light does not display,
be sure that the power cord is connected, and the power source is valid.
2. Choose one of the following configurations:
oStandard-mount
oCantilever-mount
oSide-mount
Performing a standard-mount installation
1. Remove the six screws, three on each side, from the console switch.

Installing the console switch 16
2. Attach the long 1U brackets to the console switch using four of the screws you removed. Discard the two
remaining screws.
3. If not already installed, install a cage nut behind each rear rail.
4. Slide the console switch into the rear of the 1U product.
5. Secure the console switch to the rails using two M-6 screws, one on each side.

Installing the console switch 17
Performing a cantilever-mount installation
1. Remove the six screws, three on each side, from the console switch.
2. Attach the long 1U brackets to the console switch using four of the screws you removed. Discard the two
remaining screws.
3. Install up to six cage nuts.
4. Secure the console switch to the rails using the appropriate number of M-6 screws.
Performing a side-mount installation
1. Remove the six screws, three on each side, from the console switch.

Installing the console switch 18
2. Attach the side-mounting brackets to the console switch using four of the screws you removed. Discard
the two remaining screws.
3. Slide the side-mounting bracket tabs into the U locations on each side of the rack.

Installing the console switch 19
4. Install four cage nuts into the side-mounting bracket U locations.
5. Secure the console switch to the rails, using four M-6 screws, two on each side.
NOTE: Some racks enable you to use four sheet metal screws in place of M-6 screws and cage
nuts.
Connecting the console switch
1. Connect the local keyboard, video, and mouse to the console switch.

Installing the console switch 20
WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to the equipment:
•Do not disable the power cord grounding plug. The grounding plug is an important safety
feature.
•Plug the power cord into a grounded (earthed) electrical outlet that is easily accessible at all
times.
•Unplug the power cord from the power supply to disconnect power to the equipment.
•Do not route the power cord where it can be walked on or pinched by items placed against it.
Pay particular attention to the plug, electrical outlet, and the point where the cord extends from
the storage system.
2. Plug the console switch power cord into a power source. The power supply status indicator LED
illuminates.
NOTE: UTP CAT5 cables are used throughout the examples in this guide. However, UTP CAT5
or better cables can be used for any connection.
3. Connect a UTP CAT5 cable to the LAN connector on the console switch.
NOTE: For console switches that have 2 LAN connectors, you must connect them to 2 Ethernet
switches on the same subnet.
4. Connect the other end of that same UTP CAT5 cable to an Ethernet switch.
The following figure shows one possible configuration for your console switch system.
Item Description
1 Local console
2 Console switch
3 Ethernet switch
Verifying connections
The following LEDs illuminate to indicate connection status.