Minicom 0SU70017 User manual

IP Control
User Guide
1111 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609 USA
www.tripplite.com/support
Copyright ©2012 Tripp Lite. All rights reserved.

Legal Notice
User Guide |i
Legal Notice
This manual and the software described in it are furnished under license, and may be
used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license. The content of this
manual is provided for informational use only, and is subject to change without
notice. It should not in and of itself be construed as a commitment by Minicom
Advanced Systems Limited, which assumes no responsibility of liability for any errors
or inaccuracies that may appear in this book.
The software that accompanies this manual is licensed for use by the Licensee only,
in strict accordance with the software license agreement, which the Licensee should
read carefully before commencing use of the software. Except as permitted by the
license, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form of by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording, or
otherwise, without the prior written permission of Minicom Advanced Systems
Limited.

About this Document
ii | IP Control
About this Document
This document provides installation and operation instructions for the IP Control
system, produced by Minicom Advanced Systems Limited. It is intended for system
administrators and network managers.
Chapters and Their Contents
1 Introduction Provides an introduction to the document, IP Control
product overview, features and benefits of IP Control,
client computer operating system requirements,
technical precautions, trademarks, and terminology
used in the document. It also describes how to safely
handle the device, provide feedback on the user guide,
and WEEE Information for Minicom Customers and
Recyclers.
Pg. 9
2 Installation Lists IP Control system components, describes the
functionalities of the IP Control elements, and provides
instructions for rack mounting the unit and connecting
the system.
Pg. 10
3 Configuring the
Network
Provides instructions for logging into the Web
configuration interface, configuring the device ID, IP
address, and Centralized Management settings,
enabling and configuring SNMP, adding, editing,
removing, and blocking system Users, configuring the
KVM switch, Serial port, security settings, and the
system date and time. It also provides instructions for
installing an SSL certificate, upgrading firmware,
restoring factory settings, and saving changes and
logging out.
Pg. 18
4 Conducting a Remote
Session
Describes how to start a remote session, set the
session profile, full screen mode, view system
information, adjust video settings, power manage
target servers, manage keyboard sequences,
synchronize mouse pointers, switch to a different
server or device, and disconnect the remote session.
Pg. 37
5 Troubleshooting –
Safe Mode
Describes how to enter Safe mode, restore factory
defaults, and restore device firmware.
Pg. 55
6 Technical
Specifications
Lists and describes IP Control specifications. Pg. 59
7 Video Resolution and
Refresh Rates
Lists video resolutions and refresh rates. Pg. 59

About this Document
User Guide |iii
Style Conventions
Convention Used for
Verdana Regular text.
Arial Bold Names of menus, commands, buttons, and other elements of the user interface.
Arial Italics Special terms, the first time they appear.
Monospace Text entered by the user.
Notes, which offer an additional explanation or a hint on how to overcome a
common problem.
Warnings, which indicate potentially damaging user operations and explain
how to avoid them.

Table of Contents
iv | IP Control
Table of Contents
LEGAL NOTICE .............................................................................................I
ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT............................................................................ II
TABLE OF CONTENTS .................................................................................IV
TABLE OF FIGURES .................................................................................. VII
1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................... 9
1.1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW .............................................................................9
1.1.1 Features and Benefits..............................................................9
1.2 TERMINOLOGY .....................................................................................9
1.3 CLIENT COMPUTER OPERATING SYSTEM .....................................................10
1.4 TECHNICAL PRECAUTIONS .....................................................................10
1.5 SAFETY ...........................................................................................10
1.6 TRADEMARKS ....................................................................................10
1.7 WEEE COMPLIANCE ............................................................................10
2 INSTALLATION ................................................................................... 12
2.1 OVERVIEW .......................................................................................12
2.2 SYSTEM COMPONENTS..........................................................................12
2.2.1 The IP Control Unit................................................................12
2.3 MOUNTING THE IP CONTROL UNIT ...........................................................13
2.3.1 Rack Mounting Safety Considerations ......................................14
2.3.2 Mounting the Unit .................................................................14
2.4 CONNECTING THE SYSTEM .....................................................................15
3 CONFIGURING THE NETWORK ............................................................ 18
3.1 BOOT-UPPROCESS .............................................................................18
Assigning Static IP Addresses for a Number of Units .......................................................... 19
3.2 LOGGING ONTO THE WEB CONFIGURATION INTERFACE ...................................19
3.2.1 Web Configuration Interface Tabs ...........................................21
3.2.2 Web Configuration Toolbar Buttons .........................................22
3.3 CONFIGURING THE NETWORK SETTINGS.....................................................22
3.3.1 Configuring Device ID Settings ...............................................22
3.3.2 Configuring the Device IP Address...........................................23
3.3.3 Configuring Centralized Management Settings ..........................23
3.4 CONFIGURING NETWORK SNMP SETTINGS .................................................24
3.5 CONFIGURING USER SETTINGS ...............................................................24
3.5.1 Adding a User.......................................................................24
3.5.2 Deleting User(s) ...................................................................25

Table of Contents
User Guide |v
3.5.3 Blocking a User.....................................................................26
3.5.4 Editing User Information ........................................................26
3.6 CONFIGURING THE KVM SWITCH.............................................................27
3.6.1 Installing the Switch Definition File..........................................29
3.7 CONFIGURING THE SERIAL PORT SETTINGS .................................................29
3.7.1 Assigning Serial Port .............................................................30
3.8 CONFIGURING THE SECURITY SETTINGS .....................................................30
3.9 CONFIGURING THE SYSTEM DATE AND TIME ................................................31
3.10 PERFORMING ADDITIONAL CONFIGURATION OPERATIONS.................................32
3.10.1 Installing an SSL Certificate ...................................................32
3.10.2 Upgrading Firmware ..............................................................33
3.10.3 Restoring Factory Settings .....................................................34
3.11 RELOADING A PAGE .............................................................................34
3.12 SAVING CHANGES AND LOGGING OUT .......................................................35
4 CONDUCTING A REMOTE SESSION ...................................................... 37
4.1 STARTING A REMOTE SESSION ................................................................37
4.1.1 Remote Session Toolbar Buttons.............................................39
4.2 SHARING A REMOTE SESSION .................................................................39
4.2.1 Exclusive Session..................................................................40
4.3 DISPLAYING THE TOOLBAR.....................................................................40
4.4 SETTING THE SESSION PROFILE ..............................................................40
4.4.1 Full Screen Mode ..................................................................41
4.5 VERIFYING REMOTE PRESENCE SOLUTIONS INFORMATION ................................42
4.6 CHANGING THE VIDEO PERFORMANCE SETTINGS ...........................................42
4.7 ADJUSTING THE VIDEO .........................................................................44
4.7.1 Refreshing the Video Image ...................................................44
4.7.2 Automatically Adjusting the Video Image .................................44
4.7.3 Manually Adjusting Video Settings...........................................45
4.8 POWER MANAGING THE TARGET SERVERS...................................................46
4.9 MANAGING KEYBOARD SEQUENCES...........................................................47
4.9.1 Adding a Keyboard Sequence .................................................47
4.9.2 Recording a New Custom Key .................................................49
4.9.3 Editing a Key Sequence .........................................................49
4.9.4 Deleting Key Sequence(s) ......................................................50
4.10 SYNCHRONIZING MOUSE POINTERS ..........................................................50
4.10.1 Manually Synchronizing the Mouse ..........................................51
The USB Option............................................................................................................. 52
Advanced Mouse Emulation ............................................................................................ 53

Table of Contents
vi | IP Control
4.10.2 Aligning the Mouse Pointers....................................................53
4.10.3 Calibrating Mouse Pointers .....................................................54
4.11 SWITCHING TO A DIFFERENT SERVER/DEVICE ..............................................54
4.12 DISCONNECTING THE REMOTE SESSION .....................................................54
5 TROUBLESHOOTING – SAFE MODE...................................................... 55
5.1 ENTERING SAFE MODE .........................................................................55
5.2 RESTORING FACTORY DEFAULTS ..............................................................57
5.3 RESTORING THE DEVICE FIRMWARE ..........................................................57
6 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................. 59
7 VIDEO RESOLUTION AND REFRESH RATES ......................................... 60

Table of Figures
User Guide |vii
Table of Figures
Figure 1 – IP Control Unit Front Panel ..................................................................... 12
Figure 2 – IP Control Unit Back Panel ...................................................................... 13
Figure 3 – IP Control Unit Connected to a Rack ........................................................ 14
Figure 4 – IP Control Unit Connected to a Tabletop ................................................... 14
Figure 5 – Holes for Rack/Tabletop Mounting ........................................................... 15
Figure 6 – Connecting the L-shaped Bracket to Unit .................................................. 15
Figure 7 – IP Control Connections to a Computer...................................................... 16
Figure 8 – IP Control Connections to a KVM Switch ................................................... 17
Figure 9 – Boot-Up Process .................................................................................... 19
Figure 10 – Web Page ........................................................................................... 20
Figure 11 – Logon Page ......................................................................................... 20
Figure 12 – Network Configuration – Device Tab ...................................................... 21
Figure 13 – SNMP Settings..................................................................................... 24
Figure 14 – Users Page ......................................................................................... 25
Figure 15 – Add User Page..................................................................................... 25
Figure 16 – Delete User Confirmation...................................................................... 26
Figure 17 – Edit User Page..................................................................................... 27
Figure 18 – KVM Switch Configuration Page ............................................................. 28
Figure 19 – Servers of Selected KVM Switch ............................................................ 28
Figure 20 – Serial Port Page................................................................................... 30
Figure 21 – Security Page ...................................................................................... 31
Figure 22 – Date and Time Page............................................................................. 31
Figure 23 – SSL Certificate Page............................................................................. 32
Figure 24 – Device Version Upgrade Page ................................................................ 33
Figure 25 – Reboot Confirmation Page..................................................................... 33
Figure 26 – Restore Factory Settings Page ............................................................... 34
Figure 27 – Device Reboot Confirmation Message ..................................................... 35
Figure 28 – Save Succeeded Message ..................................................................... 35
Figure 29 – Device Rebooting Progress Box ............................................................. 36
Figure 30 – Logon Page after Rebooting .................................................................. 36
Figure 31 – Logon Page ......................................................................................... 38
Figure 32 – Remote Session Page ........................................................................... 38
Figure 33 – Shared Remote Session........................................................................ 40
Figure 34 – Session Profile Dialog Box..................................................................... 41
Figure 35 – Remote Presence Solutions Information.................................................. 42
Figure 36 – Performance Settings ........................................................................... 43
Figure 37 – Video Adjust Progress .......................................................................... 44
Figure 38 – Manual Video Adjustments Controls ....................................................... 45
Figure 39 – Power Menu ........................................................................................ 46

Table of Figures
viii | IP Control
Figure 40 – Special Key Manager............................................................................ 48
Figure 41 – Add a Predefined Key Dialog Box ........................................................... 48
Figure 42 – Record Macro Box................................................................................ 49
Figure 43 – Delete Key(s) Confirmation Box............................................................. 50
Figure 44 – Relative Mouse Settings ....................................................................... 51
Figure 45 – Windows 7 Mouse Properties ................................................................. 52
Figure 46 – Mouse Emulation Box ........................................................................... 53
Figure 47 – Safe Mode Procedure ........................................................................... 55
Figure 48 – Login Page.......................................................................................... 56
Figure 49 – Safe Mode Menu .................................................................................. 56
Figure 50 – Warning ............................................................................................. 57
Figure 51 – Additional Warning .............................................................................. 57
Figure 52 – Reboot ............................................................................................... 57
Figure 53 – Update Succeeded ............................................................................... 58

Introduction
Product Overview
User Guide |9
1 Introduction
Congratulations on adding IP Control to your remote access tools.
This document provides installation and operation instructions for Minicom’s IP
Control. It is intended for system administrators and network managers, and
assumes that readers have a general understanding of networks, hardware, and
software.
1.1 Product Overview
The IP Control system extends your KVM (keyboard, video, and mouse) from any
computer or server over TCP/IP via LAN, WAN, or Internet connection. This enables
you to control, monitor, and manage your servers from wherever you are, inside or
outside the organization. IP Control is a cost-effective hardware solution, for secure,
remote KVM access and control of a computer/server from the BIOS level –
independent of the OS. It is designed to connect to a single computer or KVM switch
to control multiple servers, over TCP/IP communication.
1.1.1 Features and Benefits
IP Control has the following features and benefits:
BIOS level control to any server’s brand and model, regardless of the server
condition and network connectivity. Covers the entire spectrum of crash
scenarios.
Compatible with all major operating systems. Supports many hardware and
software configurations for the remote client and target server computers, as well
as the KVM switch in use.
Web-based control – Browser based control of a target server from any location,
via a secured standard IP connection.
Multi-user share mode – Allows up to five simultaneous users to share a remote
session.
1.2 Terminology
The following table describes terms used in this guide.
Term Definition
Target server The computer/server that is accessed remotely via IP Control
Client computer The PC running a remote IP Control session

Introduction
Client Computer Operating System
10 | IP Control
Term Definition
Remote session The process of accessing and controlling target servers connected to IP Control from a user
workstation
1.3 Client Computer Operating System
The client computer operating system must be one of the following:
Windows 2000 or later, with Firefox 3 or Internet Explorer 32-bit 7.0 or later
version
Linux with Firefox 3; 128-bit encryption support is required
1.4 Technical Precautions
This equipment generates radio frequency energy, and if not installed in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause radio frequency interference.
This equipment complies with Part 15, Subpart J of the FCC rules for a Class A
computing device. This equipment also complies with the Class A limits for radio noise
emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of the
Canadian Department of Communications. These above rules are designed to provide
reasonable protection against such interference when operating the equipment in a
commercial environment. If operation of this equipment in a residential area causes
radio frequency interference, the user, and not Minicom Advanced Systems Limited,
will be responsible.
Changes or modifications made to this equipment not expressly approved by Minicom
Advanced Systems Limited could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
1.5 Safety
The device must only be opened by an authorized Minicom technician. Disconnect the
device from the power source and all cables from the device before service operation!
1.6 Trademarks
All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
1.7 WEEE Compliance
This section provides WEEE Information for Minicom Customers and Recyclers.
Under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and
implementing regulations, when customers buy new electrical and electronic
equipment from Minicom, they are entitled to:

Introduction
WEEE Compliance
User Guide |11
Send old equipment for recycling on a one-for-one, like-for-like basis (this varies
depending on the country)
Send back the new equipment for recycling when it ultimately becomes waste
Instructions for both customers and recyclers / treatment facilities wishing to obtain
disassembly information are provided in our website www.minicom.com.

Installation
Overview
12 | IP Control
2 Installation
2.1 Overview
Install the IP Control system as follows:
1. Remove the IP Control system from the package, and check that all components
are present and in good working condition.
2. Mount the IP Control unit in a rack or under a tabletop.
3. Make all hardware connections between the power source, IP Control, target
devices, and Ethernet, and the optional modem connection.
4. Power on the IP Control unit.
2.2 System Components
Before installing the IP Control system, verify that you have all the components on
the following list, as well as any other items required for installation.
The IP Control system consists of:
One IP Control unit (p/n 1SU70017)
One KVM cable (p/n 5CB00565)
One RS232 cable (p/n 5CB00566)
One universal power adapter (p/n 5PSB0005)
A rack mounting kit (p/n 5AC00297)
2.2.1 The IP Control Unit
The IP Control Unit back and front panels are illustrated in Figure 1 and Figure 2.
Figure 1 – IP Control Unit Front Panel

Installation
Mounting the IP Control Unit
User Guide |13
Figure 2 – IP Control Unit Back Panel
The following table describes the functionality of the elements of the IP Control back
and front panels.
Element Functionality
LAN (Ethernet)
Connector
For connecting the IP Control unit to the 10/100 Mbit Ethernet port on the Network switch
via a cable.
Keyboard,
Mouse, and
Monitor ports
For optional local access to the connected computer, a keyboard, mouse, and monitor can
be connected to the KVM ports on the front panel of the IP Control unit.
KVM In For connecting the IP control unit to the server (computer) or KVM switch via a 1 to 3 CPU
cable.
Serial For connecting the IP Control unit to serial manageable devices, such as power
management units and routers, via the RS232 cable.
Power For connecting the IP Control unit to a grounded AC electrical outlet via a power cord.
Go Local button Pressing this button disconnects the remote session and accesses the computer locally.
Power LED Indicates the state of the IP Control unit: Green indicates that the unit is powered on; Red
indicates that the unit is powered off.
2.3 Mounting the IP Control Unit
You can connect the IP Control unit to a server rack or under a tabletop, using the
supplied rack mounting kit.

Installation
Mounting the IP Control Unit
14 | IP Control
Figure 3 – IP Control Unit Connected to a Rack
Figure 4 – IP Control Unit Connected to a Tabletop
2.3.1 Rack Mounting Safety Considerations
When mounting IP Control onto a rack, avoid the following conditions:
Elevated operating ambient temperature – The operating ambient temperature of
the rack environment may be greater than the room ambient temperature.
Therefore, take special care when installing the unit in a closed or multi-unit rack
assembly that the environment is compatible with the maximum rated ambient
temperature.
Reduced airflow – Install the equipment in a rack in such a way that the amount of
airflow required for safe operation is not compromised.
Uneven mechanical loading – Uneven loading can cause damage to the equipment
or personal injury. Mount the equipment in the rack in such a way that a
hazardous condition does not result due to uneven mechanical loading.
Circuit overloading – When connecting the equipment to the supply circuit, make
sure that the total power of all the components does not exceed the circuit
capabilities. Overloading of circuits can affect over-current protection and supply
wiring, potentially resulting in fire and shock hazards.
Unreliable earthing – Maintain reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment. Pay
attention to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit
(for example, use of power strips).
2.3.2 Mounting the Unit
The IP Control unit comes with screw holes on the side, for easy rack or tabletop
mounting.

Figure
To rack mount the IP Control unit:
1. Connect the L-
shaped brackets to the IP Control unit, using the screws provided.
The length of the screws
must not exceed 5 mm.
Figure 6
2.
Install the IP Control unit into the server rack by
with screws, according to the rack manufacturer’s instructions.
2.4
Connecting the System
To connect the target s
erver / KVM switch to the IP Control unit:
1.
Connect the single connec
IP Control unit.
2.
Connect the other end of the KVM cable to the KVM ports of the
KVM switch.
3. Connect
a Network cable to the IP Control LAN port and to an Ethernet port on
your Network switch.
4.
Connect the power adapter.
Connecting
Figure
5 – Holes for Rack/Tabletop Mounting
To rack mount the IP Control unit:
shaped brackets to the IP Control unit, using the screws provided.
The length of the screws
used for connecting the brackets to the IP Control unit
must not exceed 5 mm.
– Connecting the L-shaped Bracket to Unit
Install the IP Control unit into the server rack by
connecting the bracket to the rack
with screws, according to the rack manufacturer’s instructions.
Connecting the System
erver / KVM switch to the IP Control unit:
Connect the single connec
tor of the KVM 1 to 3 CPU cable to the KVM In port of the
Connect the other end of the KVM cable to the KVM ports of the
t
arget
a Network cable to the IP Control LAN port and to an Ethernet port on
Connect the power adapter.
Installation
Connecting
the System
User Guide |15
shaped brackets to the IP Control unit, using the screws provided.
used for connecting the brackets to the IP Control unit
connecting the bracket to the rack
tor of the KVM 1 to 3 CPU cable to the KVM In port of the
arget
server /
a Network cable to the IP Control LAN port and to an Ethernet port on

Installation
Connecting the System
16 | IP Control
It is recommended to place cables away from fluorescent lights, air
conditioners, and machines that are likely to generate electrical noise.
Figure 7 and Figure 8 illustrate the connections to a computer and KVM switch
respectively, with the optional KVM console.
Figure 7 – IP Control Connections to a Computer

Installation
Connecting the System
User Guide |17
Figure 8 – IP Control Connections to a KVM Switch

Configuring the Network
Boot-Up Process
18 | IP Control
3 Configuring the Network
After the system has been installed and all connections have been made, you must
configure the IP Control system as follows:
1. Configure IP Control’s network settings, which includes configuring:
Device ID settings
IP Control’s IP address
Centralized Management
2. Configure the SNMP settings.
3. Add, edit, remove, and block system Users.
4. Configure the KVM switch settings.
5. Configure the Serial port settings.
6. Configure the security settings.
7. Configure the system date and time.
You can also perform the following additional operations, as required:
1. Install an SSL certificate.
2. Upgrade firmware.
3. Restore factory settings.
3.1 Boot-Up Process
By default, IP Control boots with an automatically assigned IP address from a DHCP
(Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol) server on the network (see Figure 9 for an
overview of the boot-up process). The DHCP server assigns the IP Control a valid IP
address, gateway address, and subnet mask.
This automatically assigned IP address can be identified according to the IP Control
MAC address that appears on the underside of the IP Control box, next to the device
number (D.N.).
If no DHCP server is found on the network, IP Control boots with the static IP
address: 192.168.0.155.
If a DHCP server later becomes available, the unit picks up the IP settings from
the DHCP server. To keep the static IP address, you can disable DHCP, as
explained in Section 3.3.2 on page 23.