Vertiv Avocent LongView 5020P Installation and maintenance instructions

Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series
High Performance KVM Extender System
Installer/User Guide

Technical Support Site
If you encounter any installation or operational issues with your product, check the pertinent section of
this manual to see if the issue can be resolved by following outlined procedures. Visit
https://www.VertivCo.com/en-us/support/ for additional assistance.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Product Overview 1
1.1 Features and Benefits 1
1.1.1 Video support 1
1.1.2 EDID management 1
1.1.3 USB support 1
1.1.4 Audio support 1
1.1.5 Serial support 1
1.2 Unit Overview 1
1.2.1 Operating modes 4
2 Basic Operation 5
2.1 Upgrades 5
2.2 Receiver 5
2.2.1 Video display connections 5
2.2.2 EDID management 6
2.2.3 USB connections 6
2.2.4 Link connection 6
2.2.5 Audio connections 6
2.2.6 Power connection 7
2.3 Using hotkeys 7
2.3.1 Dashboard 8
3 Appendices 11
Appendix A: Pinouts 11
Vertiv | Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide | i

Vertiv | Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide | ii

1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The Avocent®LongView™ 5000 series high performance KVM extender system is a DisplayPort KVM
extender that enables you to locate your critical computing hardware in a secure and temperature
controlled environment away from the user workstation while maintaining the same user desktop
experience. Using either one or two CATx cable links you can achieve separation distances of up to 150
meters/492 feet between the transmitters and receivers. At such distances the units can transfer high
resolution DisplayPort video, USB 2.0 (low/full and hi-speed), digital and analog audio plus RS-232 serial.
1.1 Features and Benefits
1.1.1 Video support
The LongView™ 5000 extender system provides the highest possible video bandwidth between the
transmitters and receivers. To allow for the differing grades of CATx links, the extender system
periodically checks the quality of the link and can accurately determine which of the two video transfer
modes can be supported. In low rate mode, the transmitter and receiver extender units may be placed up
to 492 feet (150 m) apart. The units actively monitor video link quality and at link distances of less than
328 feet (100 m). High rate mode provides a second video port and more than twice the video bandwidth
capability. In high rate mode, there is enough video bandwidth to support a single high resolution 2560 x
1600 display or two 1920 x 1200 displays (at 60 Hz refresh) or even 4K video, 4096 x 2160 (at 30 Hz
refresh, single display).
1.1.2 EDID management
The extender system intelligently manages the EDID (Extended Display Identification Data) information
that each video display provides before reporting to the host computer. If sufficient bandwidth does not
exist for the modes declared by the second display, it is not reported to the host computer.
1.1.3 USB support
A wide range of USB devices are supported on the receiver via the four ports on the front of the unit.
Three of the ports support low/full speed (version 2.0) USB for keyboards and mice. The fourth port
provides hi-speed (version 2.0) USB with transfer rates up to 80 Mbits/sec and supports mass storage and
isochronous devices.
NOTE: Availability of the fourth USB port depends upon the use of CATx link B cable which is used for
the transport of hi-speed USB signals.
1.1.4 Audio support
The LongView extenders can transfer analog and digital audio signals across the CATx cable link.
Standard analog audio is supported through 3.5 mm jacks on the transmitters and receivers. Additionally,
the line-in jack on the transmitter and the line-out jack on the receiver are dual purpose. They can accept
either 3.5 mm analog jacks or mini-TOSLINK optical fiber connectors.
1.1.5 Serial support
The transmitters and receivers each have serial options ports which are used for firmware upgrades. The
ports can also be used for transferring high speed serial data across the CATx link.
1.2 Unit Overview
The following figures show the connectors on the transmitters and receivers.
Vertiv | Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide | 1

Figure 2.1 LongView™ 5000 Series Transmitter
NUMBER DESCRIPTION NUMBER DESCRIPTION
1 Front panel indicators 7 Options serial port
2 Main A link 8 Secondary DisplayPort video input
3 Optional B link 9 Primary DisplayPort video input
4 System reset 10 USB Link B port
5 Audio line-out 11 USB Link A port
6 Audio line-in 12 Power input
Table 2.1 Transmitter Descriptions
Vertiv | Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide | 2

Figure 2.2 LongView™ 5000 Series Receiver
NUMBER DESCRIPTION NUMBER DESCRIPTION
1 Headphone input 8 Audio line-in
2 Microphone input 9 Optional B link
3 USB port 10 Main A link
4 Front panel indicators 11 Secondary DisplayPort video input
5 Hi-speed USBport 12 Primary DisplayPort video input
6 System reset 13 Multi-function serial port
7 Audio line-out 14 Power input
Table 2.2 Receiver Descriptions
Vertiv | Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide | 3

The following table contains indicator descriptions for both the transmitter and receiver.
INDICATOR MODE DESCRIPTION
A
On Main A link is connected.
Flashes Main A link is not connected.
Off No power is present.
B
On Optional B link is connected.
Off Optional B link is not connected.
V1
On Video port 1 is connected and receiving video.
Flashes Video port 1 is connected and not receiving video.
Off Video port 1 is not connected.
V2
On Video port 2 is connected and receiving video.
Flashes Video port 2 is connected and not receiving video.
Off Video port 2 is not connected.
HR
On High rate mode is active.
Flashes High rate mode is preferred but cannot be established. Low rate mode is active.
Off Low rate mode is active.
PS
On Power connected.
Flashes Upgrade error.
Off No power.
Table 2.3 Front Panel Indicator Descriptions
1.2.1 Operating modes
The LongView™ extenders maximize the data that is transferred between them. The achievable
throughput depends upon the length and quality of the cable links that join the units.
Video signals are most sensitive to link quality and for this reason the extenders have two modes of
operation: low rate mode and high rate mode. The extenders periodically check the link quality and
determine which video transfer mode can be successfully used. The difference between the two modes is
considerable as high rate mode can deliver over twice the video bandwidth. You can also choose which
mode to use by using the Hotkey functions. For more information, see Using hotkeys on page 7.
When the link mode changes, on-screen icons are displayed, while the indicators on the front panels of
both units show which mode is currently being used. If a rate change occurs, the entire data link is reset
causing a momentary loss of the video, audio and USB services.
Vertiv | Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide | 4

2 BASIC OPERATION
The Options port on the rear panel of every extender operates as a serial connection that can either:
•Be used to update the firmware of the unit
•Provide an RS232 serial connection that is passed between the transmitter and receiver.
When the extenders are not in upgrade mode, they can be used to transfer serial data between them at
rates up to 115200 baud. When serial devices are attached to the options ports on the transmitter and
receiver, the units transparently convey the signals between them and no serial configuration is required.
2.1 Upgrades
The LongView™ extenders are flash upgradeable. The same upgrade file is used to upgrade both the
transmitter and receiver units, but are upgraded separately.
WARNING! During the upgrade process, ensure that power is not interrupted as this may leave
the unit in an inoperable state.
To upgrade the extenders:
1. Download the upgrade file from https://www.vertivco.com/en-us/support/software-downloads/.
2. Connect a serial cable between the computer and the options port of the extender to be
upgraded.
3. Using a straightened-out paper clip, press and hold the recessed reset button on the front
panel until the indicators begin pulsing.
4. With the unit in download mode, transfer the upgrade file using an XMODEM file transfer via
any terminal emulator program. Use the following settings: 115200 baud, 8 bit word, no parity, 1
stop bit (8N1) and no flow control.
After the download completes, the extender firmware is upgraded. Once this process is complete, the unit
will reboot.
2.2 Receiver
2.2.1 Video display connections
Two DisplayPort ports are provided on the rear panel of the transmitters. When using high resolution
video displays, it is important that the video bandwidth requirements are within the capabilities of the
port to which they are attached. The bandwidth available on the two ports on the receiver unit can be
different and are greatly affected by the mode in which the extender system is running. Please see the
release notes for details about which high and low rate modes and resolutions are supported.
The link capacity between the transmitter and receiver is checked periodically to determine which rate
mode can be supported. The checks are generally performed when the units are powered on, when the
main CATx link is established, if cables are disconnected or if the CATx link is lost. See Using hotkeys on
page 7 for information on selecting the rate mode.
Support for other video standards
Both ports support the DisplayPort Dual-Mode (DP++) standard, which means that as well as providing
high resolution DisplayPort signals, they can also sense when a single-link HDMI or DVI adaptor is
Vertiv | Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide | 5

attached. When this occurs, the output signals are adjusted accordingly to support those display types.
Additionally, a dual-link DVI adaptor can be attached (to port 1 only), which provides higher resolution
signals for special DVI displays. Some adaptors use power from the video socket whereas others require an
external power supply, and this is usually gained from a spare USB socket. Port 1 provides a higher
bandwidth than port 2 which is limited to a maximum of 154 Mpixels/per second. Single-link DVI can
require up to 165 Mpixels/per second.
2.2.2 EDID management
The extenders mask the resolution modes that cannot be supported within the available bandwidth. The
display attached to Video port 1 is given the priority. If sufficient bandwidth does not exist for the modes
declared by the second display, it is not reported to the host PC. EDID information is checked when a new
monitor connection is sensed and it is passed to the computer.
2.2.3 USB connections
The receiver provides four USB ports on the front. Three ports are labeled for low/full speed USB
keyboards and mice only. These are also suitable for providing power to third-party DisplayPort adaptors.
The fourth port is the hi-speed USB port which provides the following:
•One of the host computer USB ports is connected to the Link B port on the transmitter and
supports USB version 2.0.
•The second CATx Link B is in place.
2.2.4 Link connection
Transmitters and receivers are linked by either one or two CATx cables at a distance of up to 150 meters
(492 feet). The type and quality of the CATx cables used are crucial to the mode of operation. If a hi-
speed USB is not needed at the receiver, a CATx link between the B ports of the units is not required.
2.2.5 Audio connections
The receiver has two analog audio inputs, a microphone input on the front panel and a line-in input on
the rear of the receiver. You can choose between these two analog inputs using a hotkey switch.
To choose between the line-in and microphone inputs:
1. Using a USB keyboard attached to one of the USB A ports on the receiver, press CRTL three
times. The three keyboard indicators will all flash, once per second.
2. Use the numeric keys to select the required input.
NOTE: Do not use the numeric keypad.
To select line-in mode, press 2. The line-in icon is displayed on the screen to confirm your
selection.
-or-
To select microphone mode, press 3. The microphone icon is displayed on the screen to
confirm your selection.
The selected input is patched through, via the link cable, to the line-out jack of the transmitter.
Vertiv | Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide | 6

2.2.6 Power connection
Each receiver is supplied with a 20 W power adaptor. There is no on/off switch on the unit, so operation
begins as soon as a power adaptor is connected.
2.3 Using hotkeys
The LongView™ extenders provide hotkey features to allow you to check and adjust certain aspects of
the operation as follows:
•Monitor link quality using the dashboard.
•Choose the preferred link rate mode.
•Choose between line-in and microphone modes at the receiver.
To use hotkeys:
1. Using a USB keyboard attached to one of the USB A ports on the receiver, press CRTL three
times. The three keyboard indicators will all flash, once per second.
2. Use the numeric keys 1 to 7, located above the main section of the keyboard to select the
required action.
Vertiv | Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide | 7

NUMBER ICON DESCRIPTION
1 n/a Displays the dashboard.
2 Line-in mode for the receiver analog audio input. The line-in icon is displayed for confirmation.
3 Microphone mode for the receiver analog audio input. The microphone icon is displayed for confirmation.
4 Low rate mode for the preferred link speed. The low rate icon is displayed for confirmation.
5 High rate mode for the preferred link speed. The high rate icon is displayed for confirmation.
6
Balanced mode (available in high rate mode only). Balanced mode allows you to share the available video
bandwidth equally between the two video displays, regardless of the EDIDs being reported. The balanced
mode icon is displayed for confirmation
7Priority mode (default mode). Video link 1 takes priority allowing it to display resolutions greater than
1900x1200 (the limit for the video 2 link). The priority mode icon is displayed for confirmation.
Table 3.1 Hotkey Options
NOTE: If you do not press any key within five seconds, or press any key other than the digits 1 to 7 the
keyboard will revert to normal operation. To use another hotkey function, repeat the procedure.
2.3.1 Dashboard
The dashboard provides a quick overview of link quality as well as confirmation of the current link rate
mode and the firmware revisions of both the transmitter and receiver units.
Figure 3.1 Dashboard
Vertiv | Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide | 8

NUMBER DESCRIPTION
1 Label for the wire-pair within the main link cable.
2
Signal indicators for each of the four wire pairs within the main link. Depending on the number of signal errors detected, each of the four
bars increase in length and change colors. Green indicates the best quality and red the worst quality. The length of the bar also indicates
the amount of data errors.
3 Current firmware version. If the link between the units is not currently valid, the transmitter entry displays -.--.
4The current link mode. Either an HR or LR are displayed for high rate mode or low rate mode. If the link is not operating, the entry displays
- -.
Table 3.2 Dashboard Descriptions
Vertiv | Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide | 9

Vertiv | Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide | 10
This page intentionally left blank.

3 APPENDICES
Appendix A: Pinouts
The options port on each extender accepts either 8p8c or 10p10c connectors, as required.
Figure 4.1 Port Pinouts
8P8C 10P10C SIGNAL
n/a 1 Not used
1 2 5VDC power output (100 mA maximum)
2 3 GND reference for all signals
3 4 RS-232 data receive (RXD)
4 5 RS-232 auxiliary data transmit (reserved)
5 6 RS-232 auxiliary data receive (reserved)
6 7 RS-232 data transmit (TXD)
7 8 Not used
8 9 Not used
n/a 10 Not used
Table 4.1 Port Pinout Description
Vertiv | Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide | 11

Vertiv | Avocent® LongView™ 5000 Series High Performance KVM Extender System Installer/User Guide | 12
This page intentionally left blank.

VertivCo.com | Vertiv Headquarters, 1050 Dearborn Drive, Columbus, OH, 43085, USA
© 2017 Vertiv Co. All rights reserved. Vertiv and the Vertiv logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Vertiv Co. All other names and logos referred to
are trade names, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy and
completeness herein, Vertiv Co. assumes no responsibility, and disclaims all liability, for damages resulting from use of this information or for any errors or
omissions. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
590-1297-501B