HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 User Guide Part Number 531671-001 March 2009 (First Edition)
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Contents Installing the HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 ............................................................................. 6 Overview ................................................................................................................................................. 6 Installation checklist ................................................................................................................................... 6 Console switch kit contents .................................
Accessing the Broadcast dialog box ................................................................................................ 25 Activating the Broadcast dialog box ................................................................................................ 25 Broadcasting keystrokes ................................................................................................................. 25 Broadcasting selected servers.......................................................................
Before you contact HP.............................................................................................................................. 47 HP contact information ............................................................................................................................. 47 Regulatory compliance notices ..................................................................................................... 48 Regulatory compliance identification numbers ............................
Installing the HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 Overview The HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 ships with rack-mounting brackets for easy integration into the rack. Stabilize the rack in a permanent location before installing the equipment. Avoid uneven loading or overloading of the rack cabinets. Installation checklist Before installation, refer to the following lists to be sure that all of the listed components were received.
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 HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 into the rack, connect the console switch to a power source, using the power cords provided, and power on the unit. An activity indicator light is displayed after a few seconds.
5. Secure the console switch to the rails using two M-6 screws, one on each side. Performing a cantilever-mount installation 1. Remove the four screws, two on each side, from the console switch. 2. Attach the short 1U brackets to the console switch as indicated in step 2 ("Performing a standardmount installation" on page 7) of performing standard-mount installation. 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 four screws, two on each side, from the console switch. 2. Attach the side-mounting brackets to the console switch using the four screws you removed.
3. Slide the side-mounting bracket tabs into the U locations on each side of the rack. 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.
Item Description 12 Console port B video connector 13 Console port B mouse connector 14 Console port B keyboard connector 15 Console port B USB ports (keyboard/mouse only) 16 Activity indicator light *Additional ports are only available on the 0x2x16 console switch. Connecting the local console switch 1. Connect the local keyboard, video, and mouse to the console switch. WARNING: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to the equipment: • Do not disable the power cord grounding plug.
Installing a PS/2 or USB interface adapter Interface adapter overview An interface adapter (sold separately) is required for the console switch system to function properly. An interface adapter connects UTP CAT5 or higher cables to PS/2 or USB connections and establishes a KVM session to a server. NOTE: UTP CAT5 or higher cables are used throughout the examples in this guide. Connecting the interface adapters 1.
Cascading console switches Compatible console switch models This product supports only one level of cascading. Before you cascade console switches, review the following information. To ensure optimum equipment performance while cascading console switches, follow the proper powering-on sequence—power on the console switches, monitor, and then servers. CAUTION: Do not use interface adapters to cascade one HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 system with another HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 system.
Example of an HP IP Console Switch cascade configuration Item Description 1 Server 2 PS/2 interface adapter or USB interface adapter* 3 UTP CAT5 cable or higher 4 UTP CAT5 cable or higher 5 KVM cable 6 Main HP IP Console Switch 7 Local port 8 Cascaded HP KVM Server Console Switch *Not shown Cascading an HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 with another HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 Locate a UTP CAT5 cable or higher and connect one end to the server connection port on the cascaded HP KVM Ser
The following figure shows a HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 cascaded to another HP KVM Server Console Switch G2. The top console switch is the main console switch. The bottom console switch is the cascaded console switch. CAUTION: Do not use interface adapters to cascade one HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 system with another HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 system. If interface adapters are used to cascade these products, undesirable operations might occur.
Local port operation Overview The HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 system has at least one local port (based on the specific model) on the rear panel ("Console switch components" on page 11) that enables the user to connect a keyboard, monitor, and mouse to the HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 for direct access. Use the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17) to view, configure, and control servers in the HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 system.
Button Description Disconnect Enables you to disconnect the local KVM session. Setup Enables you to access the Setup dialog box and configure the OSD. Commands Enables you to access the Commands dialog box. Viewing servers You can view servers by name, port, or by the unique EID embedded in each interface adapter. Viewing the Port column When you launch the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17) for the first time, an OSD-generated port list appears.
Viewing the Server Status column The status of each server in the HP KVM Server Console Switch system is indicated by the icons in the right column of the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17). Item Description The interface adapter is connected directly, cascaded through an HP KVM Server Console Switch, or powered on. The interface adapter is not connected or the server is powered off. The interface adapter is being upgraded.
Configuring switches for soft switching 1. From the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17), click Setup>Menu. The Menu dialog box appears. 2. For Screen Delay Time, enter the number of seconds of delay desired before the Main dialog box displays after the Print Scrn key is pressed. 3. Click OK to save settings. Soft switching to a previous server Press the Print Scrn key, then press the Backspace key. This key combination toggles between the previous and current connection.
Keystroke Description Right or Left arrows Moves the cursor between columns. When editing a text box, these keys move the cursor within the column. Page Up or Page Down Pages up and down through Name and Port lists. Ctrl + Ctrl, Shift + Shift Activates OSD. or Alt + Alt Home or End Moves the cursor to the top or bottom of a list. Backspace Erases characters in a text box. Delete Deletes current selection in the Scan dialog box or characters in a text box.
Button Function Broadcast Controls multiple servers simultaneously through keyboard and mouse actions. Scan Sets up custom scan patters for up to 16 servers. Security Sets password to restrict server access. A valid password must be alphanumeric and contain a minimum of five characters and a maximum of 15 characters. Permitted characters are case sensitive and can consist of A–Z, 0–9, spaces and hyphens. Enables the Screen Saver mode. Switch Changes the Switch mode to preemptive or cooperative.
-orSelect EID to display servers numerically by interface adapter ID number. -orSelect Port to display servers numerically by port number. 2. Click OK to save settings. -orClick X to exit, or press the Esc key to exit without saving settings. Selecting and setting the OSD hot key command 1. Select the desired hot key sequence. Clearing all boxes leaves the Print Screen as the default option. 2.
Flag Description Control used to set flag position Accessing the Flag dialog box From the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17), click Setup>Flag. The Flag dialog box appears. Displaying the status flag 1. From the Flag dialog box ("Accessing the Flag dialog box" on page 24), select Name or EID to determine what information appears. 2. Select Displayed to show the flag constantly, or select Timed to display the flag for only five seconds after soft switching. 3.
Broadcasting to servers Analog users can simultaneously control more than one server in a system to be sure that all selected servers receive identical input. For each server receiving the broadcast, you can choose to broadcast keystrokes and mouse movements independently. NOTE: During broadcast, any users connected to a broadcast server will be disconnected and unable to access any servers. NOTE: You can broadcast to only one server per Expansion Module connection.
2. o From the Broadcast dialog box ("Accessing the Broadcast dialog box" on page 25), select the keyboard and mouse checkboxes for the servers that are to receive the broadcast commands. o Press the Up or Down Arrow keys to move the cursor to the target server. Then press the Alt + K keys to select the keyboard checkbox and/or the Alt + M keys to select the mouse checkbox. Repeat the step for additional servers.
Accessing the Scan dialog box From the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17), click Setup>Scan. The Scan dialog box appears. Adding servers to the scan list 1. From the Scan dialog box ("Activating Scan mode" on page 28), select the checkbox beside each server to be added to the scan list. -orDouble-click a server name or port. -orPress the Alt key plus the number of the server you want to scan. You can select up to 16 servers. 2.
Click Clear to remove all servers from the scan list. 2. Click OK to save settings. Activating Scan mode 1. From the Commands dialog box ("Accessing the Commands dialog box" on page 38), select Scan Enable. 2. Click X to close the Commands dialog box. NOTE: The scanning begins as soon as you click Scan. Deactivating Scan mode If the OSD is open, select a server. -orIf the OSD is not open, move the mouse or press any key on the keyboard. Scanning stops at the currently selected server.
Accessing the Security dialog box From the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17), click Setup>Security. The Security dialog box appears. Changing the password 1. From the Security dialog box ("Accessing the Security dialog box" on page 29), click the New field or double-click the New field. 2. Enter the new password in the New field, and then press the Enter key. 3. In the Repeat field, re-enter the password and press the Enter key. 4. Click OK to change the password.
2. Enter the password, and then click OK. Removing the password protection 1. From the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17), click Setup>Security. 2. Choose one of the following options: 3. 4. o In the Security dialog box, click the New field and press the Enter key. o Double-click the New field, leave the New field blank, and press the Enter key. Choose one of the following options: o Click the Repeat field and press the Enter key.
Exiting screen saver mode To exit the Screen Saver mode, press any key or move the mouse. The Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17) is displayed. Activating Screen Saver mode without password protection 1. If your HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 does not require a password to gain access to the Security dialog box ("Accessing the Security dialog box" on page 29), proceed to step 2.
Accessing the Switch dialog box 1. From the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17), click Setup>Switch. The Switch window appears. Setting the Switch and Share modes 1. Access the Switch window ("Accessing the Switch dialog box" on page 32). 2. Select either Preemptive or Cooperative as the Switch mode. For more information, see Configuring the Switch and Share modes (on page 31). 3. (Optional) Select Share Enable. 4. Specify the share time-out period. 5.
Accessing the Keyboard dialog box From the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17), click Setup>Keyboard. The Keyboard dialog box appears. Selecting the keyboard language 1. From the Keyboard dialog box ("Accessing the Keyboard dialog box" on page 33), select the keyboard country code. A Keyboard Warning appears. 2. Click OK. Setting the OSD interface language You can use the Language window to configure the OSD interface languages. 1.
2. Click Language. The Language window appears. 3. Select the desired language. 4. Choose one of the following options: o Click OK to change the OSD interface language and return to the Setup window. o Click X or press the Esc key to exit without changing the keyboard language.
When the HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 discovers a cascaded HP KVM Server Console Switch G2, the port numbering changes automatically to accommodate each server. For example, if the HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 is connected to port 02, the switch port is listed as 02, and each server under it is numbered sequentially 02-01, 02-02, and so on.
Assigning server names Use the Names dialog box ("Accessing the Names dialog box" on page 35) to identify individual servers or serial devices by name rather than by port number. The Names list is always sorted by port order, and the names are stored in the Interface Adapter. If you move the Interface Adapter or server to another switch port, the HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 recognizes the names and configurations. Assigning names to servers 1.
NOTE: Changes made in the Name Modify dialog box are not saved until you click OK in the Names dialog box.
Accessing the Commands dialog box From the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17), click Commands. The Commands dialog box appears. NOTE: The Log Out button is only active if a password is set. For more information on setting a password, see Setting password protection (on page 29).
Activating Run Diagnostics 1. From the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17), click Commands>Run Diagnostics. A warning message appears indicating that all users will be disconnected. 2. Choose one of the following options: 3. o Click OK to begin. All users are disconnected, and the Diagnostics dialog box appears. o Click X or press the Esc key to exit the dialog box without running a diagnostic test. As each test is finished, a pass or fail symbol appears.
Device Reset If your local PS/2 keyboard and mouse lock up, you can re-establish operation of these peripherals by issuing a device reset. The device reset function resets the local PS/2 keyboard and mouse for the local console. 1. From the Main dialog box, click Commands. The Commands dialog box appears. 2. Click Device Reset. A warning appears.
Upgrading the firmware Upgrading the console switch firmware 1. Connect the serial cable to the serial port on the PC (must be running Microsoft® Windows®) and to the serial port ("Console switch components" on page 11) on the rear panel of the HP KVM Server Console Switch G2. 2. Go to the folder where the firmware files are saved and run the ApplianceUpDate.exe file. NOTE: The .bin files must be in the same folder as the ApplianceUpDate.exe file. 3.
Upgrading interface adapter firmware simultaneously 1. From the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17), click Commands>IA Status. The IA Status dialog box appears. 2. Select PS/2, USB, or Serial, and then click Upgrade. The IA Upgrade dialog box appears. NOTE: You can configure automatic upgrades of all interface adapters connected to the console switch by checking the Auto Upgrade box in the IA Status window. 3. Click OK to save settings. 4.
NOTE: This method of loading the interface adapter firmware will always overwrite the current version of firmware in the interface adapter. HP recommends upgrading your interface adapters simultaneously ("Upgrading interface adapter firmware simultaneously" on page 42), which only upgrades interface adapters needing a new version of firmware. 1. From the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 17), click Commands>Display Versions. The Version dialog box appears. 2. Click IA.
3. Select the individual interface adapter, and click Version. The IA Version dialog box appears. 4. Click Load Firmware. Decommissioning an interface adapter IMPORTANT: Decommissioning an interface adapter restores the factory defaults, removing any assigned server names and resetting any other configurations, while leaving the EID unchanged. After decommissioning an interface adapter, reboot the server connected to the interface adapter before using it again. 1. Access the Commands window.
Troubleshooting Connection length requirements The HP KVM Server Console Switch G2 offers optimum video performance when the distance between the server and console switch is 15 m (50 ft) or less (1280 x 1024 at 75 Hz). The system is capable of operation at distances up to 30 m (100 ft) at reduced video resolutions (800 x 640 at 60 Hz, worst case). Distance 1280 x 1024 1024 x 768 800 x 640 15.24 m (50 ft) X X X 22.86 m (75 ft) — — X 30.
Problem Solution When connecting a serial interface adapter to a server running Linux Red Hat or SLES, the numeric keypad keys on a PC keyboard do not map to VT100 emulation under the Linux shell. Using the numeric keypad with the vi text editor causes function characters to appear instead of numbers. • Use the "printenv" command to show the TERM assigned under Linux. It can be matched appropriately with other termcap entries by editing the profile or setting the TERM = "ansi".
Technical support Before you contact HP Be sure to have the following information available before you call HP: • Technical support registration number (if applicable) • Product serial number • Product model name and number • Product identification number • Applicable error messages • Add-on boards or hardware • Third-party hardware or software • Operating system type and revision level HP contact information For the name of the nearest HP authorized reseller: • See the Contact HP worldwi
Regulatory compliance notices Regulatory compliance identification numbers For the purpose of regulatory compliance certifications and identification, this product has been assigned a unique regulatory model number. The regulatory model number can be found on the product nameplate label, along with all required approval markings and information. When requesting compliance information for this product, always refer to this regulatory model number.
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
Canadian notice (Avis Canadien) Class A equipment This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada. Class B equipment This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
Japanese notice Korean notice Class A equipment Class B equipment Power cord statement for Japan Regulatory compliance notices 51
Acronyms and abbreviations CRC cyclic redundant checks EID electronic identification number IA interface adapter KVM keyboard, video, and mouse OSD on-screen display SLES SUSE Linux Enterprise Server USB universal serial bus UTP unshielded twisted pair VDC voltage direct-current VGA video graphics array Acronyms and abbreviations 52
Index A accessing the Broadcast dialog box 25 accessing the Commands dialog box 38 accessing the Devices dialog box 34 accessing the Flag dialog box 24 accessing the keyboard dialog box 33 accessing the Main dialog box 17 accessing the Menu dialog box 22 accessing the Names dialog box 35 accessing the Scan dialog box 27 accessing the Security dialog box 29 accessing the Setup dialog box 21 accessing the Switch dialog box 32 accessing the Version dialog box 40 activating Run Diagnostics 39 activating Scan mo
interface adapter, decommissioning 44 interface adapter, installing 13 J Japanese notice 51 K required items not included 6 required tools 6 resetting devices 40 routine tasks, managing for servers 21 running system diagnostics 38 S OSCAR, selecting and setting the hot key command 23 OSCAR, setting the interface language 33 OSD, managing server tasks 37 OSD, navigation keys 20 overview of installation process 6 Scan dialog box 26, 27, 28 scan list, adding servers 27 Scan mode, activating 28 Scan mode,
