® ® NETWORK SERVICES ACR1000A-CTL ServSwitch iPATH™ ServSwitch iPATH manages your ServSwitch Agility network and its connected users. This self-contained server unit contains all necessary hardware and software. ADM USR UNC ETH1 ETH2 PWR ADM USR UNC ETH1 ETH2 PWR S e r v S w i t c h™ i PAT H B L A C K Customer Support Information B OX A G I L I T Y M A N A G E R Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S.
ServSwitch iPATH Trademarks Used in this Manual Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks, and ServSwitch is a trademark, of BB Technologies, Inc. Mac is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Linux is registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. NetWare is a registered trademark of Novell, Inc. Sun is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Unix is a registered trademark of UNIX System Laboratories, Inc.
FCC and IC RFI Statements Federal Communications Commission and Industry Canada Radio Frequency Interference Statements This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
ServSwitch iPATH Instrucciones de Seguridad (Normas Oficiales Mexicanas Electrical Safety Statement) 1. T odas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado. 2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura. 3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación deben ser respetadas. 4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas. 5.
Table of Contents Contents 1. Specifications............................................................................................................................................................................... 7 2. Introduction................................................................................................................................................................................ 8 2.1 ServSwitch iPATH basics....................................................................
ServSwitch iPATH 4.8 The Users Tab.................................................................................................................................................................. 36 4.8.1 Search Filters....................................................................................................................................................... 36 4.8.2 Users > View Users Page...........................................................................................................
Chapter 1: Specifications 1. Specifications Approvals: CE, FCC Hardware Compatibility: All computers via ServSwitch Agility units Software Compatibility: Operates with all known software and operating systems including Windows®, Linux®, Unix®, BSD, all Sun® OS, all Mac® OS, NetWare®, etc.
ServSwitch iPATH 2. Introduction Black Box ServSwitch Agility local and remote units allow multiple remote users to access host computers in a very flexible manner. Such flexibility requires management and coordination – that is where ServSwitch iPATH becomes vital. ServSwitch iPATH is designed to promote the most efficient use of ServSwitch Agility units by allowing central control over any number of transmitters (more commonly referred to as ‘Channels’ within ServSwitch iPATH) and receivers.
Chapter 2: Overview 2.1 ServSwitch iPATH basics 2.1.1 Channels Think of a channel as a ‘virtual transmitter’. It is virtual because the video, audio and USB streams of a channel do not necessarily have to originate from the same physical transmitter unit, although in most cases they will. For instance, you could arrange for video and USB streams to be received from one host computer, while the audio stream came from an alternative source.
ServSwitch iPATH 2.1.4 Security Security considerations form a major part of ServSwitch iPATH operation, ensuring that users have rapid access only to the systems for which they have permission. At its core, ServSwitch iPATH manages an important three-way relationship between the users, the ServSwitch Agility receiver(s) and the channels from the host computers.
Chapter 2: Overview 2.1.5 Active Directory To streamline administration even further, ServSwitch iPATH supports Active Directory. By synchronizing with an LDAP/Active Directory server, details of users (including their usernames and group memberships) can be securely synchronized from existing databases in order to both minimize the initial configuration as well as streamline ongoing updates. 2.1.
ServSwitch iPATH 2.2 ServSwitch iPATH Unit Features The ServSwitch iPATH unit is housed within a durable, metallic enclosure with all connectors situated at the rear panel and a row of indicators on the front panel.
Chapter 3: Installation 2.3 What‘s Included Your package should include the following items. If anything is missing or damaged, contact Black Box at 724-746-5500 or info@blackbox.com. 2.3.1 iPATH Unit Package (ACR1000A-CTL) • ServSwitch iPATH unit, • Power adapter and power cord, • (2) Rack mount brackets plus screws, • CD-ROM containing this user manual in PDF format, • Safety leaflet. 2.4 Additional Items You May Need • Network link cable(s). 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
ServSwitch iPATH 3. Installation 3.1 Bracket Attachment The ServSwitch iPATH server unit is supplied with a pair of brackets (plus screws) that allow the unit to be mounted within a 1U rack slot. Attach the brackets to each side of the ServSwitch iPATH server unit as shown in Figure 3-1: 12 V 5A IND CO M OO RU SE ON LY CO M 2 CO M 1 3 1 2 Figure 3-1. Attaching the supplied rack mount brackets. Page 14 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
Chapter 3: Installation 3.2 Connections The ServSwitch iPATH server unit is supplied fully pre-loaded and permits no local user interaction. All configuration takes place remotely via the network connections and as a result only two connections are required: Network and power. 3.2.1 Network Connections The ServSwitch iPATH server has two network connections on the rear panel, labeled 1 and 2. These allow the unit to be connected to internal and external network connections as required.
ServSwitch iPATH 3.2.2 Power Supply Connection Important: Please read and adhere to the electrical safety information given within the Safety information section of this guide. In particular, do not use an unearthed power socket or extension cable. 1 Attach the output connector of the power supply (country specific power supplies are available) to the power input socket on the left side of the rear panel, as shown in Figure 3-3: 12 V 5A IND OO RU SE ON LY Figure 3-3.
Chapter 3: Installation 3.3 Front Panel Indicators To assist with operational checks and troubleshooting, the front panel provides the following indicators, as shown in Figure 3-5: derLink ADM USR UNC ETH1 ETH2 PWR ADM USR UNC ETH1 ETH2 PWR ANAGEMENT SERVER www.adder.com Figure 3-5. Front panel indicators. • ADM On when an administrator is logged in. Flashes when an administrator is accessing the system. • USR On if there are any connections between channels/receivers.
ServSwitch iPATH 4. Configuration This section covers configuration of the ServSwitch iPATH Suite for administrators. For details about the regular user interface, please see the Operation section. 4.1 Supported Browsers The ServSwitch iPATH admin interface requires an A-grade browser with Javascript enabled. The list of appropriate browsers is as follows: • Google Chrome v7 or greater • Firefox v3.
Chapter 3: Installation 3 Enter your Username and Password and click the Login button. The default username is admin and the default password is password. We strongly recommend that you change the default admin password as one of your first actions: Go to Dashboard>Users. Click on the furthest right icon in the admin row (configure users) and change the password for the admin user.
ServSwitch iPATH 4.4 The Dashboard Tab The Dashboard is your main point of contact for checking and changing the general status of all ServSwitch iPATH operations. Click the DASHBOARD tab to view its initial home page. The various other Dashboard pages (e.g. Settings, Backups, Updates, etc.) are selectable within the blue section located just below the tabs. 4.4.1 Dashboard > Home Page • Shutdown button - Allows the admin user to shut down the ServSwitch iPATH server.
Chapter 3: Installation 4.4.2 Dashboard > Settings Page Click the Settings option below the Dashboard tab. Most global configuration options for the ServSwitch iPATH system are available in the settings page. For configuration options that affect individual receivers, users and channels, see the sections dealing with those tabs. Check For Updates - If this setting is off, ServSwitch iPATH will never attempt to connect to the update server to check for updates.
ServSwitch iPATH 4.4.2.4 Initial Streaming Mode All new connections are created in unicast mode. If a second receiver connects to the same channel, the unicast connection is briefly disconnected and replaced with the new multicast connection. The first-connected receiver would experience a brief screen black-out.
Chapter 3: Installation 4.4.2.10 Gateway IP Address Defines the network gateway IP address for the ServSwitch iPATH server. 4.4.2.11 Netmask Defines the netmask for the ServSwitch iPATH server. 4.4.2.12 DNS Server IP Address Defines the IP address for a suitable DNS server to use within the ServSwitch iPATH network. 4.4.2.13 Syslog IP Address Not fully supported. Set this to be the ServSwitch iPATH IP Address if you do not have a syslog server. 4.4.2.
ServSwitch iPATH 4.4.3 Dashboard > Backups Page You can schedule backup copies of the ServSwitch iPATH database (containing all devices, users, channels and logs) to be made on a recurring basis and you can also perform backups on demand, as required. IMPORTANT: You are strongly recommended to arrange regular scheduled backups of your ServSwitch iPATH database. Black Box cannot be held responsible for any loss of data, however caused. 4.4.3.
Chapter 3: Installation 4.4.4 Dashboard > Updates page 4.4.4.1 Upgrade ServSwitch iPATH Software If you have downloaded an update file for ServSwitch iPATH software, you can upload it here to the ServSwitch iPATH server and ServSwitch iPATH will automatically be upgraded to the new version. Upgrade files are encrypted and digitally-signed for ServSwitch iPATH-server integrity. 4.4.4.
ServSwitch iPATH 4.4.7 Dashboard > Event Log Page This page lists events that have occurred within the ServSwitch iPATH system.
Chapter 4: Configuration 4.5 The Channels Tab The Channels tab provides access to all settings and options related directly to the video, audio and USB streams, collectively known as channels, emanating from any number of transmitters. Click the CHANNELS tab to view the initial View Channels page. The various other Channels pages (e.g. Add Channel, View Channel Groups, etc.) are selectable within the blue section located just below the tabs. 4.5.
ServSwitch iPATH 4.5.3 Channels > Add or Configure a Channel From the View Channels page, you can add a new channel or configure an existing channel: • To create a new channel: Click the “Add Channel” option. • To configure an existing channel: Click for a channel. The Add and Configure pages are similar in content. 4.5.3.1 Channel Name, Description and Location These are all useful ways for you to identify the channel and its origins.
Chapter 4: Configuration 4.5.3.4 Group Membership Groups provide a quick and easy way to manage settings for channels. By making a channel part of a particular group, the channel automatically inherits the key settings of that group. The group membership section displays existing channel groups in the left list (to which the current channel does not belong) and the channel groups in the right list to which it does belong.
ServSwitch iPATH 4.5.4 Channels > Add or Configure Channel Group Channel groups allow easy permission-granting for several channels at once. Permissions can be set to determine which users can access channels within a channel group. From the View Channels page, you can add a new channel group or configure an existing channel group: • To create a new channel: Click the “Add Channel Group” option. • To configure an existing channel: Click “the View Channel Groups” option and then click for a group.
Chapter 4: Configuration 4.6 The Receivers Tab The Receivers tab shows a paginated table of all receiver devices within the ServSwitch iPATH network. Click the RECEIVERS tab to view the initial View Receivers page. The other Receivers pages (e.g. View Receiver Groups, Add Receiver Group, etc.) are selectable within the blue section located just below the tabs. 4.6.1 Search Filters The key fields (Name, Description and Location) all provide a search filter to locate particular items within long lists.
ServSwitch iPATH 4.6.3 Receivers > Configure Receiver Page From the View Receivers page, you can configure details for a receiver: • Click for a receiver. Note: If the IP address of the receiver is changed, the device will need to reboot itself. 4.6.3.1 Login Required • No: When selected, anyone can use a receiver terminal and connect to a channel. The channels/permissions displayed to this anonymous user are those that are set for the “anonymous user” defined within the Dashboard > Settings page.
Chapter 4: Configuration 4.6.4 Receivers > Add Receiver Group or Configure Group Page From the View Receiver Groups page, you can create a new group or configure an existing group: • To create a new group: Click the “Add Receiver Group” option. • To configure an existing group: Click for a group. The Add and Configure pages are similar in content. 4.6.4.1 Login Required • No: When selected, anyone can use a receiver terminal and connect to a channel.
ServSwitch iPATH 4.7 The Transmitters Tab The Transmitters tab shows a paginated table of all transmitter devices within the ServSwitch iPATH network. Click the TRANSMITTERS tab to view the transmitters page. 4.7.1 Search filters The key fields (Name, Description and Location) all provide a search filter to locate particular items within long lists. Enter a full or partial search string into the appropriate filter box and then click to start the search.
Chapter 4: Configuration 4.7.3 Transmitters > Configure Transmitter Page When you click configured. for a particular transmitter, this page lists information about the unit and allows numerous settings to be 4.7.3.1 IP Address Allows you to alter the IP address of the transmitter unit. Any change in address will be enacted when you click the “Save” button at the foot of the page. Any IP connections currently made to the transmitter will be ended. 4.7.3.
ServSwitch iPATH 4.8 The Users Tab The Users tab shows a paginated table of all users within the ServSwitch iPATH network. Within the list, the admin user is always present and cannot be deleted - to avoid being locked out of the ServSwitch iPATH system. The username and name details of the admin account, however, can be edited as required. Click the USERS tab to view the initial View Users page. The other user pages (e.g. Add User, View User Groups, etc.
Chapter 4: Configuration 4.8.3 Users > Add User or Configure User Page From the View Users page, you can add a new user or configure an existing user: • To add a user: Click the “Add User” option. • To configure an existing user: Click for a user. The Add and Configure pages are similar in content. 4.8.3.1 Username The username is mandatory and must be unique within the ServSwitch iPATH installation.
ServSwitch iPATH 4.8.4 Users > Add User Group or Configure Group Page From the View User Groups page, you can create a new group or configure an existing group: • To create a new group: Click the “Add User Group” option. • To configure an existing group: Click for a group. The Add and Configure pages are similar in content. 4.8.4.1 User Group Name The User Group name must be unique within the ServSwitch iPATH installation. 4.8.4.
Chapter 4: Configuration 4.8.5 Users > Active Directory To simplify integration alongside existing systems within organizations, ServSwitch iPATH can be synchronized with an LDAP/ Active Directory server. This allows a list of users (and user groups), together with usernames and group memberships to be quickly imported and kept up to date. 4.8.5.1 Initial Configuration The basic Active Directory (AD) server details are defined in the Dashboard > Settings page.
ServSwitch iPATH 4.9 The Presets Tab Presets enable multiple actions to be pre-defined so that they can be initiated with a single action. This feature is particularly useful when switching multiple ServSwitch Agility units, such as in the example below where multiple video heads need to be switched in unison between different server systems, as shown in Figure 4-2: A B Figure 4-2. Preset switching allows multiple units to react in unison to a single action.
Chapter 4: Configuration The Presets page is where the admin user can create and configure new and existing presets. Click the PRESETS tab to view the Presets page. The nature of each preset, i.e. which receiver connects to which channel(s), is defined by the admin. The permitted connection modes are worked out according to: • The topology of the preset, AND • The current connections within the ServSwitch iPATH network.
ServSwitch iPATH 4.9.1 Presets > Add or Configure Presets Page From the Presets page, you can add a new preset or configure an existing preset: • To create a new preset: Click the “Add Preset” option. • To configure an existing preset: Click for a preset. The Add and Configure pages are similar in content. 4.9.1.1 Preset Name and Description The Preset Name is mandatory, whereas the Description is optional but recommended when numerous presets will be used.
Chapter 5: Operation 5. Operation For non-admin users, ServSwitch iPATH offers a clear way to choose and access multiple channels. 5.1 Logging In 1 On the keyboard connected to your ServSwitch Agility receiver, press the hotkey combination Ctrl-Alt-C to display the On-Screen Display or OSD (your administrator may have changed the hotkey combination).
ServSwitch iPATH The list of channels for which you have permission will be shown, as shown in Figure 5-2: Connection information displayed here Click to Logout or close the window S e r v S w i t c h™ i PAT H B L A C K B OX I P A C C E S S User: admin (Logout) M A N A G E R Receiver ‘Middle’, connected to Channel ‘Mac’ CHANNEL NAME Presets DESCRIPTION Channel Technical 1 Public server Channel Sales 2 Order processing...
Chapter 5: Operation 724-746-5500 | blackbox.
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