User's Manual

Using Console Redirection 63
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Using Console Redirection
Console redirection allows you to manage a host (local) system from a client (remote) system by
redirecting keyboard input and text output through a serial port. You cannot redirect graphic
output. You can use console redirection for tasks such as configuring BIOS settings.
You can also connect the client system to a port concentrator that can access numerous host
systems using a shared modem. After logging into the port concentrator, you can select a host
system to manage using console redirection.
This section describes the most basic connection possible: connecting systems using a null-modem
serial cable, which directly connects the serial ports on two systems.
Hardware Requirements
• An available serial (COM) port on the host system
• An available serial (COM) port on a client system
This port must not conflict with any other ports on the client system.
• A null-modem serial cable to connect the host system to the client system
Software Requirements
• VT 100/220 or ANSI terminal emulation with a window size of 80 x 25 characters
• 9600, 19.2 K, 57.6 K, or 115.2 K bps using serial (COM) ports
• Ability to create keyboard command macros (recommended)
All versions of the Microsoft
®
Windows
®
operating system include Hilgraeve's HyperTerminal
terminal emulation software. However, the included version does not provide many functions
required during console redirection. Either upgrade to HyperTerminal Private Edition 6.1 or later,
or select any terminal emulation software that supports VT100 or ANSI emulation mode.
Configuring the Host System
Configure console redirection on the host (local) system through the System Setup utility (see
"BIOS Configuration"). The
Console Redirection screen allows you to enable or disable the
console redirection feature, select the remote terminal type, and enable or disable console
redirection after booting.