Compaq 1x1x16 - IP Console Switch KVM Deployment Manual

Brand: Compaq

Model: 1x1x16 - IP Console Switch KVM

Category: Rack consoles

Type: Deployment Manual

This manual is also suitable for

Deploying HP KVM consoling solutions

technology brief, 2

edition

Abstract.............................................................................................................................................. 2

Introduction......................................................................................................................................... 2

HP consoles, switches, and accessories .................................................................................................. 3

HP TFT7600 Rackmount Keyboard Monitor......................................................................................... 3

HP IP Console Switch with Virtual Media ............................................................................................ 4

HP Server Console Switch with Virtual Media ...................................................................................... 4

Interface adapters ............................................................................................................................ 5

CAT5 cabling.................................................................................................................................. 6

Designing a consoling solution .............................................................................................................. 7

Console switch types, tiering, and port blocking .................................................................................. 7

Virtual media functionality................................................................................................................. 8

Local versus remote management....................................................................................................... 9

Remote KVM console operation........................................................................................................... 10

IPv6 protocol support...................................................................................................................... 10

KVM performance over a network.................................................................................................... 11

Session types................................................................................................................................. 11

Managing switch users through Active Directory ................................................................................ 12

Authenticate Only mode.............................................................................................................. 13

LDAP mode................................................................................................................................14

Local KVM console operation.............................................................................................................. 16

Integrating HP console switches and HP Lights-Out technology ................................................................ 17

Integrating legacy KVM components .................................................................................................... 18

KVM consoling example..................................................................................................................... 18

Implementation best practices.............................................................................................................. 19

Firmware upgrades ........................................................................................................................ 19

Equipment layout and security ......................................................................................................... 20

Energy mode................................................................................................................................. 20

Mouse tuning................................................................................................................................. 20

For more information.......................................................................................................................... 21

Call to action .................................................................................................................................... 21

Abstract

This paper describes the best methods to properly deploy an HP IP consoling solution to maximize

server management at minimum cost. Keyboard/video/mouse (KVM) consoles, console switches, and

adapters can be combined to work together to address such data center problems as space

constraints, management of heterogeneous systems, remote access needs, unpleasant working

environments, and cable clutter.

Introduction

Managing an enterprise system can become an important challenge as the number of servers

increases. Hewlett-Packard offers a variety of solutions for managing a server system through one or

more consoles. HP components (Figure 1) provide the building blocks for constructing a management

system of any size up to a multi-tiered infrastructure involving thousands of servers:

• HP TFT7600 Rackmount Keyboard and Monitor (RKM)

• HP IP Console Switch with Virtual Media (2x1x16 and 4x1x16 models available)

• HP Server Console Switch with Virtual Media

• Interface adapters for keyboards/video monitors/mice (KVMs) and CAT5e cabling

Figure 1. HP KVM and serial consoling components

HP IP Console Switch

with Virtual Media and

IP Console Viewer

HP TFT7600 RKM

HP Server Console Switch

with Virtual Media

PS/2, USB, Virtual Media

Interface Adapters

CAT5e cable

HP solutions offer various methods of server access, including local/remote access with KVM

components (PS/2, USB, video) and local/remote access with network or serial devices using

terminal emulation. From a single console, system administrators can perform a variety of server

management functions including shutdown/power up, status, and firmware/software management.

Virtual media capability allows administrators to map an external drive or image to an attached

server to facilitate software installations or upgrades. These solutions are backwards-compatible with

earlier HP consoling components, with certain limitations that are discussed later in this document.

HP consoles, switches, and accessories

HP console switches allow control of multiple servers through one or more KVM consoles for efficient

server management. HP Serial Console Servers allow the use of remote consoles or terminals to

manage servers and other devices through their serial ports.

These components allow management of a large number of servers with a minimum number of IP

addresses, simplifying the administration of enterprise systems. The use of CAT5 or better cables

instead of conventional KVM or serial cables significantly reduces cable clutter when managing a

number of rack-mounted devices.

HP TFT7600 Rackmount Keyboard Monitor

The HP TFT7600 Rackmount Keyboard Monitor (RKM) combines a 17-inch WXGA+ monitor with a

keyboard/touch pad that mounts in a standard 19-inch rack. The RKM (Figure 2) is designed to meet

the special needs of the data center environment:

• Both PS/2 and USB connectivity for operation with a variety of equipment

• Anti-glare display for easy viewing in a brightly-lit equipment room

• Front panel USB pass-thru port for convenient virtual media device connection

• Economical use of space and power (the 1U component shuts down automatically when retracted

into the rack.)

The TFT7600 RKM console is shallow enough to allow mounting an HP server console switch behind

it. When installed at an optimum height of about 4 feet from the floor, the RKM provides convenient

walk-up access.

Figure 2. HP TFT7600 Rackmount Keyboard Monitor

HP IP Console Switch with Virtual Media

The HP IP Console Switch with Virtual Media (Figure 3) is a rack-mountable, digital KVM switch that

offers local or remote IP KVM console functionality and supports virtual media. This highly scalable

switch allows an administrator to directly access up to 16 servers, and more servers in a tiered

system. Depending on the model, the console switch supports up to four simultaneous users per switch

(one local user using the local rack mounted console plus three remote users, or four remote users

using IP Console Viewer).

This switch is recommended as a first tier component and comes with HP IP Console Viewer software

that supports both Linux® and Microsoft® Windows® clients, including integration with Microsoft

Active Directory using Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and support for IPv6. The switch

can integrate with HP Systems Insight Manager (HP SIM) and provide SNMP traps (alerts) to HP SIM

for event tracking.

Figure 3. HP IP Console Switch with Virtual Media

HP Server Console Switch with Virtual Media

The HP Server Console Switch with Virtual Media (Figure 4) is a rack-mountable KVM switch that

allows two consoles to access up to 16 servers directly or more servers when tiering is implemented.

The 0x2x16 HP Server Console Switch with Virtual Media supports two concurrent console sessions to

two different servers.

Figure 4. HP Server Console Switch with Virtual Media connections, controls, and indicators

(0x2x16 model

shown)

Interface adapters

Interface adapters allow the use of UTP CAT5e cable to connect console switches with traditional

KVM and serial interfaces. Figure 5 and Table 1 show and describe the interface adapters.

Figure 5. Types of interface adapters

Table 1. Functionality of interface adapters

Name How used VM support?

PS/2 Virtual Media Interface

Adapter

Connects KVM and virtual media device to server. Requires one

USB port on server for Virtual Media operation.

Yes

USB Virtual Media

Adapter

Connects KVM and virtual media device to servers without PS/2

mouse/keyboard ports.

Yes

USB Interface Adapter (not

shown)

Connects KVM components to servers without PS/2

mouse/keyboard ports.

PS/2 Interface Adapter Connects KVM signals to server. No

BladeSystem

Interface Adapter

Connects KVM signals to BladeSystem servers. Both p-Class and

c-Class server blade interface adapters are available.

KVM Serial Interface Adapter

Allows serial devices to be controlled and managed by KVM

management solutions.

Virtual media (VM) operation is supported only by the Virtual Media Interface adapter, which is easily

distinguishable from legacy non-VM adapters by the status LEDs on the RJ-45 module.

Each interface adapter has a unique, factory-assigned, electronic identification number (EID) used by

the switch to recognize and manage the attached device. The interface adapter also stores a user-

configured server name (up to 16 characters). If a server is to be relocated, HP recommends that the

interface adapter remain attached to (and move with) the server.

When a server is reconnected to an HP Console Switch through the server’s original interface

adapter, the server name and port connection will be seamlessly presented in the OSD of the new

switch. This feature makes cable reconfiguration virtually automatic and alleviates the need to update

port and server name information. The interface adapter also has a Keep Alive function that enables

users to disconnect the CAT5 cable without losing mouse and keyboard functionality. The Keep Alive

BladeSystem

Interface Adapter

KVM Serial Interface Adapter

USB Virtual Media

Interface Adapter

PS/2 Virtual Media

Interface Adapter

PS/2 Interface

Adapter

function allows users to reconfigure switch-to-server connections without having to power down the

server and then reboot the OS to regain mouse or keyboard functionality.

Interface adapters should NOT be used to tier an HP Server Console Switch, but they MUST be used

to tier a legacy Compaq Server Console Switch.

HP interface adapters are exclusively configured for use with an HP IP Console Switch or an HP

Server Console Switch. They are not compatible with other KVM devices. The HP IP Console Switch or

HP Server Console Switch will not recognize third-party adapters.

CAT5 cabling

HP recommends using UTP CAT5 or better cable for RJ-45 connections with HP console servers. All

RJ-45 connections discussed in this paper use RJ-45 connectors wired straight through. Installing

lower-grade cable may reduce switch performance, and crossover cable will not work properly.

CAT5 cable quality can be verified using a cable tester to verify signal quality and wire pin-out

configuration. Cables not meeting the minimum CAT5 specification should not be used for KVM

cabling.

Each wire pair in the cable is twisted to prevent electromagnetic interference (crosstalk) caused by

electrical signals traveling in adjacent wire pairs. In normal network communication, only two of the

four pairs are used. The HP KVM Console Switches use all four pairs to send the signal data.

CAT5 cables are available from HP in standard lengths of 3, 6, 12, 20, and 40 feet. To reduce cable

clutter or the need to coil extra cable, customers can fabricate their own CAT5 cables to custom

lengths for connecting devices to the HP IP Console Switch. Users must take care when routing cables

and consider these important factors in cable routing plans: signal degradation (attenuation) and

electromagnetic interference (crosstalk).

For optimal screen resolution of 1280×1024, customers should limit the cumulative cable length to

75 feet (22.8 meters) between the first console switch and the farthest attached server, including all

tiers. Longer cable lengths will limit the screen resolution: Table 2 shows the limitations of CAT5 cable

in transferring video information.

Table 2. Video signal limitations of CAT5 cable

Screen resolution Maximum cable length

800 x 600 @ 85 Hz 100 ft (30.4 meters)

1024 x 768 @ 85 Hz 75 ft (22.8 meters)

1280 x 1024 @ 85 Hz 75 ft (22.8 meters)

1600 x 1200 @ 85 Hz (local access only) 10 ft (3 meters)

Designing a consoling solution

Implementation of an efficient multi-server system requires a server management plan. The following

functional aspects of server management should be considered:

• Number of servers – System size determines the number of switches and adapters required.

• Ratio of administrator access paths to servers required – 1 to 4, 1 to 8, or 1 to 16

• Type of access required per server or device to be managed – KVM, serial, local, remote

• Access priority – Tiered switches may restrict KVM access to servers due to port blocking.

• Virtual media requirements – Whether firmware or software of individual servers needs to be

installed or updated remotely

• Remote or integrated Lights-Out functionality

• Use of legacy console switches and adapters – Expanding an existing system may involve

compatibility issues with certain functions.

Console switch types, tiering, and port blocking

HP offers two basic types of virtual media-enabled KVM console switches: the HP IP Console Switch

with Virtual Media and the HP Server Console switch with Virtual Media. Both switch types support

3-level tiering, virtual media support, and a ROM-based OSD interface for local KVM access and

control of any directly connected server.

The HP IP Console Switch with Virtual Media is recommended as a main access or first tier switch for

a management system. It provides both local and remote access. Using IP Console Viewer software

and LDAP integration with Active Directory, HP IP Console Switch remote users can fully manage any

server connected directly or tiered downstream.

The HP Server Console Switch with Virtual Media, on the other hand, enables one or two local KVM

users to fully manage any server connected directly or tiered downstream. When tiered downstream

from an HP IP Console Switch supporting a remote KVM user, the HP Server Console Switch enables

that remote KVM user to access and manage any server connected directly or tiered downstream.

In Figure 6, two groups of servers are managed by a local KVM console connected to the first-tier

switch. Group A servers are connected directly to the main (first-tier) switch, while group B servers are

connected to a second-tier console switch.

A third tier can be implemented by connecting one or more

switches to the second-tier HP Server Console Switch with Virtual Media.

While tiering increases switch capacity, it also introduces port blocking. Each port of a console switch

can handle only one active server connection at a time, so mission-critical servers that require priority

access by a KVM console should be connected directly to the first (top) tier switch (such as a Group A

server in Figure 6). All servers connected through the second tier switch (Group B servers in Figure 6)

in effect share a single port of the first tier (main) switch and compete equally for access from the

upper tier switch.

IMPORTANT

While a single KVM console can control up to a theoretical 4,096

servers through three tiers of HP console switches, access requirements

and performance issues make such an infrastructure impractical.

Performance begins to degrade when the IP Console Viewer database

surpasses 1000 objects. Access limitations introduced by port

blocking with third-level tiering becomes problematic.

HP KVM console switches should be tiered using the following hierarchy:

• HP IP Console Switch with Virtual Media – recommended for first tier

• HP Server Console Switch with Virtual Media – first, second, or third tier

Figure 6. 2-tier KVM consoling configuration

HP IP

Console Switch

w/Virtual Media

HP Server Console Switch

with Virtual Media

To other switches

Group A servers

Server B2

Local KVM

console

To other

Group B servers

CAT5e cable

Interface

Adapter

Server A16

First Tier

Second Tier

Interface

Adapter

Virtual media functionality

KVM consoling components with virtual media functionality allow a system administrator to

conveniently perform software installations or upgrades to attached servers. An administrator can

map a locally connected mass storage device (USB floppy or drive key) or an optical (CD or DVD)

drive to a target server.

An IMG image file of a floppy disk or ISO image file of a CD-ROM can also be mapped to a target

server from a remote client using IP Console Viewer 3.0 or later. HP IP Console Viewer has the built-in

ability to mount and use .img and .iso images. For more information on using ISO images in the client

OS, refer to the following URL:

http://h20229.www2.hp.com/downloads/iso_format.html?jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN.

Virtual media operation can be invoked either from local KVM consoles using the OSD interface or

from remote KVM consoles using IP Console Viewer software. Virtual media devices may not be

shared between local and remote KVM consoles. Locally attached media can be used only by the

local KVM console. A remote KVM session can only use media directly connected to the computer

running IP Console Viewer.

Virtual media operation can occur over tiered systems; however, for virtual media operation to occur,

all components (switches and interface adapters) in the link from the virtual media device (CD-ROM,

USB drive, etc.) to the target server

must be virtual media-capable.

Local versus remote management

HP console switches provide connections for local KVM console management. The HP IP Console

Switch also provides an Ethernet port allowing up to four workstations to operate as remote KVM

consoles over a LAN or the Internet.

Figure 7 illustrates an example of a two-tiered system with local and remote KVM consoles attached to

an HP IP Console Switch at the first tier and a local KVM console attached to an HP Server Console

Switch on the second tier. Local KVM Console A and four Remote KVM Consoles have access to all

servers in the system (Groups A and B), while the Local KVM Console B has access only to the servers

in Group B.

Note

In a tiered Server Console Switch, only local port B is available for

local KVM use.

Figure 7. System using remote and local KVM console management

Remote KVM Consoles

Local KVM

Console B

LAN

HP IP Console Switch (4x1x16)

HP Server Console Switch

Second Tier

First Tier

Local KVM

Console A

Group A

servers

Group B

servers

Local KVM consoles can take advantage of the physical security provided by data centers with

controlled access. Remote KVM consoles allow the convenience of anywhere management that

working over a network offers.

Remote KVM console operation

A PC or workstation can function as a remote (in-band) KVM console by connecting to the HP IP

Console Switch through a network interface. An IT administrator can use a workstation as a KVM

console to access and manage the servers in the data center.

There are a number of considerations when implementing remote KVM consoling:

• Network protocol

• Network performance

• Type of session

• User management

IPv6 protocol support

The latest versions of the HP console switches support IPv4 and IPv6 protocols with the onboard IP

Console Viewer, the OSD (Figure 8), and the serial console configuration software. The significantly

higher addressing capability of IPv6 relieves the address exhaustion and translation issues that are

inherent with IPv4.

Figure 8. OSD network settings menu

A. Network settings menu, IPv4 selected B. Network settings menu, IPv6 selected

Only one protocol (IPv4 or IPv6) can be configured for a KVM system. The IPv4 protocol is the

default, and it can be set for either Static or BOOTP (default) addressing. Operation with IPv4 allows

switch firmware updates from File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or Trivial FTP (TFTP) servers.

The IPv6 protocol can be set to either Static or DHCPv6 addressing. Note that IPv6 supports firmware

updates using only the FTP method when doing the update from the OSD or Serial management

interface. Firmware updates can also be done on an IP Console Switch using the remote management

interface.

KVM performance over a network

When users access the HP IP Console Switch through a remote KVM console, the performance and

bandwidth utilization will vary depending on several factors:

• Type of connection (LAN or Internet)

• Network utilization (size of a system and whether it is a dedicated management network or does

double duty with main LAN)

• Type and amount of hardware used for switching and routing

• Video resolution and color depth

• Number of screen refreshes required

A remote KVM session requires minimum bandwidth since only screen changes, mouse movement,

and keystrokes are transferred. However, because it is difficult to accurately predict KVM

performance over a network, HP recommends that administrators do the following for KVM sessions:

• Use a 100 Mbps (or faster) network. The latest HP IP Console Switches support operation on

gigabit Ethernet networks.

• Use standard video settings and color depth (1024 x 768 @ 256 colors).

• Minimize screen refreshes by not running applications that display large windows and require

frequent content changes or have significant dynamic information flowing in them.

Session types

Figure 9 shows an image of the HP IP Console Viewer 3.0 display when properly configured for use

with an HP ProLiant server and EMS. As indicated by the arrows, three types of sessions—a KVM,

iLO, and serial session—can be launched simultaneously to the selected server.

Figure 9. HP IP Console Viewer applet screen for an HP ProLiant DL360 server running Microsoft®

Windows® 2003 Server

Managing switch users through Active Directory

The basic administrative function of the console switch uses a database maintained and contained

within the switch to determine which switch user can access a particular server. The database

specifies user IDs, passwords, and access rights. This basic function, which allows adding, changing,

or deleting users only at the switch level, is best suited for small-to-medium sized networks.

The HP IP Console Switch with Virtual Media comes with full LDAP support. LDAP enables system

administrators to use directory services for managing remote KVM console switch users with the same

efficiency as managing network users and resources.

Active Directory is a database maintained by a network’s Domain Controller Server. It allows

centralized management of access to network components, including console switches (Figure 10).

Figure 10. HP IP Console Switch management using Active Directory

ctive Directory

Domain user

Domain user w/switch A rights

Domain user w/switch B rights

Domain user w/switch C rights

Domain user

Remote KVM

Console

Domain Controller

Server

Switch A

Switch B

Switch C

Active Directory authenticates from a shared database. A switch user can use the same ID and

password for the switch that he or she uses for the domain. Switch users and network users are

centrally managed by the directory service on one machine. Any change is immediately effective

everywhere (that is, deleting or disabling a switch user immediately removes his or her access to all

resources including switches. Password type and changes are enforced at the directory level for more

secure management.

The directory services option can be configured to operate in one of two basic modes: Authenticate

Only and LDAP (for authentication and authorization).

Note

With LDAP operation, if the directory service of the domain controller

is unavailable, the built-in, console switch administrator account still

has access to the switch and all connected servers. However, a user

must log into a connected server.

Authenticate Only mode

In Authenticate Only mode, the directory service of the domain controller validates switch users, but

the switch itself grants access to the requested server. User data exists in the both the switch and the

directory of the domain controller. Figure 11 illustrates how a switch user’s query is processed in the

Authenticate Only mode.

Figure 11. Query processing in Authenticate Only mode

Switch User

Switch

1. Request to view

server console

Domain

Controller

Server

6. Switch response

5. If valid, switch grants

access to requested

server based on KVM

rights in switch.

If invalid, KVM

connection is denied.

4. Directory

response

3. Directory checks User

ID and password for

validity.

2. User ID + password

forwarded by LDAP

Note

In the Authenticate Only mode, the user account data in the switch

and the user account data in the directory must match exactly.

LDAP mode

In LDAP mode, the directory provides complete control of switch user access: user ID, password, and

rights to individual servers and switches. Two types of queries can occur in LDAP mode:

• Console switch query – An attempt by a switch user to perform an action requiring switch

administrative rights. In response, the directory will check whether the user has administrator

access.

• Server query – An attempt by a switch user to view the console of a specific server. In response, the

directory will verify whether the user has access rights to the requested server console.

LDAP mode can process switch user queries using one of three sub modes: Basic mode, User Attribute

mode, or Group Attribute mode.

LDAP Basic mode

In Basic mode (Figure 12), only the user ID and password are checked against the directory. If the

user exists and the password is correct, then the user obtains access without further validation.

Note

For security reasons, HP recommends using LDAP Basic mode only for

testing connectivity.

Figure 12. Query processing in LDAP Basic mode

Switch User

Switch

1. Request to view

server console

Domain

Controller

Server

5. Switch response

(If credentials are valid,

switch grants access to

anything.)

2. User ID + password

forwarded by LDAP

3. Directory checks User

ID and password for

validity.

4. Directory response

LDAP User Attribute mode

In User Attribute mode (Figure 13) the directory checks the user ID and password. If they are valid,

the directory uses an attribute in the notes field of the user object to determine access rights.

Figure 13. Query processing in LDAP User Attribute mode

Domain

LDAP Group Attribute mode

In Group Attribute mode (Figure 14), the directory validates users by validating the user ID and

password. It then checks user groups to determine switch user access.

Figure 14. Query processing in LDAP Group Attribute mode

Switch

User

Switch

1. Request to view

server console

Domain

Controller

Server

Directory

response

5. Switch response

2. User ID + password

+ server forwarded

by LDAP

3. Directory checks User ID and password,

then checks user groups to determine

access for validated user.

KVM Switch

Admin Group

Windows Server

Admin Group

Linux® Server

dmin Grou

Switch

User

Switch

1. Request to view

server console

5. Switch

response

2. User ID + password

forwarded by LDAP

Controller

Server

3. Directory checks User ID and password and uses

notes attribute to determine access for validated

user.

User Attributes:

KVM Appliance Admin

4. Directory

response

: can access any server

connected to the switch and can administer the

switch.

KVM User

: can view any server permissions are

granted for.

In Group Attribute mode, a user’s accessibility to systems is determined by the group listing. For

console switch queries, the directory checks for a group that contains both the user and the KVM

switch. For server queries, the directory checks for a group that contains the user and the server or the

user and the switch. Table 3 shows how the group listing affects the ability of the user.

Table 3. User abilities in Group Attribute mode

System

configuration

Group attribute

Included in

group list

Ability of uer

Switch 1 providing KVM

connection to Servers A, B, C

KVM User

Switch 1

User A

User A can view list of all servers in

configuration but cannot access or view any

server.

Same as above KVM User

Switch 1

Server B

User A

User A can view list of all servers in

configuration but can access only Server B.

Same as above

KVM Appliance

Admin

User A

Server A

User A can access only Server A, not the

switch.

Same as above

KVM Appliance

Admin

User A

Switch 1

User A has full control of Switch 1 and can

access all connected servers.

Local KVM console operation

The local (out-of-band) KVM console attaches directly to the console switch using either PS/2 and

video cables or a USB adapter. The local KVM console uses the OSD application included in the

console switch firmware. Generally, only an IT administrator has access to a local KVM console.

Production and development servers can be locked so that remote access requires authorization.

Since local KVM consoles work out-of-band from LANs, they are not affected by network issues such

as network failures, security issues, denial-of-service events, or bandwidth problems (performance

degradation from high traffic). Local KVM consoles use the OSD application that resides in the

firmware of the console switch and therefore require no additional software.

A user can easily access the OSD application from the local keyboard. The OSD main dialog box

allows the user to view, configure, and control attached servers. The desired commands are executed

using the mouse pointer, Tab, or Arrow keys and the Enter key. Four pre-defined, user-selectable

keystrokes can be used to invoke the OSD. The user can set these keystrokes through the OSD menu.

Integrating HP console switches and HP Lights-Out

technology

HP console switches, Remote Insight Lights-Out Edition (RILOE), RILOE II, and Integrated Light-Out (iLO)

all support remote KVM console control of a managed server. HP Lights-Out technology uses an

autonomous management processor (in the server) running off auxiliary power to provide users with

remote KVM control of server functions, including system boot and power down. The HP IP Console

provides remote KVM access to all the servers, while iLO Standard provides virtual power to those

servers that support it. Table 4 indicates key differences between the HP IP Console Switch and HP

Lights-Out technology.

Table 4. KVM functionality of the HP IP Console Switch and of Lights-Out technology

Remote KVM console function HP IP console switch Lights-Out technology

Required software HP IP Console Viewer HP ProLiant Management Pack

Works with any server Yes Requires Lights-Out management

port

Server BIOS- and OS-level access Yes Yes

IP addresses required 1 per switch 1 per server

Virtual media functionality Yes Yes

Virtual power button functionality No Yes

Figure 15 illustrates a heterogeneous system using a mix of HP servers, some that support RILOE

II/iLO and some that do not.

Figure 15. Heterogeneous system with KVM and Lights-Out management network

HP IP Console Switch

Local KVM

Console

Management

LAN

Remote

Workstation

Remote

Workstation

Lights Out

Management Network

Server with iLO

Server without iLO

The Remote KVM and Lights-Out management networks can be separate or connected to a single

LAN. For maximum security, remote KVM and Lights-Out networks should be isolated from the user

network or intranet and accessible only by system administrators on the managed network.

When integrating an HP console switch with a system using RILOE II or iLO interfaces, users should

consider the following points:

• If RILOE is installed, the interface adapter should be attached to the video and keyboard ports.

• Users cannot access the RILOE II or iLO-managed server with the normal KVM or local console

while a RILOE II or iLO session is active.

• The RILOE II/iLO interface has highest priority and will terminate local KVM sessions and IP console

viewer sessions.

More information on remote management Lights-Out technology is available at

www.hp.com/servers/lights-out

Integrating legacy KVM components

The HP console switches introduced in this paper can be used in conjunction with earlier (legacy) HP

and Compaq console switches, expansion modules, and interface adapters. The latest KVM solutions

retain RJ-45 compatibility with interfaces of legacy components, so existing installations using those

components can be expanded with newer solutions.

It is important to note, however, that using legacy KVM components with the new-generation KVM

console solutions will inhibit virtual media functionality and may limit tiering capabilities and video

performance. Infrastructure designers should note the following limitations of legacy server

management components:

• Virtual media operation is not supported.

• No tiering is supported downstream of a legacy device.

• Video resolutions above 1024 x 768 @ 256 colors may result in poor performance.

• Expansion modules support downstream servers only and cannot be used to cascade switches.

A console link composed of legacy and new components will be limited to the abilities of the legacy

component. Legacy Compaq console switches must be upgraded with the latest firmware to be

recognized by the HP IP Console Switch. The HP IP Console Switch is not compatible with the

Compaq PCI KVM card or legacy HP console switches.

Firmware upgrades for HP console servers are available by selecting the desired product from the HP

web page at this URL:

www.hp.com/go/kvm.

KVM consoling example

Figure 16 illustrates an example of a KVM console requirement where virtual media support is

needed for all managed servers. A network PC running HP IP Console Viewer 3.0 or later software

and acting as the remote KVM console can access servers in both tiers. That network PC can also

map a USB device or an ISO image on its hard drive to any server in the system. The Local KVM

Console attached to the HP IP Console Switch can also manage any server in the system and can

map the USB removable media drive attached to the HP IP Console Switch to any server in either tier.

The Local KVM Console attached to the HP Server Console Switch can manage any server in the

second tier.

Figure 16. KVM consoling example

The interface adapters used for this example are the latest versions that support virtual media

operations. The server numbers indicate the port designations that the user will see, either at the

remote KVM console or the Local KVM Console connected to the HP IP Console Switch.

A third tier is possible by adding another console switch to the second tier switch. However, port

blocking can become an issue if a number of switches are cascaded this way. Only one KVM session

per switch port is allowed. A session between the Remote KVM Console and a second tier server will

tie up both switches as long as the KVM session is active. In an enterprise infrastructure, using the

most local KVM Console for server access, especially for virtual media functions, relieves congestion

by allowing KVM and virtual media sessions to occur simultaneously on adjacent or upper tier links.

Implementation best practices

Firmware upgrades

HP recommends upgrading the firmware on all newly installed switches and interface adapters before

configuring the system. In addition, HP recommends upgrading the firmware on all existing

management devices when a new management device is added to the system. Administrators can

upgrade the HP IP Console Switch firmware using either of the following methods:

• Through a TFTP or FTP server by a workstation connected to the serial port of the console switch

and running terminal emulation software

• From a remote KVM console running HP IP Console Viewer software

HP IP Console Switch

Remote

KVM

Console

HP Server

Console Switch

Local

KVM

Console

r First Tie

Second Tier

USB Thumb Drive

Local

KVM

Console

Server #02 01

LAN

Interface Adapter

Server #03

(see NOTE)

Interface Adapter

To other

console switches

or servers

To other

console

switches

or servers

Interface Adapter

NOTE: Server n

first t

umbers are assigned by firmware according to switch port (or ports, if tiering) being used:

wo digits = first tier switch port, second two digits = second tier switch port, third two digits = third tier switch

Server #02 16

Equipment layout and security

In enterprise systems consisting of multiple racks of servers in a heterogeneous environment, HP

recommends mounting an IP Console Switch in each rack. This will allow local and remote KVM

console access to every server without port blocking limitations. For all ProLiant server environments

with iLO, HP recommends a 0×2×16 Server Console Switch in every rack for local access, and one IP

Console Switch for every 16 Server Console Switches to provide row access from a local KVM

console and a redundant remote KVM console.

To ensure an optimum video screen resolution of 1280 x 1024, console switches should be placed so

that the CAT5 cables connecting to the servers do not exceed 75 feet in length from the first level

KVM to the target server.

The connection between the IP Console Viewer software and the IP Console Switch is a secure

connection. The switch administrator uses IP Console Viewer to set up access for each individual user

and to grant specific users access to the servers for which they are responsible. Since local KVM

consoles are often unattended, the screen saver should be enabled so that the local console is

automatically disconnected from a server after a specified period of inactivity.

Energy mode

Energy saving modes for either the switch OSD or the target servers are not recommended for the

following reasons:

• Little energy savings – CRTs are not attached to the servers and the TFT screens typically used in the

racks are generally in the closed and stored position.

• Performance – Users may easily interpret the delay in bringing up a server from energy saving

mode as a system problem.

Mouse tuning

Using a workstation as a remote KVM device requires that the mouse activity of the remote

(controlling) device be synchronized with the mouse circuitry/software of the server (controlled)

device. To synchronize the mouse pointers for a remote session with a server, the following mouse

settings must be used on the server:

• Windows 2000: Mouse speed = 50 percent, Acceleration = None

• Windows NT4: Speed = Slider adjusted to the far left for zero acceleration

• Windows 2003: Speed = 50 percent, Enhanced pointer precision = Deselected

• GNOME Linux: Acceleration = fourth position from left

• KDE Linux: Acceleration = 1X

Once the mouse properties have been set, the mouse synchronization function of the IP Console

Viewer should be invoked.

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Compaq 1x1x16 - IP Console Switch KVM Deployment Manual

Brand: Compaq

Model: 1x1x16 - IP Console Switch KVM

Category: Rack consoles

Type: Deployment Manual

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Compaq 1x1x16 - IP Console Switch KVM Deployment Manual

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