Hpe KVM Server Console Switch g2 User Guide
Hpe KVM Server Console Switch g2 User Guide
User Guide
Abstract
This document is for the person who installs, administers, and troubleshoots servers and storage systems. Hewlett Packard Enterprise
assumes you are qualified in the servicing of computer equipment and trained in recognizing hazards in products with hazardous energy
levels.
Contents 3
Removing servers from the scan list ...........................................................................................................28
Activating Scan mode ..................................................................................................................................29
Deactivating Scan mode..............................................................................................................................29
Setting local console switch security ......................................................................................................................29
Accessing the Security dialog box ...............................................................................................................29
Changing the password ...............................................................................................................................30
Setting password protection ........................................................................................................................30
Logging in to the console switch .................................................................................................................30
Removing the password protection .............................................................................................................30
Resetting a console switch password..........................................................................................................31
Exiting screen saver mode ..........................................................................................................................31
Activating Screen Saver mode without password protection.......................................................................31
Deactivating the screen saver .....................................................................................................................32
Configuring the Switch and Share modes ..............................................................................................................32
Accessing the Switch dialog box .................................................................................................................32
Setting the Switch and Share modes ..........................................................................................................32
Changing the keyboard language ..........................................................................................................................33
Accessing the Keyboard dialog box ............................................................................................................33
Selecting the keyboard language ................................................................................................................33
Setting the OSD interface language .......................................................................................................................33
Assigning device types ...........................................................................................................................................34
Accessing the Devices dialog box ...............................................................................................................34
Modifying device types ................................................................................................................................35
Accessing the Names dialog box ................................................................................................................35
Assigning server names .........................................................................................................................................36
Assigning names to servers ........................................................................................................................36
Managing console switch tasks using the OSD .....................................................................................................37
Accessing the Commands dialog box .........................................................................................................37
Running system diagnostics...................................................................................................................................38
Activating Run Diagnostics ..........................................................................................................................38
Device Reset ..........................................................................................................................................................39
Displaying version information ...............................................................................................................................39
Accessing the Version dialog box ...............................................................................................................39
Upgrading the firmware........................................................................................................................ 41
Upgrading the console switch firmware ..................................................................................................................41
Upgrading the interface adapter firmware ..............................................................................................................41
Upgrading interface adapter firmware simultaneously ................................................................................41
Loading interface adapter firmware individually ..........................................................................................42
Decommissioning an interface adapter ..................................................................................................................43
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................... 45
Connection length requirements ............................................................................................................................45
Troubleshooting table .............................................................................................................................................45
Support and other resources................................................................................................................ 47
Accessing Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support .....................................................................................................47
Information to collect ...................................................................................................................................47
Accessing updates .................................................................................................................................................47
Websites.................................................................................................................................................................47
Remote support ......................................................................................................................................................48
Warranty and regulatory information .................................................................................................... 49
Warranty information ..............................................................................................................................................49
Regulatory information ...........................................................................................................................................49
Safety and regulatory compliance ...............................................................................................................49
Belarus Kazakhstan Russia marking ...........................................................................................................49
Turkey RoHS material content declaration ..................................................................................................50
Ukraine RoHS material content declaration ................................................................................................50
Acronyms and abbreviations ................................................................................................................ 51
Documentation feedback ..................................................................................................................... 52
Contents 4
Index.................................................................................................................................................... 53
Contents 5
Installing the HPE KVM Server Console Switch
G2
Overview
The HPE 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.
Required tools
The following tools are required for some procedures:
• Phillips screwdriver
• Cage nut insertion tool (included with your original rack hardware kit)
3. If not already installed, install a cage nut behind each rear rail.
4. Slide the console switch into the rear of the 1U product.
5. Secure the console switch to the rails using two M-6 screws, one 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
1 Power cord connector
2 Power switch
3 Fan
4 Serial management connector
5 Console port A USB ports (keyboard/mouse only)
6 Console port A keyboard connector
7 Console port A video connector
8 Console port A mouse connector
9 RJ-45 tiering port (designated by the letter A)
10 Server connection ports 1–8
11 Server connection ports 9–16*
12 Console port B video connector
13 Console port B mouse connector
Item Description
1 Local console
Item Description
1 Server
To add server names, see Assigning names to servers (on page 36).
NOTE: To perform a firmware upgrade for a cascaded console switch and all attached
interface adapters, you must locally connect the keyboard, monitor, and mouse to the
cascaded console switch to access the local OSD.
CAUTION: While cascading console switches, be sure that the HPE KVM Server Console
Switch G2 is cascaded below the HPE IP Console Switch. Undesirable operations might occur
if these specific cascading sequences are not followed.
The following IP Console Switches can be integrated into the console switch system. Compatible IP
Console Switch models include:
• 2 x 1 x 16 [PN AF601A]
• 4 x 1 x 16 [PN AF602A]
All IP Console Switches must have the latest SoftPaq firmware upgrade when cascaded.
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 HPE IP Console Switch
7 Local port
8 Cascaded HPE KVM Server Console Switch
*Not shown
The following figure shows a console switch cascaded to another console switch. 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 console switch system with another
console switch system. If interface adapters are used to cascade these products, undesirable
operations might occur.
Overview
The console switch 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 console switch for direct access.
Use the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 19) to view, configure, and control
servers in the console switch system.
Button Description
Clear Enables you to clear all offline interface adapters.
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.
This symbol identifies the port to which the console switch is connected.
This symbol identifies the port to which you are connected and viewing.
This symbol identifies another active port to which you are not connected.
Selecting servers
From the Main dialog box ("Accessing the Main dialog box" on page 19), you can select specific servers.
When you select a new server, the console switch reconfigures the KVM to the setting for the selected
server.
• Double-click the server Name, EID, or Port.
• If the display order of the server list is by Port (the Port button is clicked), enter the port number and
press the Enter key.
• If the display order of the server list is by Name or EID number, enter the first few letters of the name
of the server or the EID number to establish it as unique, and then press the Enter key.
NOTE: The EID is an electronic identification number, found on the interface adapter cable
label, automatically assigned to the interface adapter.
Soft switching
Soft switching is the ability to switch servers using a hotkey sequence. You can soft switch to a server by
pressing the Print Scrn key, entering the first few characters of the server's name or port number, and
pressing the Enter key.
Print Scrn Opens the OSD Main dialog box. Press the Print Scrn key twice to send the
Print Scrn keystroke to the currently selected device.
F1 Opens the Help screen for the current dialog box.
Esc Closes the current dialog box without saving changes and returns to the
previous dialog box. In the Main dialog box, it closes the OSD and returns to
the selected server. In a message box, it closes the pop-up box and returns to
the current dialog box.
Alt Opens dialog boxes, selects options, and executes actions, when used in
combination with the other keys.
Alt + X Closes the current dialog box and returns to the previous dialog box.
Alt + 0 Selects the OK button and returns to the previous dialog box.
Enter Completes the console switch operation in the Main dialog box and exits the
OSD.
Single-click, Enter Selects the text, in a text box, for editing and enables the left and right arrow
keys to move the cursor. Press the Enter key again to quit Edit mode.
Print Scrn, Backspace Toggles back to the previous selection if no other keystrokes have been
entered.
Print Scrn, Alt + 0 Disengages the user immediately from a server–no server is selected. Status
Flag displays Free. (This only applies to the 0 on the keyboard, not the
keypad.)
Print Scrn, Pause Activates the Screen Saver mode immediately and prevents access to that
particular console if it is password protected.
Up or Down arrows Moves the cursor from line to line.
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.
Shift, Delete Deletes from current selection to all lines below it when editing a scan list.
Numbers Adds numbers from the keyboard or keypad.
Caps Lock Disables the user. (Use the Shift key to change case.)
Menu Changes the server listing between numerically by port or EID number and
alphabetically by name. After you press Print Scrn, changes the delay time before
the Main dialog box appears.
Flag Changes the display, timing, color, and location of the status flag.
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.
Keyboard Changes the keyboard country code reported by the interface adapter if queried.
Language Enables a user to change the language displayed in the OSD. Changes the
language for help text, key mapping, and all screens.
Devices Identifies device types attached to the console switch, including servers and other
legacy console switches. You can also modify the type of legacy console switches.
Names Enables you to name the interface adapter.
Flag indicating that the user has been disconnected from all
systems
Flag indicating that the broadcast is activated
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.
Broadcasting keystrokes
The keyboard statistics must be identical for all servers receiving a broadcast to interpret keystrokes
identically. Specifically, the Caps Lock and Num Lock modes must be the same on all keyboards. While
the console switch attempts to send keystrokes to the selected servers simultaneously, some servers can
inhibit and thereby delay the transmission.
NOTE: Servers will be scanned in the order they are selected. If you remove a server from
the Device Modify dialog box later, the change can affect a custom scan pattern.
3. Call Hewlett Packard Enterprise technical support ("Accessing Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support"
on page 47). Give the service person your 16-bit key and EID number of the console switch. A
one-time unlock code, which is specific to your console switch, is given to you.
4. Enter the one-time unlock code in the field.
5. Click OK. Your previous console switch password is deleted.
NOTE: No server is selected after the activation of the screen saver mode disconnects the
user from a server. The status flag displays Free.
2. Click OK.
3. Select the number of ports supported by the cascaded Compaq Server Console Switch. If the
number of ports on the tiered switch is not listed, click Other and enter a port number between 4 and
24.
4. Click OK.
5. Repeat the previous steps for each port the user wants to assign a device type.
6. Choose one of the following options:
o Click OK in the Devices dialog box to save settings.
o Click X to exit, or press the Esc key to exit without saving settings.
NOTE: Changes made in the Device Modify dialog box are not saved until you click OK in the
Devices dialog box.
2. In the New Name field, enter a name. Names can be 1 to 15 characters in length. Permitted
characters are case-sensitive and can consist of A–Z, 0–9, spaces, and hyphens.
3. Click OK to transfer the new name to the Names dialog box.
4. Repeat steps the previous steps for each server in the system.
5. Choose one of the following options:
o Click OK to save settings.
o Click X to exit, or press the Esc key to exit without saving settings.
Broadcast Enable Begins broadcasting to your servers. Configures a server list for broadcasting under
the Setup dialog box.
Scan Enable Begins scanning your servers. Sets up a list for scanning in the Setup dialog box.
IA Status Upgrades multiple interface adapters simultaneously.
Display Versions Displays version information for the console switch, and firmware information for
individual interface adapters. Enables you to upgrade individual interface adapter
firmware.
Run Diagnostics Validates the integrity of your system, including memory, firmware CRC,
communication interfaces, switch controllers, local and remote video, and interface
adapters.
Device Reset Resets local console PS2 devices
Log Out Logs you out of the OSD. If password protection is enabled, you must enter the
screen saver password to continue logging out of the OSD.
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 30).
Memory Test Reports the condition of the main board RAM. This indicator displays the results of
the memory tests performed at system reboot.
Firmware CRCs Validates the current firmware images stored in the system FLASH by comparing a
CRC value on each image and comparing those results to the expected values.
Comm Interfaces Verifies the intra-board communication subsystems are accessible and functional by
querying the communications controller and performing basic register level tests.
Switch Controller Verifies the switch matrix controller is accessible and functional by querying the
switch matrix controller and performing basic register level tests.
Local Video Verifies that all the video channel subsystems are accessible, functional, and
performing basic register level tests.
Online IAs Indicates the total number of currently connected and powered interface adapters.
Offline IAs Indicates the number of interface adapters that have been connected successfully in
the past and are powered down.
Suspect IAs Indicates the number of interface adapters that have been detected but are either
unavailable for connection or have dropped packets during the ping tests.
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.
3. Enter the COM port number being used to load the firmware.
4. Click Load. The update process begins.
The update process has three updates—Loading Application Firmware, Loading Graphics Chip, and
Loading System Data. You see a progress bar for each of those three updates. The firmware update
is not done until all updates have been loaded. When the firmware is updated, the following
message, indicating "Update Complete" appears.
5. Click Done.
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. Select the individual interface adapter, and click Version. The IA Version dialog box appears.
Troubleshooting table
Problem Solution
The local user cannot view the OSD copyright • Be sure that the power source is valid.
notice. • Be sure that the cables are connected properly.
The OSD copyright notice is distorted.
• Be sure that the monitor is valid.
The local user cannot view the OSD flag. Preview the preferences in the OSD to determine if the
local port display has been disabled or set to time out. If the
preferences are set to not display the OSD flag or to have
the flag time out, then the OSD flag does not appear.
The local user cannot activate or view the OSD, Be sure that the local port keyboard is connected properly
and the OSD flag disappears. and that the keyboard is valid.
The OSD is distorted or not readable on the local Be sure that the monitor supports the refresh rate to which
port video display. target server is set.
The activity indicator light ("Console switch • Be sure that the console switch is powered on and that
components" on page 11) does not display when the power source is valid.
the console switch is powered on. • Be sure that the cables are connected properly
The system does not recognize the IP Console All IP Console Switches must be upgraded with firmware
Switch. version 3.0.0 or later.
The console switch system is inaccessible Call the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Customer Support
because the password is lost. Center ("Accessing Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support"
on page 47).
Video displays are all green or red. • Check the UTP CAT5 cable for breaks or bad crimps.
• Check the VGA connection for bent pins.
The screen saver does not turn on. Be sure to click OK to confirm the screen saver selection.
Click X or press the Esc key to cancel the command.
Troubleshooting 45
Problem Solution
When connecting a serial interface adapter to a • Use the "printenv" command to show the TERM
server running Linux Red Hat or SLES, the assigned under Linux. It can be matched appropriately
numeric keypad keys on a PC keyboard do not with other termcap entries by editing the profile or
map to VT100 emulation under the Linux shell. setting the TERM = "ansi". For PC keyboards, ANSI is
Using the numeric keypad with the vi text editor the most compatible emulation.
causes function characters to appear instead of • Edit you /etc/inittab as:
numbers. s0:2345:respawn:sbin/agetty -h ttyS0 115200,
9600 ansi
Where ttyS0 is the serial device name where the serial
interface adapter is connected. Then as a shell prompt,
enter init q, or reboot the system.
The video resolution is distorted. For more information, see the Connection Length Table
("Connection length requirements" on page 45).
Troubleshooting 46
Support and other resources
Information to collect
• Technical support registration number (if applicable)
• Product name, model or version, and serial number
• Operating system name and version
• Firmware version
• Error messages
• Product-specific reports and logs
• Add-on products or components
• Third-party products or components
Accessing updates
• Some software products provide a mechanism for accessing software updates through the product
interface. Review your product documentation to identify the recommended software update
method.
• To download product updates, go to either of the following:
o Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center Get connected with updates page
(http://www.hpe.com/support/e-updates)
o Software Depot website (http://www.hpe.com/support/softwaredepot)
• To view and update your entitlements, and to link your contracts and warranties with your profile, go
to the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center More Information on Access to Support
Materials page (http://www.hpe.com/support/AccessToSupportMaterials).
IMPORTANT: Access to some updates might require product entitlement when accessed
through the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center. You must have an HP Passport set up
with relevant entitlements.
Websites
• Hewlett Packard Enterprise Information Library (http://www.hpe.com/info/enterprise/docs)
• Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center (http://www.hpe.com/support/hpesc)
• Contact Hewlett Packard Enterprise Worldwide (http://www.hpe.com/assistance)
Remote support
Remote support is available with supported devices as part of your warranty or contractual support
agreement. It provides intelligent event diagnosis, and automatic, secure submission of hardware event
notifications to Hewlett Packard Enterprise, which will initiate a fast and accurate resolution based on your
product’s service level. Hewlett Packard Enterprise strongly recommends that you register your device for
remote support.
For more information and device support details, go to the Insight Remote Support website
(http://www.hpe.com/info/insightremotesupport/docs).
Warranty information
HPE ProLiant and x86 Servers and Options (http://www.hpe.com/support/ProLiantServers-Warranties)
HPE Enterprise Servers (http://www.hpe.com/support/EnterpriseServers-Warranties)
HPE Storage Products (http://www.hpe.com/support/Storage-Warranties)
HPE Networking Products (http://www.hpe.com/support/Networking-Warranties)
Regulatory information
Safety and regulatory compliance
For important safety, environmental, and regulatory information, see Safety and Compliance Information
for Server, Storage, Power, Networking, and Rack Products, available at the Hewlett Packard Enterprise
website (http://www.hpe.com/support/Safety-Compliance-EnterpriseProducts).
• Belarus:
• Kazakhstan:
• Belarus:
• Kazakhstan:
Manufacturing date:
The manufacturing date is defined by the serial number.
CCSYWWZZZZ (serial number format for this product)
Valid date formats include:
• YWW, where Y indicates the year counting from within each new decade, with 2000 as the starting
point; for example, 238: 2 for 2002 and 38 for the week of September 9. In addition, 2010 is indicated
by 0, 2011 by 1, 2012 by 2, 2013 by 3, and so forth.
• YYWW, where YY indicates the year, using a base year of 2000; for example, 0238: 02 for 2002 and
38 for the week of September 9.
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
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is committed to providing documentation that meets your needs. To help us
improve the documentation, send any errors, suggestions, or comments to Documentation Feedback
(mailto:docsfeedback@hpe.com). When submitting your feedback, include the document title, part
number, edition, and publication date located on the front cover of the document. For online help content,
include the product name, product version, help edition, and publication date located on the legal notices
page.
Documentation feedback 52
Index
Index 53
interface adapter configuration 14 resetting devices 39
interface adapter firmware, loading 42 resources 47
interface adapter firmware, upgrading 41 RoHS 50
interface adapter, decommissioning 43 routine tasks, managing for servers 23
interface adapter, installing 14 running system diagnostics 38
J S
Japanese notice 49 safety and regulatory compliance 49
safety considerations 49
K safety information 49
Scan dialog box 27, 28, 29
keyboard language, changing 33 scan list, adding servers 28
kit contents 6 Scan mode, activating 29
Scan mode, deactivating 29
L scan pattern, setting up 27
screen delay time 24
limited warranty 49
screen saver mode, activating without password
load protection guarantee 49
protection 31
loading interface adapter firmware 42
Screen Saver mode, exiting 31
local port operation 19
screen saver, deactivating 32
logging in to the HPE KVM Server Console Switch
Security dialog box 30, 31, 32
G2 30
selecting the display order of servers 24
selecting the keyboard language 33
M series number 49
managing routine tasks for servers 23 server names 36
managing server tasks 37 server status 20
Menu dialog box 23, 24 server, soft switching 21
modes, Switch and Share 32 servers, viewing 20
modifications, FCC notice 49 setting local console switch security 30, 31, 32
setting password protection 30
setting the OSD interface language 33
N setting the Switch and Share modes 32
Names dialog box 36 setting up a scan pattern 27
Share mode 32
O side-mount 9
soft switching 21
OSD, managing server tasks 37 standard-mount (1U) 7
OSD, navigation keys 22 support 47
OSD, selecting and setting the hot key command 24 support and other resources 47
OSD, setting the interface language 33 Switch mode 32
overview of installation process 6 system diagnostics 38
P T
password protecting the console switch 30 Taiwan battery recycling notice 49
password, changing 30 technical support 47
Port column, viewing 20 telephone numbers 47
troubleshooting 45
R Turkey RoHS material content declaration 50
rack mounting, console switch 6
regulatory compliance identification numbers 45, 49 U
regulatory compliance information 49 Ukraine notice 50
regulatory compliance notices 49, 50 Ukraine RoHS material content declaration 50
regulatory information 49
removing servers, scan list 28 V
required items not included 6
required tools 6 versions, displaying 39
Index 54
viewing, port column 20
viewing, server status 20
W
warranty 49
warranty information 49
website, Hewlett Packard Enterprise 47
Index 55