ADDER Infinity User Manual

ADDER Infinity User Manual

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AdderLink Infinity Manager
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Summary of Contents for ADDER Infinity

  • Page 1 AdderLink Infinity Manager User Guide Experts in KVM Extension Connectivity Solutions Solutions...
  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Supported browsers ....................9 Setting up A.I.M. server redundancy ............48 Login for admin users ..................9 Operation of Redundancy ................48 Adding AdderLink Infinity units ..............10 Swapping out an A.I.M. server..............49 If an ALIF unit is not located ..............10 Appendix D - Upgrade licence ................50 AdderLink Infinity manual factory reset..........10...
  • Page 3: Introduction

    – that is where A.I.M. (AdderLink Infinity Manager) becomes vital. All configuration of your AdderLink Infinity transmitters (channels), receivers and users A.I.M. is designed to promote the most efficient use of AdderLink Infinity (ALIF) units are performed using the intuitive A.I.M. browser interface via a network connected by allowing central control over any number of transmitters and receivers.
  • Page 4: A.i.m. Basics

    To successfully gain access to a channel: • A Regular user has a keyboard, video monitor and mouse (plus speakers where appropriate) attached to an AdderLink Infinity receiver unit and can access one or • The user requires permission to use the receiver, more computers that are linked to AdderLink Infinity transmitters.
  • Page 5: Active Directory

    Receiver à regular user. • User User Group Receiver à à • For administrators, full access to the AdderLink Infinity Manager Suite is granted. • User User Group Receiver Group Receiver à à à This comprehensive application shows eight main tabbed areas: Dashboard, Channels, •...
  • Page 6: Supplied Items

    SUPPLIED ITEMS A.I.M. server unit with integral rack brackets Replacement power adapter with locking connector Part number: PSU-IEC-12VDC-5A Country-specific power cords CAB-IEC-AUS (Australia) CAB-IEC-EURO (Central Europe) CAB-IEC-UK (United Kingdom) CAB-IEC-USA (United States) CAB-IEC-JAPAN (Japan) 12V, 5A Power supply plus country-specific mains cable Information wallet containing: Four self-adhesive rubber feet...
  • Page 7: Installation

    Installation CONNECTIONS Power supply connection The A.I.M. server unit is supplied fully pre-loaded and permits no local user interaction. Important: Please read and adhere to the electrical safety information given within the Safety All configuration takes place remotely via the network connections and as a result only information section of this guide.
  • Page 8: Installation Requirements

    INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS • All ALIF units linked with the A.I.M. server must have firmware version 3.3 or greater. • On the network switch(es) that have A.I.M. server(s) attached, ensure that the portfast option is enabled on each port to which an A.I.M. unit is connected. Where portfast is not enabled, if a second A.I.M.
  • Page 9: Mounting The A.i.m. Server

    MOUNTING THE A.I.M. SERVER The A.I.M. unit is designed to be easy to mount within a standard 19” rack (as well as free standing on the desktop). The server chassis requires just a 1U space within the rack. To mount the A.I.M. server within a rack mount 1 Slide the A.I.M.
  • Page 10: Configuration

    Configuration LOGIN FOR ADMIN USERS This section covers configuration of the AdderLink Infinity Manager Suite for administrators. For details about the regular user interface, please see the Operation section. 1 Ensure that the A.I.M. server is powered on (allow 3 minutes before accessing).
  • Page 11: Adding Adderlink Infinity Units

    ADDING ADDERLINK INFINITY UNITS When new ALIF transmitters and receivers are added to a network, they are designed to AdderLink Infinity manual factory reset automatically announce themselves* to the A.I.M. server. Once the A.I.M. server receives Where a previously configured ALIF unit is being added to a network for control by an their announcement(s), the ALIF units will be added to the administrator’s view of the...
  • Page 12: Basic Steps For A New Configuration

    BASIC STEPS FOR A NEW CONFIGURATION Notes on Zero-config networking When adding and configuring new devices using an A.I.M. server, these are the basic steps that you need to take: • If you are using a static zero-config address, then the recommended address to be set to at initial log in is 169.254.1.1 This will avoid any potential IP address clashes.
  • Page 13: The Dashboard Tab

    • Latest Channel Changes - shows the last five users who changed a channel, either Within the Home page*, the different sections provide a variety of information: while using the on-screen display (OSD) at an AdderLink Infinity Receiver, or via the A.I.M. admin control panel.
  • Page 14 This allows information to be collected for diagnostic purposes. Do not use the full level groups has “allow exclusive mode” granted, then the user will have it granted, even if the rest unless advised by an Adder FAE. of the user’s usergroups have exclusive mode not granted.
  • Page 15 By default this is set at 100ms, which is sufficient for most graphics cards. Occasionally it “Virtual Keyboard” is always reported to the USB host. It may be necessary to disable may be necessary to adjust this. An Adder FAE will advise if necessary. this for use with some KVM switches.
  • Page 16 It is recommended that these are left at the default settings and are only changed under If enabled, the receiver frame rate is held at 60Hz regardless of the video input frame advice from an Adder FAE. rate. The Video Switching options (below) cannot be altered when this option is enabled.
  • Page 17 Dashboard > Settings > Servers Dashboard > Settings > Network This page is used to configure redundant operation for the A.I.M. servers. This page applies global network parameters to the A.I.M. network. It is now possible to place two A.I.M. boxes on the same subnet. One A.I.M. box is the Syslog Enabled Primary (or Master) the other is the secondary (or Slave).
  • Page 18 Dashboard > Settings > Time Dashboard > Settings > Active Directory This page deals with all time related settings for the installation and allows up to three This page sets up the active directory server, if there is one on your network, and to use external NTP servers to be defined.
  • Page 19 IMPORTANT: You are strongly recommended to arrange regular scheduled backups of your A.I.M. database. Adder cannot be held responsible for any loss of data, however caused. Backup Options...
  • Page 20: Upgrading Alif Firmware Globally

    Dashboard > Updates Upgrade AIM Software Upgrading ALIF firmware globally This option allows you to upgrade (or downgrade, if required) the A.I.M. server firmware while preserving all configuration data. Firmware files are encrypted and digitally-signed This method allows the A.I.M. admin user to upgrade firmware on receivers and for A.I.M.-server integrity.
  • Page 21: Upgrading (Or Downgrading) A.i.m. Firmware

    To upgrade/downgrade the A.I.M. unit firmware 1 Download the appropriate firmware file from the Adder website or technical support. 2 Visit the Dashboard > Updates page of the A.I.M. unit and within the ‘Upgrade AIM Software’ section, click the Browse... button to locate the downloaded firmware file.
  • Page 22 The remote support feature grants a member of the technical support team remote access to the A.I.M. unit. This page shows the current state of remote support, whether currently enabled or disabled, plus a button to change the remote support state. Note: Before enabling remote support contact Adder technical support.
  • Page 23: The Channels Tab

    THE CHANNELS TAB Channels > View Channels The Channels tab provides access to all settings and options related directly to the video, This page lists all channels that currently exist within the A.I.M. system. A channel is audio and USB streams, collectively known as channels, emanating from any number of automatically created for every transmitter when it is added and configured within the transmitters.
  • Page 24 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.
  • Page 25 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: •...
  • Page 26: The Receivers Tab

    THE RECEIVERS TAB Receivers > View Receivers The Receivers tab shows a paginated table of all receiver devices within the A.I.M. network. The table shows the following information for each receiver: Click the RECEIVERS tab to view the initial View Receivers page. •...
  • Page 27 Receivers > Configure Receiver 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. Login Required Video switching •...
  • Page 28 The default is no reserved ports, Merging enabled and no feature code (or Quirk) set. It is recommended that these are left at the default settings and are only changed under advice from an Adder FAE. For each of the four USB ports on the receiver, certain rules can be applied depending upon the USB device connected.
  • Page 29 Receivers > Add Receiver Group or Configure Group 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.
  • Page 30: The Transmitters Tab

    THE TRANSMITTERS TAB Transmitters > View Transmitters The Transmitters tab shows a paginated table of all transmitter devices within the A.I.M. The table shows the following information for each receiver: network. • Name • Online status Click the TRANSMITTERS tab to view the transmitters page. •...
  • Page 31 KVM switches. By default this is set at 100ms, which is sufficient for most graphics cards. Occasionally it may be necessary to adjust this. An Adder engineer will advise if necessary. USB Speed Background Refresh Select Low/full speed or High speed USB operation.
  • Page 32 Transmitters > Configure New Transmitter This page is displayed whenever a new transmitter is added to the network. The IP Address 1 field, showing 0.0.0.0, is for an unconfigured device on its zero config address. Before A.I.M. can add the device into its database, a new IP address must be added to IP Address 1.
  • Page 33: The Servers Tab

    THE SERVERS TAB Servers > Configure Server The Servers tab shows a table of all servers within the A.I.M. network. When you click for a particular server, this page lists information about the unit and allows several basic settings to be configured. Click the SERVERS tab to view the page.
  • Page 34: The Users Tab

    THE USERS TAB Users > View Users page The Users tab shows a paginated table of all users within the A.I.M. network. Within the The table shows the following information for each user: list, the admin user is always present and cannot be deleted - in order to avoid being •...
  • Page 35 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.
  • Page 36 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.
  • Page 37 Users > Active Directory To simplify integration alongside existing systems within organisations, A.I.M. 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.
  • Page 38: The Presets Tab

    The Presets page is where the admin user can create and configure new and existing presets. single action. This feature is particularly useful when switching multiple AdderLink Infinity units, such as in the example below where multiple video heads need to be switched in Click the PRESETS tab to view the Presets page.
  • Page 39 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.
  • Page 40: The Statistics Tab

    THE STATISTICS TAB The Statistics tab provides an opportunity to view a range of real-time data measurements related to any links within the A.I.M. network. This is particularly useful for optimization and troubleshooting purposes. Click the STATISTICS tab to view the page. To view statistics 1 To the right of the unit for which you wish to view statistics, click the dark graph icon ) so that it gains a white background (...
  • Page 41: Operation

    OSD). These default hotkey combinations can be altered within the Dashboard > Settings LOGGING IN > Receivers page. 1 On the keyboard connected to your AdderLink Infinity receiver, press the hotkey Left Ctrl + Left Alt + C: Launch the OSD...
  • Page 42: The Local Osd Screen

    THE LOCAL OSD SCREEN Once logged in, the list of channels for which you Click to Logout have permission are shown in the Local OSD (blue) screen. Top corner icons • To choose a channel/preset, click on one of the Enter ‘Remote OSD’...
  • Page 43: Using The Remote Osd Feature

    5 The Remote OSD for the chosen ALIF receiver will be displayed. Remote OSDs always AdderLink Infinity receivers other than the one to which they are connected. Once have a yellow background to differentiate them from the standard local OSD: linked in, users can then determine which channels the remote receivers should link with.
  • Page 44: Further Information

    - Technical specifications • Technical support – www.adder.com/contact-support-form • Safety information For technical support, use the contact form in the Support section of the adder.com • Warranty website - your regional office will then get in contact with you. •...
  • Page 45: Appendix A - Tips For Success When Networking Alif Units

    For the latest list of switches known to work with ALIF and setup instructions for them, please go to www.adder.com • Use no more than two cascade levels. • Ensure high bandwidth between the two L2 switches and very high bandwidth between the top L2 and the L3.
  • Page 46 Configuring the switches and devices The layout is vital but so too is the configuration: • Enable IGMP Snooping on all L2 switches. • Ensure that IGMP Fast-Leave is enabled on all switches with ALIF units connected directly to them. •...
  • Page 47: Appendix B - Troubleshooting

    APPENDIX B - Troubleshooting Problem: The video image of the ALIF receiver shows horizontal lines across Remedies: the screen. • Ensure that IGMP snooping is enabled on all switches within the subnet. This issue is known as Blinding because the resulting video image looks as though you’re •...
  • Page 48 • Linux PCs - Check the video settings on the PC. If the Dither video box option is enabled, disable it. Remedies: • Apple Mac with Nvidia graphics - Use the Adder utility for Macs (contact • Ensure that the ALIF units and the A.I.M. server are located within the same subnet. technical support).
  • Page 49: Appendix C - Redundant Servers: Setting Up And Swapping Out

    Settings page and click Servers button. Set the Require Authentication option as required. AdderLink Infinity extenders will start communication with the second IP address that is If set to No, then new servers can join the network as soon as they are plugged in. If...
  • Page 50: Swapping Out An A.i.m. Server

    7 With firmware 4.0, if the solo server is replaced, you need to perform a factory greater and has its default factory settings in place. reset on all AdderLink Infinity units. This is because the ALIF units need to inherit the 2 The replacement server should begin communicating with primary server and security certificate of the new A.I.M.
  • Page 51: Appendix D - Upgrade Licence

    APPENDIX D - Upgrade licence A.I.M. servers are licenced according to the number of devices that can be managed. As The subsequent file dialog will show a Product Code that is unique to your A.I.M. your installation grows you can purchase an updated A.I.M. licence at any time using the server: following procedure.
  • Page 52: Appendix E - Glossary

    AdderLink Infinity units make use of IGMPv2 when a full checking procedure. Where multiple units are support them. performing multicasts to ensure that no unnecessary regularly joining and leaving multicasts, this can speed up congestion is caused.
  • Page 53 AdderLink through network switches – and most of these operate at Infinity units. However, if the network components and/ either Layer 2 or Layer 3. or cabling generate a lot of errors, the Store and forward continued method should probably be used.
  • Page 54 The job of any network switch is to receive each incoming network packet, strip away only the first few wrappers to discover the intended destination then rewrap the packet and send it in the correct direction. In simplified terms, the wrapper that is added at Layer 2 (by the sending system) includes the physical address of the intended recipient system, i.e.
  • Page 55: Appendix F - A.i.m. Api

    APPENDIX F - A.I.M. API The A.I.M. API provides access for external applications to key routines used within the Input parameters: A.I.M. server. This appendix provides a reference to the available methods. - username - password API version: 3 - v (the A.I.M. API version this request is designed for) Changelog Output values: •...
  • Page 56 logout get_devices This method was last updated in API version 1, and is compatible with API requests from This method was last updated in API version 2, and is compatible with API requests from version 1 onwards. version 2 onwards. The authentication token provided by the Login function can be used until the logout This function returns a list of devices.
  • Page 57 get_devices (continued) Examples - for each device: Input: - attribute: item (e.g. 17th device) /api/?v=2&method=get_devices&token=xxxxx - d_id (device id) /api/?v=2&method=get_devices&device_type=tx&page=2&results_per_ page=3&token=xxxxx - d_mac_address (MAC address for interface 1) - d_mac_address2 (MAC address for interface 2) Output: - d_name (device name) <api_response>...
  • Page 58 get_devices (continued) <d_location></d_location> <d_configured>1</d_configured> <d_status>1</d_status> <d_valid_firmware>1</d_valid_firmware> <con_exclusive>0</con_exclusive> <d_valid_backup_firmware>1</d_valid_backup_firmware> <con_control>1</con_control> <d_firmware>2.1.15747</d_firmware> <con_start_time>2012-09-07 13:33:19</con_start_time> <d_backup_firmware>2.1.15747</d_backup_firmware> <con_end_time/> <d_date_added>2012-07-13 17:50:04</d_date_added> <u_username>admin</u_username> <d_status>0</d_status> <u_id>1</u_id> <count_transmitter_channels>3</count_transmitter_channels> <c_name>Channel 1</c_name> </device> <count_receiver_groups>1</count_receiver_groups> </devices> <count_receiver_presets>2</count_receiver_presets> </api_response> <count_users>1</count_users> </device> get_channels </devices> This method was last updated in API version 2, and is compatible with API requests from </api_response>...
  • Page 59 get_channels (continued) <channel item=”1”> - for each channel: <c_id>3</c_id> - attribute: item (e.g. 17th channel) <c_name>Channel 1</c_name> - c_id (channel id) <c_description>Description for Channel 1</c_description> - c_name (channel name) <c_location>Location of Channel 1</c_location> - c_description (channel description) <c_favourite>false</c_favourite> - c_location (channel location) <view_button>disabled</view_button>...
  • Page 60 get_presets Examples This method was last updated in API version 1, and is compatible with API requests from Input: version 1 onwards /api/?v=1&method=get_presets&token=xxxxx This simple function returns a list of presets available to the authenticated user. Output: <api_response> Input parameters: - token <version>1</version>...
  • Page 61 connect_channel connect_preset This method was last updated in API version 2, and is compatible with API requests from This method was last updated in API version 1, and is compatible with API requests from version 1 onwards version 2 onwards This simple function connects all channel-receiver pairs in a preset.
  • Page 62 disconnect_channel disconnect_preset This method was last updated in API version 2, and is compatible with API requests from This method was last updated in API version 1, and is compatible with API requests from version 2 onwards version 1 onwards This function disconnects a receiver, a number of receivers, or all connected receivers.
  • Page 63 create_preset delete_preset This method was last updated in API version 3, and is compatible with API requests from This method was last updated in API version 3, and is compatible with API requests from version 3 onwards version 3 onwards This function creates a new preset.
  • Page 64: Appendix G - Technical Specifications

    IEC input Manufacturer: Stontronics model DSA-60PFB-12 1 120500 part number T5386DV IMPORTANT: A defective power adapter MUST only be replaced with this make and model: Adder order code: PSU-IEC-12VDC-5A Permitted operational ambient conditions Operating temperature: 0 to 40ºC / 32 to 104ºF...
  • Page 65: Warranty

    • No user serviceable parts within power adapter - do not dismantle. Adder will replace or repair it free of charge. No liability can be accepted for damage due • Plug the power adapter into a socket outlet close to the module that it is powering.
  • Page 66: Radio Frequency Energy

    RADIO FREQUENCY ENERGY All interface cables used with this equipment must be shielded in order to maintain compliance with radio frequency energy emission regulations and ensure a suitably high level of immunity to electromagnetic disturbances. European EMC directive 2004/108/EC This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in the European standard EN55022.
  • Page 67 Web: www.adder.com Contact: www.adder.com/contact-details Support: forum.adder.com © 2015 Adder Technology Limited All trademarks are acknowledged. www.ctxd.com Documentation by: Part No. MAN-AIM-ADDER • Release 4.1...
  • Page 68: Index

    Index Active Directory 4,36 Dashboard IP port Receivers Technical specifications 63 active connections page 21 connecting 6 add receiver group page 28 Transmitters backups page 18 configure group page 28 configure transmitter page 30 Base DN 17 connection log page 21 configure receiver page 26 update firmware 30 Browsers...

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