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RAS-PutIn
Installation and User
Guide
Based on Firmware 03.02.07

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Summary of Contents for Black Box RAS-PutIn

  • Page 1 RAS-PutIn Installation and User Guide Based on Firmware 03.02.07...
  • Page 2 © Copyright 2003 Blackbox Inc. All rights reserved This publication contains proprietary information, which is protected by copyright. No part of this publication can be reproduced, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, translated into any language or computer language, or transmitted in any form whatsoever without the prior written consent of the publisher, Blackbox Inc..
  • Page 3 The RAS-PutIn — (ServSwitch RAS-PutIn) provides server management capabilities. You can use RAS-PutIn to manage and monitor components in your servers through a modem, an ISDN line or LAN, even if your network is down (Modem/ISDN). RAS-PutIn offers a comprehensive hardware solution to server management.
  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    ......10 3.3 Connecting RAS-PutIn to the host system ..... . 11 3.3.1...
  • Page 6 Contents 5.3.4.1 Video Settings through the HTML-Frontend ... 28 5.3.4.2 Video Settings through the remote console ... . 29 5.3.4.3 Custom Video Modes .
  • Page 7 Contents 6 Frequently Asked Questions A Glossary B RAS-PutIn Video Modes C Key Codes D Pin Assignments D.1 VGA HD-15 ........73 D.2 RJ 45 Connector Ethernet...
  • Page 8 viii Contents...
  • Page 9 ....... . . 10 3.5 Connections of RAS-PutIn KVM signals to the controlled system .
  • Page 10 List of Figures 5.26 IPMI Event Log ........54 5.27 Example of IPMI State panel .
  • Page 11 ....... . . 16 5.1 Meaning of the main menu RAS-PutIn features .
  • Page 12 List of Tables...
  • Page 13: The Quick Installation Guide

    RAS-PutIn redirects local keyboard, mouse and video data to a remote administration console. All data is transmitted via IP. RAS-PutIn can be used in a multi administrator and multi server environment as well. Combining RAS-PutIn with a KVM switched matrix allows to access multiple remote servers over a single remote console.
  • Page 14: Serial Sub-D 9 Connector

    5. Connect the power supply as well as Ethernet and/or modem,ISDN, depending how you want to access RAS-PutIn In case you want to connect a local console to the host system besides RAS-PutIn, you can attach monitor, keyboard and mouse to the according RAS-PutIn connectors on its front.
  • Page 15: Serial Parameters

    After confirming, RAS- PutIn performs a reset. 2. Use an Ethernet cable to connect RAS-PutIn to a subnet where a DHCP server is available. After the DHCP server has assigned an IP address to RAS-PutIn you can use the web interface to configurate the device (see Section...
  • Page 16: Top Part Of The Remote Console

    CHAPTER 1. THE QUICK INSTALLATION GUIDE Web interface RAS-PutIn may be accessed using a standard web browser. You may use the HTTP protocol or a secure encrypted connection via HTTPS. Just enter the configured IP address of RAS-PutIn into your web browser. Initially there is only one user configured who has unrestricted access...
  • Page 17: Introduction

    2 Introduction Features RAS-PutIn defines a new class of remote KVM access devices (see Figure 2.1). RAS-PutIn combines digital remote KVM access via IP networks with comprehensive and integrated system management. RAS-PutIn offers convenient, remote KVM access and control via LAN, Internet, or ISDN. It captures, digitizes, and compresses video and transmits it with keyboard and mouse signals to and from a remote computer.
  • Page 18 RAS-PutIn System Components RAS-PutIn is a fully configured stand-alone product consuming one quart of a 1U 19” rack mount chassis space. Up to four RAS-PutIn devices can be mounted in 1 U chassis using the 19” rack mount kit (Item No: 8400200) Each RAS-PutIn (Item No: 8400000) is shipped with: 1.
  • Page 19: When The Server Is Up And Running

    Figure 2.2) consists of a PC bracket with a Sub-D 9 jack on the outside and 4x2 pin connector in the inner side. The Sub-D 9 jack is connected to the RAS-PutIn Serial Port 2. The internal 4x2 pin connector allows to connect the reset and power on/off switching signals of the main board to RAS-PutIn.
  • Page 20: When The Server Is Dead

    2.2 When the server is dead Obviously, fixing hardware defects is not possible using a remote management device. Never- theless RAS-PutIn gives the administrator valuable information about the type of a hardware failure. Serious hardware failures can be categorized into five different categories with different chances...
  • Page 21: Installation

    RAS-PutIns with a KVM switched matrix allows access to multiple servers on a single remote console. RAS-PutIn is multi user capable, i.e. up to 64 concurrent users may use RAS-PutIn to admin- istrate a remote site. Figure shows a configuration with concurrent users on a number of...
  • Page 22: Connectors And Jumpers

    GRAB Indicates that a remote user is logged onto RAS-PutIn and the video engine is outputting data In case you want to connect a local console to the host system besides RAS-PutIn, you can attach monitor, keyboard and mouse to the according RAS-PutIn connectors on its front.
  • Page 23: Connecting Ras-Putin To The Host System

    5. Connect the power supply as well as Ethernet and/or modem,ISDN, depending how you want to access RAS-PutIn In case you want to connect a local console to the host system besides RAS-PutIn you may attach monitor, keyboard and mouse to the connectors on the front side. Figure...
  • Page 24: Connecting System Management Option

    IPMI V1.5 specification, provide a modus where the externally available COM2 serial connection can be configured as system management port (sometimes also referred to as emergency management port ). RAS-PutIn may connect to this port in order to enable remote system management operations.
  • Page 25: Connecting The Internal Reset/Power Option

    2002 supports IPMI 1.5. By the date of printing this manual only the Intel SDS2 server main board has a proper support of IPMI Verson 1.5. Connect the IPMI option serial cable to the RS232 port 1 on the rear side of RAS-PutIn and to the serial port of the controlled system.
  • Page 26: Connecting Ethernet

    ˆ Leuning ePowerSwitch 3.3.5 Connecting Ethernet The rear side of RAS-PutIn provides a RJ-45 connector for Ethernet. The connector is used either for a 100 Mbps 100BASE-TX connection or for a 10 Mbps 10BASE-T connection. The adapter can sense the connection speed and will adjust to the appropriate operation mode automatically.
  • Page 27: Configuration

    4.1.1 Initial configuration via DHCP server By default, RAS-PutIn will try to contact a DHCP server in the subnet to which it is physically connected. If a DHCP server is found it may provide a valid IP address, gateway address and net mask.
  • Page 28 If you specify none then IP autoconfiguration is disabled and you will subsequently be asked for the following network settings. ˆ IP address The IP address the RAS-PutIn should use. This option is only available if IP autoconfig- uration is disabled. ˆ Subnet mask The mask of the connected IP subnet.
  • Page 29: Mouse, Keyboard And Video Configuration

    4.1.3.1 RAS-PutIn mouse settings The RAS-PutIn settings for the host’s mouse type and the host’s keyboard type must be correct in order to make remote keyboard and mouse work properly. Check the settings in the RAS- PutIn front-end.
  • Page 30 CHAPTER 4. CONFIGURATION...
  • Page 31: Usage

    3. Telnet: A standard Telnet client can be used to access an arbitrary device connected to RAS-PutIn’s serial port via a terminal mode. Since the primary interface of RAS-PutIn is the HTTP interface this chapter is mainly concern- ing this topic. Other interfaces are explained in their according subtopics.
  • Page 32: Login Into Ras-Putin And Logout

    5.2 Login into RAS-PutIn and logout 5.2.1 Login into RAS-PutIn Start your web browser and direct it to the address of your RAS-PutIn that has been configured during installation. The address used might be a plain IP address or a host and domain name, in case you have given your RAS-PutIn a symbolic name in the DNS.
  • Page 33: Main Screen

    The lower left frame of the RAS-PutIn main window, called the menu frame, contains the main menu that leads you to the pages for various administration tasks. The functions of the menu frame will be described in detail during the following sections.
  • Page 34: Logout From Ras-Putin

    CHAPTER 5. USAGE Figure 5.3: RAS-PutIn home menu window 5.2.3 Logout from RAS-PutIn This link logs out the current user and presents a new login screen. Please note that an automatic logout will be performed in case there is no activity for half an hour.
  • Page 35: Remote Console Window Showing A Desktop Screen

    The Remote Console window is a Java Applet that tries to establish its own TCP connection to RAS-PutIn. The protocol that is run over this connection is not HTTP or HTTPS but a protocol called RFB (Remote Frame Buffer Protocol). Currently RFB tries to establish a connection to port number 443.
  • Page 36 CHAPTER 5. USAGE In case of problems, please consult your network administrator in order to provide an appropriate network environment. The Remote Console window always tries to show the remote screen with its optimal size. That means it will adapt its size to the size of the remote screen initially and after the screen resolution of the remote screen has been changed.
  • Page 37 In this case you have to change the Local Keyboard setting manually to the right language ˆ Options →Video Settings Opens a panel for changing the RAS-PutIn video settings. Have a look at Section 5.3.4 on page for a detailed description of the available options.
  • Page 38: Remote Chat Frame

    Figure 5.5: Example for the Chat window The Chat Frame is helpful especially for discussing problems and questions among logged in RAS-PutIn users in case the remote host’s screen should not be changed or misused for that purpose. Below all Chat Frame elements are listed together with their meaning and usage. The elements will be referred to by the terms introduced in Figure 5.5.
  • Page 39: Ras-Putin Mouse Synchronization

    5.3.3 RAS-PutIn Mouse Synchronization Introduction A common problem with KVM devices is the synchronization between the local and remote mouse cursors. RAS-PutIn addresses this situation with an intelligent synchroniza- tion algorithm. There are two mouse modes available on RAS-PutIn. Direct Mode This mode just translates the mouse movements from the Remote Console in a way that one pixel move will lead to ’n’...
  • Page 40: Ras-Putin Video Settings

    One side is the video options panel in the RAS-PutIn HTML-Frontend (see Figure on the next page) Enable local video port: This option decides if the local video output of RAS-PutIn is active and passing through the incoming signal from the host system.
  • Page 41: Video Settings Through The Remote Console

    5.3. REMOTE CONSOLE Figure 5.6: Video Settings in HTML frontend Noise filter: This option defines how RAS-PutIn reacts to small changes in the video input signal. A large filter setting needs less network traffic and leads to a faster video display, but small changes in some display regions may not be recognized immediately.
  • Page 42: Custom Video Modes

    Restore last settings 5.3.4.3 Custom Video Modes Using this option (see Figure 5.8) it is possible to add video modes to RAS-PutIn, which are not recognized using the factory settings. This may be useful when using special modelines in a X-Window configuration on the host or with uncommon hosts or operating systems.
  • Page 43: Remote Console Settings

    Handling”’ custom modes may be disabled (”‘Off”’), used additional to the standard video resolutions or used exclusive (”‘Only”’). With the last option it is also possible to force a special video mode for RAS-PutIn. To change the parameters for a mode, choose the number and press ”‘Update”’. It is necessary to provide some information so the video mode may be correcly recognized: ˆ...
  • Page 44 Allows to adjust compression rate and color depth individually. Depending on the selected compression rate the data stream between RAS-PutIn and remote console will be com- pressed in order to save bandwidth. Since high compression rates are very time consuming, they should not be used while several users are accessing RAS-PutIn simultaneously.
  • Page 45 Section 5.4.3 on page 37). For a list of key codes and aliases RAS-PutIn recognizes refer to Appendix on page 71. Figure 5.9: Example of Remote Console settings Pressing the Apply button finally changes the values permanently in RAS-PutIn.
  • Page 46: Telnet Console

    Figure 5.10: Telnet Console 5.4 Server 5.4.1 Power Control The appearance of the power control options depends on the power control option connected to RAS-PutIn and on the currently activated setting (see Section 5.5.5 on page for an explanation). There are three options available: ˆ...
  • Page 47 The power state will be off. Note: The prerequisite for the remote power/reset button to work is a correct installation of RAS-PutIn. The additional cabling as described in Section 3.3.3 on page must be properly connected.
  • Page 48: Keyboard/Mouse Settings

    IPMI (see Figure 5.13). Figure 5.13: Power Control via IPMI 5.4.2 Keyboard/Mouse Settings RAS-PutIn supports different keyboard and mouse models. The panel shown in Figure 5.14 used to adjust those settings as well as some other ones. Their meaning is listed below: Figure 5.14: Keyboard/Mouse settings...
  • Page 49: Kvm Settings

    ˆ Reset mouse/keyboard emulation This option will reset the RAS-PutIn keyboard and mouse emulation for the host system. Use it if the keyboard or mouse seems to react irrationally. Its just like pulling out the keyboard and mouse connectors and plugging them in again.
  • Page 50: Administration

    Note: The settings will be saved only after pressing ‘Apply’. If the settings are correct, the KVM port can be switched using the option ‘Active port’ on top of this page or with the KVM switching matrix on the RAS-PutIn homepage (see Section 5.2.2 on page 21).
  • Page 51: User/Group Management

    Selects an existing group for copying, modification or deletion. ˆ New group name In order to create a new group, enter a new and unused group name. The user management of RAS-PutIn allows many different users. The following sections will describe how to add, change and delete users.
  • Page 52: Add User

    CHAPTER 5. USAGE 5.5.1.1 Add User Fill out the fields ‘New user name’, ‘Full user name’, ‘Password’ and ‘Confirm password’ as shown in Figure 5.16 on the page before. Optionally select the groups the new user should become a member of. Click the ’Create user’ button. 5.5.1.2 Delete User Select a user in the ‘Existing user’...
  • Page 53: User/Group Permissions

    A set of permissions is assigned to each user or group. Those rights are used to authorize access to certain RAS-PutIn functionalities for a particular user. By default the user ’super’ has all permissions. His permissions cannot be shrunk. A newly created user or group has no permissions.
  • Page 54: Network Settings

    Figure 5.18: RAS-PutIn network settings ˆ IP auto configuration With this option you can control if RAS-PutIn should fetch it’s network settings from a DHCP or BOOTP server. For DHCP you have to enter dhcp and for BOOTP supply bootp accordingly. If you specify none then IP autoconfiguration is disabled.
  • Page 55 The net mask of the local network. ˆ Gateway IP address In case the RAS-PutIn should be accessible from networks other than the local one, this IP address must be set to the local network router’s IP address. ˆ Primary DNS Server IP address IP address of the primary Domain Name Server in dot notation.
  • Page 56: Dynamic Dns

    The administrator may contact this server as well and pick up the same IP address belonging to his card. The administrator has to register a RAS-PutIn that is supposed to take part in the service with the Dynamic DNS Server. He will get an approved nickname and password in return to the registration process.
  • Page 57: Snmp Settings

    This is the interval for reporting again to the Dynamic DNS server by RAS-PutIn. Note: RAS-PutIn has its own independent real time clock. Make sure the time setting of RAS- PutIn is correct. This can be achieved by configuring a timeserver (see Figure 5.18...
  • Page 58: Snmp Settings

    This is the SNMP community, which allows you to retrieve information via SNMP. ˆ Write Community This community allows you to set options and to reset RAS-PutIn or the host via SNMP, i.e. all that effects the host or RAS-PutIn.
  • Page 59: Serial Settings

    Web front-end for which a user has no permission. ˆ Enable Host Traps If this option is checked, RAS-PutIn will send SNMP traps whenever the host is reset, powered down or powered up. ˆ Trap destinations Here you can enter the IP addresses, to which the traps will be sent.
  • Page 60: Serial Settings

    SPC 800/1600 it is possible to switch power for more than one system connected to RAS-PutIn through a KVM switch. To use this device you have to enter an username and a password which must exist on the SPC and have the privileges to switch power for each port.
  • Page 61: Modem Settings

    Figure 5.23: Internal Power Option Settings 5.5.6 Modem Settings RAS-PutIn offers remote access using a telephone line in addition to the standard access over the built-in Ethernet adapter. The modem needs to be connected to RAS-PutIn’s serial interface. Logically, connecting to RAS-PutIn using a telephone line means nothing else than building up a dedicated point to point connection from your console computer to the RAS-PutIn.
  • Page 62: Isdn Settings

    CHAPTER 5. USAGE must make sure, it is not interfering with the IP settings of RAS-PutIn and your console computer. The default value will work in most cases. 5.5.7 ISDN Settings In addition to the standard interfaces, RAS-PutIn offers remote access using an ISDN connec-...
  • Page 63 ˆ Enable callback This enables the callback mechanism. If you have callback entries configured (see below) RAS-PutIn will reject any call from the configured number(s) and make a call to a number, which can be configured too. ˆ Force callback Only callback connections are enabled if you enable this option.
  • Page 64: I Want To Allow Non-Callback Dial In For Everyone

    5.5.8 IPMI Settings 5.5.8.1 Generals By using the RAS-PutIn IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) facilities, you have an additional way to power on or off the system or to perform a hard reset. Furthermore, it provides the possibility to show an event log of the host system and the status of some system sensors (i.e.
  • Page 65: Ipmi Settings

    RAS-PutIn IPMI settings panel. Its options will be explained below. ˆ IPMI disabled Disables IPMI on RAS-PutIn. This means that Status via IPMI and Event Log via IPMI are not available and the power on/off and reset functions don’t use IPMI rather than the ATX and the reset cable connected from RAS-PutIn to the motherboard.
  • Page 66: Power Control

    1 or 2 minutes. Figure 5.26: IPMI Event Log When all entries have been read, RAS-PutIn displays the entries with their time, sensor and description in accordance with the filter settings. You have the choice between several pre- settings (i.e.
  • Page 67: Ldap Settings

    5.5.9 LDAP Settings 5.5.9.1 Generals With RAS-PutIn you have the possibility to keep authentication information in a central LDAP directory. To use this feature you need to configure an LDAP server that contains these infor- mation. The settings are explained in the following.
  • Page 68: Security Settings

    field empty. The default depends on the selected LDAP server type. ˆ User search subfilter Here you can refine the search for users that should be known to the RAS-PutIn. ˆ Active Directory Domain This option represents the active directory domain that is configured in the Microsoft Active Directory server.
  • Page 69: Ssl Settings

    If this option is enabled access to the web front-end is only possible using an HTTPS connection. RAS-PutIn won’t listen on the HTTP port for incoming connections. In case you want to create your own SSL certificate that is used to identify this RAS-PutIn refer to Section 5.5.11...
  • Page 70: Ssl Certificate Management

    SSL handshake. Hence, this is a security risk (but far better than no encryption at all). ˆ Common name This is the network name of RAS-PutIn once it is installed in the user’s network (usually the fully qualified domain name). It is identical to the name that is used to access the device with a web browser (without the ‘http://’...
  • Page 71 However, it is possible to generate and install a new certificate that is unique for a particular device. In order to do that, RAS-PutIn is able to generate a new cryptographic key and the associated so called Certificate Signing Request that needs to be certified by a so called certification authority (CA).
  • Page 72: Maintenance

    CHAPTER 5. USAGE Figure 5.30: SSL Certificate Request Important Note: If you destroy the CSR on RAS-PutIn there is no way to get it back! In case you deleted it by mistake, you have to repeat the three steps. 5.5.12 Maintenance RAS-PutIn Board Summary This section contains a summary with various information about this RAS-PutIn and its current firmware and allows you to reset the device.
  • Page 73 Updating the firmware is a three-stage process: ˆ Firstly the new firmware file is uploaded onto RAS-PutIn. In order to do that you need to select the file on your local system using the Browse button of the Upload Firmware panel (see Figure 5.32).
  • Page 74: Access Via Telnet

    Figure 5.34: Maintenance 5.6 Access via Telnet The RAS-PutIn firmware features a Telnet server that enables a user to connect via a standard Telnet client. It is used for passthrough access to a device possibly connected to the serial port...
  • Page 75 RAS-PutIn and access it using the Telnet interface. Set the serial settings (see Section 5.5.5 on page 47) according to the requirements of the device. Connecting to RAS-PutIn is done as usual and as required by the Telnet client, for instance in a UNIX shell: telnet 192.168.1.22 This will prompt for username and password in order to log into the device.
  • Page 76 CHAPTER 5. USAGE...
  • Page 77: Frequently Asked Questions

    RAS-PutIn). If not, check network hardware. Is RAS-PutIn powered on? Check whether the IP address of RAS-PutIn and all other IP related settings are correct! Also verify that all the IP infrastructure of your LAN, like routers etc., are correctly configured.
  • Page 78 CHAPTER 6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS A 009: You have to install the Blackbox certificate using our certificate installer, available on the utility CD. Please refer to the instructions on this CD for further information how to install the certificate. Q 010: Can’t upload the signed certificate in MacOS X A 010: If an ’internal error’...
  • Page 79: A Glossary

    A Glossary ACPI A specification that enables the operating system to implement power management and system configuration. Advanced Technology Extended: A particular specification of a motherboard intro- duced by Intel in 1995. Board Management Controller: implements the IPMI based main board management functions.
  • Page 80 APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY...
  • Page 81: B Ras-Putin Video Modes

    B RAS-PutIn Video Modes Table lists the video modes RAS-PutIn supports. Please don’t use other custom video settings besides of these. If done so, RAS-PutIn may not be able to detect them. Table B.1: RAS-PutIn Video Modes Resolution (x,y) Refresh Rates (Hz)
  • Page 82: Ras-Putin Video Modes

    APPENDIX B. RAS-PUTIN VIDEO MODES...
  • Page 83: C Key Codes

    C Key Codes Table shows the key codes used to defines key strokes or hotkeys for several functions. Please note that these key codes do not represent necessarily key characters that are used on international keyboards. They name a key on a standard 104 key PC keyboard with an US English language mapping.
  • Page 84 APPENDIX C. KEY CODES Table C.1 – continued from previous page Key (and aliases) RCTRL RSHIFT LCTRL, CTRL LALT, ALT SPACE ALTGR ESCAPE, ESC PRINTSCREEN SCROLL LOCK BREAK INSERT HOME PAGE UP DELETE PAGE DOWN LEFT DOWN RIGHT NUM LOCK NUMPAD0 NUMPAD1 NUMPAD2...
  • Page 85: D Pin Assignments

    D Pin Assignments D.1 VGA HD-15 Assignment Assignment Green GND sync Blue Not connected Not connected SDA, DDC, ... HSYNC GND red VSYNC GND green DATA CLOCK GND blue D.2 RJ 45 Connector Ethernet Assignment Assignment TX + Not connected TX - RX - RX +...
  • Page 86: Rj 45 Connector Isdn

    APPENDIX D. PIN ASSIGNMENTS D.3 RJ 45 Connector ISDN Assignment Assignment Not connected RX - Not connected TX - TX + Not connected RX + Not connected D.4 Serial SUB-D 9 Connector 1 Assignment Assignment D.5 Serial SUB-D 9 Connector 2 Assignment Assignment DSR, Reset2...
  • Page 87: Kvm Sub-D 25 Connector

    D.6. KVM SUB-D 25 CONNECTOR D.6 KVM SUB-D 25 Connector 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 Assignment Assignment VGA blue VGA green VGA red VGA hsync VGA vsync Not connected VGA SCL VGA SCL Not connected KBD data...
  • Page 88 APPENDIX D. PIN ASSIGNMENTS...
  • Page 89: E Blackbox Warranty Information

    E Blackbox Warranty information LIMITED WARRANTY Blackbox manufactures its hardware products from parts and components that are new or equivalent to new in accordance with industry-standard practices. Blackbox warrants that the hardware products including the firmware will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use.
  • Page 90 APPENDIX E. BLACKBOX WARRANTY INFORMATION arising out of the use of or inability to use this product, even if Blackbox has been advised of the possibility of such damages. In any case, Blackbox entire liability under any provision of this agreement shall be limited to the amount actually paid by you for the firmware and/or hardware.
  • Page 91: F Specifications

    F Specifications F.1 Size and Weight Height: 44 mm 1 HU (Height Unit) Width: 105 mm 1/4 19 Length (Box): 223 mm Length (Box with connectors): Weigth: 700 g F.2 Environmental Temperature 0 ° C to 40 ° C (32 ° F to 131 ° F) Operating -18 °...
  • Page 92 APPENDIX F. SPECIFICATIONS...
  • Page 93: G Operation Advices

    G Operation advices ˆ This device has to be operated with the provided power supply ’BLACKBOX ENG/EPA- 121DA-12’ only. Use of other power supplies voids the product liability of the manu- facturer. If the power supply shows a malfunction, it must not be opened. Instead a replacement has to be requested from the manufacturer or the vender.

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