Compaq 400338-001 - KVM Switch Deployment Manual
Compaq 400338-001 - KVM Switch Deployment Manual

Compaq 400338-001 - KVM Switch Deployment Manual

Deploying hp kvm consoling solutions
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Deploying HP KVM consoling solutions
technology brief, 2
nd
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
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
Authenticate Only mode.............................................................................................................. 13
LDAP mode................................................................................................................................ 14

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Summary of Contents for Compaq 400338-001 - KVM Switch

  • Page 1: Table Of Contents

    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 ..........................
  • Page 2: Abstract

    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.
  • Page 3: Hp Consoles, Switches, And Accessories

    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.
  • Page 4: Hp Ip Console Switch With Virtual Media

    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.
  • Page 5: Interface Adapters

    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 KVM Serial Interface Adapter PS/2 Virtual Media Interface Adapter PS/2 Interface...
  • Page 6: Cat5 Cabling

    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.
  • Page 7: Designing A Consoling Solution

    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. •...
  • Page 8: Virtual Media Functionality

    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 Interface Console Switch...
  • Page 9: Local Versus Remote Management

    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.
  • Page 10: Remote Kvm Console Operation

    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: •...
  • Page 11: Kvm Performance Over A Network

    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) •...
  • Page 12: Managing Switch Users Through Active Directory

    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.
  • Page 13: Authenticate Only Mode

    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.
  • Page 14: Ldap Mode

    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.
  • Page 15 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 Controller User ID + password...
  • Page 16: Local Kvm Console Operation

    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.
  • Page 17: Integrating Hp Console Switches And Hp Lights-Out Technology

    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.
  • Page 18: Integrating Legacy Kvm Components

    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.
  • Page 19: Implementation Best Practices

    Figure 16. KVM consoling example Remote Local Console Console Interface Adapter HP IP Console Switch Server #03 (see NOTE) To other console switches USB Thumb Drive or servers First Tie Interface Adapter Second Tier Local HP Server Console Console Switch Server #02 01 Interface Adapter To other...
  • Page 20: Equipment Layout And Security

    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.
  • Page 21: For More Information

    For more information For additional information, refer to the resources listed below. Resource Hyperlink HP KVM information http://www.hp.com/go/kvm HP remote management technology www.hp.com/servers/lights-out Firmware upgrades for console www.hp.com/go/kvm switches Call to action Send comments about this paper to TechCom@HP.com. © 2006, 2008 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.

Table of Contents