Implementation Best Practices; Firmware Upgrades - Compaq 400338-001 - KVM Switch Deployment Manual

Figure 16.
KVM consoling example
Remote
KVM
Console
HP IP Console Switch
USB Thumb Drive
First Tie r
Second Tier
HP Server
Console Switch
NOTE: Server n umbers are assigned by firmware according to switch port (or ports, if tiering) being used:
first t wo digits = first tier switch port, second two digits = second tier switch port, third two digits = third tier switch
The interface adapters used for this example are the latest versions that support virtual media
operations. The server numbers indicate the port designations that the user will see, either at the
remote KVM console or the Local KVM Console connected to the HP IP Console Switch.
A third tier is possible by adding another console switch to the second tier switch. However, port
blocking can become an issue if a number of switches are cascaded this way. Only one KVM session
per switch port is allowed. A session between the Remote KVM Console and a second tier server will
tie up both switches as long as the KVM session is active. In an enterprise infrastructure, using the
most local KVM Console for server access, especially for virtual media functions, relieves congestion
by allowing KVM and virtual media sessions to occur simultaneously on adjacent or upper tier links.

Implementation best practices

Firmware upgrades

HP recommends upgrading the firmware on all newly installed switches and interface adapters before
configuring the system. In addition, HP recommends upgrading the firmware on all existing
management devices when a new management device is added to the system. Administrators can
upgrade the HP IP Console Switch firmware using either of the following methods:
• Through a TFTP or FTP server by a workstation connected to the serial port of the console switch
and running terminal emulation software
• From a remote KVM console running HP IP Console Viewer software
LAN
Local
KVM
Console
Interface Adapter
Server #03 (see NOTE)
To other
console switches
or servers
Interface Adapter
Local
KVM
Console
Server #02 01
Interface Adapter
To other
console
switches
Server #02 16
or servers
19