| What's new |
| Q1. |
How does the HP BladeSystems Cat5 KVM Interface Adapter connect to a HP BladeSystem Server? |
| A1. |
The interface adapter connects to the front SUVI diagnostics port on the front of individual HP Blade Systems servers.
|
|
| Q2. |
Which Sservers is the HP BladeSystems Cat5 KVM Interface Adapter compatible with? |
| A2. |
The HP BladeSystems Cat5 KVM Interface Adapter is compatible with the BL20 G2, BL25, BL30, BL35, BL40 and BL45.
|
|
| General |
| Q1. |
Where can I find more detailed information on the features and specifications of the HP IP Console Switch? |
| A1. |
The HP IP Console Switch Quickspecs include descriptions of all models of the HP IP Console Switch and a list of supported options from HP.
|
|
| Q2. |
How does the IP console switch compare to iLO and RILOE? |
| A2. |
The HP IP consoling solution provides high performance remote KVM functionality over the network. These functions DO NOT include remote management, such as virtual media (CD or floppy) and remote power on. The IP console switch requires on-site staff to restart servers or to load media. However, the IP Console is compatible with and complimentary to iLO and RiLOE when consoling is required on heterogeneous servers; yet individual server management is still required for ProLiant servers using iLO or RiLOE.
|
|
| Q3. |
What operating systems does the HP IP Console Switch support? |
| A3. |
The IP console viewer runs on Windows and Linux workstations. There is no software to install on attached servers, so the switch can support a variety of operating systems. The software is only required on clients being used to access the switch over the network.
|
|
| Q4. |
How many servers can the IP console switch support? |
| A4. |
Using expansion modules or the 8-Port HP Server Console switch each switch can support up to 128 servers. Using the 16-Port HP Server Console Switch, each switch can support up to 256 servers.
|
|
| Q5. |
What security features does the IP Console Switch support? |
| A5. |
The HP IP Console Switch has multiple security features:
- As standard the switch supports up to 64 local user IDs and passwords to prevent access to unauthorized users
- Administrators can grant or deny console access to specific servers to ensure that unauthorized users cannot even view the server console
- All data transfer across the network is protected encrypted using SSL
- Traps can be setup to enabling logging of access to the switch and servers
- Adding the optional Directory Services Integration license enables security to be directory rather than switch based for centralized management
|
|
| Configuration |
| Q1. |
How does the CAT5e cable connect to the servers? |
| A1. |
Interface adapters convert the standard keyboard, video and mouse (PS2 or USB) connections to RJ45. Users can create their own CAT5e cables in custom lengths eliminating rolls of extra cable in the back of the rack. The Interface adapter also maintains the keyboard and mouse connection to the server, eliminating server lock-ups when the connection is lost. The Interface adapter also provides static naming of the connection via non-volatile RAM. Now users can name the connection, not the port.
|
|
| Q2. |
Can we use the IP console switch with our current switches? |
| A2. |
The 8 and 16-Port HP Server Console switches are supported directly through the tiering port on back of each switch. Legacy Compaq 4-port and 8-port KVM switches are supported using an interface adapter. Both the HP Server Console Switch and Legacy Compaq Server Console switches support full OSD integration. The IP console switch is not compatible with legacy HP console switches or the Compaq PCI KVM card.
|
|
| Q3. |
Does the IP console switch work with RILOE and iLO? |
| A3. |
The HP IP console switch and viewer is compatible with iLO and RILOE. When a server is being accessed via Lights Out, that user takes precedence over any switch users. Lights Out disables the local keyboard and mouse functionality and flashes the UID light to alert the local user.
|
|
| Q4. |
How many levels of tiering are supported? |
| A4. |
Only one level of tiering is supported. A level of tiering is connecting from a switch port on the IP Console Switch to a HP Server Console Switch, a legacy Compaq Server Console switch or to the CAT5 KVM Expansion Module.
|
|
| Q5. |
What are the restrictions on CAT5 cable distances in relation to video performance? |
| A5. |
- 1- 50 ft 1280×1024 @ 85Hz
- 1- 75 ft 1024×768 @ 85 Hz
- 1- 100 ft 800×600 @85 Hz
|
|
| Management |
| Q1. |
Can I manage the switch using Insight Manager or other SNMP-management programs? |
| A1. |
The HP IP console switch has predefined traps that are recognized by Insight Manager and other SNMP- management programs. Users can turn traps off to limit alert messaging based on their needs.
|
|
| Q2. |
How do I manage access to my servers remotely? |
| A2. |
The HP IP Console viewer software provides a simple intuitive interface for managing KVM access to the servers via IP. The software supports 128-bit SSL encryption for all data transfers across the network and provides the ability to customize server grouping for easier management.
|
|
| Directory service integration |
| Q1. |
How can I obtain the Directory Services Integration License key? |
| A1. |
The license key can be obtained from the same reseller that you purchased the HP IP Console Switch from, or you can obtain it direct from HP. The part number for a single license is 370585-B21.
|
|
| Q2. |
What advantages does the Directory Services Integration option provide? |
| A2. |
Directory Services Integration allows integration of KVM security with Microsoft Active Directory via LDAP. This means that rather than managing user IDs, passwords and access rights within each IP Console Switch these can be managed within Microsoft Active Directory ensuring that enterprise wide security is maintained.
|
|
| Q3. |
Will directories other than Microsoft Active Directory be supported in the future? |
| A3. |
Support for other directories is being evaluated for a future release. |
|
| Q4. |
What do I need to install the license key and activate the Directory Services Integration option? |
| A4. |
You will need to obtain the latest firmware, IP Console Viewer Software and documentation. Once you have upgraded to the latest version of firmware and software you will be able to install the license key via the HP IP Console Viewer software.
|
|
| Q5. |
Where can I find more information on the licensing options that are available for the Directory Services Integration option? |
| A5. |
The Directory Services Integration option uses the same ProLiant Essentials licensing options that are available for the iLO Advanced Pack, Remote Deployment Pack and Performance Management Pack. For more information on ProLiant Essentials licensing refer to the ProLiant Essentials home page. |
|
Printable version
