| What's new |
| Q1. |
How does the Virtual Media work? |
| A1. |
The new HP console switches allow you to connect up to two USB drives directly to the switch. From the local OSD an administrator can map those drives to any server connected to the console switch to transfer updates or applications. Additionally when used with an HP IP Console with Virtual media the IP Console Viewer software allows an administrator to map drives from a workstation outside the data center to perform the same functions.
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| Q2. |
Does the Virtual Media work with my existing HP Console switches? |
| A2. |
No. Virtual media will only function through the new HP Console Switches with Virtual Media. Virtual Media will work through a cascaded switch as long as the switch is virtual media compatible. Existing HP Server Console Switch and KVM Expansion Modules will work in a cascaded configuration but do not support virtual media.
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| Q3. |
How many servers can I cascade? |
| A3. |
The new HP Console Switches with Virtual Media support up to 3 levels of tiering for a total of 4096 servers or devices accessible from the local console. The top and middle tiers must use the new HP Console Switches with Virtual Media to support the third tier. The third tier may contain the new switches or legacy Cat5 based HP Console Switches or Expansion Modules.
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| Q4. |
What choices do I have for Virtual Media Interface Adapters? |
| A4. |
There are two Virtual Media Interface Adapters. The most versatile uses PS2 connections for the mouse and keyboard and a separate USB 2.0 connection for virtual media. This interface adapter supports 2 virtual media devices at the same time. The second is intended for servers that do not support PS2 connections and uses a single USB 2.0 connection for mouse, keyboard and virtual media. This interface adapter only supports a single virtual media device at a time.
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| General |
| Q1. |
Where can I find more detailed information on the features and specifications of the HP Console Switch? |
| A1. |
Descriptions and additional information for all HP Console Switch and a list of supported options from HP can be found at www.hp.com/go/kvm.
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| Q2. |
How does the IP console switch compare to iLO and RILOE? |
| A2. |
Both solutions provide high performance remote KVM functionality and virtual media over the network. The HP IP Consoles are designed for heterogeneous environments and can provide remote management to servers and serially managed devices and well as virtual media when use with compatible operating systems. Since iLO does provide additional functionality it is possible to launch an iLO session directly from the IP Viewer software used for the HP IP Console Switches.
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| 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.
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| Q4. |
Do the new Interface adapters for virtual media work on the existing server consoles? |
| A4. |
No. The new interface adapters are designed to work only on the new Server Consoles with Virtual Media. The new Server Consoles with Virtual Media are backwards compatible with the existing line of interface adapter to provide KVM functionality.
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| Q5. |
What security features does the IP Console Switch with Virtual Media support? |
| A5. |
The HP IP Console Switch has multiple security features:
- Access rights for individual users can be stored locally on the switch or through Active Directory.
- Administrators can grant or deny console access to specific servers to ensure that unauthorized users cannot even view the server console
- Stealth mode enables administrators to monitor remote sessions.
- While in a remote session the mouse, keyboard, and video signals are all encrypted using 128 bit SSL, DES or DES3.
- Virtual media may be encrypted also.
- Traps can be set enabling logging of access to the switch and servers by any SNMP manager.
- A password can also be set at the local console for additional security inside the data center.
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| 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 adapters maintain 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.
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| Q2. |
Do I still have to purchase the LDAP option if I want to use Active Directory? |
| A2. |
No. Active Directory integration is standard on the new IP Consoles with Virtual Media. |
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| Q3. |
How can I enable LDAP on my current HP IP Console Switches? |
| A3. |
LDAP can be enabled on legacy HP IP Console Switches by using license key 387S9-M3228-JRM85-D2RZQ-NK8JR. There is no charge for using this key.
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| Q4. |
How do I access iLO on a Proliant server from the IP Viewer sotware? |
| A4. |
The IP address of the iLO can be entered under the properties tab of a server. Once that address has been entered a link to launch a browser session to that iLO address will show when you right click the server name in the IP Viewer software. This will allow you to power on or off the server even if you do not have the iLO Advanced Pack installed.
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| Q5. |
What are the restrictions on CAT5 cable distances in relation to video performance? |
| A5. |
- 1- 75 ft 1280×1024
- 1- 75 ft 1024×768
- 1- 100 ft 800×600
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| Q6. |
Why are there two different virtual media interface adapters? |
| A6. |
The PS2 Virtual Media Interface Adapter is the most robust and the recommended choice because it provides the highest level of compatibility with the most servers. The USB Virtual Media Interface Adapter is intended predominately for servers that do not support PS2 connections such as HP Integrity servers.
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| 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 on or off to limit alert messaging based on their needs.
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| Q2. |
Can I access the IP Console Switches through a web browser? |
| A2. |
No. You must use the IP Viewer software on any workstation wishing to access the IP Consoles. Using the IP Viewer software allows for better performance and advanced features such as virtual media that a web browser does not support.
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| Q3. |
Will the new IP Viewer 3.0 software support the HP Serial Console Servers? |
| A3. |
Yes. The IP Viewer 3.0 software now includes an embedded SSH client for secure access to the Serial Console Servers and attached serially managed devices or servers.
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| Compatibility |
| Q1. |
What types of USB storage devices can I attach to the HP Server Console Switch? |
| A1. |
The HP IP Console Switch can support USB keys, USB Floppy drives, USB CD-Roms, and USB DVDs. USB hard drives and USB keys coded as hard drives are not supported.
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| Q2. |
Will any type or brand of the above USB storage devices work? |
| A2. |
Not necessarily. HP tested a wide range of USB storage devices but unfortunately due to the difference in USB implementations and chipsets some devices may not function. If a device doesn't function HP recommends you attempt a different brand or type of device before calling for service.
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