Raritan KX - User Manual

Revision: March 30, 2009 Copyright © 2009 Raritan, Inc Page 1 of 9
Dominion
®
KX & KX II CIM Guide Version 6
This document provides a guide for Computer Interface Module (CIM) usage for Dominion KX I and KX
II, with answers to frequently asked questions. This guide has been updated for Release 2.1 (blade
server feature) and the recently announced Dominion KX II Smart Card / CAC Solution.
 Dominion KX II CIM Compatibility
Dominion KX II was designed to use multiple types of CIMs, including:
• The Dominion KX I CIMs (DCIMs): DCIM-PS2, DCIM-USBG2, DCIM-USB, DCIM-SUSB and
DCIM-SUN can be used with KX I and KX II switches.
• The new Dominion KX II CIMs (D2CIMs): D2CIM-DVUSB, D2CIM-VUSB and D2CIM-PWR
can only be used with KX II switches. They can not be used with KX I switches. These CIMs
have a blue case.
• Select Paragon and Paragon II CIMs: the specific Paragon CIMs supported for Dominion KX
II are listed below.
Dominion KX I Dominion KX II
Dominion KX I CIMs • DCIM-PS2
• DCIM-USBG2*
• DCIM-USB (EOL)
• DCIM-SUSB (EOL)
• DCIM-SUN
• DCIM-PS2
• DCIM-USBG2*
• DCIM-USB (EOL)
• DCIM-SUSB (EOL)
• DCIM-SUN
Dominion KX II CIMs
• D2CIM-VUSB
• D2CIM-PWR
D2CIM-DVUSB
• D2CIM-DVUSB
Paragon I CIMs • UKVMPD
• UUSBPD
• USKVMPD
• USKVMC
• UKVMC
• UKVMPD
• UUSBPD
• UKVMC
• USKVMPD
Paragon II CIMs • P2CIM-PS2
• P2CIM-PS2DUAL
• P2CIM-USB
• P2CIM-USBG2
• P2CIM-AUSB
• P2CIM-SUSB
• P2CIM-SUN
• P2CIM-PWR
• P2CIM-AUSB
• P2CIM-PS2
• P2CIM-USB
• P2CIM-SUSB
• P2CIM-SUN
• P2CIM-SER
• P2CIM-SER-EU

Summary

Dominion KX II CIM Compatibility

Virtual Media and Absolute Mouse Synchronization

Dual Virtual Media USB CIM (D2 CIM-DVUSB)

Explains the dual USB connector CIM for BIOS/Smart Card use.

New USB Profile Feature

Feature for customizing KX II's USB interface with target servers.

Varying Server Support for Virtual Media

Details server and OS support for virtual media functions.

Virtual Media CIM Pricing

Pricing information for bulk purchases of D2CIM-DVUSB and D2CIM-VUSB.

Power CIMs for KX I and KX II

DCIM-USBG2 Replacement and Usage

Dominion KX II Recommended USB CIM Usage

Dominion KX I DCIM-USBG2 Usage

Recommends DCIM-USBG2 for KX I based on firmware release.

Connecting Serial Devices

CIM Usage for Blade Servers

Smart Card Usage

Frequently Asked Questions

DCIM-USBG2 Setup Menu Configuration

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

The Raritan Dominion KX & KX II CIM (Computer Interface Module) is a crucial component designed to facilitate KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) access and control for servers, particularly within data center environments. This guide, updated for Release 2.1, outlines the compatibility and features of various CIMs for both Dominion KX I and KX II switches, including support for blade servers and Smart Card/CAC solutions.

Function Description

The primary function of the Dominion KX & KX II CIMs is to convert the server's keyboard, video, and mouse signals into a format that can be transmitted over a KVM switch, allowing remote access and control. These CIMs act as an interface between the target server and the KVM switch, enabling administrators to manage servers from a centralized location or remotely.

There are several types of CIMs, each with specific capabilities and compatibilities:

• Dominion KX I CIMs (DCIMs): These include DCIM-PS2, DCIM-USBG2, DCIM-USB, DCIM-SUSB, and DCIM-SUN. They are compatible with both KX I and KX II switches. The DCIM-USBG2 is a second-generation version, replacing the end-of-life DCIM-USB and DCIM-SUSB, offering enhanced reliability and performance. It supports both USB and SUN USB connections, with a small switch to select between "P" (Windows) and "S" (Sun) settings.
• Dominion KX II CIMs (D2CIMs): These are newer CIMs, including D2CIM-DVUSB, D2CIM-VUSB, and D2CIM-PWR. They are exclusively designed for KX II switches and are not compatible with KX I switches. These CIMs are identifiable by their blue cases.
• Paragon and Paragon II CIMs: Specific Paragon CIMs, such as UKVMPD, UUSBPD, USKVMPD, UKVMC, P2CIM-PS2, P2CIM-PS2DUAL, P2CIM-USB, P2CIM-USBG2, P2CIM-AUSB, P2CIM-SUSB, P2CIM-SUN, P2CIM-SER, P2CIM-SER-EU, and P2CIM-PWR, are also supported for Dominion KX II. The P2CIM-SER and P2CIM-SER-EU are specifically designed to connect serial devices (like networking devices or headless servers) to a Dominion KX II, Paragon II, or Dominion KX switch, converting serial input to a standard KVM signal.

Usage Features

The CIMs offer a range of features depending on their type and the KVM switch they are connected to:

• Basic KVM Access: All CIMs provide fundamental keyboard, video, and mouse connectivity, allowing users to interact with the target server as if they were physically present.
• Virtual Media: This advanced feature allows users to mount local or remote storage devices (like CD/DVD drives, USB drives, or ISO images) onto the target server, facilitating software installation, updates, and diagnostics. Virtual media functionality is primarily supported by D2CIM-DVUSB and D2CIM-VUSB CIMs, and requires a Dominion KX II switch. The D2CIM-DVUSB, with its dual USB connectors, is recommended for virtual media access at the BIOS level and for Smart Card use, while the D2CIM-VUSB (single USB connector) is suitable for OS-level virtual media. Not all servers and operating systems fully support all virtual media options; modern Windows OS (Vista, 2003 Server, XP, 2000 with latest patches) generally do, while Linux and Mac OS can mount CD/DVD/USB drives and ISOs from Windows clients, but only ISOs from local/remote drives on Mac/Linux/Solaris clients. Other UNIX-based OS typically do not support virtual media.
• Absolute Mouse Synchronization: This feature provides precise mouse control, ensuring that the remote mouse cursor accurately reflects the position of the local mouse. It is supported by D2CIM-DVUSB and D2CIM-VUSB CIMs in conjunction with Dominion KX II switches. A USB server port and OS support are required; Microsoft Windows and Mac servers generally support this, but UNIX, SUN, and Linux do not.
• Smart Card / CAC Support: The D2CIM-DVUSB is essential for Smart Card and US government Common Access Card (CAC) usage, enabling secure authentication for target servers. This feature is available with Dominion KX II switches.
• Power Control: D2CIM-PWR and P2CIM-PWR CIMs are used to connect to Raritan's Dominion PX power strips or existing RPC power strips, allowing remote power cycling and management of connected devices.
• USB Profile Feature (Release 2.0.10): For Dominion KX II, this feature allows customization of the KX II's USB interface to match the specific BIOS or OS USB implementation of the target server. This is particularly useful for Mac and Linux systems to set mouse synchronization mode, and for D2CIM-VUSB with certain servers when operating in the BIOS.
• Blade Server Connectivity: CIMs can be connected to individual blade servers or to the blade chassis' internal KVM switch or management module. The choice of CIM depends on the blade server's KVM ports (PS2 or USB) and the desired advanced features like virtual media and absolute mouse synchronization. For Dell 1855/1955 blades, a "USB Front Dongle" cable is required, and for HP c3000/c7000 blades, an "HP c-Class Blade SUV Cable" is needed. Virtual media and advanced mouse synchronization are supported on blade servers when a CIM is connected to each blade server, provided the operating system supports these features.
• Serial Device Connectivity: The P2CIM-SER and P2CIM-SER-EU CIMs convert serial device input to a standard KVM signal, enabling connection of headless servers or networking devices to a KVM switch. These CIMs are powered via USB from the serial device or a dedicated power adapter.

Maintenance Features

• Firmware Updates: CIMs can receive remote firmware updates, ensuring they stay current with the latest features and bug fixes. For instance, D2CIM-DVUSB CIMs can be automatically upgraded with new Smart Card firmware when connected to an upgraded Dominion KX II switch.
• CIM Setup Menu (DCIM-USBG2): The DCIM-USBG2 features a setup menu accessible by pressing Left-CTL and Num Lock simultaneously in a text editor window on the target server. This menu allows configuration of various settings, including:
  • Keyboard Layouts: Users can select the appropriate keyboard language (e.g., English US, German, Japanese).
  • Additional Keyboard Settings:
    • Lazy LED Update: This option prevents the KVM switch from being overloaded by continuous LED status messages from the target server. When enabled, the CIM sends status messages only when they differ from the previously sent message.
    • Sun Fire Patch: Addresses non-standard USB operation in some Sun Fire servers. When enabled (default, and the switch is in 'S' position), the CIM sends an empty keyboard packet every 500 milliseconds to prevent the server from assuming the keyboard and mouse are disconnected.
  • Mouse Layouts: Users can define the mouse type, supporting standard 3-button wheel mice (m0) and up to 8-button mice/trackballs (m1). The appropriate driver for the mouse must be installed on the target server.
  • Current Options Display: The menu displays the current settings for keyboard layout, lazy LED update, Sun Fire patch, and mouse layout.
• Power Cycling: If the switch setting on a DCIM-USBG2 is changed while connected to the target server, a power cycle of the CIM is required for the changes to take effect. This involves removing the USB connector from the target server, waiting 5 seconds, and then reconnecting it.
• Non-Volatile Memory: All settings configured through the setup menu are saved in non-volatile memory, meaning the CIM retains these settings even after power loss.

The Dominion KX & KX II CIMs are designed to provide flexible, reliable, and secure KVM connectivity, adapting to various server types and advanced management requirements within modern IT infrastructures.

Raritan KX Specifications