Switching KVM to Cubix Servers from the Desktop

This white paper describes how to connect Cubix Density rackmount consolidated server products to a third-party keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) switch from a vendor such as Cybex® or Apex®. Usually these switches connect multiple stand-alone PCs to a single monitor, but they work also with Cubix Density. To accomplish this you need to be running Cubix GlobalVision™ 2.5 Console. This process works equally well for both Cubix Density and ERS/FT II rackmount chassis products.

One benefit of connecting Cubix Density to a third-party KVM switch is convenience. The user can select a server blade for connection to his monitor, keyboard and mouse from his or her desktop rather than from the Density front panel.

Another benefit of doing this is that it is economical. Connecting multiple Density server blades to one KVM switch port is much less expensive than connecting each blade to an individual port.

Before we begin, we will briefly review Cubix Density, GlobalVision and KVM switching without using a third-party KVM switch.

Cubix Density, GlobalVision and KVM Switching

Cubix Density is a rackmount enclosure with multiple (up to eight) server blades inside. Selecting a blade for connection to a monitor, keyboard and mouse is controlled through the Density front panel.

Cubix GlobalVision Console is a management application that allows a user to see the status of each Density chassis and server blade across a LAN, WAN or remote link. Version 2.5 provides the ability to operate the Density front panel from a GlobalVision Remote Console running on a user’s desktop (If you own a previous version of GlobalVision, contact your Cubix Sales Representative at 800.829.0550 to upgrade).

Density features an integrated KVM switch accessible through the Density front panel. Up to eight Density enclosures can be connected in a daisy chain to a Cubix KVM Breakout Module that in turn connects to a monitor, keyboard and mouse. Selecting one Density for connection to the KVM automatically de-selects all other Density enclosures within the same daisy-chain connection. Push one button to select a chassis. Push another button on the Density front panel to select a Cubix computer for connection to the KVM.

How Cubix KVM Works With a Third-Party Switch

The administrator’s desktop, usually located within 50 feet of the KVM switch, has two sets of monitor, keyboard and mouse. One is connected to the third-party KVM switch. The other is connected to the administrator’s desktop computer running Windows NT 4.0 Workstation or Server and a remote GlobalVision console.

The administrator uses the Density front panel display to switch from one Density blade to another, and immediately sees that server blade displayed on the monitor connected to the KVM switch. From this monitor, keyboard and mouse, the administrator can control the blade in Cubix Density. See the illustration below.

How to Connect Cubix Density to a KVM Switch

Step 1. Before you begin, mount the Cubix Density chassis in a rack where a third-party KVM switch is within 50 feet. This is the maximum distance a typical video cabling will support a signal without degradation.

Check to assure that one of the Cubix blades is running Windows NT 4, either Server or Workstation and GlobalVision Console 2.5. This is called the local GlobalVision console. Make sure the local console has a valid static network address assigned and is functioning properly. The local console should see and manage every Cubix Density chassis and server blade to which it is connected, both across the Cubix Data Highway and across the local area network. Disable SNMP service on this computer. GlobalVision installation details may be found in the documentation on the Density Installation CD-ROM or at http://www.cubix.com/support/support.htm.

Step 2. Connect the Cubix KVM Breakout Module to one of the KVM ports at the rear of a third-party KVM switch instead of connecting it to a monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Step 3. Connect the KVM switch to a nearby monitor, keyboard and mouse on the network administrator’s desktop. Some KVM switch vendors support cable lengths up to 50 feet.

Setting Up GlobalVision Remote Console

Step 1. Install the Cubix GlobalVision 2.5 Console on the administrator’s computer located on the same desktop with the monitor, keyboard and mouse connected to the third-party KVM switch. This is called a GlobalVision Remote Console. This blade should be running Windows NT 4, either Server or Workstation. This blade should have a network connection the GlobalVision Local console inside a Density chassis. Disable SNMP service on this computer. Installation details may be found in the GlobalVision documentation either on the Density Installation CD-ROM or at http://www.cubix.com/support.htm.

Step 2. Run the GlobalVision Console application either from a desktop icon or from Start | Programs.

Step 3. Click once on the + sign beside the top level in the upper left corner of the GlobalVision Remote Console display.

Step 4. Right-click on the Console line to bring up the remote console address option, and select the option.

Step 5. Enter the network address of the Cubix blade running the GlobalVision local console and click OK.

Step 6. Close and run the GlobalVision Console. Click once on the + sign beside the second level. This displays the IES 1, IES 2 levels and so on. Each IES level represents a Density chassis.

Step 7. Select one of the IES levels. In the display at the right, you will see three tabs. Select the Console tab. You will see the Density front panel. Scroll right and down until you can see the Chassis Select and Group Select buttons as well as the group indicator lights. Adjust the display size to see both sides of the Density front panel at once.

Step 8. Click once on the Chassis Select button and then the Group Select button to select which blade you wish to display on the keyboard, monitor and mouse connected to the KVM switch.

Refer to the illustration. Cubix provides this white paper to illustrate how some of our customers have established KVM switching with Density chassis at their sites. Cubix provides no testing or support for third-party KVM switches. If you have questions regarding this procedure, please call Cubix Customer Service at 800.829.0551.

With the remote GlobalVision 2.5 Console displayed on the workstation, the administrator can select a specific Cubix server blade for display on the monitor, keyboard and mouse at the left.