Viewing and Configuring Tiered Switch Connections
The Tiered Switches category lets you view the tiered switches in your system, the SIP EID numbers as well as the type of switch it is.
To configure a cascade switch connection:
1 Select the Tiered Switches category in the left hand column in the MP.
2 Click the Switch drop-down list next to the SIP EID you want to configure and select the switch type you want to assign.
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If the switch you want is not in the drop-down list, add a switch to the Existing Switches list by clicking the Add button.
3 Repeat step 2 for each switch that you want to configure.
4 When you have finished configuring the switches, click OK to save the new settings.
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Click Cancel to exit without saving.
Adding and Modifying Tiered Switch Connections
If the switch you want is not in the Existing Switches drop-down list, you can add a switch to the Existing Switches list as follows:
1 Click the Add button. The Add Tiered Switch dialog box appears.
2 Type the name of the switch and select the switch type from the list.
3 Click OK to add the switch. The switch should now be in the Existing Switches list and in the Switch drop-down list.
Viewing Remote Console Switch Version Information
When you select the Version category for the first time, the MP will retrieve the firmware versions from the selected Remote Console Switch.
Figure 4-11. Firmware Version Dialog Box
The Hardware sub-category displays the version information for the Remote Console Switch.
NOTE: To ensure that the full functionality of the Remote Console Software is available to you, please ensure that your Boot version is 4.0.0.0 or higher.
The SIPs sub-category allows you to view version information and upgrade all of the SIPs in the system. In addition, in the SIPs subcategory, you can reset SIPs that are connected to tiered switches.
For information about upgrading SIPs, see Upgrading Firmware.
Figure 4-12. SIPs Dialog Box 2161DS-2 Console Switch
NOTE: The Vendor field, and Reset SIP button are not displayed when managing Avocent A1000R and A2000R Remote Console Switches.
On occasions when a tiered switch is not recognized by the Remote Console Switch, it may be necessary to reset the SIP which connects the tiered switch to the Remote Console Switch. This can be done using the Reset SIP button in the SIPs subcategory.
NOTE: PS/2 and USB SIPs are available. In addition the Remote Console Switch is compatible with all Avocent AVRIQs including Sun and serial AVRIQs.
NOTE: The Reset SIPs button is only enabled when the SIP type is PS/2 and when a firmware upgrade is not in progress.
NOTE: The Reset SIP button is not displayed when managing Avocent A1000R and A2000R Remote Console Switches.
NOTE: This procedure is only relevant where your Remote Console Switch system involves a PS/2 SIP attached to a tiered switch. On these occasions, it may be necessary to reset the SIP when the tiered switch is not recognized.
NOTE: If a reset is performed, when a Remote Console Switch is connected directly to a server and not a Cascade Switch, the mouse/keyboard may fail to respond. When this occurs, the target server requires a reboot.
To reset a SIP:
1 Select the SIPs subcategory from the Versions category in the left hand column in the MP.
2 Select the SIP you want to reset from the ID list.
3 Click Reset. A message appears warning you that this function is reserved for tiered switches and that resetting the SIP may result in the need to reboot the server.
4 Click Yes to continue.
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Click No to return to the SIPs subcategory.
You can upgrade the firmware for either the Remote Console Switch or the SIPs. The SIPs can be upgraded individually or simultaneously. When an upgrade is initiated, you will see a progress bar. As long as an upgrade is in progress, you cannot initiate another.
The Enable Auto-Upgrade for All SIPs check box allows you to enable an auto-upgrade for SIP firmware. You can override the auto-upgrade at any stage using the Load Firmware button described in the next section.
NOTE: For the 2161DS-2 and 4161DS, you can upload new appliance firmware using ASMP (if supported) or TFTP file transfer protocols. ASMP file transfer allows you to select the firmware from a local file system. The 2161DS and Avocent A1000R and A2000R support the TFTP file transfer allows you to specify the TFTP server address and the name of the firmware file.
To upgrade Remote Console Switch firmware:
1 Click the Tools tab in the MP. The Tools dialog box appears.
2 Click the Upgrade Remote Console Switch Firmware button.
If you have made changes in the Settings panel of the MP, but have not yet applied them before starting an upgrade, a warning message prompts you to confirm the upgrade because the upgrade process requires an appliance reboot. If you do not apply the pending changes, they will be discarded before upgrading the firmware.
To apply those changes before the upgrade:
a Click No to cancel the appliance firmware upgrade.
b Click Apply.
c Click the Upgrade Remote Console Switch Firmware button.
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To discard those changes before the upgrade, click Yes.