Section 5

IP Access Configuration & Operation

5.0.1. KVM over IP Access Features

The IP access module provides remote KVM over IP access to the KVM switch CAT-32. It converts all keyboard video and mouse signals and sends them as TCP/IP signals over your LAN/WAN connection. The KVM switch CAT-32 IP may be accessed from any computer connected to your network and provides full KVM access including BIOS level access to all the connected computers.

Please note that KVM over IP does not operate in a “real time” environment and that some degree of time delay will occur due to limiting factors such as available bandwidth and network traffic.

The KVM over IP Access module can be accessed via a simple web browser and via dedicated software tools included with the product. It uses secure encrypted sessions and password authentication protocols.

Please note that the conversion of video, mouse and keyboard signals requires a certain amount of CPU processing time. Transporting large amounts of data over TCP/IP requires a high bandwidth connection. Limited bandwidth may restrict or limit the possible screen resolutions and colour depths which can be transmitted over your LAN / WAN.

A connection which exhibits limited bandwidth will result in slower mouse reaction and cursor control. Also the available screen resolution, colour depth and refresh rates will also be affected. Ensure the connection you are using provides adequate bandwidth, some adjustment of screen resolution, colour depth and mouse cursor control may have to be made for satisfactory operation.

5.0.2 KVM over IP Access Module Installation

Section 5IP Access Configuration & Operation

5.1. Configuration

The CAT-32 IP’s communication interfaces

Parameter

Value

are all based on TCP/IP. The switch comes

IP auto configuration

DHCP

pre-configured with the following IP

 

 

IP-Address

-

configuration shown here:

 

 

Net-mask

255.255.255.0

 

 

Default-Gateway

none

Note: If the DHCP connection fails on boot-up, the CAT-32 IP will not be assigned an IP address.

If this initial configuration does not meet your requirements, the following section describes the configuration that is necessary to access the CAT-32 IP for the first time.

Initial Configuration via a DHCP Server

By default, the CAT-32 IP will try to contact a DHCP server in the subnet to which it is physically connected. If a DHCP server is found, it will provide a valid IP address, gateway address and subnet mask. If a DHCP server is not available then you will need to assign a fixed IP assignment to the MAC address of the IP Access Module. You can find the MAC address details on the printed label on the underside of the IP Access module.

Before you connect the device to your local subnet, be sure to complete the corresponding configuration using the setup tool supplied on the CD ROM. Follow the procedure described on the next page (Section 5.2)

Initial Configuration via a Serial Console

Before you install the IP Access module into the KVM switch ensure all connected computers are switched off and the power supply is unplugged. Proceed to unscrew and remove the small metal cover on rear of the KVM switch. Carefully slide the module into the slot and secure in place with the screw previously removed.

The CAT-32 IP has a serial line interface (host side) for connecting a serial terminal. This connector is compliant with the RS232 serial line standard. The serial line has to be configured with the parameters given in this table:

Parameter

Value

Bits/second

115200

Data bits

8

Parity

No

Stop bits

1

Flow Control

None

You may now proceed to power up all connected equipment and check for correct operation.

For the remainder of this manual the CAT-32 KVM switch with installed KVM over IP Module will be referred to as CAT-32 IP.

When configuring with a serial terminal, reset the CAT-32 IP and immediately press the ESC key. You will see some device information and a “=>” prompt. Type config and press the Enter key. Wait a few seconds for the configuration information to appear.

As you proceed, the following questions will appear on the screen. To accept the default values (shown in square brackets below) press the Enter key.

IP auto configuration (non/dhcp/bootp) [dhcp]:

IP [192.168.1.22]:

Net mask [255.255.255.0]:

Gateway (0.0.0.0 for none) [0.0.0.0]:

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