User guide

4 AMX Series Installer/User Guide
Sharing
If two or more users need access to the same server or serial device, they can
share access through the AMX Series units. Sharing enables multiple users to
switch to the same server at the same time. All connected users can see the
server’s video, but only one user can enter data at any given moment.
Expansion capability
The expansion capability of your AMX switch depends on the AMX product
installed in your system. If your total number of servers is greater than 32
(supported by the AMX5000) or 64 (supported by the AMX5010), you can
connect multiple AMX switches together to give dozens of users control of
hundreds of servers from one set of peripherals. For additional flexibility, you
can attach other Avocent keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) switches to the
AMX as well. Refer to Chapter 2 for additional information on tiering an
AMX system.
OSCAR graphic user interface
Using the OSCAR interface, you can select any attached system computer
through your keyboard or mouse. The OSCAR interface supports multilevel
security with password protection, enabling you to control how much access
users have to each server in your data center. For additional security, OSCAR
can be configured to log out after a user-defined period of inactivity. When the
time-out is reached, the current channel is deselected and the screen goes
blank. Users must log in again to access system servers.
AMWorks utility
AMWorks is the standalone administration utility supplied with each AMX.
This utility is used to assign names to attached servers and administer
naming and access information for attached users. You can also use
AMWorks to configure AMX installations remotely, eliminating the need to
configure each unit separately. In addition, AMWorks enables you to monitor
and report on all system and switching events and activities.
Component Overview
An AMX system consists of four main components:
• One or more AMX switches
• Avocent matrix user station(s)