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AMWorks® Installer/User Guide Avocent, the Avocent logo, The Power of Being There, AMX, AMWorks, OSCAR, AutoView, DSR, OutLook, SwitchView and XP are registered trademarks of Avocent Corporation or its affiliates. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. © 2007 Avocent Corporation. All rights reserved.
iii T A B L E O F C ON T E N T S Table of Contents Chapter 1: Product Overview.......................................................................................... 1 Features and Benefits ........................................................................................................................ 1 Getting Started ................................................................................................................................... 3 Chapter 2: Installation ....................
iv AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Setting Audio and Serial for the Administrator ............................................................................... 29 Chapter 6: Managing Users and User Groups ............................................................ 31 Adding and Removing Users............................................................................................................ 31 Importing Usernames ............................................................................
Table of Contents v Chapter 10: Managing Event Logs ............................................................................... 61 Changing the Order in an Event Log Display ................................................................................. 61 Changing Log Properties................................................................................................................. 61 Clearing the Log ..........................................................................................
vi AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Setting Search and Query Parameters for LDAP User Authentication........................................... 81 Appendices..................................................................................................................... 83 Appendix A: System Configuration.................................................................................................. 83 Appendix B: Glossary ........................................................................
1 CHAPTER 1 Product Overview The AMWorks® software is a Java™-based system administration tool that enables you to easily customize the user, server, device and security environments of your Avocent AMX® switching system. The AMWorks software supports the management of a cross-subnet AMX switch configuration and automatic synchronization of data through tiers.
2 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide System synchronization The AMWorks software provides enhanced system synchronization, which enables database changes (made on the AMX user station OSCAR® graphical user interface or from the AMWorks software) to be replicated across the entire AMX switching system in real time. This enhancement enables the AMX switching system to maintain a synchronized state without the need for users to perform repetitive synchronization.
Chapter 1: Product Overview 3 and server combinations. Within the AMWorks software, you can add, delete and configure one or multiple resource switching routers. The AMWorks software supports standalone routers and backup routers for redundancy. LDAP user authentication The AMWorks software enables you to configure LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) and/or native AMX user authentication on AMX switches in your system that support LDAP.
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5 CHAPTER 2 Installation If you already have the AMWorks software installed, we strongly recommend that you update to the most recent revision on your installation CD. If you are updating to the AMWorks software revision 5.0.x.x (or later) from 4.x.x.x (or earlier), we also recommend that you update the firmware on your AMX switches to revision 3.x.x.x (or later). The AMX switches must be at revision 3.x.x.x or later to be fully compatible with all revisions of the AMWorks software from 5.0.x.
6 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Installing and Updating the AMWorks Software To install AMWorks software for the first time: 1. Place the AMWorks software installation CD into an appropriate drive and select Setup. 2. Follow the on-screen instructions. 3. Launch the AMWorks software. You will be prompted to enter a password. The default password is password. We recommend that you change the password from its default setting. See Changing the Administrator’s Password on page 67. 4.
Chapter 2: Installation 7 perform a Discover Devices command, and all of your AMX switches will be automatically discovered. If they are not automatically discovered, check that the configuration ID specified in the Network Settings dialog box matches the configuration ID specified on all of your AMX switches. 2. 3. Perform a Synchronize System Database command on your newly configured system. See Synchronizing the System Database on page 73 for more information. a.
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9 CHAPTER 3 Basic Operations Once installed, you may begin using the AMWorks software to manage the AMX switching system. Launching the AMWorks Software To launch the AMWorks software: 1. Select Start - Programs - AMWorks from the menu bar. - or Click the AMWorks icon on your desktop, if available. 2. When prompted, type your password. The default is password. Click OK. To change your password, see Changing the Administrator’s Password on page 67.
10 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide A B C D E F Figure 3.1: AMWorks Software Window Table 3.1: Window Areas Window Areas Content The menu bar at the top of the window contains command menus for Admin Tools, Users, Servers, Devices, Event Logs and Help. A: Menu Bar NOTE: The term “devices” is used in the AMWorks Java-based system administration tool to refer to AMX switches, AMX user stations and AMIQ modules.
Chapter 3: Basic Operations 11 Table 3.
12 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Device icons The AMX switching system and MDM devices are represented in the AMWorks software menu bar, tree view and connectivity table by the following icons. Table 3.
Chapter 3: Basic Operations 13 NOTE: Since the MDM servers are virtual and have no real connectivity, there is no connectivity table for the MDM server. However, MDM server port numbers and port names/UIDs are displayed in the existing connectivity table of the parent MDM AMIQ module. Logging Out of the AMWorks Software To log out of the AMWorks software: 1. Select Admin Tools - Logout from the menu bar. - or Type Ctrl+L. 2. When you log out, the AMWorks software is minimized on the desktop.
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15 CHAPTER 4 Resource Switching Router The AMWorks software provides control of the resource switching router (nVision) through a series of pre-configured connections tables or “resource groups.” Resource groups define a set of input ports and/or output ports that will be connected (input to output) on the resource router when a connection or disconnection occurs between an AMX user station and a server.
16 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide NOTE: The nVision switching router does not respond to UDP broadcast messages and cannot be automatically discovered; therefore, it must be manually added. To add a switching router: 1. From the Resource Routers tab on the AMWorks software main menu, click NVISION - Add. The Add Resource Router dialog box displays. 2. In the IP Address field, type the IP address of the router you wish to add to your system. 3.
Chapter 4: Resource Switching Router 17 Configuring a Switching Router The AMWorks software enables you to configure a switching router by using one of the Configure Resource Router options (Define TRG, Define CRG or Define DRG). Using the Configure Resource Router feature, you can create connections tables and associate them with system servers and AMX user stations (supported by AMX5120, AMX5121 and AMX5130 user stations).
18 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide To name a router's levels and ports: 1. From the Resource Routers tab on the AMWorks software main menu, click NVISION Configure. The Resource Router Configuration dialog box displays. 2. Click the Naming tab on the Resource Router Configuration dialog box. 3. From the Device drop-down list, select the switching router you wish to configure. 4. From the Level drop-down list, select the level you wish to name.
Chapter 4: Resource Switching Router • Multiple routers • Multiple levels • Both inputs and outputs 19 See Defining TRGs - Multiple Routers, Levels, I/O on page 23 for more information. To define a TRG: 1. From the Resource Routers tab on the AMWorks software menu bar, click NVISION Configure. The Configure Resource Router dialog box displays. 2. Click the Define TRG tab. 3. From the Server Name drop-down list, select the server for which you wish to define a TRG.
20 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide 11. After configuring the TRG for the selected server, click the Save Group button to save the TRG to the database and associate it with the selected server. 12. Click OK to save changes to all of the dialog boxes and exit the Configure Resource Router dialog box. -or Click the Define CRG tab to define a resource group for a particular user station.
Chapter 4: Resource Switching Router 21 7. From the Port drop-down list, select a port (number or name) for the level you selected in step 5. The port name, if applicable, or the ASCII string representing the port number is displayed. 8. After selecting the router, level, port disposition and port, click the Add button to add the entry to the end of the table. The table accumulates the entries made and displays them when you click Add.
22 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide To define a DRG: 1. From the Resource Routers tab on the AMWorks software main menu, click NVISION Configure. The Configure Resource Router dialog box displays. 2. Click the Define DRG tab. 3. From the User Station Name drop-down list, select the user station for which you wish to define a DRG. The drop-down list contains the name of the available user stations in the system.
Chapter 4: Resource Switching Router 23 12. Click OK to save changes to all of the dialogs and exit the Configure Resource Router dialog box. Defining TRGs - Multiple Routers, Levels, I/O You can define a TRG that includes multiple routers, multiple levels or a combination of inputs and outputs (I/O). Figure 4.2: Defining TRGs - Multiple Routers Figure 4.3: Defining TRGs - Multiple Levels Figure 4.
24 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Defining CRGs - Multiple Routers, Levels, I/O You can define a CRG that includes multiple routers, multiple levels or a combination of inputs and outputs (I/O). Figure 4.5: Defining CRGs - Multiple Routers Figure 4.6: Defining CRGs - Multiple Levels Figure 4.
Chapter 4: Resource Switching Router Defining DRGs - Multiple Routers, Levels, I/O You can define a DRG that includes multiple routers, multiple levels or a combination of inputs and outputs (I/O). Figure 4.8: Defining DRGs - Multiple Routers Figure 4.9: Defining DRGs - Multiple Levels Figure 4.
26 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Viewing Switching Router Information You can view partition and connection information related to all switching routers available in your system from the Configure Resource Router dialog box. To view router information: 1. From the Resource Routers tab on the AMWorks software main menu, click NVISION Configure. The Configure Resource Router dialog box displays. 2. Click the Router Info tab. 3.
27 CHAPTER 5 Managing Multimedia The AMWorks software enables you to set the multimedia (audio and serial) feature globally and for individual users and servers. NOTE: The AMIQDM modules in your system will not operate in Dual mode or support multimedia functionality unless your AMX switching system is upgraded to the latest firmware.
28 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Setting Audio and Serial for Servers To set audio and serial for a server: 1. Select Servers- Edit/View Server from the menu bar. - or Type Ctrl+U. - or Click the Edit/View Server icon in the toolbar. 2. Type or select a server name from the list. Click OK. The Edit/View Server window is displayed. 3. Select the Audio/Serial tab. The default audio and serial settings display as checked (enabled) for all servers.
Chapter 5: Managing Multimedia 29 Type Ctrl+U. - or Click the Edit/View User icon in the toolbar. 2. Select the administrator from the list of users. Click OK. The Edit/View Administrator window displays. 3. Click the Global button. The Global Multimedia Settings window displays. NOTE: All checkboxes and buttons under All Users will be inactive if there are no users in the AMX switching system. 4.
30 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide 5. Click OK to save revised information for the administrator. - or Click Cancel to exit the dialog box without saving the changes. NOTE: Clicking Global enables you to display the global multimedia settings for all users and all servers. It also enables you to include the administrator in the list of users' global settings.
31 CHAPTER 6 Managing Users and User Groups The AMWorks software enables you to manage users and user groups in your AMX switching system. For an introduction to user and server groups, see User groups and server groups on page 93.
32 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide 2. The New User dialog box appears. In the Username field, type a 1-15 character username. 3. In the Password field, type a 6-15 character password. In the Confirm Password field, retype the password. -orIf you wish to set a blank password for the user, select Allow Blank Password. The Password and Confirm Password fields will be disabled. NOTE: See Rules for usernames and passwords on page 90 for more information. 4.
Chapter 6: Managing Users and User Groups 33 To remove a user: 1. Select Users - Remove User from the menu bar. 2. Select a user, or use the Shift or Ctrl keys to select multiple users. 3. Click the Delete User(s) button. A confirmation box appears. 4. Click Yes to confirm the deletion. - or Click No to cancel the deletion. 5. Click Exit. Importing Usernames Usernames can be added to the AMWorks software database from comma separated value (CSV) files or LDAP servers.
34 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide NOTE: This example represents a user called administrator, which exists in the Users container on the yourDomainName.com Authentication server. At a minimum, you must replace the "yourDomainName" text with a valid domain name for your Authentication server. 7. In the Password field, type the password associated with the entered username. If the user is the administrator, you must specify the administrator password recognized by the Authentication server.
Chapter 6: Managing Users and User Groups 35 To display information about a logged in user: 1. Select Users - Logged In Users from the menu bar. 2. Select a user from the User list box. The display will include the time the user logged in and the session duration. To display and change a user’s configuration information: 1. Select Users - Edit/View User from the menu bar. - or Type Ctrl+U. - or Click the Edit/View User icon in the toolbar. 2. Type a username or select a name from the list.
36 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide To display and change the system administrator's configuration information: 1. Select Users - Edit/View Users from the menu bar. - or Type Ctrl+U. - or Click the Edit/View User icon in the toolbar. 2. Select admin from the list. Click OK. The Edit/View Administrator window displays. 3. You may change the system administrator's username and password.
Chapter 6: Managing Users and User Groups 37 NOTE: The Clear and Clear All buttons enable the removal of defined hotkey sequences and associated servers from the defined keys table and the AMX switching system. Selecting None from the Assigned Server drop-down list also enables the removal of a hotkey sequence. 7. Click OK to save changes. To set the Target Flag position: 1. Select Users - Edit/View User from the menu bar. - or Type Ctrl+U. - or Click the Edit/View User icon in the toolbar. 2.
38 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide 14. Click OK to save changes. To set the dwell time: 1. Select Users - Edit/View User from the menu bar. - or Type Ctrl+U. - or Click the Edit/View User icon in the toolbar. 2. Type a username or select a name from the list. Click OK. The user's configuration information is displayed. 3. Click the User Settings tab. 4. Click the Scan tab. 5.
Chapter 6: Managing Users and User Groups 39 To remove group associations, select one or more users in the Associated Users column. Then click the left angle (<) or double left angle (<<) button to move them to the UnAssociated Users column. 5. Click the Server Access Rights tab. The dialog box that appears contains three columns: No Access, View Only and Full Access. Each column has two buttons underneath it, labeled with the names of the remaining columns.
40 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide To display the names of users in a user group: 1. Select Admin Tools - Find from the menu bar. In the Select Entity list box, choose User Groups. Type a user group name or select a name from the list. Click OK. - or Double-click the User Group icon in the group selector pane. Select a user group. 2. The display screen will list the names of users in that user group. To display and change a user group’s configuration information: 1.
Chapter 6: Managing Users and User Groups If a user is logged in to more than one AMX user station, you may select one or more AMX user stations from the User Stations list box and then click the Logout from the user station button. - or To log out all users from all AMX user stations, click the Logout all Users button. 3. Click Done.
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43 CHAPTER 7 Managing Servers and Server Groups The AMWorks software enables you to manage servers and server groups as listed below. For an introduction to user and server groups, see User groups and server groups on page 93.
44 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide To add a server group: 1. Select Server - New Server Group from the menu bar. - or Click the New Server Group icon in the toolbar. 2. The Add New Server Group dialog box appears. In the Name of New Server Group field, type a name. 3. Click the Servers tab. The UnAssociated Servers column lists all servers. To associate a server with the new group, select a server, or use the Shift or Ctrl keys to select multiple servers. Then click the right angle (>) button.
Chapter 7: Managing Servers and Server Groups 45 Importing Server Names Server names can be added to the AMWorks software database from comma separated value (CSV) files or LDAP servers. NOTE: The Import Wizard filters the list of names being imported. Names already appearing in the system will not appear in the list of usernames found. To import server names from a CSV file: 1. Select Admin Tools - Import from the menu bar. 2. In the Import Type box, click the Server Names radio button. 3.
46 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide The default selection is LDAP, a server type that sends system communications without encryption, a method often called “in the clear.” The LDAPS server type encrypts system communications by sending them over an SSL connection. 9. (Optional) You may choose to use the fields within the Schema area to narrow the search for server names. In the Search DN field, you may type an LDAP Distinguished Name using the criteria defined in step 6.
Chapter 7: Managing Servers and Server Groups 47 - or Type Ctrl+S. - or Click the Edit/View Server icon in the toolbar. 4. Type a server name or select a name from the list. Click OK. 5. The server’s configuration information is displayed. You may change the server name, location, server group association, user group access, user access, comments and Audio Serial options. 6. Click OK to save the new server information. - or Click Cancel to exit the dialog box without saving the changes.
48 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Offline servers Servers that cannot be contacted by the AMWorks software are considered “offline.” Offline servers are placed in the offline database under the following conditions: • While the AMWorks software is running, a server is removed from an AMX switch in the system. The AMWorks software will move the server to the offline database.
49 CHAPTER 8 Managing AMX Switching System Devices The AMWorks software enables you to view and edit the following devices configured in your AMX switching system: • AMX switches • AMX user stations • AMIQ/AMIQDM modules Editing and Viewing AMX Switches Follow the instructions below to display a list of AMX switches in the system and to edit related information. To display a list of AMX switches: 1. Double-click the Devices icon in the group selector pane. 2. Select AMX Switch.
50 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Type Ctrl+M. - or Click the Edit/View Matrix Switch icon in the toolbar. 2. Type the name of an AMX switch or select one from the list. Click OK. 3. The AMX switch information is displayed. You may change the name. 4. Click OK to save the revised information. - or Click Cancel to exit the dialog box without saving the changes. Offline matrix switches Matrix switches that cannot be contacted by the AMWorks software are considered “offline.
Chapter 8: Managing AMX Switching System Devices 51 You may create an environment where critical servers that require redundancy are connected to both AMX switches. In addition, you can increase user station access to non-critical target servers connected to either of the two AMX switches. In a dual matrix switch configuration, all connection and configuration changes are made through port 1 of the user station.
52 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide 5. Click OK to save the revised information. - or Click Cancel to exit the dialog box without saving the changes. Viewing AMIQ and AMIQDM Modules NOTE: Unless otherwise stated, commands for AMIQ modules are applicable to AMIQDM modules. To display a list of AMIQ modules: 1. Double-click the Devices icon in the system selector pane. 2. Select AMIQ modules. The display screen will list the names of AMIQ modules and their identification numbers.
Chapter 8: Managing AMX Switching System Devices 53 Editing and Viewing MDM-Capable Devices NOTE: Before configuring an MDM-capable device, ensure that the MDM-AMIQ module is not in Emulation mode. To view and edit information for MDM-capable devices: 1. Select Servers - Edit/View Server from the menu bar. - or Type Ctrl+S. - or Click the Edit/View Server icon in the toolbar. 2. Type an MDM-capable device name or select an MDM-capable device name from the list. Click OK.
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55 CHAPTER 9 Connection Control The AMWorks software can issue commands to AMX user stations and AMIQ modules to perform switches remotely and/or connect and disconnect users and servers. These commands may be issued one at a time or to a pre-defined group of devices. Before connection control commands can be issued, the following must be in effect: • The system must be synchronized. • If the command is being sent to a user station, a user must be logged in at that station.
56 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Forcing a Disconnect To remotely disconnect one or several user station(s): 1. Select Devices - Force Disconnect from the menu bar. A list of user stations and their connections will be displayed. 2. Select the user station that is to be disconnected. You may select multiple user stations by holding the Ctrl key and clicking the desired user stations. 3. Click the Disconnect button to perform the disconnect(s).
Chapter 9: Connection Control 57 Click Configuration - Save to save the matrix for future use. - or Click Connect to use it immediately. To delete a matrix: 1. Select Devices - Configure Matrix from the menu bar. The Configure Matrix window will appear. 2. From the Configure Matrix window, select Configuration – Delete. 3. Click the name of the matrix that you wish to delete. You may select multiple configurations by holding the Shift key while you click each configuration.
58 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide To create a new user station group for Follow mode: 1. Select Devices - Follow Mode from the menu bar to activate the Follow Mode Settings window. 2. Click the Userstation Groups tab. 3. Click the New button. (This step can be skipped if no other user station groups exist.) 4. In the Userstation drop-down list, select the user station that you wish to be the leader and click the Add button. 5.
Chapter 9: Connection Control 59 NOTE: If you are using Follow Mode while the authentication setting is configured to LDAP user-login authentication only, the lead user station login attempt is authenticated through a configured LDAP server. When the user connects to a lead server, all preconfigured follower user stations are logged in automatically as the same user by the AMWorks software, and are connected to the lead server.
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61 CHAPTER 10 Managing Event Logs The AMWorks software maintains event logs that record user events, server events and/or system events. You may: • Display the content of a user event, server event and/or system event • Change the properties of the logs • Save log contents to your PC • Clear the logs You may change the ordering of the columns in an event log and the ordering of events within a column for the duration of the current display.
62 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide To change the maximum number of events the log file can hold, click the Maximum number of events checkbox and select a value from the list box. The range is 1-99,995 events. To change the maximum duration of the logging operation, click the Maximum duration checkbox and select a value from the list box. The range is 1-52 weeks. 3. Click OK to save the changes - or Click Cancel to exit the dialog box without saving the changes. 4.
Chapter 10: Managing Event Logs 63 Displaying the Server Events Log To display the Server Events log: 1. Select Event Logs - Server Events from the menu bar. - or Click the Server Events Log icon in the toolbar. 2. You may optionally specify a date and time interval by selecting the year, month, day, hour, minute, second and AM or PM in the Date From and To boxes. If you omit this information, all server events are displayed from the last time the log was cleared. 3.
64 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide 3. Click the Retrieve Data button. If the log contains entries for the specified events, they are displayed. If there are no log entries, a message displays, indicating that there are no results for specific criteria. 4. To close the log, click the Exit button.
65 CHAPTER 11 System Administration Tools Use the AMWorks software system administration commands to perform the following operations: • Add a device (see Adding AMX Switching System Devices on page 65) • Change the session time-out value (see Changing the Session Time-out Value on page 66) • Configure network settings (see Configuring Network Settings on page 67) • Change your password (see Changing the Administrator’s Password on page 67 or Setting Blank Passwords on page 68) • Set AMWorks so
66 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide a device cannot be automatically discovered, perform an Add Devices command to add one manually. A device that does not respond when you attempt to add it manually will be placed into the Offline Devices database, if desired. For more information, see Removing Offline Devices on page 72 and Viewing Offline Devices on page 75. NOTE: All AMX switches that are added manually must have their default gateway set up correctly from the console menu of the AMX switch.
Chapter 11: System Administration Tools 67 Configuring Network Settings After installing the AMWorks software for the first time or changing the IP address of the PC on which the AMWorks software is running, you must configure the network settings to associate the AMWorks software with the IP address of your server. If your server has only one IP address, a single IP address will display in the Choose Network IP drop-down list.
68 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide NOTE: You may also change your AMX switching system administrator password by selecting Users - Edit/View Users from the menu bar and admin from the list of users. See Editing and Viewing the Administrator on page 35 for more information. Setting Blank Passwords The administrator may set a blank password for any normal user (a blank password may not be set for the administrator).
Chapter 11: System Administration Tools 69 automatically during these instances, you may enable the auto login feature. Enabling auto login provides unrestricted access to the AMWorks software and is typically only used when the AMWorks software server is in a secure location. To enable auto login in AMWorks software: 1. After logging in to AMWorks software, click Admin Tools - Password from the menu bar. 2. Select Enable auto login. 3. Click OK.
70 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide NOTE: The configuration ID shown in this dialog box is for information purposes only. You cannot change it here. If you need to change the configuration ID, see Configuring Network Settings on page 67. 5. Click the Add Subnet button to add the subnet to the Subnet(s) History list and the Discovery List with the name you assigned to it in step 2.
Chapter 11: System Administration Tools 71 NOTE: This comparison is only useful if the system goes out of sync for any reason. For more information, see Synchronizing the System Database on page 73. To display connection comparison information: 1. Select Admin Tools - Connectivity Overview from the menu bar. - or Type Ctrl+C. 2. Click the Start button to list the AMX switches with connectivity errors. 3. Choose an AMX switch. 4. Click Start again to view the errors for the AMX switch. 5.
72 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Removing Offline Devices The Remove Offline Devices operation permanently removes an offline device (AMX switch or AMIQ module) from the AMX switching system databases. After a device has been permanently removed, there are three ways to retrieve an offline device: • User rediscovers the device (AMX switch or AMIQ module). See Discovering Devices on page 69. • User manually adds the device (AMX switch). See Adding AMX Switching System Devices on page 65.
Chapter 11: System Administration Tools 73 To remove an offline matrix switch: 1. Click Admin Tools - Offline Devices - Remove [Switch Type] from the menu bar. 2. In the Remove Device dialog box, select the matrix switch(s) you wish to remove and click Remove. 3. Click Exit to close the dialog box. Synchronizing the System Database Once the system devices have been synchronized, they will maintain the sync state unless there is a temporary network error.
74 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Updating Firmware Make sure that you have access to the appropriate update files before you begin updating the firmware. See Firmware update files on page 88 for more information. NOTE: During the initial installation/configuration of the AMWorks software, it may be necessary to update the AMX switches to a compatible revision before the Synchronize System Database operation can be performed successfully. See Installation on page 5 for details.
Chapter 11: System Administration Tools 75 Viewing Offline Devices The AMWorks software enables you to view matrix switches or servers no longer connected to the AMX switching system. To view an offline device: 1. Click Admin Tools - Offline Devices - View from the menu bar. - or In the Devices tree view, double-click Offline Devices and the device type to view a list of devices. NOTE: Devices display in the device tree only when they exist in the database. 2.
76 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide To clear a user database: 1. Select Admin Tools - Database - Clear Database from the menu bar. 2. Confirm that you want all users, permissions and switches removed from the database. Controlling Multiple AMX Switching Systems from the AMWorks Software The AMWorks software administrators can manage multiple separate and distinct AMX switching systems from the AMWorks software.
Chapter 11: System Administration Tools 77 Working Offline The AMWorks software enables you to work “offline.” This means that you can execute a limited set of administrative functions without being connected to the network. When working offline, the changes you make will be added to the local database only. After you reconnect to the network and resynchronize the system, the changes made while working offline will be added to the AMX switching system database.
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79 CHAPTER 12 Configuring LDAP The AMWorks software enables you to configure LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) user login authentication on your AMX switching system (provided the firmware on your AMX switches supports LDAP). The LDAP Configuration menu option will only be enabled if the AMWorks software discovers AMX switches that support LDAP; otherwise, the menu option will be disabled.
80 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide NOTE: You will not be able to save changes if you have selected one of the LDAP user login authentication options, but have not configured the LDAP parameters. Setting Server Parameters for LDAP User Authentication After selecting an LDAP user login authentication option, you will need to set up the LDAP server parameters that will be used by an AMX switch to connect to the LDAP authentication server when a user attempts to log in.
Chapter 12: Configuring LDAP 81 8. In the Secondary DNS IP Address field, you may type the IP address of your secondary DNS server in network dot notation, if one is desired. This field is enabled only if there is an entry in the Primary DNS IP Address field, and is not a required field. 9. In the Tertiary DNS IP Address field, you may type the IP address of your tertiary DNS server in network dot notation, if one is desired.
82 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide you enter may be up to 30 characters long. All standard Microsoft Windows characters are allowed. Asterisks (*) will display for each character you type in the field. 6. In the Confirm Password field, retype the password entered in the Search Password field. 7. In the Search Base field, type the starting domain for the LDAP search or query. You must follow standard LDAP authentication formatting rules to specify the Search Base as an LDAP Distinguished Name.
83 APP ENDICE S Appendices The following information is contained in this section: • System Configuration on page 83 • Glossary on page 86 • Reference on page 88 • Troubleshooting on page 95 • Technical Support on page 103 Appendix A: System Configuration AMWorks software and AMX switches on same network segment The configuration shown below is the simplest configuration for an AMX switching system. All nodes are on the same physical network and the same network subnet.
84 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide AMWorks software and AMX switches separated by router In the configuration shown below, the AMX switches are separated by a router onto different physical network segments. The AMWorks software will be able to automatically discover the matrix switch at node 2. The AMWorks software may be able to automatically discover the matrix switches at nodes 3, 4 and 5; however, it is more likely that the administrator will have to manually add the switches at those nodes.
Appendices 85 AMWorks software and AMX switches separated by WAN In the configuration shown below, the AMWorks software is separated by a WAN (Wide Area Network), a VPN (Virtual Private Network - a secure or “private” data network that uses a public communication infrastructure) and a firewall. Despite these limitations, the AMWorks software administrator can manually add all of the matrix switches located at nodes 2, 3 and 4, because all networked AMX switches are located on the same logical WAN.
86 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Appendix B: Glossary • AMIQ module (AMX Switch Intelligent Module) - The AMIQ module connects a target device to an AMX switch. • AMIQDM module (AMX Switch Intelligent Module Dual Port/Multimedia) - The AMIQDM module has two RJ45 ports and can connect a target device to one or two AMX switches or to one or two ports on the same AMX switch. The AMIQDM module can also support multimedia (audio and serial) features.
Appendices 87 • Non-local discovery - Automatic discovery of devices that are updated to the latest software, exist on a reachable physical network and on a specified subnet. The devices must have the same configuration ID as AMWorks software. • Offline devices - Devices that cannot be contacted by AMWorks software but still exist in its database or in a system AMX50xx switch database. Only matrix switches and servers (AMIQ modules) can have offline status.
88 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Appendix C: Reference AMX switching system The AMX switching system refers to the cluster of AMX switches that are synchronized together through the AMWorks software. When AMWorks software synchronizes a cluster of AMX switches, one of the switches is designated as the master switch. For switches to be considered part of the same AMX switching system, they must have the same master switch.
Appendices 89 Table 1.2: Firmware Update Files for AMX User Stations AMX User Station Device Type Filename AMX5100 User Station amx51xx.avt AMX5110, AMX5120 User Station amx51p2.avt AMX5111, AMX5121, AMX5130 User Station amx51p3.avt Table 1.3: Firmware Update Files for IQ Modules IQ Module Type Filename AMIQ-PS2, AMIQDM-PS2 modules amiqps2.avt AMIQ-SERIAL module amiqsrl.avt AMIQ-USB, AMIQ-VSN, AMIQDM-USB, AMIQDM-VSN modules amiqsusb.
90 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide KVM switches in seamless switching system The following KVM switches can be seamlessly cascaded in an AMX switching system. No special cascading protocols are required between the AMX switching system and these KVM switches. Table 1.
Appendices 91 Table 1.5: Merge Mode Conflict Resolution Type of Conflict Resolution Password is reset automatically and randomly. Neither the administrator nor the user will know what the password is. Only the AMWorks software administrator can resolve this situation. The Conflicts Found message box displays. Conflicting users are listed in the Status window.
92 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Table 1.
Appendices • 93 Performs faster than the Merge Synchronization mode with no conflicts to resolve CAUTION: If you use the Overwrite option and specify an AMX switches database, you will lose the information associated with any user and server groups that you have configured in the AMWorks software.
94 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide • If removed from the Employees user group, the user will have Full Access rights to the Accounts Servers server group, but will have no access to all other servers. • If a server is removed from the Accounts Servers server group, the user will no longer have any access to this server. CAUTION: After you have created user and/or server groups using the AMWorks software, do not modify any user-to-server access rights from an AMX user station OSCAR interface.
Appendices 95 Appendix D: Troubleshooting Cancel button does nothing during firmware update If the Cancel button is clicked during a firmware update, a cancel message is sent to the system devices to stop any further updating. However, aborting firmware updates can leave the device in an undetermined state. So, the device is instructed to finish the update that is in progress, but do nothing more.
96 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide existing system (if any) on a different subnet from the AMWorks software must be manually added and updated before discovery is successful. Table 1.9: Troubleshooting - Discover Devices Does Not Detect AMX Switches in the System Cause Recommended Solution The Discover Devices operation does not detect all AMX switches in the system.
Appendices 97 Table 1.10: Troubleshooting - Log In Failure at User Station Cause Recommended Solution LDAP authentication is enabled and you are entering your AMX switch password. Enter your LDAP password. LDAP is enabled and at least one of your LDAP parameters is incorrect. Make corrections to your LDAP Configuration parameters. Grouping conflicts Table 1.
98 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide AMWorks software hangs during firmware update If the matrix switch is powered down or the network is lost during the ftp portion of a firmware update, the AMWorks software may appear to hang. There will be a delay before the AMWorks software becomes responsive again. Table 1.12: Troubleshooting - AMWorks Software Hangs During Firmware Update Cause Recommended Solution The matrix switch was powered down or the network connection was lost during a firmware update.
Appendices 99 NOTE: After the AMWorks software has been synchronized successfully, you may take the AMWorks software offline and perform database changes. When the AMWorks software comes back online, it will automatically attempt to synchronize with the rest of the AMX switch distributed system. System cannot retrieve synchronization status After launching the AMWorks software, the Startup Error dialog box displays indicating that the system cannot retrieve synchronization status from the system.
100 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Target flag disappears after preview The target flag disappears after you have clicked the Preview button. The AMWorks software is unresponsive. Table 1.16: Troubleshooting - Target Flag Disappears After Preview Cause Recommended Solution The position of the target flag coincides with that of the Windows task bar. The Windows task bar may have a setting of Always on top and/or Auto hide.
Appendices 101 User does not hear sound Table 1.19: Troubleshooting - User Does Not Hear Sound Cause Recommended Solution The connected devices may not be capable of supporting multimedia or multimedia may not be enabled in the AMWorks software. Ensure that all connected devices can support the multimedia feature and the multimedia settings in the AMWorks software are enabled for the user. User station displays in connection table, not in tree view Table 1.
102 AMWorks Software Installer/User Guide Cannot successfully connect a user station to two AMX matrix switches Table 1.22: Troubleshooting - Cannot Successfully Connect a User Station to Two AMX Matrix Switches Cause Recommended Solution The user station does not support dual AMX switch configuration. Dual AMX matrix configuration is supported on AMX5111, AMX5121 or AMX5130 user stations.
Appendices 103 Appendix E: Technical Support Our Technical Support staff is ready to assist you with any installation or operating issues you encounter with your Avocent product. If an issue should develop, follow the steps below for the fastest possible service. To resolve an issue: 1. Check the pertinent section of this manual to see if the issue can be resolved by following the procedures outlined. 2. Check our web site at www.avocent.
USA Notification Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment.
AMWorks® Installer/User Guide For Technical Support: www.avocent.com/support Avocent Corporation 4991 Corporate Drive Huntsville, Alabama 35805-6201 USA Tel: +1 256 430 4000 Fax: +1 256 430 4031 Avocent Asia Pacific Singapore Branch Office 100 Tras Street, #15-01 Amara Corporate Tower Singapore 079027 Tel: +656 227 3773 Fax: +656 223 9155 Avocent International Ltd.
