User guide

Chapter 1: Product Overview 3
OSCAR graphical user interface
With the OSCAR graphical user interface, you can use your keyboard or mouse to select any
attached target device. This easy-to-use, menu-driven interface also enables you to administer
security settings, language and keyboard selection, hotkey sequences and other
features.
Administration using the AMWorks software
The AMWorks Java-based system administration software tool is supplied with each AMX switch.
Use it to assign names to attached target devices and users, designate user access rights, monitor
switching system events, and upgrade firmware. You can also use
AMWorks software to
configure
AMX switching system installations remotely, eliminating the need to configure each
unit separately.
System monitoring using the SNMP interface
The AMX switch supports the Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) to remotely
monitor the switch via the ethernet port. Once SNMP is configured, you can use the SNMP
protocol to manage and control user stations and their connections in the switching system.
Glossary
The following terms are used throughout this documentation:
• Cascading – Connecting multiple KVM switches to an AMX switch, providing additional
connections for target devices. Cascading expands the number of target devices that can be
connected to the AMX switching system.
• Console – The user station and peripheral devices used by each local user.
• IQ module – T he primary interface between an attached device (KVM switch, serial device or
PS/2, Sun or USB server) and the
AMX switching system. IQ modules are server-powered and
provide keyboard emulation, DDC (Digital Data Channel) and
AMX switching system support.
• Peripheral devices – The set of communication devices connected to each user station. May
include keyboard, monitor, mouse, speakers and headphones.
• Switch – Equipment that provides KVM connectivity to attached target devices.
• Switching system – A set of switches and attached target devices, user stations, IQ modules
and peripheral devices.
• Target device – Equipment such as a server or serial device that is attached through an IQ
module to a switch or user station and can be accessed through the switching system.
• Unit – Includes switches, user stations and target devices; this term is used when the procedure
is referring to any or all.
• User station – The interface between the AMX switch and system users, storing local (console)
settings and providing connections for peripheral devices. The user station also provides the
OSCAR interface for target device selection and administration.