User guide

Chapter 1: Introduction 15
Options for Accessing the MergePoint 5224/5240 SP Manager,
Managing User Passwords and Managing IPDU Power Outlets
and Target Devices
Authorized users can access the MergePoint 5224/5240 SP manager through the local network,
through the Internet and through dial
-ins to an optional modem or phone card for the
following purposes:
• Performing management actions on target devices
• Managing outlets on optionally connected IPDUs
• Managing the user’s own password
For details about modem access, see Dial-in Access on page 19.
The following means are available for logging into the MergePoint 5224/5240 SP manager and
performing the above
-listed actions:
• Using the Web Manager and choosing from a list of menu options. For more details, see Web
Manager on page 4.
• Using an SSH application or the ssh command on the command line of the user’s workstation
to connect to the MergePoint 5224/5240 SP manager’s command line, then choosing from a
list of menu options. See Accessing the MergePoint 5224/5240 SP Manager Console on
page 16, User Shell (rmenush) on page 16 and SP Shell (spshell) on page 17.
• Using ssh on the command line to execute an SP management command directly on the SP. For
details, see Using SSH Management Commands on page 17. The target device management
features are described under Using SSH Management Commands on page 17.
The MergePoint 5224/5240 SP manager provides target device management commands for the ssh
command that are not provided for the telnet command. Because SSH is encrypted and therefore
more secure, by default the ssh command is the only supported means of performing target device
management actions directly on a target device:
• Users cannot use the telnet command to connect directly to a target device or to perform
management actions through the MergePoint 5224/5240 SP manager.
• Users can use the ssh command to connect directly to a target device or to perform
management actions through the MergePoint 5224/5240 SP manager. For more details, see
Using SSH Management Commands on page 17.
Command Line Access Through Console Logins
Administrators and authorized users can access the command line through the consoles of the
MergePoint 5224/5240 SP manager and of SPs, servers and other target devices. Users of any type
can log into a console using either the Web Manager, menus available through the MergePoint
5224/5240 SP manager’s console or using the ssh command.