HP 5600 Deploying HP KVM consoling solutions best practices - Page 19

Figure 16. KVM consoling example Remote KVM LAN Console HP IP Console Switch Local KVM Console Interface Adapter First Tier Second Tier USB Thumb Drive HP Server Console Switch Server #03 (see NOTE) To other console switches or servers Local KVM Console Interface Adapter Server #02 01 Interface Adapter To other console switches or servers Server #02 16 NOTE: Server numbers are assigned by firmware according to switch port (or ports, if tiering) being used: first two digits = first tier switch port, second two digits = second tier switch port, third two digits = third tier switch The interface adapters used for this example are the latest versions that support virtual media operations. The server numbers indicate the port designations that the user will see, either at the remote KVM console or the Local KVM Console connected to the HP IP Console Switch. A third tier is possible by adding another console switch to the second tier switch. However, port blocking can become an issue if a number of switches are cascaded this way. Only one KVM session per switch port is allowed. A session between the Remote KVM Console and a second tier server will tie up both switches as long as the KVM session is active. In an enterprise infrastructure, using the most local KVM Console for server access, especially for virtual media functions, relieves congestion by allowing KVM and virtual media sessions to occur simultaneously on adjacent or upper tier links. Implementation best practices Firmware upgrades HP recommends upgrading the firmware on all newly installed switches and interface adapters before configuring the system. In addition, HP recommends upgrading the firmware on all existing management devices when a new management device is added to the system. Administrators can upgrade the HP IP Console Switch firmware using either of the following methods: • Through a TFTP or FTP server by a workstation connected to the serial port of the console switch and running terminal emulation software • From a remote KVM console running HP IP Console Viewer software 19