Dominion® KX & KX II CIM Guide Version 6
This document provides a guide for Computer Interface Module (CIM) usage for Dominion KX I and KX
II, with answers to frequently asked questions. This guide has been updated for Release 2.1 (blade
server feature) and the recently announced Dominion KX II Smart Card / CAC Solution.
„ Dominion KX II CIM Compatibility
Dominion KX II was designed to use multiple types of CIMs, including:
•
The Dominion KX I CIMs (DCIMs): DCIM-PS2, DCIM-USBG2, DCIM-USB, DCIM-SUSB and
DCIM-SUN can be used with KX I and KX II switches.
•
The new Dominion KX II CIMs (D2CIMs): D2CIM-DVUSB, D2CIM-VUSB and D2CIM-PWR
can only be used with KX II switches. They can not be used with KX I switches. These CIMs
have a blue case.
•
Select Paragon and Paragon II CIMs: the specific Paragon CIMs supported for Dominion KX
II are listed below.
Dominion KX I
DCIM-PS2
Dominion KX II
DCIM-PS2
Dominion KX I CIMs
Dominion KX II CIMs
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
DCIM-USBG2*
DCIM-USB (EOL)
DCIM-SUSB (EOL)
DCIM-SUN
DCIM-USBG2*
DCIM-USB (EOL)
DCIM-SUSB (EOL)
DCIM-SUN
•
•
D2CIM-VUSB
D2CIM-PWR
D2CIM-DVUSB
Paragon I CIMs
•
D2CIM-DVUSB
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
UKVMPD
•
•
•
•
UKVMPD
UUSBPD
UKVMC
UUSBPD
USKVMPD
USKVMC
USKVMPD
UKVMC
Paragon II CIMs
P2CIM-PS2
P2CIM-PS2DUAL
P2CIM-USB
P2CIM-USBG2
P2CIM-AUSB
P2CIM-SUSB
P2CIM-SUN
P2CIM-PWR
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
P2CIM-AUSB
P2CIM-PS2
P2CIM-USB
P2CIM-SUSB
P2CIM-SUN
P2CIM-SER
P2CIM-SER-EU
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Packages of 32 and 64 D2CIM-VUSB CIMs provide a discount for buying in volume. The U.S. list price
for a single D2CIM-VUSB is $135, but is $125 per CIM when purchased in a pack of 32, and $120 per
CIM for a pack of 64.
Customers who do not want virtual media and absolute mouse synchronization should use the new
DCIM-USBG2, which is less expensive at $99 U.S. list price.
Not all servers support Absolute Mouse Synchronization
Again, a USB server port is required, and the OS must support this technology. Microsoft Windows
and Mac servers support this, but not UNIX, SUN and Linux.
„ Power CIMs for KX I and KX II
For KX I switches, use the existing P2CIM-PWR CIM for both the existing RPC power strips and the
new Dominion PX power strips
For KX II switches, use the new D2CIM-PWR CIM for both the existing RPC power strips and the
new Dominion PX power strips.
Dominion KX I
Dominion KX II
RPC (Existing)
P2CIM-PWR
D2CIM-PWR
Dominion PX (New)
„ DCIM-USBG2 Replaces the DCIM-USB and DCIM-SUSB
The DCIM-USBG2 replaces the DCIM-USB and DCIM-SUSB CIMs, which are now end-of-life. The
Paragon II equivalent is the P2CIM-AUSB. The information below also applies to this CIM, which can
be used with the Dominion KX II.
The DCIM-USBG2 is the second generation version of these CIMs, with enhanced reliability and
performance. The DCIM-USBG2 supports both USB and SUN USB. A small switch on the unit
determines USB or SUN USB. For Windows targets, the “P” setting should be used. For Sun targets,
the “S” setting should be used. For other OS’, start with the “P” position. If the keyboard and/or
mouse do not operate correctly, switch to the “S” position.
Important Note: You must power cycle the CIM if you change the switch setting while the CIM is
connected to the target server.
Steps to power cycle the CIM:
1. Remove the USB connector from the target server. The video connector can remain in place.
2. Wait 5 seconds.
3. Reconnect the USB connector.
You can configure the CIM using a setup menu for various operating modes, such as keyboard and
mouse types and keyboard language. See the appendix at the end of this document for more
information.
The DCIM-USBG2 can be used for both KX I and KX II. It is a low cost CIM – US list price of $99 - but
lacks the virtual media and absolute mouse features of the D2CIM-VUSB and D2CIM-DVUSB..
„ Dominion KX II Recommended USB CIM Usage
For Dominion KX II, the recommended usage depends on the features desired and the type of server
and is as follows:
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Customer Needs
CIM to Use
•
•
Advanced features: virtual
media, absolute mouse
synchronization
Windows, Linux and Mac
servers
D2CIM-DVUSB
•
•
BIOS use of Virtual Media
Required for Smart Card
use
•
•
Advanced features: virtual
media, absolute mouse
synchronization
D2CIM-VUSB
Windows, Linux and Mac
servers
•
•
•
•
•
OS use of Virtual Media
SUN USB Servers
Unix Servers
DCIM-USBG2
DCIM-USBG2
Basic CIM features
USB Servers
„ Dominion KX I DCIM-USBG2 Usage
For Dominion KX I, the recommended usage depends on the firmware release as follows:
Dominion KX I
Release
CIM to Use
DCIM-USBG2 for USB and
SUN USB Servers
KX 1.3, KX 1.4, KX 1.4.x
DCIM-USB
KX 1.0.x, KX 1.1 and KX 1.2
DCIM-SUSB (Sun USB)
So most KX I customers should purchase the DCIM-USBG2, unless they are running a very old
firmware release. Of course, customers can upgrade free of charge to new firmware and use the
DCIM-USBG2 for increased reliability.
„ Connect to Serial Devices with P2CIM-SER and Dominion KX II
The P2CIM-SER (and P2CIM-SER-EU for European market) can be used to connect a serial device
(networking device, headless server) to a Dominion KX II, Paragon II or Dominion KX.
The P2CIM-SER converts serial device input to a standard KVM signal for use with Paragon II and
Dominion KX I and KX II. The US List Price is $149. The CIM is powered via USB from the serial
device or the PWR-SER-4 four port power adapter.
„ CIM Usage for Blade Servers
Release 2.1 and above supports access, control and management for Dell, HP and IBM Blade Servers.
The type of CIM to be used for KVM access depends on the KVM ports on the blade chassis or blade
server the CIM is connected to, and whether advanced features such as virtual media and absolute
mouse synchronization are wanted and supported by the blade server.
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CIMs are connected to blade servers in two ways: (1) connect CIMs to each individual blade server or
(2) connect a CIM to the blade server chassis’ internal KVM switch or management module. The
following table describes the supported methods:
Blade Chassis
CIM to
Chassis
CIM to
Blade
Dell 1855 & 1955
Dell M1000e
HP c7000
9
9
9
9
9
HP c3000
IBM S, H, E & HT
IBM T
9
9
9
Generic
In general, most blade servers have USB ports, but certain older blade servers have PS2 ports. The
following CIMs are used with blade servers:
•
•
•
•
DCIM-PS2 –PS2 ports
DCIM-USBG2 –USB ports, no virtual media
D2CIM-VUSB – USB, virtual media (if blade server supports it)
D2CIM-DVUSB – USB, BIOS virtual media (if blade server supports it)
The supported and recommended CIMS for the different types of blade servers is as follows:
Blade
DCIM-PS2
DCIM-USBG2
D2CIM-VUSB
D2CIM-DVUSB
Chassis
Dell 1855
Dell1955
9
9
9
9
(connected to blade)
(connected to blade)
(connected to blade)
Dell
9
M1000e
HP c3000
HP c7000
9
9
9
(connected to blade)
(connected to blade)
(connected to blade)
IBM H
IBM E
IBM S
IBM HT
9
9
9
Haven’t tested and
certified these for virtual
media
IBM T
9
9
Generic
9
In the above table, if the check (9) is accompanied by the phrase “(connected to blade)”, then the
CIM is connected to each individual blade server. Otherwise the CIM connects to the blade chassis’
internal KVM switch or the management module.
When connecting to individual Dell 1855/1995 blades, the “USB Front Dongle for Dell PowerEdge
1855/1955” cable is required; manufacturer part number N8138 and Dell part number 310-6484.
When connecting to individual HP c3000 and c7000 blades, the “HP c-Class Blade SUV Cable” is used;
part # is 416003-001. Note: the internal KVM module for the HP c3000 is not supported in this
release.
Virtual media and advanced mouse synchronization is supported on blade servers where a CIM is
connected to each blade server, assuming the operating system on the blade supports these features.
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Virtual media is also supported on the IBM Blade Center E and H chassis when using the D2CIM-
DVUSB with the gray USB plug connected to the media tray (front panel) and the black plug to the
management module (back panel). The connection to the Media Tray (front panel) will require the use
of an USB extension cable connected to the gray USB plug on the D2CIM-DVUSB. Auto-discovery
must be enabled on the KX II Port Configuration page for virtual media to work.
Please note that the Paragon blade server CIMs (P2CIM-AUSB-B and P2CIM-APS2-B) should not be
used with the Dominion KX II.
See the documentation and release notes for more information on the blade server feature.
„ Smart Card Usage
The Dominion KX II based Smart Card / CAC Solution was announced in March 2009, to be available
in 2Q2009. The D2CIM-DVUSB is required for Smart Card and US government Common
Access Card (CAC) use. No other CIM will support a Smart Card connection to a target server.
„ Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use the KX I DCIMs with KX II?
Æ Yes, you can. But these will not support virtual media and absolute mouse synchronization.
2. Can I use the KX II D2CIMs with KX I?
Æ No, the KX I was not designed to use these new CIMs.
3. The server only has PS2 ports, what should I do for KX II?
Æ Use the DCIM-PS2. Remember the KX I DCIMs will work with KX II.
4. I would like to use virtual media. What CIM do I need?
Æ You need a virtual media CIM, either the D2CIM-DVUSB or D2CIM-VUSB. You also need to
make sure that the target server’s (USB port, OS and BIOS) support Virtual Media. See above.
5. Which virtual media CIM should I purchase?
Æ If you plan to use virtual media at the BIOS level or if you plan to use Smart Cards,
then you should purchase the Dual USB CIM – D2CIM-DVUSB. This CIM will support virtual
media in a wider set of BIOS as well as future Smart Card / CAC use. If you only plan to use
virtual media at the OS level, then you can use the D2CIM-VUSB.
6. When do I need to use a USB Profile?
Two primary uses. First, for Mac and Linux, you should use a USB profile to set the mouse
synchronization mode. Second, when using the D2CIM-VUSB with some servers, you will need
to use a USB Profile when in the BIOS. See the Release 2.0.10 documentation for more info.
7. The customer wants absolute mouse synchronization, but not virtual media. How to
handle this?
Æ You can purchase the D2CIM-VUSB, but disable the virtual media permissions via the KX II’s
management user interface.
8. The customer wants virtual media in KX I. Can I connect the D2CIM-VUSB to a KX I?
Æ No, the D2CIM-DVUSB and D2CIM-VUSB will only work with KX II. KX I switches can never
support virtual media due to hardware differences.
9. The D2CIM-VUSB is too expensive. Is there an alternative?
Æ You can purchase the D2CIM-VUSB (or D2CIM-DVUSB) in the 32 or 64 piece packages for a
reduced price. Or you can purchase the DCIM-USBG2, which doesn’t have virtual media and
absolute mouse synchronization for $99 U.S. List Price.
10. I want to connect a PX to a Dominion KX II. How do I do this?
Æ You should use the D2CIM-PWR to connect a PX (or the existing RPC) to a KX II.
11. I want to connect a PX to a Dominion KX I. How do I do this?
Æ You should use the P2CIM-PWR to connect a PX (or the existing RPC) to a KX I.
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12. Why did you develop the DCIM-USBG2?
Æ The DCIM-USBG2 has a more modern architecture based on the P2CIM-AUSB. It replaces
the DCIM-USB and DCIM-SUSB (via switch on the CIM) and supports more server types. It can
be used with both KX I and KX II.
13. Does the DCIM-USBG2 support virtual media and absolute mouse synch?
Æ No, the D2CIM-DVUSB or D2CIM-VUSB is required for these features.
14. What about Mac target servers? What CIM should be used?
Æ For a Mac target server, we recommend the D2CIM-VUSB and absolute mouse
synchronization. The "MAC OS X (10.4.9 and later)" USB profile should be used when in the
OS and the "BIOS Mac" USB profile when in the Mac BIOS.
15. I have a few serial devices that I want to connect to a KX II. Can I?
Yes, the P2CIM-SER can be used to connect serial devices to a KX II.
16. What CIM should I use with a blade server?
DCIM-PS2, DCIM-USBG2, D2CIM-VUSB or D2CIM-DVUSB. See the section in this guide for
more information.
17. I plan to use Smart Cards in the future. What CIM should I use?
The D2CIM-DVUSB CIM is required for Smart Card or US government Common Access Card
(CAC) use.
18. Can I use the Paragon II P2CIM-AUSB-C CIM which supports Paragon II Smart Card
use?
No, only the D2CIM-DVUSB will support Smart Card and CAC use for the Dominion KX II.
19. Can I use an existing D2CIM-DVUSB for Smart Card/CAC use?
Yes, but it must be upgraded with the new Smart Card firmware, when available. The CIM will
be automatically upgraded if it is connected to the Dominion KX II switch when the switch is
upgraded.
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The DCIM-USBG2 Setup Menu
This setup menu allows you to configure the CIM for various settings, such as keyboard and mouse
types and keyboard language. To access the menu, press the Left-CTL and Num Lock keys
simultaneously when a text editor window (in text input mode) has the focus on the target server. All
settings are saved in non-volatile memory so the CIM will “remember” these settings. The setup
menu as shown in Microsoft Windows Notepad is as follows:
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
The first line identifies the CIM FW and HW versions. The FW version is in hexadecimal.
Section 1 defines the user keyboard language setting. If you are using a German keyboard, for
example, you will enter 09 at the menu prompt (>).
Section 2 defines additional keyboard settings:
•
•
Lazy LED Update. When off, the CIM sends all LED status messages from the target server to
the switch. When on, the CIM sends only status messages that are different from the message
sent previously. Some target servers send the same status continually, possibly overloading
the switch. This option prevents the overload.
Sun Fire Patch. A new option introduced in firmware 0EF handles the non-standard USB
operation of some Sun Fire target servers. If these servers do not receive a keyboard packet
periodically, they assume the keyboard and mouse are disconnected and do not respond to
further input. When the switch is in the 'S' position, and the feature is enabled (default), the
CIM sends an empty keyboard packet every 500 milliseconds. The feature can be disabled via
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the CIM setup menu. It is safe to leave this feature on, even when not required as the only
side effect will be unnecessary data sent to the target server.
Section 3 defines the mouse type. Standard 3-button wheel mice (m0) and up to 8-button mice and
trackballs (m1) are supported currently. The proper driver for the mouse must be installed on the
target server.
Section 4 displays the current settings.
This setup menu information also applies to the Paragon II P2CIM-AUSB.
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