Priority Colo -- Raritan KVM primer
This primer is a guide to using PriorityColo's Raritan KVM interface to remotely access a server console. This device allows you to interact with a server as though you were physically there with a keyboard, video, and mouse, remotely from any PC.
Legacy KVM Connections (Raritan DKX2 Java based KVM over IP, all Raritan KVM over IP connections except Raritan-A4.tor1.prioritycolo.com):
#1 - To use the Java based Raritan KVM over IP connection on Windows/PC, you'll need to download the current Raritan Multi Platform Client ("MPC"). Priority Colo hosts a local copy of the client at:
https://www.prioritycolo.com/tools/mpc-installer.MPC_7.0.3.5.62.jar.zip
Note #1: This will require your PC to have Java installed. If you do not currently have Java installed, you can do so at https://www.java.com/download/ie_manual.jsp
Note #2: If using a MAC, you may find it easier to work with the launch file we've created to assist MAC users:
https://www.prioritycolo.com/tools/PriorityColoKVM.zip
#2 - Once the Java based Raritan MPC software has been installed, as of mid-2022, most Windows 10 + Current Java installations will not work "out of the box" and require some tweaking to support the legacy Raritan KVM's. PC staff have written this helpful how-to guide, to simplify addressing the security changes implemented in Java, that prevent the MPC from working out of the box. Following the steps in this linked guide, should resolve any Java issues: https://helpdesk.prioritycolo.com/en/kb/article/resolving-raritan-kvm-over-ip-multi-platform-client-mpc-java-issues
#3 - Once the MPC software has been installed (Step #1), and any Java/security issues have been addressed (Step #2), load up the installed MPC application, where you'll be presented with the main UI for the KVM tool.
#4 - Because the MPC has just been installed, the profile should be empty, without any available Raritan devices configured. You must add the device you wish to connect to, to the list.
Click on Connection / New Profile (or the "New Profile" button, leftmost [blank page icon] on the toolbar). The "New Connection" dialog box will appear:
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#5 - Under "Description", enter the short name of the unit, in this example we'll be using "raritan-a1.tor1.prioritycolo.com".
Next - Below "Find Raritan device By:", select the "Host Name" radio button, and enter the fully qualified domain name of the unit (e.g. for our example, "raritan-a1.tor1.prioritycolo.com").
#6 - An entry for the unit will now appear under the "Raritan Devices" panel in the left tab/pane. Double-click it to bring up the connect dialogue.
#7 - The unit will prompt you for your username/password (these are the KVM user/pass which were provided to you). You may opt to have the MPC client retain the username/password if desired. Remember that Raritan Devices have multiple ports (we use 32, and 64 port models), so if you have multiple servers with KVM over IP access, you may end up with multiple usernames, and passwords, for the same KVM device.
#8 - If the connection is successful, the device will expand, showing any ports you are authorized to connect to, this will normally be a single port.
The port number will be indicated first (in this case, "1"), with a short description following afterwards (": Channel"). The descriptions are user-configurable, semi-persistent and saved on the physical dongles which are plugged into the servers VGA/USB ports.
This means that sometimes random descriptions will be present on a dongle (or a corrupted description present). While users can configure the descriptions, they should not rely on them (only the numerical port number is of relevance, dongles are not retained
between server moves, specific to a customer, they're "floating" consumables, like network or power cables [where only the ports they're connected to are of consequence, not the cable itself]).
(Note the IP address(es) shown in various elements in the MPC software reflect the IP of the Raritan device itself, not of your respective server. The KVM is physically attached to servers, but not logically coupled [IE: a Raritan has no concept of networking, network configs, IP's, etc. beyond what's allocated to its own network port])
#9 - Double-click on a port to connect to it:
You should now see an image of the console of the system attached to that port, in the Channel panel. You may interact with the console using the keyboard and mouse.
Errata:
* If the port you are looking for is not visible under the connected unit, the system may be powered off (the kvm hides powered-off systems). See the APC guide for instructions on powering on your system.
* The interface has a few odd quirks. If you alt + tab away from the MPC window and then return, you may find keyboard input stops working. Try clicking on the console window first, to return focus to the applet, or clicking on the "Channel" button centered above the actual console window. Alternatively, try tapping any keys which might have gotten stuck (IE: "alt" or "ctrl"), to clear any keys that might be stuck down on the hardware side.
* Most keyboard codes / shortcuts should work, but watch out for shortcuts captured by the local OS! In particular, there are toolbar buttons for CTRL + ALT + DEL, Alt + Tab, etc. which can be found on the "keyboard" drop-down of the menu. Additional macro's can be defined & added to this menu, by selecting "Keyboard Macro's".
* If typing in a significant amount of data, copying/pasting configurations, or perhaps long passwords, you can bring up a notepad to dump text to the client (allowing you to effectively copy/paste into the client). This option can be found under the "Keyboard" drop-down menu, titled "Send text to target...", and typically helps address double/missed keypresses/etc. due to latency/issues/whatnot.
* To disconnect, right-click on the raritan unit in the left-hand pane, then select "Disconnect".
* It's normal for there to keyboard/mouse/video lag when using the MPC. The client has several options to help compensate for video/mouse lag, by syncronizing the mouse, or downgrading video quality. These options can be found in the drop-down menu under the "Video" and "Mouse" sections. A remote KVM will never be as fast as your local connection.
