Manuals/Userful Network Video Wall/Network Zero Clients

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Copyright © 2016 Userful Corporation. All rights reserved.
(Updated 2016.02.19)

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Introduction

Userful Network Video Wall™ enables you to group many displays to form a large display using one host PC/server. Userful's video wall solution is designed to use both the CPU and the GPU to maximize performance.

This document provides guidelines and instructions for configuring a video wall with Network Zero-Client Devices.

Compatible Devices

Compatible Network Zero-Client Devices

Userful Network Video Wall™ is designed to support network zero client devices (using the Elite Silicon® (EST) USB to LAN chipset) with the SMSC®chipsets.

Userful has tested and confirmed that the following devices are supported for use with Userful Network Video Wall™.

Network Zero-Client Devices	Recommended Device Firmware	Graphics Chipset	External Power Supply Required
Acer E400	039.100	SMSC UFX-6000	Yes
Atrust m320	039.100	SMSC UFX-6000	Yes
Atrust m320(v2)	116.103	SMSC UFX-6000	Yes
Centerm C75	039.100	SMSC UFX-6000	Yes
HP T200	035.226	SMSC UFX-6000	Yes
ViewSonic VMA-25	039.100	SMSC UFX-6000	Yes
ThinNetworks MiniPoint Ethernet†	039.100	SMSC UFX-6000	Yes
ViewSonic SC-U25	039.100	SMSC UFX-6000	Yes
Centerm C75(v2)	039.100	SMSC UFX-6000	Yes
Atrust m321	116.103	SMSC UFX-6000	Yes

† Please Note that ThinNetworks MiniPoint devices are shipped with a jumper switch. The jumper switch toggles the device between an "always on" mode (ideal for digital signage and public computing environments) and a "normal" mode where power is controlled by power button. Please consult your sales representative for more information.

Getting Started

Station setup should be done after the installation of the Userful Video Wall software is complete.

Some things to remember:

• Even when using network zero client stations, it is important to keep one station connected to the onboard video card in order to see startup messages.
• We recommend the use of homogeneous (all one type and model) network zero client devices.
• Network zero-client devices MUST be on the same subnet as the host PC/server to function.
• If there is more than one host PC/server on a subnet, they must have unique hostnames. This is because network zero-client devices are locked to host PC/servers based on the system name (or "hostname"). Having duplicate host names on one subnet cause erratic behaviour of the network devices.

Setting Up Stations

An example of a network station configuration.

1. Position one display to be plugged into the system tower; this is the onboard station. Input devices (keyboard and mouse) can be plugged directly into the system tower (for either PS/2 or USB connections).
2. Connect one display to each zero-client device.
3. Using Cat-5e (or better) network cable, connect each device to a gigabit-capable switch. See example to the right.
4. Connect the host PC/server to the switch using Cat-5e (or better) network cable.
5. Ensure all devices, hubs and displays are connected to a UPS or surge protected outlets, if necessary.
6. Turn on the system when ready.

Adding or Removing Network Zero-Client Stations

To add a station (assuming your license supports that number of stations), simply connect another device. No reboot is necessary, the station will be ready to use after a brief pause.
Please note: it may take up to 60 seconds for the newly added station to be recognized by the host PC/server. No reboot is necessary.

Stations can be removed simply by unplugging the device (This can be done with the running system).

Zero-Client Configuration

Zero-Client Configuration specifies how new zero-clients are assigned to host PC/server (i.e. automatic or manual assignment) by selecting:

• Automatically assign new zero-clients to this Host PC/Server, or
• Manually assign new zero-clients to this Host PC/Server

By default, administrators have to manually assign zero-client devices to the host PC/server. To assign zero-client stations, check Assigning and Releasing Network Stations section.

Related Links

• Managing Network Zero-Client Stations
• Control Center