Accessing a Citrix NetScaler

Accessing a Citrix NetScaler

A NetScaler® appliance has both a command line interface (CLI) and a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI includes a configuration utility for configuring the appliance and a statistical utility, called Dashboard. For initial access, all NetScaler appliances ship with the default NetScaler IP address (NSIP) of 192.168.100.1 and default subnet mask of 255.255.0.0. You can assign a new NSIP and an associated subnet mask during initial configuration.

Using the Command Line Interface

You can access the CLI either locally, by connecting a workstation to the console port, or remotely,

by connecting through secure shell (SSH) from any workstation on the same network. For more information about the features of the CLI, including SSH, see the Citrix NetScaler Command Reference Guide.

Logging on to the Command Line Interface through the Console Port

The NetScaler has a console port for connecting to a computer workstation. To log on to the

NetScaler, you need a serial crossover cable and a workstation with a terminal emulation program.

To log on to the CLI through the console port

1. Connect the console port to a serial port on the workstation, as described in “Connecting the

Console Cable” section in the Citrix Hardware Installation and Setup Guide.

2. On the workstation, start HyperTerminal or any other terminal emulation program. If the logon

prompt does not appear, you may need to press ENTER one or more times to display it.

3. Log on by using the administrator credentials. The command prompt (>) appears on the

workstation monitor.

Logging on to the Command Line Interface by using SSH

The SSH protocol is the preferred remote access method for accessing a NetScaler remotely from

any workstation on the same network. You can use either SSH version 1 (SSH1) or SSH version 2

(SSH2.)

To log on to a NetScaler by using an SSH client

1. On your workstation, start the SSH client.

2. For initial configuration, use the default NetScaler IP address (NSIP), which is 192.168.100.1.

For subsequent access, use the NSIP that was assigned during initial configuration. Select

either SSH1 or SSH2 as the protocol.

3. Log on by using the administrator credentials.

Using the Graphical User Interface

The graphical user interface includes a configuration utility and a statistical utility, called Dashboard,

either of which you access through a workstation connected to an Ethernet port on the NetScaler. If

your computer does not have a supported Java plugin installed, the utility prompts you to download

and install the plug-in the first time you log on. If automatic installation fails, you can install the plugin separately before you attempt to log on to the configuration utility or Dashboard.

The system requirements for the workstation running the GUI are as follows:

• For Windows-based workstations, a Pentium® 166 MHz or faster processor with at least

48 MB of RAM is recommended for applets running in a browser using a Java plugin product.

You should have 40 MB free disk space before installing the plug-in.

• For Linux-based workstations, a Pentium platform running Linux kernel v2.2.12 or above,

and glibc version 2.12-11 or later. A minimum of 32 MB RAM is required, and 48 MB RAM

is recommended. The workstation should support 16-bit color mode, KDE and KWM window

managers used in conjunction, with displays set to local hosts.

• For Solaris-based workstations, a Sun running either Solaris 2.6, Solaris 7, or Solaris 8, and

the Java 2 Runtime Environment, Standard Edition, version 1.6 or later.

Your workstation must have a supported web browser and version 1.6 or above of the Java® applet

plug-in installed to access the configuration utility and Dashboard.