Chapter 1: Product Overview; Features And Benefits; Switch Cable - IBM 09N4290 User Manual

CHAPTER
1

Features and Benefits

The IBM 1x8 Console Switch and the IBM 2x16 Console Switch integrate keyboard, video, and
mouse (KVM) switching technology with advanced cable management, flexible access for up to
two simultaneous users, and an intuitive user interface. The console switches feature powerful on-
screen management for easy system configuration and server selection.
NOTE: The 1x8 console switch enables a single local user to access any attached servers. The 2x16 console
switch enables two simultaneous users to access attached servers.
The IBM 3M Console Switch Cables (PS/2 and USB) are unique benefits of the console switch. By
using CAT 5 cabling, the switch cable reduces cable clutter, while providing optimal resolution and
video settings. The built-in memory of the switch cable simplifies configuration by assigning and
retaining unique server names and port numbers for each attached server. The switch cable is
powered directly from the server and provides Keep Alive functionality even if the console switch
is not turned on. Keep Alive functionality enables the server to operate properly with or without
connectivity to the console switch.

Switch Cable

The switch cable enables direct KVM connectivity to servers attached to the console switch. The
1x8 console switch has 8 Analog Rack Interface (ARI) ports and the 2x16 console switch has 16
ARI ports for connecting switch cables.
Using a PS/2 switch cable you can attach additional switches to expand the console switch system.
This flexibility enables you to add capacity as the data center grows.
Multiplatform Support
The switch cables available with the console switch support PS/2 and USB server environments.
Using the On-Screen Configuration and Activity Reporting (OSCAR
conjunction with these cables enables you to switch easily across platforms.
The PS/2 switch cable is used to connect a PS/2 server to a console switch. This cable has one HD15
connector for video, one PS/2 connector for keyboard, and one PS/2 connector for mouse.
Product Overview
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