2X16
IBM CONSOLE SWITCH
Decision Maker’s Guide
Contents
Global Console Manager 2
Key features and benefits 3
Basic GCM configuration 4
Technical Specifications 5
Local Console Manager 6
Key features and benefits 6
Basic LCM2 configuration 7
Technical Specifications 8
1x8 Console Switch &
2x16 Console Switch 9
Key features and benefits 10
Basic Console Switch configuration 11
Technical Specifications 12
Selecting the right IBM KVM solution 13
Frequently Asked Questions 14
For more information 18
Global Console Manager
No solution built with IBM Server® xSeries® servers is complete until
the products are brought together using the right KVM switching options.
KVM switching solutions provide access and control of multiple servers
from a central console. These switches eliminate extra keyboards, monitors
and mice, allowing businesses to save critical space in their data centers.
IBM console switch solutions are designed to accommodate the full line of
xSeries server products, providing centralized control and management of
rack-optimized servers.
IBM now offers a new family of KVM switches. The Global Console
Manager appliances offer a choice of either the 2x16 (GCM2) or 4x16
(GCM4) for remote and local access. Additionally, there is the Local 2x8
Console Manager (LCM2) as well as the 1x8 Console Switch and the
2x16 Console Switch for local connectivity. They are all designed to offer
flexibility and scalability in managing a data center environment, as well as
dramatically reducing cable clutter at the rack.
Compelling reasons to buy a KVM solution from IBM:
• IBM KVM products have an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI)
that makes switching between connected systems simple and easy.
• IBM KVM products have been tested by IBM under the IBM
ServerProven® program and approved for operation with xSeries
servers, helping speed deployment while maximizing manageability
and control.
Local Console Manager
1X8 Console Switch
2X16 Console Switch
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• As with all IBM KVM products, these KVM options are backed by
acclaimed IBM service and support and include a three-year limited
warranty** when installed in an IBM rack or used with IBM servers.
Products and Solutions
Global Console Manager
The IBM® Global 2 x 16 Console Managers (GCM2) and the IBM Global 4x16 Console
Manager (GCM4) appliances integrate digital and analog keyboard, video, and mouse
(KVM) switching technology with advanced cable management, access for three (2
remote, 1 local) or four (3 remote, 1 local or 4 remote) simultaneous users, and an intuitive graphical user interface. The appliances have USB and PS/2® ports on the rear
panel that support all major target device platforms.
KCO
UCO
VCO
The appliance is a rack mountable KVM switch, configurable for analog (local) or digital
(remote) connectivity. Video resolutions are supported up to 1280 x 1024 for remote users.
The GCM2 appliance includes two digital access sets for KVM-over-IP, 1 analog port
set for KVM connections, 16 analog rack interface (ARI) ports for connecting CO cables
and target devices, and virtual media capability for one local user and up to two remote
users. The GCM4 appliance includes four digital access sets for KVM-over-IP, 1 analog
port set for KVM connections, 16 ARI ports for connecting CO cables and target devices,
and virtual media capability for one local user and up to four remote users.
The appliance has user peripheral ports for PS/2® and USB keyboards and mice.
Additionally, virtual media such as generic removable media and CD drives can be
connected to any one of four USB ports. The appliance works over standard LAN
connections. Users can access target devices across a 1000BASE-T LAN port that is
used to establish an Ethernet connection, or directly through a local port. The IP-based
appliance gives you target device control from ANYWHERE in the world.
You can use the following Conversion Option (CO) cables with the appliance.
• IBM 250 mm KVM Conversion Option (KCO) - PS/2 and VGA connectors
IBM 1.5 M KVM Conversion Option (KCO) - PS/2 and VGA connectors
•
• IBM Virtual Media Conversion Option (VCO) - USB2 and VGA connectors,
required for virtual media connections—does not support chaining
IBM USB Conversion Option (UCO) - USB and VGA connectors
•
These intelligent CO cables with Cat5 design dramatically reduce cable clutter while
providing optimal digital display resolution and video settings. The built-in memory of the
CO cable simplifies configuration by assigning and retaining unique target device identification codes for each attached target device. This integrated intelligence enhances
security and prevents unauthorized access to a target device through cable manipulation. The CO cable is turned on directly from the target device and provides Keep Alive
functionality when the appliance is not turned on. The CO cables enable local and remote
KVM connectivity to target devices that are attached to the appliance. Each appliance
has 16 ARI ports for connecting CO cables.
Ordering information:
IBM 2x16 Global Console Manager MTMN: 17352GX
IBM 4x16 Global Console Manager MTMN: 17354GX
Cable options:
IBM Short KVM Conversion Option (KCO) Part #: 39M2896
IBM Long KVM Conversion Option (KCO) Part #: 39M2897
IBM Virtual Media Conversion Option (VCO) Part #: 39M2894
IBM USB Conversion Option (UCO) Part #: 39M2895
Last updated October 2005 2
Key features and benefits
Included with each part number:
• Console Switch
• Power cord
• One serial cable
• Rack-mounting brackets
• Documentation CD
• Virtual Console Software CD
• Quick Installation Guide
• 1-U filler panel
• 16 terminators
Additional items needed:
• One KCO, UCO, or VCO cable per attached
target device or appliance
• One CAT5 patch cable per attached target
device or appliance
• One Phillips screwdriver
Virtual Media
The appliance supports virtual media when connected to a VCO cable. You can use virtual
media support to connect USB media devices to the appliance and make those devices
available to any connected GCM2 or GCM4 appliance. Use virtual media to move data
between a target device and USB media devices that are connected to the appliance. You
can install, upgrade, or recover the operating system; update the BIOS code; or start the
target device from a USB drive through the virtual media capabilities of the appliance.
Virtual media can be connected directly to the appliance using one of four USB ports on
the appliance. In addition, virtual media can be connected to any remote workstation that
is running IBM Virtual Console Software (VCS) and is connected to the appliance using
an Ethernet connection. To open a virtual media session with a target device, the target
device must first be connected to the appliance using a VCO cable.
Chaining Technology
IBM’s unique cable chaining solution enables users to manage a “daisy chain” of multiple
servers through a single connection to a console or KVM switch, replacing many long
cables with just a few short ones, simplifying rack management, helping lower cabling
cost and reducing setup, diagnostic, and maintenance times. The “daisy chain” connectivity has the added advantage of thin, flexible industry-standard CAT5 cabling and
standard RJ-45 connectors removing the need for one-to-one, dedicated cable connections between KVM switch ports and managed devices. This cable chaining solution
allows up to 16 KCOs or UCOs to be chained together.
OSCAR® graphical user interface
The appliance uses the OSCAR interface, which has menus to configure the switching
system and select computers. You can list target devices by unique name, eID (electronic
ID), or port number. Use the OSCAR interface to protect the switching system with a
screen saver password. After a user-defined time, the screen saver mode engages and
access is prohibited until the correct password is entered to reactivate the switching
system.
Flash upgradability
Upgrade the appliance at any time through the network port to ensure the appliance is
always running the most current available version.
Accessing the appliance through network connection
Users access the appliance and all attached target devices through Ethernet from a client
computer. A client computer can be anywhere a valid network connection exists.
Accessing target devices
When you access the VCS, a listing of all target devices you have permission to view and
manage opens. When you select a target device from the list, the video of the selected
target device opens in a Video Viewer window.
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Basic GCM configuration
Last updated October 2005 4
Technical Specifications
Target device Ports
Number 16
Types VCO, KCO, and UCO
Connectors RJ-45
Sync Types Separate horizontal and vertical
Plug and Play DDC2B
Video Resolution 640 x 480 @ 60 Hz (Local Port and Remote Port Minimum)
800 x 600 @ 75 Hz
960 x 700 @ 75 Hz
1024 x 768 @ 75 Hz
1280 x 1024 @ 75 Hz (Remote Port Maximum using a VCO)
Supported Cabling 4-pair UTP Cat5 or Cat6, 10 meters maximum length
Serial Port
Number 1
Cable type Serial RS-232
Connector DB9 female
Network Connection
Number 1
Type Ethernet: IEEE 802.3 2002 Edition - 10BASE-T, 100BASE-T, 1000BASET
Connector RJ-45
Local Port
Number 1
Type USB, PS/2, and VGA
Connectors PS/2 miniDIN, 15 pin D, RJ-45
USB Device Port
Number 4
Type USB 2.0
Dimensions
Height x Width x Depth 1.72 in. x 17.00 in. x 10.98 in.; 1-U form factor
(4.37 cm x 43.18 cm x 27.98 cm)
Weight 7.3 lbs (3.31 kg) without cables
Power Supply
Heat dissipation 92 BTU/Hr
Airflow 8 CFM
Power consumption 12.5 Watts
AC-input power 40 Watts maximum
AC-input voltage rate 100 to 240 V ac Autosensing
AC-input current rating 0.5 A
AC-input cable 18 AWG three-wire cable, with a three-lead IEC-320 receptacle on the power
supply end and a country-dependent connector on the power resource end
AC frequency 50 to 60 Hz Autosensing
Ambient atmospheric condition ratings
Temperature 0° to 50° Celsius (32° to 122° Fahrenheit) operating
-20° to 60° Celsius (-4° to 140° Fahrenheit) nonoperating
Humidity 20 to 80% noncondensing operating
5 to 95% noncondensing nonoperating
Safety and EMC approvals and markings
UL, FCC, cUL, ICES, CE, N, GS, IRAM, GOST, VCCI, MIC, C-Tick
Last updated October 2005 5
Local Console Manager 2
Key features and benefits
The IBM® Local 2x8 Console Manager (LCM2) appliance integrates analog keyboard,
video, and mouse (KVM) switching technology with advanced cable management and
access for two local simultaneous users. On-screen management through the OSCAR®
for IBM graphical user interface provides easy system configuration and target device
selection. The LCM2 appliance has USB and PS/2® ports on the rear panel that support all
major target device platforms.
The LCM2 uses the same CO cables as the GCM (please see GCM section for more information). The CO cables enable direct KVM connectivity to target devices that are attached
to the appliance. Each LCM2 appliance has eight analog rack interface (ARI) ports for
connecting CO cables. The CO cables that work with the LCM2 appliance support target
devices with PS/2 and USB ports. When using the OSCAR interface in conjunction with CO
cables, you can easily switch between platforms.
Ordering information:
IBM 2x8 Local Console Manager MTMN: 17351GX
Cable options:
IBM Short KVM Conversion Option (KCO) Part #: 39M2896
IBM Long KVM Conversion Option (KCO) Part #: 39M2897
IBM Virtual Media Conversion Option (VCO) Part #: 39M2894
IBM USB Conversion Option (UCO) Part #: 39M2895
Virtual Media
The LCM2 appliance supports virtual media when connected to a VCO cable. You can use
virtual media support to connect USB media devices to the appliance and make those
devices available to any connected LCM2 appliance. Use virtual media to move data
between a target device and a USB media device that are connected to the appliance. You
can install, upgrade, or recover the operating system; update the BIOS code; or start the
target device from a USB drive through the virtual media capabilities of the LCM2 appliance. To open a virtual media session with a target device, the target device must first be
connected to the appliance using a VCO cable.
Included with each part number:
• Console Switch
• Power cord
• One serial cable
• Rack-mounting brackets
• Documentation CD
• Quick Installation Guide
• 1-U filler panel
• Eight terminators
Additional items needed:
• One KCO, UCO, or VCO cable per attached
target device or appliance
• One CAT5 patch cable per attached target
device or appliance
• One Phillips screwdriver
Chaining Technology
IBM’s unique cable chaining solution enables users to manage a “daisy chain” of multiple
servers through a single connection to a console or KVM switch, replacing many long
cables with just a few short ones, simplifying rack management, helping lower cabling cost
and reducing setup, diagnostic, and maintenance times. The “daisy chain” connectivity
has the added advantage of thin, flexible industry-standard CAT5 cabling and standard RJ45 connectors removing the need for one-to-one, dedicated cable connections between
KVM switch ports and managed devices. This cable chaining solution allows up to 16 KCOs
or UCOs to be chained together.
OSCAR graphical user interface
The LCM2 appliance uses the OSCAR interface, which has menus to configure the switching
system and select computers. You can list target devices by unique name, eID (electronic
ID), or port number. Use the OSCAR interface to protect the switching system with a screen
saver password. After a user-defined time, the screen saver mode engages and access is
prohibited until the correct password is entered to reactivate the switching system.
Flash upgradability
Upgrade the LCM2 appliance at any time through the network port to ensure the appliance
is always running the most current available version.
Tiering expansion
The LCM2 appliance features an analog console interface (ACI) port that you can use to
tier between appliances using only a Cat5 cable. The LCM2 appliance allows for three
levels of tiering. You can connect a maximum of 512 target devices with three tiers of
LCM2 appliances.
Last updated October 2005 6
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