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HP Netserver High Density Rack Solutions Overview (LP 2000r)
Console Switch
A console switch is a convenient way to manage a system with multiple servers. It allows up to 64 HP
Netservers LP 2000r to be controlled from a single keyboard, monitor and mouse (KVM).
HP offers two devices; one that switches four systems into your console and
one that switches eight.
If your system consists of more servers than one Console Switch can accom-
modate, you can tier multiple switches to allow up to 16 servers (for the 4-
port switches) or up to 64 servers (for the 8-port switches) to be managed by
one KVM set.
A unique feature of the HP switch is that it can at any time be equipped with an expansion kit that allows a
second user full control from a remote console, concurrently with the original user. This lets you keep your
original investment and add only what you need, the interface for the second user.
Each console switch requires only 1U of vertical height when mounted in the front of the rack. They may
also be mounted in the rear of the rack and, if space allows them to be mounted behind other devices, they
do not require any additional rack height.
The switches are firmware-controlled and allow users to name, select, control, and operate all connected
servers using a simple pop-up menu. A “Keep Alive” feature, available exclusively from HP, safeguards the
servers from locking up if power to the switch is lost.
These are the console switches available from HP:
Description
Includes
HP Console Switch Model Number
Available
HP 2-User Expansion Kit
4-Port Console Switch
Rackmount Kit
J1473A
J1475A
U.S. and IEC-320 power cords
8-Port Console Switch
Rackmount Kit
J1474A
J1475A
U.S. and IEC-320 power cords
The monitor, keyboard and mouse of the system console are connected to the switch using the cables that
came with these devices. They are plugged into three corresponding ports in the rear of the console
switch.
The switch is then connected to the CPUs of the HP Netserver LP 2000r via the optional cables in the table
below, selectable by length.
These cables feature three separate plugs on the CPU side, which are connected where the monitor, key-
board and mouse normally would be attached.
All are designed especially for use with the HP Netservers—including their “look and feel.” But they are
manufactured and supported by American Power Conversion (APC), supplier of the world’s most reliable
power protection, and available exclusively from HP.
All the units are rackmountable in a standard EIA 19 inch rack and occupy only 3U of vertical space.
The UPSs come complete with all rackmounting hardware. In the planning stage be sure to keep in mind
that the units are heavy because of the internal stand-by battery, up to 58 kg (127 lbs.) Therefore they
should be located as low as possible in the rack so as not to contribute to any instability.
A full-featured power management software application comes with each unit, as well as the serial cable
that is used to connect the UPS to the servers. The PowerChute Plus software allows users to monitor and
configure their UPSs and will command the servers to save any open files and execute a “soft” shutdown
during an extended power outage.
