IBM 17352GX, Installation And User Manual

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Chapter 1: Product overview 3
Conversion option cables
A Conversion Option (CO) cable is an intelligent interface that is attached to each target device.
Firmware on the CO cables can be upgraded using the Web interface, the OSCAR interface, the
VCS, or the Console menu.
CO cable models support target devices with either PS/2 and USB ports. You must connect one of
the following types of CO cables to each target device:
• IBM 250 mm KVM Conversion Option (KCO) cable - PS/2 and VGA connectors
• IBM 1.5 M KVM Conversion Option (KCO) cable - PS/2 and VGA connectors
• IBM Virtual Media Conversion Option (VCO) cable - USB2 and VGA connectors
NOTE: For virtual media support, the target device must be connected to a VCO cable, and the VCO cable must
be directly connected to the appliance. Virtual media is not supported for daisy-chained target devices or for
target devices connected to tiered appliances.
• IBM USB Conversion Option (UCO) cable - USB and VGA connectors
Figure 1.2: Examples of CO cables
Using Cat5 cables dramatically reduces cable clutter while providing optimal digital display
resolution and video settings. The built-in memory of each CO cable simplifies configuration by
storing unique identification codes and optional names that can be configured for each attached
target device.
The intelligence integrated into the CO cable enhances security and prevents unauthorized access
to a target device through cable manipulation. Each CO cable receives power directly from the tar-
get device.
Keep Alive functionality on the CO cables emulates a keyboard to prevent server lock-up even if
the appliance is not turned on or if the connection between the CO cable and the switch is
interrupted.
Each KCO and UCO cable has two RJ-45 ports for connecting Cat5 cables. Each VCO has one RJ-
45 port. The RJ-45 ports are used in the following ways.
• A Cat5 cable must be connected to an RJ-45 port on the CO cable of a target device and to an ARI
port on a standalone or tiered appliance.
UCO or VCO cable
KCO cable