IBM Rack-Based Local Console Switches
3
Features
The KVM console switches enable you to share one workspace (keyboard, mouse, and display) across
many target systems. The target systems are connected to the console switch via CAT-5 cables and the
appropriate conversion option at the target end. Conversion options are available with either USB or PS/2
connectors. In addition, multiple target systems can be daisy-chained together using CAT-5 cables, and
then all connected to the console switch using the one cable, thereby eliminating a lot of cable clutter.
Table 2. Comparison of features
Feature
IBM 1x8 Console
Switch
IBM 2x16 Console
Switch
IBM 2x8 LCM2
Number of local concurrent users
1
2
2
Local user connections - KVM
VGA + PS/2 or USB
VGA + PS/2 or USB
VGA + PS/2 or USB
Local user connections - extra USB
No
No
Yes (2)
Remote user connections
Not available
Not available
Not available
Maximum number of target systems -
Direct (ARI ports)
8
16
8
Maximum number of target systems -
Daisy-chained
128
256
128
Maximum number of target systems -
Tiered configuration
128
256
512 / 2048‡
Maximum video resolution
1280 x 1024 @ 75 Hz 1280 x 1024 @ 75 Hz 1280 x 1024 @ 75 Hz
Support for USB Conversion Option, UCO
(43V6147 and 39M2895)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Support for KVM (PS/2) Conversion
Option, KCO (39M2897)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Support for Virtual Media Conversion
Option, VCO (39M2894)
Yes*
Yes*
Yes
Virtual media
No
No
Yes
OSCAR user interface
Yes
Yes
Yes
Password protection
Yes
Yes
Yes
Serial port
Yes
Yes
Yes
Ethernet port
No
No
Yes†
Firmware upgrades to the console switch
Via serial port
Via serial port
Via serial & Ethernet
Firmware upgrades to the COs
Via OSCAR interface
Via OSCAR interface
Via OSCAR interface
Input power
100-240V, 50/60 Hz
12.5 W consumption,
40 W max
100-240V, 50/60 Hz
12.5 W consumption,
40 W max
100-240V, 50/60 Hz
12.5 W consumption,
40 W max
* The 1x8 and 2x16 console switches support the use of the Virtual Media Conversion Option (VCO) for connectivity,
but they do not support the use of remote virtual media. The use of the VCO with these console switches represents a
lower-cost alternative to the UCO if chaining is not required.
‡ 2048 target systems in a tiered configuration when front-ended with a Global Console Manager console switch.
† The Ethernet port of the LCM2 is for firmware updates only.
