IBM Rack-Based Local Console Switches
4
Number of local concurrent users :
The 1x8 and LCM2 console switches enable a single local user to access any attached servers. The 2x16
console switch enables two simultaneous users to access attached servers. With the 2x16 console
switch, connections can be preemptive or cooperative. In preemptive mode, the connection between one
local user and a target device is disconnected, without warning, if the second local user selects the same
target device. In cooperative mode, the local user maintains the connection to a target device if another
user selects the same target device. The way the keyboard and mouse are shared is configurable via the
OSCAR interface.
Local user connections :
Local displays are connected to the console switch using VGA analog connections. Keyboard and mouse
can be either PS/2-style connections or USB. Two USB ports are provided for mouse and keyboard
connections. The LCM2 includes two additional USB ports for the attachment of devices such as optical
drives or memory keys. These devices can be made available on remote target systems provided Virtual
Media Conversion Options are used to connect to those target systems. Note, however, that the Virtual
Media Conversion Option does not support chaining of target systems.
Target systems:
Each console switch has 8 or 16 target system ports (known as analog rack interface or ARI ports). These
can be directly attached to systems with the appropriate USB or PS/2 conversion option connector on the
end. These connections use standard CAT-5 cables. You can increase the number of connected target
systems by two methods: chaining or a tiered arrangement of switches (more about these below). Both
methods mean that each of the 8 or 16 ports will have multiple systems connected to it. You can mix
connection methods.
Conversion Options:
These are cables-connector combinations that are connected between the CAT-5 cables from the
console switches to the target systems. Figure 2 shows the three conversion option cables available for
use with the console switches.
Shown on the left in Figure 2 are the KVM Conversion Option (KCO) with VGA and PS/2-style mouse and
keyboard connections, and the USB Conversion Option (UCO) with VGA and USB connections.
The Virtual Media Conversion Option shown on the right in Figure 2 supports the virtual media capability
of the LCM2; however, it does not support chaining. More about virtual media in the heading Virtual Media
later in this document.
