IBM Rack-Based Local Console Switches
7
Chaining
IBM’s cable chaining solution enables users to manage a "daisy chain" of multiple servers through a
single connection to the console 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, eliminating the need for one-to-one, dedicated cable connections
between KVM switch ports and managed devices. This cable chaining solution allows up to 16 target
systems to be chained together and connected to one port on the switch.
Figure 5 shows an example of chaining three target systems from one port on the console switch. Each
conversion option part number includes a CAT-5 cable to connect it to either the console switch or its
neighbor conversion option. The console switch includes the terminator needed at the end of the daisy
chain.
Figure 5. Chaining using USB Conversion Options
