Black Box cat5kvm micro extender, ACU3009A, ACU3001A, ACU3022A manual Introduction, Important Notes

SERVSWITCH™ BRAND CAT5 KVM MICRO EXTENDER

3. Introduction

By using the Local and Remote Units that together make up the ServSwitch™ Brand CAT5 KVM or KVM/Serial/Audio Micro Extender, you can place your VGA monitor, keyboard, and mouse as far as 50 meters (160 ft.) from the PC-compatible CPUs they communicate with.

The Single-Access (ACU3001A) model of the Extender is designed to perform KVM extension only. With the Dual-Access (ACU3009A) model, you can attach an additional monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the Local Unit; the PC can then be operated from either the local or remote user station (they share access on a “first- come, first-served” basis—see Section 7.3.3). The KVM/Serial/Audio (ACU3022A) model has all of the capabilities of the regular Single-Access version, and can also support a connection between the PC and a remote serial device, plus a connection between the PC and a remote microphone and speakers (or other sources of audio input and output).

IMPORTANT NOTES

Throughout this manual, serial and audio devices/connections/etc. will often be listed without qualification along with video/monitor, keyboard, and mouse devices/connections/etc. Just keep in mind that, except where noted, all references to serial or audio communication apply to KVM/Serial/Audio Micro Extender systems only.

Also, do not connect a KVM Micro Local Unit to a KVM/Serial/Audio Micro Remote Unit, or a KVM/Serial/Audio Micro Local Unit to a KVM Micro Remote Unit. Extender systems with intermixed KVM Micro and KVM/Serial/Audio Micro equipment do not work.

The Local and Remote Units are designed to be interconnected with a single industry-standard Category 5 UTP or STP 4-pair cable. All keyboard, mouse, and video signals are fully buffered to ensure consistent remote operation of your PC.

The Micro Extender is simple to operate and works with all operating systems— no software is required. Once you’ve made sure you have everything you’ll need (see Chapter 4) and you’ve configured your Local and Remote Units (see Chapter 5), just connect the Local and Remote Units to each other and to your equipment as described in Chapter 6 and you’re ready to work!

Because the Micro Extender performs complete PS/2® keyboard and mouse emulation, you can boot the PC without having a keyboard or mouse attached to it. Your PC will boot even if the Extender’s Remote Unit is not powered or has no keyboard or mouse connected to it.

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