SERVSWITCH™ MULTI
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•Modules are hot-swappable. Because the ServSwitch Multi is a component-based switch, all of its modules
are field-replaceable plug-in boards which can be added or replaced without disassembling or even
powering down the system. This “hot-swap” or “hot-plug” capability makes installing, configuring, and
maintaining the unit much simpler.
•Firmware is flash-upgradable. You can update the Switch’s firmware without having to power down the
Switch or remove any installed Cards. The latest firmware is always available through our Web site,
www.blackbox.com.
•Rackmountable. All ServSwitch Multi models except the MX can be mounted in a standard 19" equipment
rack. The SB and Hub models ship ready to mount; the Base Unit and EXP models can be mounted with
our optional RMK19L and RMK19LE rackmount kits respectively (see Appendix F).
2.3 A Typical Application
Figure 2-1 shows a very basic but typical application for the ServSwitch Multi (a Base Unit, in this case):
Figure 2-1. A three-computer, three-user-station ServSwitch Multi system.
* All monitors are multisync types because each shared monitor in a ServSwitch Multi system must be capable of
synchronizing with the video output of any attached computer.
†If you use Macintosh console equipment in a multiplatform system, you must use a PC-style serial mouse. This is
because, although the remapping functions of the ServSwitch Multi (see Section 8.4) make it possible for a Mac
keyboard attached to the Switch to emulate the functions of a PC or Sun keyboard, at the time of this writing there is
no way for a one-button Apple mouse attached to the Switch to emulate a mouse with more buttons.
Secondary
consoles
(user
stations)
Have access to
each attached
computer
Wall
plug
Local console (user station)
This primary console not only has access to
each attached computer, but also has control
over the Base Unit’s front-panel pushbuttons.
Mac† keyboard, mouse, multisync*
monitor, and external modem
Sun keyboard, mouse, multisync* monitor,
microphone, speakers, and serial printer
PC keyboard, mouse, multisync*
monitor, microphone, and headphones
Channel A:
IBM compatible PC
Channel C: Sun
workstation or server
Channel B: Macintosh
compatible computer
ServSwitch
Multi Base
Unit (rear
panel
shown)