SERVSELECT™ IP INSTALLER/USER GUIDE
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CHAPTER 2: INTRODUCTION
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2.1 Features and Benefits
The BLACK BOX® ServSelect™ IP switches combine analog and digital technology
to provide flexible, centralized control of data center servers. This solution delivers
secure digital access and flexible server management from anywhere at any time.
NOTE:
Throughout the text, the word “appliance” is used generically to describe the ServSelect IP switch.
The ServSelect IP consists of a rackmountable keyboard, video and mouse (KVM)
switch configurable for analog or digital connectivity. Each ServSelect IP has
16 Analog Rack Interface (ARI) ports for connecting devices and operates over
standard LAN connections. Access servers across a 100BASE-T Ethernet connection
or directly through an analog port on the ServSelect IP for analog KVM connectivity
and administration. Video resolutions through the analog port can be up to 1600 x
1280 with an end-to-end cable length of up to 15 meters (50 feet). Digital users can
achieve video resolution of up to 1280 x 1024 with a cable length of up to 10 meters
(32 feet) between the ServSelect IP and the server.
ServSelect IP - KV120
ServSelect IP - KV121
Number
of
servers* Digital
users
Analog
user
128 1 1
128 2 1
*Maximum number of servers with a fully configured KV158A switch attached to each of the 16 ARI ports.
Figure 2-1. ServSelect IP Model Comparison
Server Access Modules
The Server Access Module (SAM) with CAT5 design dramatically reduces cable
clutter, while providing optimal digital display resolution and video settings. The
built-in memory of the SAM simplifies configuration by assigning and retaining
unique server names or Electronic ID (EID) numbers for each attached server. This
integrated intelligence enhances security and prevents unauthorized access to a
server through cable manipulation. The SAM is powered directly from the server
and provides Keep Alive functionality even if the ServSelect IP is not powered.