Dell Console Switch Product Overview

Product Overview 7

Product Overview

The 8-Port and 16-port Dell™ Console Switches integrate keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM)

switching technology with advanced cable management, fle x ib l e a cce ss fo r up to two simultaneous

users, and an intuitive user interface. The Console Switch features powerful on-screen

management for easy system configuration and server selection.

NOTE: The 8-Port Console Switch enables a single local user to access any attached servers whereas

the 16-port switch allows two simultaneous users to access attached servers.

A unique benefit of the Console Switch is the Server Interface Pod (SIP) intelligent module. By

utilizing CAT 5 cabling the SIP dramatically reduces cable clutter, while providing optimal

resolution and video settings. The built-in memory of the SIP simplifies configuration by assigning

and retaining unique server names and Electronic ID (EID) numbers for each attached server. The

SIP is powered directly from the server and provides Keep Alive functionality even if the Cons ole

Switch is not powered.

Figure 1-1. Console Switch

SIPs allow direct KVM connectivity to servers in your Console Switch. Each Console Switch has

either 8 or 16 Analog Rack Interface (ARI) ports for connecting SIPs.

Utilizing a SIP, you can attach additional switches to expand your Console Switch system. This

flexibility allows you to add capacity as your data center grows.