Tiger Network Enhancements KVM Switch Quick Reference Guide v2.3

Transcription

1 Tiger Network Enhancements KVM Switch Quick Reference Guide v2.3 Purpose: This internal guide is intended to assist Schneider Electric representatives to appropriately configure and sell APC branded KVM solutions as of the date of this writing (December, 2013). It will address the APC KVM offerings and the frequently asked questions surrounding the product families and common configurations. Usage Policy: This is an internal only document for Schneider Electric sales and technical representatives to reference when working with an APC by Schneider Electric KVM solution. Introduction to KVM Switches: KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) Switches allow a user to consolidate the amount of human interface devices required in a datacenter, wiring closet, rack, or any other type of environment that has multiple servers or computers. Using a KVM switch allows the user to access multiple servers from one local KMM (Keyboard, Monitor, Mouse) or remotely, such the case of IP based Digital KVMs. Competing technologies: Many operating systems have the ability to remote into other servers by the use of the RDP Protocol (Remote Desktop Protocol). While this doesn t involve any other hardware besides the destination server and the user s computer, it has substantial limitations in comparison to a KVM solution: Operating System level access only the remote desktop protocol is only active in an operational and stable OS. Many administrator tasks involve rebooting servers and accessing BIOS or command line interfaces, where only a KVM switch solution can offer this access. RDP is reliant on a network connection If the network goes down, you cannot access the remote server. KVMs have a local connection that a user can just walk up to and use. Some KVMs also have an out of band solution (via an external modem) that would allow a customer to dial in to connect. You need another computer or server to access the destination server in the case of RDP With a KVM switch, you can simply connect a keyboard, monitor, and mouse (or an APC Rack LCD Console) to have local and direct access to the server. Security Risks Just like with anything else, there are security risks involved in using RDP over a network. A KVM solution offers secure, remote access (if supported) and offers encryption. Schneider Electric KVM Quick Reference Guide v2.3 Rev. R

2 Configuration of a KVM solution - Questions to ask: How many servers/target devices need to be monitored? How far away from each other are the servers? Are they located in different racks? This will tell you how many server modules and KVM Switches you need to sell. It may also hint to the type of server module the customer may need. What type of connection does each server have? (PS2, USB, SERIAL, or SUN type [13W3 or VGA]). This will let you understand what type of cables or server modules you need to sell. Does the user need remote control over the servers? This will indicate either a Digital (IP) or Analog KVM solution. Cat 5e/Cat 6 cable is not included Is the customer supplying it? What is the local connection type Does the user need a Rack LCD? Solution: AP5717 (17 LCD) or AP5719 (19 ) Rack LCD. See also KVM-BN001 bundle or AP5808 or AP5816 Integrated Combo Units. Is the customer interested in Virtual Media? Make sure to recommend a KVM Switch model and server module(s) that can support Virtual Media functionality. Can the user benefit from APC Switched Rack PDU power management integration? This allows the user to control outlets on an APC Switched Rack PDU from the onboard KVM interfaces. Each Switched Rack PDU requires an AP5641 Power Management Cable to connect to the PDU port on the KVM switch. (AP561X or KVMXXXX Enterprise models only). KVM Rule of Thumb #1- There are four (4) main KVM Switch product families: AP52XX/AP58XX, AP54XX, AP56XX, and KVMXXXX. No SKU from one line will work with another (but there are exceptions). DO NOT sell a SKU that doesn t match the KVM family SKU without researching using this guide and other available resources. For instance, the AP5610 KVM will NOT work with a KVM- USB server module but the AP5641 Power Management Cable does work with both AP5610 and KVM2116P.

3 APC s KVM offerings: Analog KVM Switches AP5201, AP5202, AP5808, AP5816 This is APC s value offering. These KVMs provide local access only to (8) or (16) servers. They must be sold with our proprietary AP52XX KVM server modules. The modules/cables come in three different lengths and the model chosen depends on the input connections of the server or target device. AP52XX KVM Cable Description APC KVM PS/2 Cable - 6 ft (1.8 m) APC KVM SUN Cable 13W3-6 ft (1.8 m) APC KVM SUN Cable VGA - 6 ft (1.8 m) APC KVM USB Cable - 6 ft (1.8 m) APC KVM PS/2 Cable - 12 ft (3.6 m) APC KVM SUN Cable 13W3-12 ft (3.6 m) APC KVM SUN Cable VGA - 12 ft (3.6 m) APC KVM USB Cable - 12 ft (3.6 m) APC KVM PS/2 Cable - 25 ft (7.6 m) APC KVM SUN Cable 13W3-25 ft (7.6 m) APC KVM SUN Cable VGA - 25 ft (7.6 m) APC KVM USB Cable - 25 ft (7.6 m) APC KVM Daisy-Chain Cable - 2 ft (0.6 m) APC KVM Daisy-Chain Cable - 6 ft (1.8 m) APC KVM PS/2 Cable - 3 ft (0.9 m) SKU AP5250 AP5251 AP5252 AP5253 AP5254 AP5255 AP5256 AP5257 AP5258 AP5259 AP5260 AP5261 AP5262 AP5263 AP5264 Note: All information in this table is derived from the APC website. It is best to reference this site for the most up to date info:

4 AP5808 and AP5816 Rack LCD with Integrated Analog KVM Switch This offers an end user a single, convenient, cost-effective, 1U solution for their new KVM solution. The AP5808 and AP5816 products integrate a next generation 17 Rack LCD with an analog KVM Switch (8) and (16) ports respectively. Schneider Electric s Rack LCD Console with Integrated KVM switch lowers total cost of ownership with a compact, integrated design that is easily installed and minimizes support and maintenance costs. The device provides a keyboard, 17" monitor, mouse, and integrated analog KVM switch in a 1U design. The ultra thin LCD screen, touchpad technology, integrated analog KVM switch, and easy to install slide rails combine to form a high quality, streamlined solution, built for server management. The Rack LCD Console with Integrated KVM switch can be used in a variety of IT environments, from computer rooms to large data centers. In addition, the AP58XX integrated Rack LCD and Analog KVM Switch family integrates with the preexisting AP52XX analog KVM switches with ease. They also utilize the existing AP52XX series proprietary server modules/dongles. Up to (31) KVM switches can be cascaded from the Rack LCD with integrated analog KVM switch. The front panel USB port is available to connect a USB peripheral device (flash drive, CD-ROM drive, printer, etc.) to the KVM Rack LCD unit. Any server connected to the Rack LCD KVM unit station can access the USB peripheral on a one-at-a-time basis. The USB peripheral device is not available to servers on other KVM switches in the series. The USB peripheral device is automatically detected on target servers when switching ports on the KVM Rack LCD. This feature requires one of the following cables between the target device and integrated KVM switch: AP58XX USB Cable Description APC Integrated LCD KVM USB Cable - 6 FT (1.8m) APC Integrated LCD KVM USB Cable - 12 ft (3m) APC Integrated LCD KVM USB Cable - 25ft (6m) SKU AP5821 AP5822 AP5823 Note: All information in this table is derived from the APC website. It is best to reference this site for the most up to date info:

5 Front View Rear View

6 Daisy Chaining: There are daisy chain cables of various lengths listed above that allow for daisy chaining and expansion. This allows the customer to connect up to (32) AP5201 s or AP5202 s together. This enables the customer to access up to 256 servers (AP5201) or 512 servers (AP5202). In addition to daisy chaining AP5201 and AP5202 switches together, a user can now daisy chain up to (31) KVM AP5201 or AP5202 KVM switches to an AP5808 or AP5816 Rack LCD KVM Switch combination console. Figure 1 below displays how to daisy-chain APC Multi-Platform Analog KVM switches using an example with the AP Port Multi-Platform Analog KVM. First, connect the APC Daisy-Chain cable (AP5262 or AP5263) to the Chain Out port of the primary KVM (KVM 1) and the Chain In port of KVM 2. To continue the chain, connect the APC Daisy-Chain cable to the Chain Out port of KVM 2 and the Chain In port of KVM 3. The same chain in/chain out cabling practice can be applied for up to 32 KVM switches. A user can connect multiple daisy-chain cables together, if needed, to achieve a maximum distance of 18ft between KVM Switches in the chain. Figure 1: Multi-platform analog KVM daisy-chain KVM 1 Chain In Port Do not connect anything to the Chain In Port of the first KVM in the daisy chain. KVM 2 Chain Out Port Daisy Chain Cable connected to Chain Out Port of KVM 1 and Chain In Port of KVM 2 KVM 3 Daisy Chain Cable connected to Chain Out Port of KVM 2 and Chain In Port of KVM 3 Do not connect anything to the Chain Out Port of the last KVM in the daisy chain.

7 AP56XX Analog and Digital IP KVM Switches Discontinued November, 2011 The AP56XX family of KVMs has now been discontinued and replaced by the KVMXXXX family. The AP56XX series is not compatible with the newer KVMXXXX series except for the Rack PDU power management cable. The AP56XX KVM line has several advantages of the AP52XX line: The AP5602 KVM is considered an analog KVM switch that leverages Cat5e/Cat6 cabling and server modules. The AP5610, AP5615, and AP5616 are considered Digital KVMs. They support remote IP connections, Virtual media, local USB connections, and have an on-board web interface. All KVMs in this line leverage Cat5e/Cat6 cabling and use AP56XX proprietary server modules. This removes the need for proprietary, bulky, and length limited cable. Simply run a Cat5e/Cat6 direct connection from the KVM switch to the server module, which in turn plugs into the back of the server or target device. Schneider Electric Rack PDU functionality power on/off servers using an APC Switched Rack PDU and the on board KVM interface (requires sold separately AP5641 cable). KVM Server Module Description APC KVM PS/2 Server Module APC KVM USB Server Module APC KVM Sun Server Module for VGA or 13W3 APC KVM USB VM Server Module - 20 in (51 cm) APC KVM PS/2 VM Server Module - 14 in (36 cm) APC KVM VT100 Serial Server Module Power Supply for APC KVM Serial Server Module APC KVM to APC Switched Rack PDU Power Mgmt Cable SKU AP5630 AP5631 AP5632 AP5634 AP5635 AP5636 AP5640 AP5641 Note: All information in this table is derived from the APC website. It is best to reference this site for the most up to date info:

8 The AP56XX KVMs have a naming convention that helps quickly identify the usability of the KVM switch: AP5602-0x2x16 AP5610-2x1x16 AP5615-2x1x32 AP5616-8x1x32 1st # - Simultaneous remote user connections to the server ports* 2nd # - Local connection (Keyboard, Monitor, Mouse) 3rd # - Number of server ports *Do not confuse with concurrent connections to ONE device. Only one user can access a server at one time (with exceptions/options available in the web interface). Cascading: To achieve additional capacity for servers, you can cascade the AP5602 (secondary KVM) off the primary KVM (AP5602, AP5610, AP5615, AP5616). It is important to understand that this is a primary-secondary relationship. There is only one primary KVM. You log into this KVM switch to view all downstream servers whether they are plugged directly into the primary KVM or if they are plugged into a secondary KVM. This means you can plug as many AP5602 s (16 port analog) as you can fit into the primary KVMs server ports. Hence the following breakdown is true: AP5602 as primary 256 total possible server connections AP5610 as primary 256 total possible server connections AP5615/AP5616 as primary 512 total possible server connections [See Note 1 below for an exception if using Virtual Media] Why is this? Let s take an AP5615 as an example. You have 32 server ports on this KVM. Each port can be cascaded down to an AP5602 using a Cat5e/Cat6 cable. You can, in practice, use all 32 ports and cascade (32) AP5602 s if you need. This gives you (32) 16 port AP5602 KVMs (32x16 = 512) which would then connect to the servers. More than likely, customers won t need the max number, so it s up to the Schneider Electric representative to understand how many AP5602 s need to be cascaded. Assume a configuration in which the customer required (55) servers to be connected to their KVM setup and need to manage them remotely. (55) is larger than the max capacity of the AP5615 or AP5616 s (32 ) ports, so we must sell additional AP5602 s. If you add two AP5602 s, you have the capacity for 16 (secondary 1), 16 (secondary 2) and 30 servers (remaining ports on primary) which is (62). Figure 2 below is a visual representation of what this would look like.

9 Figure 2: Note 1: An important consideration to make while cascading is that Virtual Media only works directly connected to the digital primary KVM. In the above example, all VM server modules must be directly connected to the AP5615 and would not work connected to the AP5602s. This has implications on the max numbers listed above if the customer is using Virtual Media server modules.

10 KVMXXXX Analog and Digital IP KVM Switches Enterprise/SMB The KVMXXXX Analog and Digital IP KVM Switches come in both Enterprise and a Small/Medium Business (SMB) segment offering. This KVM Switch Family is Schneider Electric s replacement for the AP56XX family. They offer many of the same features of the AP56XX family and more. You ll also notice certain cables are also borrowed from other KVM families, such as the Power Management Cable and Daisy- Chain cables. One thing to note, this family no longer supports SUN type hardware that does not use VGA/USB. All of the KVMXXXX Switches offer the following features and benefits (unless otherwise noted): Digital IP models limit the need for physical access to the datacenter removing the risk of human interaction as the number one reason for datacenter failures Out-of-band management when network is unavailable (Digital IP models only) 1U Mounting behind APC Rack LCD console (AP5717/AP5719) with optional bracket kit (KVM- LCDMOUNT) Server modules with Cat5e or higher cable connectivity for ultimate flexibility o Hot pluggable to add/remove components without turning on/off KVM Switch Support for VGA Resolutions up to 1600 x 60Hz Advanced, secure access methods including local authentication, LDAP, LDAPS, RADIUS, and Active Directory Device ID stored in module for hot swappable server changes KVM Access software with 80 nodes included on IP models for advanced KVM Switch and target device management consolidation. (Upgradeable to 1024 nodes) Virtual Media support (except KVM0108A, KVM0116A) o User can redirect their laptop s CD-ROM drive, folder contents, flash drive, or other mass storage devices to the target device Support for serially connected devices using KVM-SERIAL or CAC Readers using KVM-USBVMCAC (except KVM0108A, KVM1116P) SMB model specific features and benefits: Two-leveling cascading on IP model and chaining on analog models for control of up to 512 servers o Virtual Media support on top level KVM1116P only, if present Enterprise model specific features and benefits: Optional three level cascading with access to up to 8192 servers with one IP address o Virtual Media support on all cascaded devices Switched Rack PDU integration for server power management (AP79XX, AP89XX, AP86XX requires an AP5641 Power Management Cable for each connected PDU max of two) Redundant power and network connections for maximum up-time Virtual Media available on all models, including across a cascaded configuration Optional two bus cascading for dedicated connections on cascaded configurations

11 The KVMXXXX family reuses the quick and easy naming convention from the AP56XX family for the SKUs in this newer family have a naming convention that helps quickly identify the usability of the KVM switch: KVM2132P 1st # - Simultaneous remote user connections to the server ports* 2nd # - Quantity of Local Console connections (Keyboard, Monitor, Mouse) 3rd # - Quantity of server ports 4 th # - Analog (A) or IP (P) capability *Do not confuse with concurrent connections to ONE device. Only one user can access a server at one time (with exceptions/options available in the web interface). Type Item APC Part # Replacing Segment Description AP remote users x 1 local user x 32 port IP KVM with Enterprise 1 KVM2132P AP5616 Virtual Media (VM) IP 2 KVM2116P AP5610 Enterprise 2 remote users x 1 local user x 16 port IP KVM with VM Analog Server Modules 3 KVM1116P New SMB 1 remote users x 1 local user x 16 port IP KVM with VM 0 remote users x 2 local user x 16 port analog KVM Enterprise 4 KVM0216A AP5602 with VM 5 KVM0116A New SMB 0 remote users x 1 local user x 16 port analog KVM 6 KVM0108A New SMB 0 remote users x 1 local user x 8 port analog KVM 7 KVM-PS2 AP5630 PS / 2 Server Module 8 KVM-USB AP5631 USB Server Module 9 KVM-USBVM AP5634 USB Server Module with VM USB Server Module with VM and CAC Reader 10 KVM-USBVMCAC New capability 11 KVM-PS2VM AP5635 PS / 2 Server Module with VM 12 KVM-SERIAL Software upgrade 13 SEKVM1024N New Hardware 14 KVM-LCDMOUNT New AP5636 AP5640 Serial Server Module Enterprise software License upgrade for up to 1024 nodes Kit (Bracket and Cords) to mount KVM behind Rack LCD Console

12 Enterprise IP/Digital Model/Feature Comparison SMB IP/Digital Enterprise Analog SMB Analog KVM2132P KVM2116P KVM1116P KVM0216A KVM0116A KVM0108A Server ports LAN Local Console Ports PDU ports Power Inlet Modem Virtual Media X X X X Cascade X X X X Daisy-Chain X X Server Module KVM2132P KVM2116P KVM1116P KVM0216A KVM0116A KVM0108A KVM-PS2 X X X X X X KVM-USB X X X X X X KVM-USBVM X X X X KVM-PS2VM X X X X KVM-USBVMCAC X X X X KVM-SERIAL X X X X KVM2132P KVM-PS2VM KVM-USBVMCAC

13 KVM Access Software: KVM Access provides single portal, single login, secure, centralized access, administration and management of your KVM Switches and target devices- local and worldwide - anywhere, anytime. Devices are integrated into a single tree view, making KVM Access software ideal for enterprises with data centers and branch offices, located in several remote locations. While managing a KVM Switch, it allows a user to directly launch a remote viewer interface to a target device without having to launch into the KVM web interface. It also supports monitoring and configuration of APC s Switched Rack PDUs in order to associate an outlet with a connected device to turn on, off, or reboot the device. The software also offers a multi-language interface to minimize user training time and increase productivity. An 80 node license is included free with each IP KVM but an upgrade to 1024 nodes total is available with SEKVM1024N. If a user purchases multiple KVM Switches, multiple 80 node licenses cannot be combined. Please note: StruxureWare cannot be used to manage both KVM Switches and attached target devices. The only ability a user will have is launching to the KVM Switch Log On page via StruxureWare (with a supported KVM Switch firmware version please see apc.com for release notes). One major benefit of the software is the similarity to the KVM Switch in relation to the navigation interface. Each KVM s local and/or remote interfaces boast a similar look and feel. KVM2116P Web UI KVM Access Web UI

14 Daisy-Chaining/Cascading: Daisy-chaining or cascading (depending on model) allows the user to access up to multiple connected devices across multiple KVMs from one primary device. Cascading is done with a single Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable where as daisy-chaining is done with a 25-pin proprietary cable in certain applications. Enterprise models feature dual path (two bus) cascading and the possibility of having 8192 devices connected in one cascaded solution. Two users can simultaneously control separate ports. Two Tier, Two-Bus Cascading KVM2132P and KVM2116P * Single-bus option only needs one cable Single Tier Cascading KVM1116P Chaining KVM0116A and KVM01018A * KVM1116P can cascade to KVM0116A or KVM0108A * Daisy chain up to 32 KVMs with AP5262/AP5263

15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): What is the KVM Access Software? APC offers the KVM Access Software with a free 80 node license included. This software is included with every KVMXXXX Digital IP KVM on a CD in the box. This allows the customer to centrally manage the KVMXXXX family of switches as well as the legacy AP5610, AP5615, and AP5616 Digital KVM switches. It allows the customer to launch directly into a remote viewer interface with a server or target device without having to log into the KVM interface. It also allows for the ability to access the power management settings if you choose to integrate an APC Switched Rack PDU with your KVMXXXX series KVM switch or even the older AP56XX IP KVMs. The software is available for Windows and Linux operating systems. The software also has the ability to add generic SNMP clients for ease of launching telnet or web interfaces if necessary. As such, they could add equipment, such as a UPS or 3 rd party PDU to the interface, but the access is strictly limited to launching to the device s interface itself. There is no built in functionality aside from this for these generic SNMP devices. The software itself should be positioned mainly for the KVMXXXX management and monitoring. I bought several KVMXXXX IP KVM models. Can I combine the multiple 80 node licenses I received into one KVM Access Installation? No. There is no way to combine multiple 80 node license keys. The only option we can offer a user is the option to upgrade to 1024 nodes. This can be purchased by part number SE1024KVMN. Once this SKU has been purchased by the end user, please contact KVMAccessUpgrade@schneider-electric.com as outlined in the KVM Access User s guide in order to complete the upgrade process. What comes in the KVM-BN001 bundle? Description SKU Quantity APC 2x1x16 Enterprise Digital IP KVM with VM KVM2116P 1 Rack LCD Console (Keyboard, Monitor, Mouse) AP APC KVM USB VM Server Module KVM-USBVM 8 APC KVM 1U LCD Rear Mounting Kit KVM-LCDMOUNT 1 Can the Digital IP KVM Switches integrate with StruxureWare for SNMP monitoring? There is limited functionality between these KVMs and StruxureWare. The user will only be able to launch to the Log On page of the KVM Switch. There is no ability to launch to or view target devices via StruxureWare. The customer can certainly add the KVM to StruxureWare for extremely limited alerting. This is unlike most other Schneider Electric devices, which StruxureWare has built in functionality for.

16 What can I offer a user when they ask for a Console Port Server? APC used to sell Console Port Servers (CPS) years ago (AP9301, AP9302, AP9303). A CPS provides a number of serial ports, which are then connected to the serial ports of other equipment, most commonly headless servers, routers or switches. The CPS then provides an interface to communicate with these devices via a serial connection quite simply, a KVM Switch for serial-type devices. Today, we can only offer a user a KVMXXXX series KVM Switch with a KVM-SERIAL module for each of their target devices. KVM-SERIAL provides a DB-9F connection and a user can purchase a gender changer or other adapter in order to communicate with their serial device. How do APC s KVM Switches compare with the solutions and pricing of HP, IBM and Dell? In general, Schneider Electric offers similar KVM technology as HP, Avocent, Dell, and IBM. Our advantages include basic integration with StruxureWare, Rack PDU Power Integration with APC Switched Rack PDUs and access to customers earlier in the buying cycle. Can I use another vendor s cables with my APC branded KVM Switches? No. APC branded KVM Switches and related cables only work with APC branded cables. Please note, this general rule does not apply to Rack LCD compatibility. While the user must use the provided APC communication cable with their Rack LCD, they can connect it to an APC or third party KVM Switch or other device. AP56XX server modules and other parts appear to be discontinued. Can I use KVM-USB or other KVM- XXXX server modules that are available instead? No. Unfortunately, you must follow the compatibility rules outlined earlier in the document. Other modules will not work. AP56XX series KVMs only support AP56XX series modules and the same goes for KVMXXXX KVM Switches they only support KVM-XXXX modules. Please review this document for additional specifics on module compatibility. What is the Network Access Software (NAS)? APC offered Network Access Software (NAS) for free with the older AP56XX Digital IP models. This software was included with every AP56XX Digital KVM on a CD in the box. This allowed the customer to centrally manage the AP5610, AP5615, and AP5616 Digital KVM switches. It allowed the customer to launch directly into a remote viewer interface with a server without having to log into the KVM interface. It also allowed for the ability to access the power management settings if you choose to integrate an APC Switched Rack PDU with your AP56XX series KVM switch. The software is available for Windows and Linux operating systems. This software is available for users if they still need it but it s functionality has been replaced by the KVM Access software that comes with the current KVMXXXX models.

17 What is the AP5636 VT100 serial server module? The VT100 server module was intended to connect networking equipment s serial (sometimes called console ) connection to the AP56XX KVMs. This gives the customer terminal-like access to their equipment remotely through the KVM*. Normally, this would require a customer to be physically in front of their gear and connect via a serial cable. This is a great solution for a customer who doesn t want to have to purchase a console port server for only one or two pieces of networking gear. Note: The AP5636 server module requires external power. If available, you MUST sell an AP5640 power supply along-side this module. One AP5640 power supply can power up to four AP5636 VT100 modules provided the octopus connections can reach each module. See the AP5640 product page for clarification. *This is VT100 emulation. It is not capable of sending and receiving files over protocols such as XMODEM. The access is limited to interfacing with the device. What is Virtual Media? The Virtual Media feature allows a drive, folder, image file, or removable disk on a user's system to appear and act as if it were installed on the remote server. This requires a supported KVM and a supported server module. Can I use the AP5635 as a universal server module? Can I use the USB connection for keyboard and mouse if I don t want to use the PS/2? No. The USB connection on this server module is for the virtual media functionality only. The PS/2 plugs carry the keyboard and mouse traffic. If the PS/2 connections are not used, there will be no keyboard and mouse functionality. The AP5634 is the Virtual Media USB counterpart the Virtual Media, keyboard, and mouse traffic is fed through the one USB connection on this module. My customer has an AP5401 or an AP5405 KVM solution and wants to expand. What are their options? Unfortunately, the AP54XX product family of KVMs was discontinued in the beginning of APC carried server modules for this line through most of that year. Going forward, there will not be many, if any, parts available for this line through Schneider Electric. Customers wishing to expand must go to our KVMXXXX line of KVMs. Unfortunately, there is no cross-functionality between the two KVM product lines, so the customer must either replace their existing set up or run two different KVM solutions simultaneously. Do APC s KVMs work with Avocent or ATEN solutions? No. There is APC by Schneider Electric specific firmware running on the OEM d product that will not allow for other manufacturer compatibility hardware and software. Some customers will ask about Avocent s DSView, a centralized server for Avocent KVM and Console Servers (CPS). APC s KVMs will not have the functionality that Avocent KVMs have through this solution. See below for Schneider Electric s centralized solution offerings.

18 Can the Digital IP KVM Switches integrate with StruxureWare? There is limited functionality between these KVMs and StruxureWare. The user will only be able to launch to the Log On page of the KVM Switch. There is no ability to launch to or view target devices via StruxureWare. The customer can certainly add the KVM to StruxureWare for extremely limited alerting. This is unlike most other Schneider Electric devices, which StruxureWare has built in functionality for. Can I cascade other KVMs beside the AP5602 with the AP56XX series? For example, can I use 2 AP5610s and cascade them? No. The AP5602 is the only KVM that can be a secondary KVM. The reasoning behind this is that it doesn t make sense to have multiple digital KVMs with multiple network connections. Furthermore, it is physically impossible because only the AP5602 has a cascade port. Lastly, it doesn t make sense financially to buy two AP5610s when you get the same functionality with an AP5610 and cascaded AP5602. Application Note AN110 and the user s manual have further information on cascading. Can I use the second local user connection on a secondary AP5602 KVM? Yes, however, you only will have access to the servers connected to that secondary KVM. You will not have access to the primary KVM nor other secondary KVMs. Note: When you use the cascade port on an AP5602, one of the two local connections (User A) becomes disabled. Can I use switches and hubs between my KVM and server modules? No. Do not confuse a KVM solution with networking technologies. Although the Ethernet standard also uses Cat5e/Cat 6 cable, our KVMs are not using this standard. They are simply using the Cat5e/Cat 6 cable as a means to communicate with the servers. Cat5e has 8 wires broken down into 4 pairs. We use 3 pairs for RGB (red green blue) video traffic and the forth pair for keyboard and mouse. The KVM solution must have a direct Cat5e/Cat6 connection from the server module to a KVM server port.