Network Administrators, System Administrators, Engineering Managers, Chief Information Officers, and Managers of Information Systems are all among the users who will see very tangible benefits from using the Compaq family of server console switches.

• Easy access to multiple servers
• Multi-platform management from one console (Microsoft Windows, Novell, UNIX etc)
• Non-intrusive control and management of servers Compaq Server Console Switches are "out-of-band," allowing server activity to be viewed on multiple systems without interfering in any way.

• On-Screen Display (OSD) - Displays system-related information on the console monitor, such as selected server name, status, power-up test data and configuration menus.
• Programmable Scanning - An evaluation of system performance can be made by sequentially scanning any or all of the computers in the system. Programmable scanning allows you to determine which computers to include as well as the duration of the connection.
• Configuration NVRAM - NVRAM (non-volatile RAM) makes it easy to set configuration information using commands entered from the keyboard. The NVRAM stores the resulting configuration until a user decision is made to change the information, even if the unit loses power.
• Hardware Reset Switch - If the keyboard or mouse communication is disrupted, the switch can be used to reset the unit without interrupting power to the system.
• Password Protection - For protection against unauthorized users, the switch box provides a password option for security purposes.
• Switch Firmware Update - The application code of the switch can be quickly and easily updated via FLASH ROM. The port communications settings are automatically configured to allow direct downloading from the connected computer.
• Multiple Space Saving 0U Installation Methods -
  • Side Mount - Rails are provided for mounting the unit to the side of the rack cabinet.
  • Rear Rack Mount - In conjunction with a Compaq 1U Keyboard Drawer (338056-B21) slide rails are provided for mounting the unit behind the keyboard drawer.

The Compaq Server Console Switches provide tangible benefits including -

• Easy access to multiple servers
• One or more persons can use more than one server or system (e.g., when there is a need to simply "switch" among several systems).
• One person can manage large numbers of servers in an organized fashion, from one console.
• Typically, at least 50 percent savings in floor space can be expected when using Compaq Console Server Switches in rack-mount configurations vs. non-rack mounted server configurations. In one typical lab, console switches were implemented within rack mount configurations to save 67 percent in required floor space.
• With fewer monitors, power bills are reduced considerably: one Compaq Server Console Switch controlling 8 computers from a single monitor reduces the monitor count by 7 (87 percent).
• Air conditioning costs are reduced due to the reduction in heat due to fewer monitors when a Compaq Console Server Switch is implemented and uses only one monitor.
  The chart below shows an example of cost savings and financial return associated with console switch and rack-mount configurations in an urban east-coast data center.
  

The single-user Compaq Server Console Switches has one input (or user) port for one user console (one keyboard, monitor, and mouse) and multiple output (or system) ports for connecting multiple systems to the switch
(one-to-many).

• One user has control over multiple computers with a single user switch.
• Single user switches can also be tiered (one switch connected to another) to expand the amount of systems controlled by one user.
  For example, an 8-port switch uses one of its output system ports to connect to another 8-port switch, yielding a total amount of 15 computers controlled by one user).

The information contained herein is subject to change without notice.

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