IBM 17353LX - 1x8 Console Switch User Manual

2 IBM Rack Console Switch Installation and User’s Guide
Models and Features
An IBM 1 x 8 Rack Console Switch supports access by a single local user. An IBM 2 x 16 Rack
Console Switch supports simultaneous access by two local users. The following table summarizes
the features provided by the two types of switches.
IBM Conversion Options and Console Switch Cables
COs are first connected to the servers and then are connected to ARI ports on the rack console
switch by means of separate CAT 5 cables. Firmware on the COs may also be upgraded.
Each console switch cable has a built-in 3 meter (10 foot) CAT 5 cable for connecting a server to an
ARI port. Firmware on the console switch cables is not upgradable.
The
KVM (KCO) and USB (UCO) conversion options each have two ARI jacks on the back. For
daisy-chaining, one ARI jack can be connected to an ARI port on the rack console switch, and the
other jack can be connected either to another CO of the same type (KCO or UCO) or to a terminator
plug. Up to 16 KCO or UCO conversion options can be connected to a single rack console switch
port to daisy-chain up to 16 servers per port.
Either a PS/2 console switch cable or a KCO can be used to connect a server that has PS/2-based
KVM ports.
Figure 1.1: Options for connecting servers that have PS2-based KVM ports
Table 1.1: Rack console switch models, ports, users, maximum tiered and daisy-chained servers
Model ARI Ports Local Users Maximum Servers Connected to Tiered Switches or Daisy-chained
1 x 8 8 1 (A) 128
2 x 16 16 2 (A and B) 256
PS/2 console switch cable
KCO

IBM 17353LX - 1x8 Console Switch Specifications

General

Brand	IBM
Model	17353LX - 1x8 Console Switch
Category	Switch
Language	English

Summary

Product Overview

Models and Features

Describes the 1x8 and 2x16 models, their ports, and capabilities.

Connectivity Options

Covers KCOs, UCOs, and console switch cables for connecting servers.

OSCAR Interface Overview

Explains the graphical user interface for system configuration and server selection.

Security and Video Capabilities

Details security features and supported video resolutions.

Firmware Upgrades and Tiering Expansion

Explains firmware updates and system scaling through tiering.

Installation

Safety and Mounting Procedures

Covers safety guidelines and steps for rack mounting the switch.

Server Connection and System Configuration

Guides on connecting servers, daisy-chaining, tiering, and initial setup.

Using the OSCAR Interface

Accessing and Navigating the Interface

Details login procedures, hotkeys, and basic navigation within OSCAR.

Server Management and Operations

Explains selecting servers, viewing status, and performing operations like logging out.

Interface Configuration Settings

Details setup windows for naming servers, display behavior, security, and language.

Advanced Features and Diagnostics

Covers version info, diagnostics, broadcasting, scanning, and switch modes.

Configuring Restricted Access

User Account and Access Management

Guides on enabling, configuring, and managing user accounts and server access.

Appendices

Firmware Upgrades

Step-by-step instructions for upgrading switch and CO firmware.

Technical Specifications

Lists key hardware details, performance, and environmental data.

Support, Notices, and Disposal

Information on obtaining help, compliance statements, and product recycling.