| What's new |
| Q1. |
How does the Virtual Media work? |
| A1. |
The new HP console switches allow you to connect up to two USB drives directly to the switch. From the local OSD, an administrator can map those drives to any server connected to the console switch to transfer updates or applications. Additionally when used with an HP IP Console with Virtual media, the IP Console Viewer software allows an administrator to map drives from a workstation outside the data center to perform the same functions.
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| Q2. |
Does the Virtual Media work with my existing HP Console switches? |
| A2. |
No. Virtual media will only function through the new HP Console Switches with Virtual Media. Virtual Media will work through a cascaded switch as long as the switch is virtual media compatible. Existing HP Console Switch and KVM Expansion Modules will work in a cascaded configuration but do not support virtual media.
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| Q3. |
How many servers can I cascade? |
| A3. |
The new HP Console Switches with Virtual Media support up to 3 levels of tiering for a total of 4096 servers or devices accessible from the local consoles. The all tiers must use the new HP Console Switches with Virtual Media to support the third tier. The third tier may contain the new switches or legacy Cat5 based HP Console Switches or Expansion Modules. Legacy console switches and expansion modules do not support virtual media.
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| Q3. |
What choices do I have for Virtual Media Interface Adapters? |
| A4. |
There are two Virtual Media Interface Adapters. . The most versatile uses PS2 connections for the mouse and keyboard and a separate USB 2.0 connection for virtual media. This interface adapter supports 2 virtual media devices at the same time. The second is intended for servers that do not support PS2 connections and uses a single USB connection for mouse, keyboard and virtual media. This interface adapter only supports a single virtual media device at a time.
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| General |
| Q1. |
Where can I find more detailed information on the features and specifications of the HP Console Switch? |
| A1. |
Descriptions and additional information for all HP Console Switch and a list of supported options from HP can be found at www.hp.com/go/kvm.
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| Q2. |
Do the new Interface adapters for virtual media work on the existing server consoles? |
| A2. |
No. The new interface adapters are designed to work only on the new Server Consoles with Virtual Media. The new Server Consoles with Virtual Media are backwards compatible with the existing line of interface adapter to provide KVM functionality.
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| Configuration |
| Q1. |
How does the CAT5e cable connect to the servers? |
| A1. |
Interface adapters convert the standard keyboard, video and mouse connections to RJ45. Users can create their own CAT5e cables in custom lengths eliminating rolls of extra cable in the back of the rack. The Interface adapters maintain the keyboard and mouse connection to the server, eliminating server lock-ups when the connection is lost. The Interface adapter also provides static naming of the connection via non-volatile RAM. Now users can name the connection, not the port.
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| Q2. |
Why does the Server Console with Virtual Media have a network port? |
| A2. |
This LAN connection allows for remote firmware upgrade. There is no longer a need to go into the data center or remote office to update firmware on the switch. |
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| Q3. |
What are the restrictions on CAT5 cable distances in relation to video performance? |
| A3. |
- 1- 75 ft 1280×1024
- 1- 75 ft 1024×768
- 1- 100 ft 800×600
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| Q4. |
Why are there two different virtual media interface adapters? |
| A4. |
The PS2 Virtual Media Interface Adapter is the most robust and the recommended choice because it provides the highest level of compatibility with the most servers. The USB Virtual Media Interface Adapter is intended predominately for servers that do not support PS2 connections such as HP Integrity servers.
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| Management |
| Q1. |
How many users can I attach to the HP Server Console Switch with Virtual Media? |
| A1. |
Up to 2 local consoles can be attached to the switch. |
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| Q2. |
Can I attach a local console to a tiered Server Console Switch with Virtual media? |
| A2. |
Yes. You can attach a local console to the B port on a tiered Server Console Switch with Virtual Media. The A port is used to connect to a server port on the switch above for tiering. |
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| Q3. |
Can I tier an HP IP Console Switch with Virtual Media under a Server Console Switch with Virtual Media? |
| A3. |
No. HP IP Console Switches are only supported at the top of a tier. |
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| Compatibility |
| Q1. |
What types of USB storage devices can I attach to the HP Server Console Switch? |
| A1. |
The HP IP Console Switch can support USB keys, USB Floppy drives, USB CD-Roms, and USB DVDs. USB hard drives and USB keys coded as hard drives are not supported.
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| Q2. |
Will any type or brand of the above USB storage devices work? |
| A2. |
Not necessarily. HP tested a wide range of USB storage devices but unfortunately due to the difference in USB implementations and chipsets some devices may not function. If a device doesn't function HP recommends you attempt a different brand or type of device before calling for service.
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