Dell POWEREDGE 1855 - Manual (Page 12)

The switch module also provides an Analog Console Interface (ACI) port, which allows you to connect a server module via Cat5 cabling to an external device
such as the Dell 2161DS Digital console switch or Dell 180AS/2160AS analog console switches, without the need for a Server Interface Pod (SIP.)
Figure 1 -8 shows the external features on the Avocent Analog KVM switch module.
Figure 1-8. Avocent Analog KVM Switch Module
The Avocent Analog KVM switch module also includes an identification indicator (see Figure 1 -8 ). Table 1 -7 describes the indicators and features on the switch
module.
Table 1-7. Avocent Analog KVM Switch Module Indicators and Features
Avocent Digital Access KVM Switch Module
The optional Avocent Digital Access KVM switch module allows you to configure and manage the server modules through a single keyboard, monitor and
mouse. You select server modules using the On-Screen Configuration and Reporting (OSCAR) graphical user interface.
The Avocent Digital Access KVM switch module includes the following features:
l Analog KVM switching
This switch can be used as an Analog switch, allowing local KVM switching through direct connect of a keyboard, monitor and mouse; or tiering into
external analog KVM switches. This switch uses the same OSCAR interface as the standard Avocent Analog KVM switch to switch between server
modules.
The Digital Access KVM switch provides a custom connector which brings out PS2/video ports. These ports can be directly connected to a keyboard,
monitor, and mouse, or tiered into an external analog KVM switch with KVM ports. If you are connecting the Digital Access KVM switch to an external KVM
switch using Cat5 connectors/ACI ports, that switch's dongle (PS2/video to Cat5) is required.
l Remote control of Virtual Media and virtual KVM
After connecting to your network using the switch's Ethernet connection, use the system's DRAC/MC GUI to select Media and/or console and which
server module to connect to.
You can then use the switch's Virtual Media and virtual KVM features:
NOTE: Your system has two custom cables—one that connects to the front of the server module to connect two USB devices and video, and a second
cable that connects to the KVM to provide two PS/2 connections and a video connection. The cables are not interchangeable. It is recommended that
you keep these custom cables available.
NOTE: Although the ACI port is an RJ-45 connector and uses Cat5 cabling, it is not an Ethernet network interface port. It is only used for connection to
external KVM switches with Analog Rack Interface (ARI) ports.
NOTE: The ACI port can only be used to connect to ARI ports on Dell console switches. To connect to other types or brands of switches, including
Avocent switches, you must connect to the switch's PS2 and video ports using the proprietary dongle provided with that switch.
Feature Activity
Indicator Indicator Code
Identification
indicator Off Chassis is not being identified.
Amber blinking Chassis is being identified.
Power indicator Off KVM switch does not have power.
Green KVM switch has power.
Custom connector None Allows two PS/2 and one video device to be connected to the system.
ACI port Allows connection of one or more servers to a Dell console switch with an Analog Rack Interface (ARI) port, such as a
digital or analog console switch
NOTE: The Avocent Digital Access KVM module differs from the Avocent Analog KVM module in that the Digital Access KVM switch module does not
have an ACI port; it has an Ethernet network interface in its place.
NOTE: The switch's Ethernet port must be connected into the same network as the DRAC/MC port and must be configured in the same IP subnet
as the DRAC/MC controller.