10.2. HP Rack Options

A variety of options are available to customize ProLiant racks to suit the business requirements of most customer environments. The option categories include the following:

• Monitors and keyboards

• Cable management

• Shelving and stabilizing

• Console switches

For more information on rack options, visit http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantstorage/rack-options/list.html.

10.2.1 Monitors and Keyboards

HP racks feature an optional flat-panel thin film transistor (TFT) monitor that provides a full 17-inch viewing screen when needed and tucks away in 1U of rack space when not being used. The monitor is designed to allow a switchbox to mount behind it on the rails, further maximizing rack space.

Figure 10-2 shows the HP TFT5110R rack-mounted flat-panel monitor.

Figure 10-2. HP TFT5110R rack-mounted flat-panel monitor.

Figure 10-3 shows the HP integrated keyboard and drawer

Figure 10-3. HP integrated rack keyboard and drawer.

To provide maximum flexibility, the integrated keyboard and drawer also tucks away when not in use. The unit is ideal for small remote sites as well as high-density data centers.

10.2.2 Cable Management

The space-saving design of HP racks facilitates cable management, as illustrated in Figure 10-4. Optional cable management kits are available to further reduce cabling requirements.

Figure 10-4. HP cable management system.

A cable management arm ships in the rack kit with the server, and includes hook-and-loop straps that are used to secure multiple server and peripheral cables to the arm, as shown in Figure 10-5. It allows secure extraction of the server from the rack, without the risk of removing a cable.

Figure 10-5. HP rack cable management arms.

10.2.3 Shelving and Stabilizing

Shelving, mounting, and grounding kits are available for HP racks. These kits allow you to

• Optimize rack configuration.

• Improve accessibility.

• Minimize use of floor space.

Stabilizer options kits increase stability and support, and improve safety factors.

10.2.4 Console Switches

A console switch is a device that eliminates the need for a separate keyboard, mouse, and monitor for every server. It routes the capabilities of those devices through a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor set. Recently introduced keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) designs use networking technology to connect to and remotely manage systems.

The HP console switch uses interface adapters and Cat 5 cabling technology to connect the keyboard, video, and mouse ports on a server, and the IP console switch provides local and remote management functions using a LAN.

10.2.4.1 LEGACY SERVER CONSOLE SWITCH

A legacy HP server console switch is a device that provides a direct connection to multiple computers and enables you to logically switch a single KVM among those systems, as shown in Figure 10-6.

Figure 10-6. HP legacy server console switch.

Server console switches can be connected in a tiered fashion to increase server access from 4 or 8 servers to as many as 64.

10.2.4.2 HP CONSOLE SWITCHES

HP offers 8-port, single-user and 16-port, two-user versions of its console switches, as shown in Figure 10-7. Both versions use Cat 5 cables and RJ-45 connections. PS/2 connections are available for local users.

Figure 10-7. HP console switches.

These analog KVM switches reduce cabling problems, feature improved scalability, and enable seamless integration with existing HP KVM switches.

Eight servers can be tiered on each switch port through an expansion port. Interface adapters connect unshielded Cat 5 cables to the standard PS/2 and USB connections on servers or legacy Compaq KVM switches.

10.2.4.3 IP CONSOLE SWITCHES

Like a server console switch, an HP IP console switch allows access to the rack console and attached servers. However, the IP console switch also provides this access through a network. Remote users can access applications and screens as if they were standing in front of the rack.

The HP IP console switch provides KVM connections to 16 direct attached servers. IP console switches do not require the installation of specific software on the attached servers, enabling users to connect a single switch to servers running a variety of operating systems.

Figure 10-8 shows an HP IP console switch.

Figure 10-8. HP IP console switch.

Note

The IP console switch connects to any type of server that has a standard PS2 or USB KVM connection.

Figure 10-9 shows how HP IP console switches can be connected to a network.

Figure 10-9. IP Console switches connection diagram.

10.2.4.3.1 HP IP Console Viewer

The HP IP Console Viewer software, shown in Figure 10-10, enables users to discover switches and to configure interface adapters and cascaded legacy switches.

Figure 10-10. HP IP Console Viewer interface.

Before the IP console switch can be used over the network, you must install the IP Console Viewer software on the system you will use to manage the switch.

Note

This viewer is not Web-based; you must install it on each machine that will use it.