Black Box ServSwitch Duo KV6EXTB-R2 User manual

NOVEMBER 2001
KV6EXT-R2
KV6EXTB-R2
FREE tech support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone].
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Dr., Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
World-Wide Web: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
© Copyright 2001. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.
Customer Support Information:

1
THE SERVSWITCH™ FAMILY
Welcome to the ServSwitchTM Family!
Thank you for purchasing a BLACK BOX®ServSwitch™Brand KVM-switch
accessory! We appreciate your business, and we think you’ll appreciate the many
ways that your new ServSwitch keyboard/video/mouse switch will save you money,
time, and effort.
That’s because our ServSwitch family is all about breaking away from the
traditional, expensive model of computer management. You know, the one-size-
fits-all-even-if-it-doesn’t model that says, “One computer gets one user station, no
more, no less.” Why not a single user station (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) for
multiple computers—even computers of different platforms? Why not a pair of
user stations, each of which can control multiple computers? Why not multiple
user stations for the same computer?
With our ServSwitch products, there’s no reason why not. We carry a broad line
of robust solutions for all these applications. Do you have just two PCs, and need
an economical alternative to keeping two monitors, keyboards, and mice on your
desk? Or do you need to share dozens of computers, including a mix of IBM®PC,
RS/6000®, Apple®Macintosh®, Sun Microsystems®, and SGI®compatibles among
multiple users with different access levels? Does your switch have to sit solidly on a
worktable and use regular everyday cables? Or does it have to be mounted in an
equipment rack and use convenient many-to-one cables? No matter how large or
small your setup is, no matter how simple or how complex, we’re confident we
have a ServSwitch system that’s just right for you.
The ServSwitch™family from Black Box—the one-stop answer for all your KVM-
switching needs!
*
This manual will tell you all about your new ServSwitch™ Duo Extender,
including how to install, operate, and troubleshoot it. For an introduction to the
Extender, see Chapter 2. The Extender product codes covered in this manual are:
KV6EXT-R2
KV6EXTB-R2
This manual also includes information about the Extender’s Rackmount Kit, whose
product code is:
RMK19WX

2
SERVSWITCH™DUO EXTENDER
TRADEMARKS USED IN THIS MANUAL
BLACK BOX and the logo are registered trademarks, and ServSwitch and
ServSwitch Wizard are trademarks, of Black Box Corporation.
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.
Hewlett-Packard is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard.
IBM, PC/AT, PS/2, RS/6000, and ThinkPad are registered trademarks, and
PC/XT is a trademark, of IBM Corporation.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks, and IntelliMouse is a
trademark, of Microsoft Corporation.
Sun and Sun Microsystems are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in
the United States and other countries.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property of the
trademark owners.

3
FCC/IC STATEMENTS
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND INDUSTRY CANADA
RADIO-FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy, and if not
installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions, may cause interference to radio communication. It has been tested
and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device in accordance
with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to
provide reasonable protection against such interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the
interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.

4
SERVSWITCH™DUO EXTENDER
EUROPEAN UNION DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a class A
computing device in accordance with the specifications in the European standard
EN55022. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio-
frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, might cause harmful interference to radio or television reception.
However, there is no guarantee that harmful interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment on and
off, you can correct the interference with one or more of the following measures:
(a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
(b) Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
(c) Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
(d) Consult the supplier or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Shielded cables must be used to attach computer equipment to this device in order
to maintain compliance with radio-frequency energy-emission regulations and
ensure a suitably high level of immunity to electromagnetic disturbances.

5
NOM STATEMENT
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de
que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca
de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que
sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar
en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios de
ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.

6
SERVSWITCH™DUO EXTENDER
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización
del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen del
aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas
de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

7
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ............................................................................................. 9
2. Introduction ............................................................................................. 12
2.1 Features and Benefits of the Extender ............................................ 12
2.2 The Complete Extender Package .................................................... 13
2.3 The Extender Illustrated .................................................................. 14
2.4 Safety Concerns ................................................................................. 14
3. Installation ................................................................................................ 15
3.1 What You Will Need .......................................................................... 15
3.2 Placement .......................................................................................... 16
3.3 Connecting Your Devices ................................................................. 17
3.3.1 Connecting User Equipment ................................................. 17
3.3.2 Connecting a Local CPU (Optional, KV6EXT-R2 Only) ..... 17
3.4 Connecting the Extender to the Duo .............................................. 19
3.5 Powering the Extender and Attached Devices ................................ 20
4. Configuration ........................................................................................... 21
4.1 Configuring an Attached PC (KV6EXT-R2 Only) .......................... 21
4.2 Configuring the Extender ................................................................ 22
4.2.1 Setting the Hotkey ................................................................ 22
4.2.2 Using Configuration Mode .................................................. 24
4.2.2.A Setting the Video Compensation ........................... 24
4.2.2.B Issuing Other Configuration-Mode
Keyboard Commands ........................................... 26
4.3 Setting a Password for the Extender ................................................ 27

8
SERVSWITCH™DUO EXTENDER
Contents (continued)
Chapter Page
5. Operation ................................................................................................. 29
5.1 Power-Up Status .............................................................................. 29
5.2 The Extender’s LEDs ..................................................................... 30
5.3 How the Extender Uses the Keyboard LEDs ................................ 31
5.4 Switching Between the Duo System and a Local CPU
(KV6EXT-R2 Only) ..................................................................... 33
5.5 Contending for Control of Duo-System CPUs .............................. 34
5.6 Things to Keep in Mind About the Keyboards and Mice ............ 35
5.7 Keyboard Control: Hotkey Commands ......................................... 36
5.8 Mouse Switching (KV6EXT-R2 with Local CPU Only) ................ 38
5.9 Hot-Plugging a PS/2 Mouse or Mouse Port into the Extender
or Re-Enabling a Disconnected PS/2 Mouse Port
(KV6EXT-R2 with Local CPU Only) .......................................... 39
6. Troubleshooting ...................................................................................... 41
6.1 Things to Try ..................................................................................... 41
6.2 Clearing the Extender’s Password ................................................... 43
6.3 Restoring the Extender to Its Factory-Default Configuration ........ 43
6.4 Displaying the Extender’s Firmware Revision ................................. 44
6.5 Calling Black Box .............................................................................. 44
6.6 Shipping and Packaging ................................................................... 45
Appendix A: Guidelines for Twisted-Pair Cabling ........................................ 46
Appendix B: Rackmounting ........................................................................... 48

9
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Cable Required: Between the Duo and the Extender: Four-pair (eight-
wire) Category 5 or higher unshielded twisted-pair
(UTP); shielded twisted-pair (STP) can also be used at
shorter distances
Compliance: CE (EN55022 Class A); FCC Part 15 Subpart B Class A,
IC Class/classe A
Standards: VGA, SVGA, XGA, or XGA-2 video
Interfaces: Video: VGA;
Keyboard and mouse: IBM PS/2 compatible; with
appropriate adapters, both models can support IBM
PC/AT keyboards and the KV6EXT-R2 can support
PC/AT keyboard ports and EIA/TIA RS-232 serial
mouse ports;
Serial (nonfunctional): EIA/TIA RS-232, pinned
according to TIA-574, DCE;
KV6EXT-R2 only: Audio (nonfunctional): 3.5-mm stereo
Resolution and
Refresh Rate: At Duo-to-Extender distances to 65 m (210 ft.):
Up to 1600 x 1280 noninterlaced at up to 85 Hz;
At distances to 100 m (325 ft.): Up to 1600 x 1280
noninterlaced at up to 65 Hz;
At distances to 200 m (655 ft.): Up to 1024 x 768
noninterlaced at up to 65 Hz
Maximum
Distance: Between the Duo and the Extender: Up to 200 m
(655 ft.) of unshielded twisted-pair cable or 100 m
(325 ft.) of shielded twisted-pair cable;
From Extender to the attached keyboard, monitor, or
mouse: 10 m (32 ft.);
From Extender to any attached CPU: 20 m (65 ft.)

10
SERVSWITCH™DUO EXTENDER
User Controls: Keyboard commands;
Mouse-click functions;
(1) Side-mounted 8-position DIP switch for hotkey
selection;
Extender users can also access the Duo’s on-screen
menus
Indicators: Both models: (2) Top-mounted LEDs: Power (green)
and Duo (red);
KV6EXT-R2 only: (1) Top-mounted Local CPU (red)
LED;
Both models also indicate compensation, control-
lockout, and password-lockout modes by flashing
various patterns on the Num Lock, Caps Lock, and
Scroll Lock LEDs of the attached keyboard
Connectors: All side-mounted;
Both models:
(1) HD15 female to monitor;
(2) 6-pin mini-DIN female: (1) to keyboard, (1) to
mouse;
(1) Barrel jack for power-supply attachment;
(1) DB9 female (nonfunctional);
KV6EXT-R2 only:
(1) HD15 female to CPU’s video port (optional);
(2) 6-pin mini-DIN female: (1) to CPU’s keyboard
port, (1) to CPU’s mouse port (both optional);
(4) 3.5-mm stereo jacks (nonfunctional)
Maximum
Altitude: 10,000 ft. (3048 m)
Temperature
Tolerance: 32 to 104˚F (0 to 40˚C)
Humidity
Tolerance: 5 to 60% noncondensing
Enclosure: Steel and aluminum

11
CHAPTER 1: Specifications
Power: From utility-power (mains) outlet, through detachable
power cord and IEC 320 inlet, to external transformer:
Input: 100 to 240 VAC at 50 to 60 Hz;
Output: 5 VDC at up to 2.5 A from transformer to
Extender (Extender normally draws only 1.5 A);
Consumption: 7.5 watts typical
Size: 1.3"H x 6.5"W x 5.6"D (3.3 x 16.5 x 14.2 cm)
Weight: 1.1 lb. (0.5 kg)

12
SERVSWITCH™DUO EXTENDER
2. Introduction
The ServSwitch™ Duo Extender is a high-performance IBM®PC compatible
keyboard-, monitor-, and mouse-extension device that you can use to connect a
distant user station to a ServSwitch™ Duo. The Extender is linked to the Duo with
twisted-pair cable, preferably rated Category 5.
The basic version of the Extender (product code KV6EXTB-R2) has only user-
station (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) connectors plus a nonfunctional serial
connector, and only performs KVM extension. The full version of the Extender
(KV6EXT-R2) also has connectors for directly attaching an optional local CPU,
and can switch between this CPU and the CPUs in the Duo system. (It has a few
nonfunctional audio connectors as well.)
2.1 Features and Benefits of the Extender
Here are some of the useful features of both ServSwitch Duo Extender models and
some of the ways those features benefit you:
• Control your ServSwitch Duo system from a remote keyboard, monitor, and
mouse up to 200 meters (655 ft.) away.
• Uses a single Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable to carry all
supported signals between the Extender and the Duo.
• Password protection prevents unauthorized use.
• Finely user-adjustable video compensation for the best possible video quality at
any supported cable length.
• Video compensation only needs to be done once, at installation time, because
the compensation setting is saved in EEPROM memory even when the
Extender is powered OFF.
• Supports high-bandwidth monitors at resolutions up to 1600 x 1280 pixels.
• Emulates the presence of a keyboard and mouse, so that any attached
computer can boot up automatically at any time.
• Supports keyboard modes 1, 2, and 3, as well as both “prompt” and “stream”
mouse modes, for maximum compatibility.
• Support for Microsoft®IntelliMouse®and other common “wheel” mice.

13
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
• Automatically restores keyboard and mouse states when you switch between
CPUs.
• Keyboard-command hotkey is user-configurable.
• LEDs indicate power status, data activity, and (on the KV6EXT-R2) whether
the Duo or the local CPU is selected.
• Flashes keyboard LEDs to indicate compensation, control, and locked modes.
• Robust metal case ensures good shielding and video quality.
The full KV6EXT-R2 Extender has these additional features:
• Control a directly attached PC as well; this can be an IBM PS/2®, PC/AT®,
RS/6000®, or compatible computer.
• Switch between Duo and local CPUs with keyboard hotkey sequences or a
3-button or wheel mouse.
• Mouse-restoration functions to enable hot-plugging of certain systems as the
local CPU.
• Supports IBM ThinkPad®and its “Y” cables.
2.2 The Complete Extender Package
Along with your ServSwitch Duo Extender, you should have received:
• The Extender’s power supply.
• The power supply’s input cord.
• This manual.
If you didn’t receive everything, or if anything arrived damaged, contact Black Box
right away.

14
SERVSWITCH™DUO EXTENDER
2.3 The Extender Illustrated
Figure 2-1. The Extender’s controls and connectors.
2.4 Safety Concerns
As you prepare to install the ServSwitch Duo Extender, please keep these things in
mind:
• The Extender is for use in dry, oil-free indoor environments only.
•Warning: The Extender’s power supply contains no user-serviceable parts, but
it does contain parts capable of delivering hazardous electric shocks. Do not
attempt to dismantle it!
• Plug the power supply into a socket outlet close to the Extender.
• Make sure that the rated current draw in amperes of all of the devices plugged
into the same outlet or circuit as the Extender does not exceed the outlet’s or
circuit’s rated current in amperes.
• Do not use the Extender’s power supply if its case becomes damaged, cracked,
or broken, or if you suspect that it is not operating properly.
• If the Extender’s power supply stops working, replace it with a manufacturer-
approved adapter of the same type only.
KV6EXT-R2 only: Connectors for cables
running to the optional local CPU’s I/O ports:
From left to right, the mouse, keyboard, and
video ports
Connectors for cables running to the
user-station equipment:
From left to right, to a mouse, keyboard,
and monitor
KV6EXT-R2 only:
Nonfunctional audio
connectors
Main (top) and
auxiliary (side) LEDs:
Power (green) and Duo
(red); KV6EXT-R2 also
has Local CPU (red)
Connector for the
cable running to the
Duo
Nonfunctional
serial and (on
KV6EXT-R2
only) audio
connectors
Connector for power supply
(5 VDC, at least 1.5 A)
DIP switch for
hotkey selection

15
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3. Installation
3.1 What You Will Need
These things must be in place before you can install your ServSwitch™ Duo
Extender:
• Four-pair (eight-wire) twisted-pair cabling rated to at least Category 5. This
should be long enough to reach from your Extender to the ServSwitch Duo,
up to a maximum of 200 meters (655 feet). Other specifications for this
cabling are given in Appendix A.
You can make use of any Category 5 structured-cabling systems that might
already be in place at your sites, but you should keep the number of cables and
connectors involved to a minimum in order to maximize signal quality.
• A monitor with a standard VGA/SVGA (HD15) connector that will work when
connected directly to each of your PCs. The Extender supports low- and high-
resolution monitors.
• A standard PC/AT or PS/2 style keyboard. If you are using a PC/AT keyboard
with a 5-pin DIN connector, you can connect it to the Extender using a
standard PC/AT to PS/2 keyboard adapter such as product code FA211.
• A PS/2 style two- or three-button Microsoft or Logitech®compatible mouse or
a Microsoft IntelliMouse compatible mouse. If you want to use the mouse to
switch CPUs, you will need a three-button mouse or an IntelliMouse. (The
Extender supports other “Internet mice” compatible with the IntelliMouse—
fitted with a wheel or other scrolling control, and sometimes additional
buttons—which are available from several manufacturers.)
Keep in mind that the Extender will operate without a mouse connected if
you don’t want to use one.
• A suitable mouse driver for your PCs. Supported types are:
- PS/2 or RS-232 two-button mouse driver by any manufacturer.
- Microsoft mouse drivers, including those for the IntelliMouse. (You might be
able to use other mouse drivers with IntelliMouse compatible data formats,
but these might or might not work—trial-and-error testing might be
necessary.)
- Logitech mouse drivers, including those for two-button, three-button, and
wheel mice.
The Extender will automatically configure its mouse output to match the type
requested by any supported driver.

16
SERVSWITCH™DUO EXTENDER
• If you’re connecting a local CPU to the KV6EXT-R2 Extender, you’ll need
VGA and PS/2 extension cabling. We recommend our bonded three-to-three
extension cable EHN408, which has VGA and PS/2 keyboard and mouse
strands all in the same cable. However, you can also use separate VGA and
PS/2 extension cables such as EVNPS05 and EVNPS03.
To attach a CPU with a PC/AT keyboard port, you’ll need a PS/2 to PC/AT
keyboard-port adapter such as product code FA212.
To attach a CPU with a serial mouse port, you’ll need a PS/2 to serial mouse-
port adapter such as product code FA314.
For assistance figuring out which cables and adapters you’ll need, call Black
Box Technical Support.
• If you’ll be mounting the Extender on a wall or some other non-horizontal flat
surface, you’ll need adhesive mounting strips—preferably the two-part type
made with Velcro®or other hook-and-loop fasteners, so that after it’s mounted
you can detach and reattach the Extender as necessary.
If you’ll be mounting the Extender in a 19" equipment rack, you’ll need the
RMK19WX Rackmount Kit. Refer to Appendix B.
3.2 Placement
The ServSwitch Duo Extender was designed to be set on a desktop or some other
flat horizontal surface. To mount it on a non-horizontal surface such as a wall, use
a pair of double-sided adhesive strips, preferably the kind that have Velcro®or
some other hook-and-loop fastener between the adhesive sides. Peel the backing
away from one side of each of the two strips and press the strips firmly onto the
bottom of the unit (the wide flat area where there are no connectors and no
LEDs). Then peel the backing away from the other side of the strips and press the
bottom of the Extender firmly against the surface you want to mount the Extender
on.
You can also mount the Extender in a 19" rack using the RMK19WX Rackmount
Kit. Refer to Appendix B for the details of the rackmounting procedure.

17
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.3 Connecting Your Devices
First make sure the power supply is unplugged and disconnected from the
ServSwitch Duo Extender.
Also make sure that (if possible) all of the devices you want to attach to your
Extender system are turned off and unplugged. (If you have to “hot-plug” a
powered computer into the Extender, see Section 5.9.) You don’t have to connect
anything to ports on the Extender that you’re not using. Do not attach anything to
the Extender’s serial or audio connectors; these might be used in some future
implementation of the Extender, but they have no function in the current version.
3.3.1 C ONNECTING U SER E QUIPMENT
Plug a set of shared user equipment (keyboard, PS/2 mouse, and monitor) into
the connectors on the Extender marked with the corresponding icons in the
“CONTROL STATION” connector group on the Unit’s front panel. Refer to
Figure 3-1 on the next page.
3.3.2 C ONNECTING A L OCAL CPU (O PTIONAL , KV6EXT-R2 O NLY )
To attach an optional local computer to the KV6EXT-R2 Extender, run extension
cabling from the CPU’s keyboard, video, and mouse ports to the connectors on the
Extender marked with the corresponding icons in the “LOCAL COMPUTER”
group on the Unit’s rear panel. (The type of cabling you’ll use is discussed in the
bulleted paragraph at the top of the previous page.) Refer to Figure 3-1 on the
next page.

18
SERVSWITCH™DUO EXTENDER
Figure 3-1. A fully installed Extender system, including all optional
attachments. (The full KV6EXT-R2 model is shown. For clarity, this
illustration uses a single line to show the keyboard, mouse, and video
connections to each CPU and station attached to the Duo.)
Extender’s user station
(mouse, keyboard, and
monitor)
Optional user station
directly attached to
the Duo’s user port #1
(shares access with
Extender station)
User station
directly
attached to
the Duo’s
user port #2
Input cord from
power supply
Optional local CPU
CPUs attached to the
Duo system
SERVSWITCH DUO
SERVSWITCH DUO
EXTENDER
VGA and
PS/2
extension
cabling
Category 5
interconnection
cable

19
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3.4 Connecting the Extender to the Duo
NOTE
This “-R2” version of ServSwitch Duo Extender can’t be used with the
original (non-R2) ServSwitch Duo.
Attach all of your local equipment to the ServSwitch Duo as described in the
section titled “Systems with a Single Duo and Directly Attached User Stations” in
the Duo’s manual. Leave everything powered off, and make sure the ServSwitch
Duo Extender, your remote monitor, and any CPU attached to the Extender are
powered off as well.
Run eight-wire (four-pair) twisted-pair cabling from the RJ-45 jack in the
ServSwitch Duo’s user port #1 to the matching jack on the ServSwitch Duo
Extender. (Do not attach these jacks to a LAN; you could damage the Duo or
Extender and possibly the network as well.) Category 5 twisted pair will give the
best results in lengths up to 200 m (655 ft.), but you should be able to use
Category 3, 4, or 5e if you keep the distance short (not more than 100 m [325 ft.]).
Avoid using cabling rated as “Level 6,” “Level 7,” etc., for data rates above
155 Mbps; the large differences between the twist ratios of the wire pairs in these
cables cause the video signals from the Duo’s CPUs to get out of sync with each
other.
The twisted pair can be a single continuous length of cable if that’s the best
option. But this kind of cable is often already installed in buildings and terminated
at data-wiring sockets in various locations. If twisted-pair cable is preinstalled at
your site, you can run patch cables from the Duo and Duo Extender to these
sockets and set up a direct one-to-one connection between them using the patch
panels in your wiring closets, which will probably be much more convenient.
A sample system using a single Duo and Duo Extender is shown in Figure 3-1 on
the previous page.
CAUTION!
Even though the cabling and connectors might be the same, do not
connect a ServSwitch Duo or Duo Extender to your LAN. Doing so will
damage the Duo/Extender and might damage the network as well.