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FAQ Page


Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

Glossary of Terms
Definitions of commonly used terms in "The Server Management Solution Industry.

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What does the "U" stand for in a 42U Server Cabinet?

The space used by your server(s) is measured in Rack Units (RU or "U-Space").
This is the unit of measurement used for defining the vertical space used or the available vertical space in a Server Rack or Cabinet. A 'U' is equivalent to 1.75 inches (4.45cm).

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What are common rack mount Server heights?
Server Heights:
1U Server = 1.75" of Vertical Rack Space
2U = 3.5" of Vertical Rack Space
4U = 7.00" of Vertical Rack Space

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What are Connect-Tek Server Cabinet Heights?
Server Cabinet Heights:
Full Rack can contains 40 to 42U
3/4 Rack contains 27U of vertical space
Half Rack contain 20 U to 21U (20 Servers of 1U)
1/4 Rack contains 10U to 15U (10 servers of 1U)

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Should I be concerned with the Server Cabinet Depth?
Yes. This is a very important measurement. Make sure you determine your Server(s) depth requirement, including external cables. Then check the usable depth of the Server Cabinet you are purchasing.
Connect-Tek's 42U and 27U Cabinets have  a full 36 1/2" usable depth space.
Connect-Tek's 21U and 15U (Wall Mount) Cabinets have 20 1/2" usable depth space.
 

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What is a KVM switch?
KVM is the industry term for Keyboard-Video-Mouse. A KVM switch allows single or multiple workstations to have local or remote access to multiple computers located in server rooms or on the desktop regardless of their platforms and operating systems.


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What is the benefit of using a KVM switch?
KVM switches have traditionally provided cost savings in reducing energy, equipment costs, while freeing up valuable real estate in a server or computer room. When KVM switches are used in conjunction with racks and enclosures, additional floor space is gained and cable management is made much simpler.

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What cabling do I need to use with a KVM switch?
Connect-Tek KVM switches require one cable per computer along with one cable connecting your keyboard, mouse and monitor cables to our switches.

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Do I have to install software on my computers?
There is no software needed, Connect-Tek KVM switches are a hardware solution to computer management. They are designed to not intrude on the performance of the computer or the computer network in any way.

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How do I switch from one computer to another with the KVM?
Connect-tek KVM switches offer many different methods of switching computers depending on which model best suits your application. Some models offer buttons on the front panel of the switch, while other models offer a On Screen Display (OSD) with the ability to customize names and select those names. All Connect-tek KVM switches allow Hot Key switching via the keyboard with a simple command sequence.


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What is OSD?
OSD stands for On Screen Display, This is a graphical representation that is overlaid on top of the existing video image and allows the ability to select the computers connected to the KVM switch without having to push a button on the KVM switch or using hot key switching. The OSD also allows you configuration of the KVM switch options.

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What is port emulation?
Port emulation is important with KVM switches. Port emulation makes sure that the computer still thinks the mouse is connected directly to the computer. Many people know that if you unplug the mouse while the computer is running, the mouse can stop working. If you have a KVM Switch without emulation the computer may think the mouse is unplugged.

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What is Hot Key Switching?
Hot Key Switching allows you to switch between computers without pushing the buttons on the actual switch. It is a simple command sequence that is available in all Connect-Tek KVM switches. Select the following sequence depending on the model of your Connect-Tek KVM switch and remember that all keyboard commands start with an attention sequence of pressing and releasing the left [CTRL] key followed by the command sequence. All command characters are separate keystrokes and must be entered within two seconds of each other. All numbers must be entered using the number across the top of the keyboard.

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Why do some computers use different cables?
Different computers have different cabling connections. Due to this, they cannot use the same cable. Connect-Tek manufactures cables with all types of connections. Most common IBM PC-based computers use a PS/2 Mouse, PS/2 Keyboard, and a HD15 VGA Monitor. Sun computers can have a Mini-Din 8 connection for their mouse and keyboard or a USB plug can be used for both as well. They can also use HD15 VGA or a 13W3 video connection. Older Apple computers use a Mini-Din 4 keyboard connector as opposed to the newer models that use USB. Apple also uses DB15 or HD15 for video depending on the computer. If you are unsure about which cable is correct for your application, please call or email us.

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How can I add to more computers once I have filled up my existing Connect-Tek KVM switch?
Connect-Tek KVM switches are expandable using both Bus and Chaining technology methods. Contact a Connect-Tek Tech Support Team Member for details on expanding your current configuration.

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What is a KVM Extender?
A Connect-Tek KVM Extender allows you to send the keyboard, monitor, and mouse signal over a long distance using CAT5, Fiber or TCP/IP. This can be for a single computer or can be connected to a KVM Switch to control multiple computers.

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What are the benefits of using a KVM extension product?
Connect-Tek KVM extension products allow you to place a computer in a safe, clean, and secure environment away from dirt, dust, clutter, and harm and access it from a location outside the computer room. When used in conjunction with a KVM switch, you can access remote computers or remote workstations.

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What is KVM Over IP?
KVM over IP technology allows you to access your servers from anywhere in the world using the internet. The only requirement is that you have a "Static" IP Address. All connections are made over a "https://" password protected environment.
 

 

 
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