Dell 71pxp KVM (Console Switch)

Question

We're running an environment of mostly Dell server hardware here and have successfully daisy-chained two of these units to support our needs with one keyboard/monitor/trackball station for the two racks. After adding a new rack, we purchased a third KVM (same model) intending to chain it on as well, but are running into a problem. I've configured the port it is connected to on the KVM as an 8-port switch, but when I attempt to switch over to the units on the third switch it does not show any connected devices. Those devices definitely are connected and powered up. We have tried three different cable sets (thought perhaps we got a defective one running between switch 3 and switch 1, but to no avail.) Does anybody know if: 1) There are specific ports you can and cannot use for connecting other KVMs and 2) Where I can get a copy of the service guide for this piece of junk? We're this close to boxing all three up and sending them back to dell in favor of a better documented device. Here's a summary of our setup. Switch 1 -- 6 Servers, two KVMs connected Switch 2 -- 8 Servers Switch 3 -- 3 servers Switch 3 is the one that we can't control any machines on. Switch 1, where our KVMs all merge, is setup thusly: Ports 1-3 -- Servers Port 4 -- Switch 3 (Can't see) Ports 5-7 -- Servers Port 8 -- Switch 2 (Can see) Dell's web-site does not appear to have any sort of documentation for this unit. Any Dell support guys want to e-mail me the manual, or with some hints for solving this one?

Rack_Guy · Answer

Hello:

First off, I want to apologize to you for having such a bad initial customer experience. That said, let's see what we can do to solve your problem. There are no specific ports which can or can not be used. All ports are usable in a tier, but only to a second level. Can you see servers attached to your third switch when accessing it's local keyboard and mouse ports directly (i.e. not through a tier)?

If so, not knowing how long you've had your previous two units before purchasing the third, have you recently updated the firmware such that all three match?

If not, then the switch is probably defective and you should send it back for a replacement.

As for the user's manual, if you can send me you e-mail address, I would be happy to e-mail you the copy.

Regards,

The Dell Rack Peripherals Team

tom_m_indy · Answer

Great. We've since exchanged our problematic one for a different unit, and the new one does indeed power up. However, it still isn't great.

Where can I download the latest drivers for this beast? Again, the dell downloads page has been totally useless.

Rack_Guy · Answer

Tom,

Please find the firmware update located at the following address:

http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?releaseid=r71827&c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19

Please let me know if you need anything more.

Regards,

The Dell Rack Team

mlange · Answer

Can I use the Dell 71pxp KVM on a Dell Optiplex systems running XP. Presently, I cant get the KVM to see the other two systems. Individually it will see each unit when I use the first port of the KVM and connect it to the video/keyboard/mouse or the respective system.

Thanx Mike

Rack_Guy · Answer

Mike,

Optiplex systems are not supported by the Dell KVMs. The reason for this is these KVMs are designed for and optimized for enterprise environments, not for client-type environments. Specifically, there are too many variables in terms of OS, video cards, DDC, etc. that could affect KVM functionality that cannot be accounted for on client based systems but are well defined and understood on enterprise systems.

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

Regards,

The Dell Rack Team

mlange · Answer

Thank you so much, you saved me hours of brute force trying to get it to function.....You're a resource well worth your cost.............

Rack Servers

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