Connecting 4 K-Class HP's to one Console using a switch

[Troy Blangin]

I want to know if I can connect all 4 of the K-Class HP-UX machines to one Console using a switch. If this is possible what switch is it that I need. Thanks and have a nice day.

[Medavie · Accepted solution]

We use a product from Rose Electronics http://www.rosel.com called a porter switch. It is a simple box that allows 8 servers to be connected to one console. You can also
daisy chain multiple porters together. We have 3 connected together with 2 daisy chained from the 1st porter. The product we use is called a Porter-8S (serial). The porter uses a key sequence to switch between ports and we have programed our console to use function keys and number to represent the porter and the port.

[Tommy Brown]

If you are talking about serial consoles, we used to do that with some of our servers. We used a serial 4-way switch. It usually worked well. It gets confusing during reboot if someone switches sessions. I don't think this is a "supported" option.
tommy

[Troy Blangin]

Thank you Shane. I am looking into the Porter Switch at Rose Electronics.

[paul courry]

Point of info. K class boxes do not need a console at all times (just when booting) so you are okay.