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MasterConsole CAT

MasterConsole CAT

Raritan's MasterConsole® CAT analog Cat5 KVM switch consolidates access and control of multiple servers to a single workstation. Ideal for reducing clutter and expenses, it features KVM ports for 8 or 16 servers and can be cascaded to support up to 256 connections.

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OVERVIEW

MasterConsole CAT is available:

  • As a single-user switch (MCCAT 18/116)
  • And a dual-user switch (MCCAT 28/216)

With the MCCAT 28 and 216, the second user work station can be located up to 100ft (30m) away from the main unit, so the second work station can be placed outside of the server room for "lights-out" access. MasterConsole CAT works with Windows®, Linux®, UNIX® and Novell® servers. Dual-user switch models also support Macintosh® and SUN™ servers.

MasterConsole CAT provides bulletproof reliability and performance, with:

  • A dedicated, intelligent processor at each port, so each connected server "sees" its own keyboard and mouse
  • A unique "keep-alive" design, which ensures nonstop server operation in case of power loss to the switch
  • Support of high-resolution video – up to 1600 x 1200

  • Support of MCUTP Cat5 Simplicity™ cables – the industry’s first and only fixed length Cat5 UTP cable with CIMs (Computer Interface Modules) for fast, easy connections to servers within 20 feet (6m) of the switch (for MCCAT28/MCCAT216 only)

By combining leading-edge technology and scalability — including server selection from the front panel channel buttons or by name from pop-up, on-screen menus — MasterConsole CAT is also designed for flexibility.

To find the switch that best fits your needs, see the table below.

  8 ports 16 ports
Users Main Switch

                  Bundles

Main Switch

                   Bundles

1 MCCAT18

-

 MCCAT116 -
2 MCCAT28 MCCAT28-UST:
Switch with User Station 		MCCAT216 MCCAT216-UST:
Switch with User Station
MCCAT28-PAC:
Switch with 8 MCUTP06-USB cables 		MCCAT216-PAC:
Switch with 8 MCUTP06-USB cables

BENEFITS

Features Benefits
Hardware
Space-Saving Design All MasterConsole CAT (MCCAT) units are only 1U in height, taking up little space in the server room.
Video Display Supports the highest video resolution of up to 1600 x 1200 @ 60Hz at 100 feet and 1280 x 1024 at 150 feet.
MasterConsole Computer Interface Module (MCIM) Technology MCIMs with “keep-alive” technology allow users to add, remove and hot-swap components without interruption to the live servers.
Multiplatform MCIMs MCIMs are available in USB and PS/2 for support of various servers and devices in your data center.

The single-user models (MCCAT18/116) support MS-DOS, Windows® 2000/2003/NT/XP/Vista®, Linux® (Red Hat, Novell® Suse) and SCO UNIX®. The two-user models (MCCAT28/216) support the above platforms as well as Macintosh® OS9, OSX and Sun® SolarisTM.
New MCUTP Cabling Options MCUTP cable is a brand new option for the MCCAT product line. It integrates Raritan’s Computer Interface Module (CIM) and UTP cable for easier cabling management. Cables provide PS/2, USB and Sun USB support and come in lengths of 2, 6, 13 and 20 feet.
 
Also, Raritan’s CIM, with PS/2, USB, Sun and serial support, provides up to 150 feet between the target server or serial devices and the switch with the current server room’s cabling infrastructure. These two cabling options assign and retain unique server names for each attached server automatically. They make installation and re-configuration simple and easy.
AC Power: 110/220V
Auto-Switching 		An integrated power supply ensures proper power provision and system reliability.
Connectivity
Single and Dual-User Models MasterConsole CAT is available in one and two-user models, so up to two users can have simultaneous KVM sessions without blocking.
Simple Installation Plug-and-play installation, auto-configuration along with easy-to-use, on-screen displays.
Cross-Platform and Hardware Independent Works with a mixture of servers that have PS/2 and USB interfaces, including Sun USBs.
Cat5 Simplicity™ Utilizes Cat5e cabling to carry KVM signals from the modules (MCIMs) to a single-user console.
Long-Distance Video Quality With the two-user MasterConsole CAT (MCCAT28/216) and a User Station, the second user can be up to 650 ft (198m) from the switch for “lights-out” server room access.

The MasterConsole CAT User Station (MCCAT-UST) can be placed up to 100 feet away from the switch.

The Paragon® II User Station (P2-EUST) can be placed up to 650 feet away from the switch.
Target Labeling Targets can be labeled with device names. This allows easier server selection from the on-screen menu.
Scalability/Cascading Users can control up to eight or 16 servers. With the MCCAT116 and MCCAT216 models, users can control up to 256 servers by cascading the units.
Management
Password Authentication Support of one administrator and 127 user profiles for basic management.
AutoScan and AutoSkip AutoScan allows users to scan servers at variable rates. AutoSkip bypasses inactive channels.
Screen Saver A screen saver feature is provided in addition to the already supported Green Mode feature.
Backward Compatibility MCCAT is compatible with existing MasterConsole equipment, allowing for investment protection and continued ROI.

FAQ

 

What is the MasterConsole CAT? 
MasterConsole CAT (MCCAT) is a Cat5 KVM switch that allows control of 8 or 16 servers from a single keyboard, monitor and mouse. Servers connect to the MCCAT using Computer Interface Modules (MCIMs) and standard Category 5 (Cat5), unshielded, twisted-pair (UTP) cables. The MCCAT can be cascaded to control up to 256 servers. MCCAT features front panel channel buttons for easy server access and a user-friendly, on-screen interface for simple system configuration.
 
The MCCAT18 and MCCAT116 support a single user, while the MCCAT28 and MCCAT216 support two simultaneous KVM sessions. A User Station is required for the second user to access the switch.

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What is the size of the MCCAT?
The MCCAT is only 1U in height and fits in a standard 19" rack.

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What are the MCCAT components?
MCCAT consists of two components: the matrix switch (MCCAT18/116 or MCCAT28/216) and Computer Interface Modules (MCIMs). The MCIMs connect to the keyboard, video and mouse ports of each server (PS/2 or USB) and provide failsafe server access with Raritan’s dedicated keyboard/mouse emulation.

The MCCAT28/216 also supports a user station to connect the second user.

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What interfaces does the MCCAT support?
MCCAT supports USB and PS/2 keyboards and mice interfaces.

The two-user model (MCCAT28/216) also supports Macintosh® AND Sun® SolarisTM servers.

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How does a second user connect to the MCCAT28 and 216?
The second user is connected via a MasterConsole User Station or a Paragon II Enhanced User Station and a Cat5 cable.

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What is the benefit of a user station?
User stations allow the work station of the second user (or “user B”) to be placed at a greater distance from the MasterConsole switch − even outside the server room itself. This is beneficial to anyone who would like “lights-out” access to the server room.

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What is the maximum distance that I can place a user station?
The MCCAT User Station (MCCAT-UST) can be placed up to 100 feet (30m) away from the MCCAT switch. For greater distances, the MCCAT supports the Paragon II Enhanced User Station (P2-EUST), which can be placed up to 650 feet (195m) away from the switch.

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What types of servers does MCCAT support?

  • MCCAT18 and 116:
    MS-DOS, Windows® 2000/2003/NT/Me/XP/Vista®, Linux® (Red Hat, Novell® Suse) and SCO UNIX®.

  • MCCAT28 and 216:
    Supports the above servers, plus Macintosh OS9, OSX and Sun Solaris.

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Can Dominion® CIMs work with MCCAT?
Yes, most Dominion CIMs work with MCCAT. Only the D2CIMs are not supported.

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Does MCCAT support USB keyboards with USB hub function such as Sun type 7 keyboards or Mac wired keyboards?
MCCAT does not support USB keyboards with USB hub functions.

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Is there an alternative and economic way to connect to servers besides using CIMs?
Yes, you can instead use the industry’s first and only CAT5 cable with integrated CIM, the MCUTP, if the servers and MCCAT are located at the same rack or within a distance of 6 meters (20 feet).

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What is an MCUTP cable?
The MCUTP cable is a brand new cable for MCCAT 2-user models. It integrates Raritan’s CIM and UTP cables together as one single cable. The installation is much easier than using CIMs. It is also easy for cabling and maintenance purposes.

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Can I use an MCUTP cable on the MCCAT18 and MCCAT116?
MCUTP cable only supports MCCAT 2-user models – MCCAT28 and MCCAT216. It also supports direct connections to an MCCAT-UST.

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How many types of interfaces does an MCUTP cable have?
There are three different interfaces (PS/2, USB and Sun USB) on the MCUTP cable and four different lengths (0.6, 2, 4 and 6 meters) of cables to choose from.

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Can I use an MCUTP cable to cascade MCCAT 1-user models?
MCUTP cannot be used to cascade MCCAT 1-user models. For this configuration, only MCIM-PS2 can be used.

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I don't want to use the Scroll Lock key as my hot key. What are my options?
The hot key can be easily changed to the Num Lock or Caps Lock, or other keys. When in hot-key mode, touch the desired new hot-key activator followed by the enter key.

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WHAT'S NEW?

"With Raritan’s PX sensors that measure temperature and humidity, and with the intelligent PDU’s ability to measure the power draw of individual servers, you can take steps towards managing your data center’s power more efficiently."

Steve Brasen, EMA

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