User guide

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 1
Chapter 1: Introduction
Thank you for purchasing Raritan’s Paragon II. The Paragon family is about breaking away from
the traditional, expensive model of server management – one server, one dedicated monitor, one
dedicated keyboard. Paragon allows for a single User Station (monitor, keyboard, and mouse) for
multiple servers – even servers of different platforms.
No matter how large or small your setup, no matter how simple or how complex, Raritan is
confident that there is a Paragon system just right for you.
Paragon II Overview
The Paragon II is designed to perform heavy-duty multiple-user-to-many-server
keyboard/video/mouse (KVM) matrix switching without burdening you with big, confusing
hydra-headed cables. Instead, the Paragon II uses standard Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair
(UTP) cabling, like the type that is already installed at many sites. It can connect users with
servers across as much as 1000 ft. (304 m) of such cabling.
A Paragon II system consists of several components: Main Switching Units (M Units), which
serve as Base Units and Matrix switches, securely connecting users to servers; Stacking Units (S
Units), which allow you to expand your system and connect to the M Units while conserving
space; Computer-Interface Modules (CIMs) connected to each server; and either the User Station
(P2-UST), which connects your keyboard, monitor, and mouse to the M unit and provides an
intuitive On-Screen User Interface for accessing attached servers, or the Enhanced User Station
(P2-EUST), providing all of the P2-UST features, plus superior video quality with automatic
skew compensation.
In addition, Raritan’s P2-USTIP1 and P2-USTIP2, one- and two-worker User Stations, have
integrated IP access and includes KVM over IP capability for anytime, anywhere access and
control of servers along with a slim design and GUI for point-and-click remote access. The P2-
USTIP supports IP access, enabling one or two remote users to access Paragon II-connected
servers from anywhere via Web browser. The P2-USTIP2 also supports 128-bit SSL encryption
and local authentication through Paragon II, or centralized authentication when used with
Raritan’s CommandCenter Secure Gateway.
There are a number of Main Switching Units that support different numbers of directly attached
users and servers:
• P2-UMT242 supports 2 users and 42 servers
• P2-UMT442 supports 4 users and 42 servers
• P2-UMT832M supports 8 users and 32 servers
• P2-UMT1664M supports 16 users and 64 servers
There are also several different CIMs for different types of servers (all must output VGA video):
• P2CIM-APS2 supports servers with IBM PS/2 type keyboard and mouse ports. It comes with
automatic skew compensation (when used with P2-EUST).
• ZCIM-PS2 supports servers with IBM PS/2 type keyboard and mouse ports, and has an extra
RJ45 port to support a “local server” installed between a User Station and a Base Unit, as
well as chaining of Z-CIMs for clustered access.
• P2CIM-ASUN supports servers with Sun type keyboard and mouse ports. It comes with
automatic skew compensation (when used with P2-EUST).
• P2CIM-AUSB support servers with USB keyboard and mouse ports. It comes with automatic
skew compensation (with P2-EUST).
• P2CIM-AUSB works with P2-HUBPAC in PC, MAC, and SUN USB configurations.
• P2CIM-SER, P2CIM-SER-EU and AUATC support servers or ASCII serial devices
connected to Paragon II system through their RS-232 serial ports.