6 Digital Desktop System Installer/User Guide
• During configuration, you may choose to keep the computer and Desktop Appliance together
until configuration is complete. In this case, you will need to utilize one of the patch cables to
complete this portion of the configuration. After successful configuration of the Desktop
Appliance, relocate the computer from the user’s desktop to your centralized computer facility.
Cable/network specifications
• The cable interface between a remote DDL20xx Desktop Appliance and the computer may be
CAT 5 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), CAT 5e or CAT 6 cable. References to CAT 5 cable
throughout this manual refer to supported types. For more information regarding supported
cabling, see Appendix B on page 26.
• For a DDL21xx Desktop Appliance, the cable interface must be standard multimode fiber
optic cabling that is IEEE 802.3z/1000BASE-SX compliant. Fiber optic cabling is used
throughout this manual to denote all supported types. Interfaces to the Desktop Appliance and
PCI Add In Card are implemented using an LC connection. For more information, see
Appendix B on page 26.
NOTE: The LC receptacles of the DDP2100 PCI Add In Card and the DDL20xx Desktop Appliance are shipped
with protective dust covers installed. These protective covers should be retained and reinstalled whenever the
fiber cable is removed, or if the product is packaged for storage or shipment.
• The link cabling between the remote Desktop Appliance and the computer must be either a
point-to-point connection or connected through a 1 Gb Ethernet switch. If it is a point-to-point
connection, no other active devices, such as routers or hubs, may be present in the link.
• For switched applications, the units must be connected through a 1 Gb Ethernet switch.
Avocent recommends that such connections should be maintained on a dedicated network.
• A maximum of three cable junctions is supported between the Desktop Appliance or PCI Add
In Card and the next buffering device.
Remote Power Control option
In many instances, the interface between the front panel power switch and the motherboard is
unique to the computer model. Remote Power Control (RPC) cables are designed to operate with
specific computer models and create the interface between the PCI Add In Card and the computer.
NOTE: If you wish to purchase the RPC option for your Digital Desktop System, discuss your requirements with
an Avocent sales representative to order an RPC Cable Kit that is applicable to your system.
Similarly, different jumper settings may be required on the PCI Add In Card depending on the
model of computer you are operating. Your RPC Cable Kit contains detailed instructions that
indicate how to install and configure power control for your computer model.