APC AP5717 – 1U 17″ Rack LCD Console

Overview :

APC AP5717 is a 1U rack‑mount LCD console combining a 17‑inch display, keyboard, and integrated pointing device for direct access to rack‑mounted servers and network equipment. Rack and data center engineers deploy this unit where front‑accessible local console access is required without consuming additional floor or desk space. It solves the need for compact, integrated local management in server rooms, telecom closets, and edge racks.

The console supports 100–240 VAC input at 50/60 Hz and has a typical power draw of around 30 W. The 17″ LCD panel supports 16.78 million colours and standard resolutions up to 1280 × 1024, ensuring usable display clarity for BIOS/console access. Interfaces include PS/2 and USB connections for keyboard and pointing device emulation, and a standard VGA video interface.

AP5717 installs in any standard 19″ EIA‑310 rack using the included single‑user rack mount kit and fits mounting depths from ~680 mm to ~1050 mm. It occupies only 1 RU of vertical space, conserving valuable rack capacity. This positioning makes it suited for data centers, IDF/MDF closets, and branch server racks where centralized keyboard/video interfaces are impractical.

Compatibility extends to a broad range of operating environments and is supported across Windows, Unix, and Linux systems via standard VGA and KVM connections. Mounting can be either front or rear oriented, depending on rack layout and service access requirements.

In a practical deployment example, AP5717 provides an embedded console in a 42U server rack used for initial system bring‑up, troubleshooting, and configuration of multiple blade and rack servers without requiring separate monitors, keyboards, and mice. The integrated touchpad or trackball eliminates the need for external pointing devices, streamlining local management.

This console is not suitable as a remote KVM over IP solution or for environments requiring only headless server management; it provides direct physical access only. It also does not include a built‑in KVM switch functionality — connections to a separate KVM switch are required for multi‑server control. 

Key Features :

• 1U 17″ LCD console with integrated keyboard

• PS/2 and USB interfaces for keyboard/mouse

• VGA video interface, up to 1280 × 1024

• Fits 680–1050 mm rack depths

• Includes single‑user rack mount kit