Ground Control: Keyboard-Video-Mouse Switch
KVM may sound like the name of a European airline, but in fact it’s an
acronym for keyboard, video, and mouse. The initials describe an appliance that
solves a critical need—the need to control multiple computers or servers
from one set of equipment: the keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
Networking has fueled the growth of this industry, since it has freed KVM
switches from the tether of a short cable, allowing one switch to control whole
banks of servers from a distance, whether that occurs locally or remotely. KVM
over IP (the common description for the technology and also a trademark of Avocent
Corporation) has given back valuable real estate to server farms by allowing
administrators to run the whole lot without attaching the peripherals to each
computer. We’ve surveyed some of the biggest manufacturers in this market
to find out about their current offerings.
Altusen KVM on the Net
Altusen’s KVM on the Net is an IP implemented device that allows network
administrators to access computers from any station connected to the network,
whether it is the LAN, WAN, or the World Wide Web. Network administrators can
remotely perform routine maintenance, BIOS level troubleshooting, restart the
system, install software, and run applications. Since KVM on the NET uses TCP/IP
as its communication protocol, network administrators can remotely access attached
KVM switches, allowing remote control of the attached servers to perform many
tasks with ease and speed. It supports 10Base-T, 100Base-T, TCP/IP, and HTTP
through the Java Client. Advanced security encryption, password protection,
sophisticated user filters and user management, stealth mode, and automatic
lockout ensure that remote access is secure. Also, KVM on the NET offers high
resolution (up to 1280 x 1024), user-friendly Windows GUI Client Software, and
Java client software.
Contact: Altusen, Irvine, CA; (888) 999-2836; www.altusen.com/products/
American Megatrends
MegaRAC K1
American Megatrends (AMI) recently released its MegaRAC K1 product, which attaches
directly to the back of a PC, server (or analog KVM) for non-intrusive and instantaneous
remote management. The zero-U, standalone digital solution d'es not take up
vital rack or desktop space. It is available in DVI or VGA versions. The ability
to attach to an existing analog KVM switch enables users to convert an analog
KVM to KVM over IP; thus the purchase becomes more of an upgrade than replacement
of equipment. Users can manage a server remotely from the Web, control multiple
servers using one MegaRAC K1 by attaching to a multi-port analog switch, and
display multiple views.
Contact: American Megatrends, Norcross, GA; (770) 246-8600;
www.ami.com.
Avocent DS Series
Avocent introduced the world's first digital
KVM over IP solution four years ago in response to new requirements for secure
server access. Avocent's current KVM over IP product line includes more than
ten different appliances that provide local or remote access and control of
not only servers but almost any device in the data center.
Avocent's DS Series lets users remotely control not only local servers, but
routers or power devices that are located across campus or in other remote locations,
using a browser or client interface. From a single-user, eight-port device to
an eight-user eight-port device, Avocent has the field covered. DS1800 offers
access to an unlimited number of servers or devices. The DSR4010 combines digital
and analog access in a 16-port KVM switch, providing simultaneous access for
up to four users, three or four of whom may be remote.
The feature-rich DS Series of network appliances simplifies access and control
with DSView, allowing users convenient access to all data center devices—all
from a single screen. Avocent’s DSView provides integrated, secure Click
and Connect control to any connected device, using IP connections. The latest
version of DSView includes enhanced security features and administration benefits,
including detailed audit logs, SNMP traps, and integrated power management.
Contact: Avocent, Huntsville, AL; 866-286-2368; www.avocent.com.
Look Ma, No Wires
It’s about time that someone applied KVM technology to the world
of wireless. Avocent’s LongView Wireless KVM switcher lets a user
connect a computer to a keyboard, mouse, and monitor (VGA, SVGA, or XGA)
from up to 100 feet away. Video compression and protocol technology support
the transmission of 24-bit color at 30 frames/second.
Based on 802.11a and Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), LongView connects
directly to target devices and serves as the radio interface link so that
the computer can transmit secure audio and high-resolution video data
through walls with no cables. The plug-and-play product requires no new
operating system, application software, or drivers. The new wireless technology
has the capability to simplify maintenance and provide a new level of
flexibility in configuring computers and monitors.
Belkin OmniView Enterprise Series Remote IP Console
The OmniView Console
is compatible with both KVM and power switches and sets up simply. It uses 128-bit
SSL encryption that prevents unauthorized access and is flash-upgradeable to
keep current with most recent servers and devices. The Console allows users
to remotely access a server or multiple servers connected to a KVM switch over
a TCP/IP network. It is accessible through a standard Web browser and works
with Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5 or above. Flash-upgrades firmware is included
for optimal functionality. The Console is designed to be a compact solution;
it includes cabling as part of the package.
Contact: Belkin Corporation, Compton, CA; (310) 898-1100;
www.belkin.com.
Digital V6 Kaveman 16
Kaveman16, from Digital V6, is a remote access network management device that
enables an administrator to remotely control up to 16 servers at one time via
one local keyboard, mouse, and monitor.
Servers can be controlled remotely or
locally and multiple users can connect to the same system and access it from
anywhere at anytime via IP. Kaveman 16 allows up to six simultaneous and independent
users to access and manage the attached servers as well as power cycle any connected
device. In addition, Kaveman offers specialized security features including
Stealth and Turtle modes. The Stealth mode prevents port scans and other network
probes. The product's Turtle mode disables itself and shuts down when attacked
to prevent hackers from continuously trying to break in.
Contact: Digital V6, Markham, Ontario, Canada; (866)
922-2333; www.digitalv6.com.
Raritan Dominion KSX
The Dominion KSX is the industry’s first integrated offering that enables
the user to use a standard Web browser to access and manage the multi-platform
IT equipment typically located in remote offices. The KSX enables IT staff to
manage all the equipment that is typically found in the equipment closets of
remote offices as if they were physically present. The KSX integrates Raritan’s
key technologies, including remote KVM access and control over IP, remote serial
console control, and remote power control, in a single, easy-to-use appliance.
Also from Raritan is the IP-Reach M-Series. With its intuitive navigation
and lightning-fast mouse synchronization, IP-Reach provides companies secure
128-bit-SSL Web access to any KVM switch, including Raritan’s award-winning
Paragon, Z-Series, and MasterConsole switches. IP-Reach combines the benefits
of security, fast performance, tight mouse synchronization, and easy accessibility
from a Web browser. IP-Reach provides BIOS-level access to servers and is hardware
agnostic—it supports Raritan’s KVM switches, as well as other vendors’
switches.
Contact: Raritan Computer, Somerset, NJ; (800) 724-8090;
www.raritan.com.
