rack mount KVM over IP

[Scott.Chandler-VQAUrahS1b5BDgjK7y7TUQ at public.gmane.org (Chandler, Scott)]

Hi Jerry,

I've been using Avocent model DSR 2020 for about four years now, plus a Dell branded Avocent version before that. They have 16 RJ45 ports which connect over Cat5 to a dongle (they call it a "pod") on each server. They sell USB, PS2 and serial versions of the pods. You can have up to two remote connections (only one per server at a time), via web browser, I routinely use Firefox. The KVMs work great except that we have to power cycle them about once a year or so (this has no effect on the servers attached) usually when I select a port which has no server connection. My biggest complaint is that the remote and local cursors don't line up making to slow and sometimes difficult to use (not an issue if your servers are text mode only). Not sure if it's still available but they used to have a Wi
 ndows app which fixed the cursor problem but it cost more than we were willing to spend.

As an add-on, they also have power management devices, basically a plug strip, which connects to the KVM so you can power on / off outlets remotely as well as monitor per outlet power consumption.

My info and pricing is a few years old but we paid about $3500 per KVM plus $85 per pod. If you'd like the name of my sales rep, let me know.

Scott




-----Original Message-----
From: discuss-bounces-mNDKBlG2WHs at public.gmane.org [mailto:discuss-bounces-mNDKBlG2WHs at public.gmane.org] On Behalf Of Jerry Feldman
Sent: Monday, June 21, 2010 10:21 AM
To: Boston Linux and Unix
Subject: rack mount KVM over IP

A couple of years ago, I asked online for some recommendations for KVMs for our rack. At the recommendation of our IT people, we acquired a Rose Electronics Ultraview Remote 16 port single user KVM over IP. During that period of time we had a lot of issues with it, such as having to reboot it almost daily. A few times it would not even reboot, and I sent it back to Rose. This last time, I could not revive it, and now they want to charge me $650, and we are telling them to stick it.

What I would like to get is a KVM over IP 16-port using CAT5 cables, 1 or 2 users. All the systems in the rack are USB, and our rack-mounted keyboard/monitor has PS/2 cables. Essentially our use is reasonably low, but it is a real pain have to bring a monitor, keyboard and mouse into the computer room. All our systems in the rack are Linux.
While I would prefer to be able to access the KVM from Linux, all we really need is local access as well as remote access from Windows XP. 
I'm looking for stability because the computer room is tiny and shared by a number of other companies.

JABR's company uses an Aten KVM. The CS1716i <http://www.aten.com/products/productItem.php?pcid=2005010513171002&psid=20060411131311002&pid=20100104165819001&layerid=subClass1>
seems to meet my specs. I do note that this uses custom cables with DB9 connectors. This is ok, since we are talking about connecting a single rack. I'm not exactly sure what model JABR's company has.

I do want to give my boss a choice because he is limited to buying from
1 distributor via PO. I'm primarily interested in personal experience.
There are many companies that offer similar products, like Raritan and Avocent. Belking makes them too, but I don't like Belkin's products.


--
Jerry Feldman <gaf-mNDKBlG2WHs at public.gmane.org>
Boston Linux and Unix
PGP key id: 537C5846
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