Rose Electronics KVM Remote Control

KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) remote control switches are essential tools in rack-dense data centres. So too are console servers, to provide remote access to devices such as Ethernet switches and routers via serial ports. Ultraconsole combines the two in one unit that can be expanded to remotely manage up to 1,000 servers or devices from one central station.

The rackmountable base unit is just 1U high for the four-port and eight-port models and 2U for the 16-port version. Port capacity can be expanded by fitting an expansion card and connecting other Ultraconsole switches. You can also connect to ordinary Rose Ultramatrix switches which don't have the serial console capabilities.

Servers and other devices are attached using custom Ultra Cable leads. These can be up to 30m in length, with cables available for the attachment of hardware and computers from Sun, along with devices using USB or serial interfaces. Prices depend on type and length, a standard 2m PS/2 cable starting at £50 ex VAT.

Another cable is needed for the KVM station, effectively the keyboard, video screen and mouse that will be used to remotely manage devices attached to the Ultraconsole. Multiple KVM stations can be supported when other switches are connected together, and there's built-in security to prevent access by unauthorised users to specific ports. An on-screen menuing system, the Advanced Video Interface (AVI), makes it easy to select the port to access, with keyboard shortcuts also available.

By combining a serial console switch with KVM you get full access to everything in the data centre rack. You could use software remote control alternatives and Telnet, but they only work when the network is up and the software required is loaded. A hardware solution such as Ultraconsole gives you full access regardless of the state of the attached devices, with power cycling management available as an add-on.

Contact: Rose Electronics 01264 850 574
www.rose.com

Specifications:

• Rackmount KVM/serial console switch
• 4/8/16 ports
• DB25 connectors
• Expansion port
• 1,280 x 1,600 max video resolution
• Cables for PC, Sun, USB and serial port connection

See also:

Harmony SST-768

This remote control is a handy peripheral for your PC.  15 Dec 2003

Avocent Switchview

Share devices using this four-port device.  27 Nov 2003

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