KVM Switches: 10 things prefer for select best one

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1. Digital vs. Front-End IP products�If you want to implement KVM over IP, you can choose between pure digital applications and front-end IP products. A pure digital implementation uses digital KVM switches and is a network-based management approach that allows administrators to gain BIOS-level access of the attached servers by communicating with the networked digital KVM switch. Front-End IP products are positioned at the console of existing analog switches and permit remote users to gain secure access to an existing KVM switch.

2. Support for Audio�Some KVM switches provide audio support. For example, the Rose Electronics UltraView Pro series will support audio for users and computers. In addition, Avocent AMX devices provide multi-user switches that support audio functionality.

3. Integration of Remote Power Management Functionality� By integrating a remote reboot device, administrators can cycle power to a server from a user station or through an internet browser from any location worldwide. Integrated power management solutions allow users to control KVM switching and remote reboot management from the same user interface. Enterprise-level solutions such as Server Technology's line of remote power management products provide multiple options for 3-phase or 208 power.

4. Security/Authentication �Most KVM over IP devices allow an administrator to leverage existing authentication schema such as LDAP, Active Directory, RADIUS, or TACACS+.

5. Number of Users�Multi-User KVM switches range from smaller 4-user KVM switches able to handle dozens of servers, to integrated KVM switching systems capable of allowing hundreds of administrators to control thousands of servers.

6. CAT5 Switches�CAT5 KVM switches dramatically reduce desktop and server rack cable clutter and allow users and computers to be situated farther apart than they could be using standard KVM cables. CAT5 switches also scale much larger on both the user and system sides, providing additional flexibility as your organization grows.

7. Resolution and Performance�Resolutions vary by device; some KVM over IP switches provide a maximum of up to 1600X1200 at 60Hz over IP. If you have high resolution requirements, consider analog KVM switches, as they provide a higher resolution than digital KVM switches.

8. Support for Serial Devices�Some high-end KVM enterprise solutions provide support for serial devices (routers, headless Unix, etc.) Avocent and Raritan devices provide support for serial devices through the use of dongles. Rose Electronics' devices provide serial support at the switch level and can support serial devices through coax cables.

9. Bandwidth�Bandwidth requirements will vary significantly depending on the graphic intensity of the application you are using. Most compression technologies use differentials, sending only the changes that appear on a screen to update the user screen.

10. Distance Requirements�The distance between a user and a server with KVM over IP is unlimited. The maximum distance between a user and server with a CAT5 KVM switch varies, with some higher-end analog CAT5 KVM switches allowing a user and a server to be up to 1,000 feet apart.