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Server Management: Upgrade Your KVM Technology
Upgrade your current KVM
architecture and clean up your server room! Below are a few ways
you can update your
datacenter environment.
1. Upgrade to CAT5
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.
The major difference between standard and CAT5 based KVM
switches is the cable interface that connects the computers to
the KVM switch. CAT5 KVM switches use adapters called
dongles.
Dongles dissect and amplify analog keyboard, mouse, and monitor
signals for transmission over CAT5 using RJ-45 connections.
Users then utilize a
CAT5 cable to connect the dongle to a port
on the KVM switch. The maximum length that the CAT5 cable runs
varies by manufacturer; higher-end analog CAT5 KVM switches
allow a user and a server to be up to 1,000 feet apart. This
distance is affected by resolution and environmental factors,
such as electromagnetic interference.
Suggestions:
Distance limitations regarding how far users and computers can
be extended vary by manufacturer. Take into account how far
computers will be placed away from the switch and their maximum
resolution before deciding on a CAT5 KVM switch. Also, note that
while CAT5 switches generally do not support audio, audio is
supported by certain models, such as the broadcast-focused
AMX
from Avocent.
2. Add Remote Management
Remote management solutions allow you flexibility when managing
or troubleshooting servers and devices. The latest solutions
provide bios-level access to all attached servers and network
applications from any location worldwide with an internet
connection. This allows for greater efficiency in datacenter
management and a reduction in server downtime. At the same time,
remote management provides you with the ability to easily scale
systems to accommodate increases in staff and server count,
manage user permissions, and secure profiles from a single
location/interface with no geographical constraints.
Remote server management
also allows for centralized datacenter control, as
all datacenter devices can be viewed from one screen. Remote
management can be accomplished through the use of
digital KVM
switches or front-end IP products.
Suggestions:
Administrators need to consider the appropriate level of access
and centralization they need, as well as the level of
appropriate redundancy. Internal modem support for fail-safe
back-up is standard on some front-end IP management devices.
Low-end IP switches will not offer this feature, which will
leave users with network issues without a connection. Internal
or external modem support will offer true IP redundancy.
3. Add Remote Power Control
Remote power management solutions provide administrators with
the ability to cycle power to non-responsive systems and cold
boot problem systems from any location, leading to a reduction
in server downtime and significantly reducing losses due to
outage. Through the use of intelligent power management
solutions, administrators can reboot servers at remote locations
via a web interface and proactively monitor power consumption
and status, thus reducing the amount of service calls and
tickets for power-related issues or server reboots. Remote power
management solutions are also used to manage servers at branch
locations where there is no IT staff, offering cost-efficient
“lights-out” operation at those sites.
Suggestions:
Administrators should consider whether they want to use
standalone remote power management solutions or integrate remote
power control with existing KVM over IP solutions. For example,
Server Technology’s suite of products, including its line of
Sentry switched CDU products, are standalone solutions that can
also be effectively integrated with
KVM over IP products.
In addition, if more than 16 remote controllable outlets are
needed, consider total Amperage of the combined attached
servers. Calculate power consumption rate first before investing
in a high-port density power strip to ensure that the internal
circuitry can handle the load.
4. Convert Existing KVM Architecture to a Digital Solution
Consider upgrading and aggregating access to your multiple KVM
switches to one main KVM management solution. Managing separate
KVM environments is costly and time-consuming. Digital solutions
can help make datacenter management more efficient and
effective.
Suggestions:
Minicom’s KVM.net system allows you to leverage your existing
KVM investment and provides secure, centralized KVM access to
servers. Minicom’s PX single-server front-end IP devices provide
non-blocking access to servers and can be integrated with the
KVM.net system. You can connect a PX to each of your
mission-critical servers to turn the KVM.net system into a fully
secure, digital, non-blocking solution and use it as a front end
to your existing analog KVM switches, giving you a singe
interface for management.
5. Start Over
On your current low-end KVM switch, are you losing keyboards and
mice on the return trip back to Port 1 from Port 4? Have you
RMA’d the same switch three times to no avail? If so, you need
to retire the old, low-end KVM switch and start over. Rebooting
your systems and an entire 16-port solution is not worth the
time and hassle. Upgrade the quality of your low-port density
unit to give you the reliability you need at a price you can
afford.
Suggestions:
Plan for port expansion now since you have the opportunity to
buy a new KVM solution. If, for example, 16 ports were not
enough, now is the perfect time to expand your KVM architecture.
Expanding to fit your current and future needs will be a lot
easier than cascading multiple unlike KVM manufacturers down the
road.
Datacenter Solutions: Server Racks, Remote Power, Rack Cooling, Monitoring and KVM over IP, is not just what 42U specializes in - it's what we do!
Click here for a Free KVM
Switch / KVM over IP Project Evaluation
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