Top Ten Things to Consider When Choosing
a CAT5 KVM Switch
by 42U
What are the goals of your project? This
question is pivotal in deciding which
KVM management approach is best for you.
Reviewing your project requirements with a DirectNET
sales
engineer can help you chart the proper course.
Below are some questions to consider that will
help you prepare for this conversation.
1. What is the maximum possible distance
that can be spanned between a user and a server
with a CAT5 KVM switch?
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.
2. Do CAT5 KVM switches provide audio
support?
Yes. Although audio is generally not supported,
audio is supported in certain models. An example
of one model that supports audio is the broadcast-focused
AMX from
Avocent.
3. What peripherals (user console) do
CAT5 KVM switches support?
While some
CAT5 KVM switches will only support PS2
mouse/keyboard and VGA monitors as user peripherals
on the KVM switch, other
CAT5 KVM switches will support additional
current forms of peripheral connections. If
you require USB, SUN, Mac, DVI, or other peripherals,
please check with a DirectNET sales engineer
before ordering.
4. Do CAT5 KVM switches cost more than
non-CAT5 KVM switches?
Yes. When equivalent CAT5 and standard KVM switches
are compared, CAT5 versions usually cost a bit
more. In addition, required hardware such as
dongles, which replace older style 3-in-1 KVM
cables, can cost $59-$275 per unit. The main
benefits of these dongles are server keep-alive
functionality and the ability to use flexible
CAT5 cables instead of fixed-length cables.
5. Why should I upgrade to CAT5 KVM switches?
Although a greater up-front investment may be
required,
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.
6. Can CAT5 KVM switches connect to DVI-D
monitors?
No. Unfortunately,
CAT5 KVM switches are unable to connect
to DVI monitors without converters, as pure
digital DVI-D is not yet supported in the KVM
industry.
7. Can I attach RS-232 or serial-based
network appliances to CAT5 KVM switches?
Yes.
CAT5 KVM switches can connect to serial
or ASCII-based systems through use of a different
type of dongle. For example, to manage a network
switch with the Raritan Paragon II, attach it
to an AUATC terminal emulation device. The AUATC
will convert the network switch console session
to data output suitable for display on standard
KVM peripherals.
8. Can CAT5 KVM switches be used with
touch-screen monitors?
Yes, certain units will support the transmission
of serial signals that can be used for touch
screen functionality.
9. Should datacenter administrators be
concerned about the size of dongles and the
space they occupy in the rear of a cabinet?
Yes. Compared to large KVM cables, the compact
size of dongles makes them relatively easy to
maneuver into racks. However, connected dongles
extend about an inch beyond the VGA port of
the target computer. Some KVM manufacturers
distribute a direct-connect dongle, which is
larger than a standard dongle, extends further,
and may need further adjustment to accommodate
cable management arms.
10. Will CAT5 KVM Switches communicate
with CAT5/5e/6/7?
Yes. Most CAT5 KVMs will only communicate with
CAT5 and CAT6. However, as an example, the Minicom
DX will operate with CAT5, 6, and 7.
About 42U
42U focuses on providing Facilities and
Data Center Managers with objective and trusted
independent information on
Data Center Power and
Data Center Cooling best practices along
with
KVM over IP and
Remote Power lights out management to help
them reduce their organization's power consumption.
Our Data Center
Management website has helped millions of
IT professionals globally who search for best
practices and technologies to help them make
their computer environment more efficient.
This work is licensed under a
Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works
3.0 Unported License.
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