As many IT departments are operating at downsized levels and employees are being asked to manage more mission-critical server room equipment with fewer resources, the ability to remotely monitor and maintain performance of server equipment has become essential.
Administrators primarily use two remote management approaches for controlling computers by leveraging the IP network. The first approach is KVM over IP, which utilizes network-based KVM switches to provide out-of-band BIOS-level access. The second approach is through the use of remote access software. Depending on the datacenter environment and application, these approaches can be used separately or in combination and allow network administrators to remotely view target systems as though they were sitting directly in front of them.
Remote Access Software
Remote access software programs are loaded onto the target computer or, in some cases both target and remote computers, and allow users to view and take remote KVM control and access servers from any location with internet access.
Remote management software includes Virtual Network Computing (VNC), PCanywhere, and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP). Older versions of PCanywhere could only be used on Windows-based computer systems. The current version (12.0), by Symantec, can be used with Windows, Linux, and Mac OS operating systems. Using a platform-independent software approach, VNC requires users to load software on both client and server computers. RDP is built into Windows products.
Although most remote access software is simple to load and can in some instances be obtained for free, users must install the remote management software on every machine in the datacenter that needs remote connectivity. This approach increases the number of touches needed to a server by an administrator and also introduces the need to test any new software programs with the control software.
The other drawback to remote access software is that the remote operating system must be up and running at the application level for the remote session to work properly. If the operating system crashes on the remote computer during remote connectivity at any time, users will be forced to take alternative ways to activate the remote computer. In most cases, this will result in the need to physically reboot the remote server from a cold start.
KVM over IP Remote Server Management
KVM over IP is a general industry term used to describe a server management hardware-based approach that allows administrators to gain true keyboard and mouse control of servers remotely. KVM over IP applications generally fall into two broad categories: pure digital applications and front-end IP products.
Digital KVM Switches: 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: KVM over IP can also be implemented using front-end IP products, which are positioned at the console of existing analog switches and permit remote users to gain secure access to an existing KVM switch.
In both cases, an administrator uses a standard internet browser session to remotely access the KVM switch and attached servers. Administrators can gain access with most major Web browsers, including Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape, and Safari. In addition, KVM Over IP remote server management products can be seamlessly integrated with remote management software, such as Avocent’s DSView, which allows administrators to manage datacenter appliances from any location worldwide.
KVM over IP remote access architecture
Comparison Chart
The chart below compares features of KVM over IP and remote access software.
Key Remote Access Features & Benefits | KVM
over IP | Remote Access Software |
*-Some KVM over IP datacenter management products including Avocent's DSView and Raritan's CommandCenter offer the ability to manage integrated remote power PDU's.
**-Some remote software tools do not provide the ability to send software patches.
***-Some remote software solutions only authorize against windows active directory.
This article was written by Lauren Nowenstein, Technical Writer, with guidance and input from 42U’s team of Solutions Sales Engineers. If you would like to send us feedback about this article, or have any questions, please write to us.
