W. Chris Shank on 3 Oct 2007 02:42:52 -0000


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Re: [PLUG] Single Port KVM - IP based

Unfortunately, my requirement is that it must work with PCs and servers and not be dependent on another PC or server being nearby. Additionally, specifically for remote troubleshooting of windows PCs, going into safe mode is often necessary and when in that mode, the PC has no direct network ability. So what I'm looking for would need to work for this case as well.

I was hoping to find or build something for a few hundred dollars. So far, most of what i've seen are in the $900+ range.

----- Original Message -----
From: John Von Essen <john@essenz.com>
To: Philadelphia Linux User's Group Discussion List <plug@lists.phillylinux.org>
Sent: Tuesday, October 2, 2007 5:41:46 PM GMT-0500
Subject: Re: [PLUG] Single Port KVM - IP based

Chris,

Do you just need VT100 console access or do you want KVM capability to a graphical desktop.

There are a few single port KVM-over-IP units out there, and they range in price from $450 to $700.

However, if you just need console access, most modern servers now can do console redirection to the serial port. So with an RS-232 cable you can get access to pre-boot stuff like Bios and Lilo/Grub menu. And when the machine boots, you'll then have access to a tty for login.

If you have multiple machines, you can connect machine A to machine B, so if machine B craps out, you access it via machine A and so on. Or you can by a serial console server (8- or 16-port) for around $800. I am pretty sure the latest Dells have serial console redirection, and would imagine others do it to. This all started back in 1999-2000 when Intel's server motherboards (like the L440GX) featured this serial console redirection, and was very popular among Linux/BSD users. So others copied it.

-John

On Oct 2, 2007, at 3:21 PM, W. Chris Shank wrote:

I'm looking for an inexpensive solution for remote access to PC or server at the console level. I'm envisioning a small box with KVM inputs on one side and ethernet on the other. You would then use somethink like VNC to access the console of the PC.

Why single port? Because it should only be used as a temporary way to access a PC or server remotely for troubleshooting. Using the RAC cards is not an option because it's not practical to install the card into random machines when this capability is needed.

From what I can gather, what I want doesn't exist, but this comes pretty close: http://www.apc.com/resource/include/techspec_index.cfm?base_sku=AP5456
There are many solutions that are 8 or 16 ports and are REALLY expensive. I just need one port.

Would it be possible to build this box? A small form factor PC running linux, VNC, and video input card??

--
W. Chris Shank
ACE Technology Group, LLC
www.myremoteITdept.com
(610) 640-4223

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___________________________________________________________________________
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John Von Essen (john@essenz.com)

President, Essenz Consulting www.essenz.com



--
W. Chris Shank
ACE Technology Group, LLC
www.myremoteITdept.com
(610) 640-4223

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