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KVM Switches For the Home and the Enterprise - (Avocent)
by Jeff Hunter, Sr. Database Administrator
Contents
Introduction
A KVM switch is a hardware device that allows a user to control multiple computers from a
single keyboard, video monitor and mouse. The maximum number of computers that can be controlled
from a single KVM switch depends on the number of available ports provided with the
switch. Generally, the more available ports (and number of advanced features), the more expensive
the switch. Scores of vendors provide economical switches which include 2, 4, 8, or even 16
available ports which many small businesses will find practical. For larger IT shops, several
high end vendors provide switches with a capacity of 32 or 64 available ports as well as the
option to daisy-chain switches together. For example, the SwitchView® 1000 switch
from Avocent Corporation features
up to 16 attached switches (via a daisy-chain cable) which provides for a maximum capacity
of 256 servers, while the 8-port switch has a 128 server limit. Other combinations are possible
as well — for example, a 16-port and 8-port SwitchView 1000 switch can be daisy-chained
to connect a maximum of 24 servers!
As illustrated in Figure 1, a user
connects a keyboard, monitor, and mouse to the KVM switch, then uses special cables to
connect the KVM switch to the servers to be managed. Control is switched from one computer
to another by the use of buttons on the KVM switch with the KVM passing the
signals between the computers and the keyboard, monitor, and mouse depending on which
computer is currently selected.
Most KVM switches also allow control to be switched through keyboard commands such as hitting
a certain HotKey Sequence (often Scroll Lock) rapidly two or three times.
As with any computer device, not all KVM switches are made the same. Some vendors offer
high-end data center KVM switches with advanced capabilities while others market smaller
switches made for the SOHO. Finding the right KVM switch for your environment can sometimes
be tricky. While it may be easy to find a switch from a reputable vendor that offers the appropriate
number of available ports, careful planning is imperative to ensure the KVM solution you chose
works for your environment. For example, a data center with a mix of Windows, Mac, Sun, and Linux
will want to make certain the vendor provides support for this type of diverse environment.
Vendors like Belkin and Rose Electronics, for example, are notorious for not working well
in a Linux environment.
KVM switching devices use two different types of technology — Analog KVM and KVM over IP
Analog KVM Switches
With Analog KVM switching, the keyboard, video and mouse signals are passed from a user console
to a specific target (server) connected to the switch. This provides easy plug and play
installation operating completely independent of software and network operating systems,
and provides real-time access between a user and multiple computers. Analog KVM switches are optimized for
environments where users and systems reside in the same location and is ideal for accessing
centralized multi-PC and multi-rack environments. Vendors like
Avocent offer analog KVM
solutions with their
SwitchView®,
AutoView®,
and AMX®
line of KVM switches.
KVM over IP Switches
KVM over IP digitizes the keyboard, video and mouse data and uses IP technology to move the KVM data.
KVM over IP connects directly to KVM signals on any computer (target server) and is completely
non-invasive to the computer — no additional software or hardware is required.
This technology leverages a customer's already existing network infrastructure and
supports both local and remote users. Remote users would access the KVM switching device by
navigating to a web page. This provides users with the flexibility to access managed servers
over an internet while not requiring them to be tethered to a user console in order to access the switch.
KVM over IP works in heterogeneous hardware environments and
is ideal for managing multi-location data centers and branch offices.
Avocent KVM over IP solutions, for example, include full multi-location failover, a direct
interface into the new server management standard (IPMI), and the ability to map local storage
media to a remote location.
This article highlights two popular 8-port analog KVM switches from
Avocent —
a world class leader in KVM switch technology. Avocent offers a wide range
of affordable and high-quality switches backed by quality customer service and seamless integration
in a mixed operating environment (Windows, Sun, Mac, and Linux).
SwitchView® 1000
This single user switch has an On-Screen Display (OSD) that supports a 2048 x 1536 high video
resolution which is ideal for even the most demanding server room graphics applications.
With a 1U high design, the compact SwitchView 1000 switch does not compete for valuable rack space
in SMB server rooms.
The time-out and password protection feature of the SwitchView KVM provides users with the benefit
of added security when accessing business-critical servers. Setting the time-out and password can be
done using the "OSD Setup Menu".
Installation Tasks
Installing the SwitchView 1000 switch takes only minutes. The SwitchView 1000 can
be rack mounted using the included brackets or used on a table top with the supplied rubber feet.
The first step is to connect the power cord into the back to the SwitchView 1000 switch
and then to an appropriate power source.
Next, connect the local keyboard, monitor, and mouse of the User Computer Console to the rear of the SwitchView 1000 switch.
This is the local computer
(sometimes called the console) users will utilize to access the servers connected to the SwitchView 1000 switch. The SwitchView 1000 switch
provides two types of interfaces for the local keyboard and mouse — PS/2 and USB. If you are installing
the SwitchView 1000 to a PS/2 interface, it is required to power down all servers that may already be connected
to the switch before connecting the local PS/2 keyboard and mouse to ensure proper installation. If you will
be using the USB interface to connect the user computer, then you do not need to power down servers that may already
be connected before installing the local keyboard and mouse.
Finally, connect all of the servers to be managed to an available port on the back of the SwitchView 1000 switch
using the cable appropriate for the server's interface. The SwitchView 1000 switch uses a special three-in-one combo
KVM cable that supports PS/2 or USB target devices. The DB25 end will plug into an available port
on the SwitchView 1000 switch while the keyboard, monitor, and mouse end plugs into the server. Note that servers
configured with a USB interface for the keyboard and mouse will only use the one USB connector on
the three-in-one combo KVM cable — the purple mouse connector should not be connected to the server
when using the USB interface.
After all of the servers are connect, power them all up.
Both keyboard and mouse recognition should now be activated and the SwitchView 1000 switch ready for use.
Basic Operations
After powering on all connected servers and the user computer, one of the first things you will
notice is that the "Title Bar" is activated by default. This is the blue box in the upper right corner
of the screen that displays the default Port Name of the currently selected server. To some people, having
the Title Bar on all the time is annoying. To toggle the Title Bar On/Off, use the hotkey sequence ScrLk + ScrLk + T.
To switch between servers, use the buttons on the front of the SwitchView 1000 switch or
the OSD menu. To access the OSD menu, use the hotkey sequence ScrLk + ScrLk + Spacebar.
From the OSD menu, use the Up/Down arrow keys to select the server (port) to switch to. To deactivate
the OSD menu at any time, press ESC (the escape key).
The OSD menu also allows you to assign server names for each port, configure time-outs, set autoscan
capabilities, apply firmware upgrades, and much more. The manual included with the SwitchView 1000
provides a detailed description for every feature available from the OSD menu.
Cascading SwitchView Switches
Another popular feature of the SwitchView 1000 is that it supports up to 16 levels of
attached switches using the supplied daisy-chain cable. For example, users can daisy-chain a maximum of 16
SwitchView 1000 16-port switches (via a daisy-chain cable) to support up to 256 servers!
Other example configurations include 16 SwitchView 1000 8-port switches which has a 128
server limit or even mixing a single 16-port and 8-port SwitchView 1000 for a maximum of 24 servers.
Cascading multiple switches is a straightforward task. Simply plug one end of the daisy-chain
cable into the "Daisy Chain Out" port on the rear of the primary SwitchView 1000 switch.
Then connect the other end of the daisy-chain cable into the "Daisy Chain In" port
of the secondary SwitchView 1000 switch. Repeat this task for any subsequent SwitchView 1000 switches.
Plug the "Ground Terminator" into the "Daisy Chain Out" port on the rear of the
last daisy-chained SwitchView 1000 switch. When cascading multiple SwitchView 1000 switches, each
switch in the daisy-chain will perform "Auto Initialization" which means users are
free from the hassle of complicated configuration tasks.
SwitchView® 1000 Quick Facts
AutoView® 1415
Sun keyboard localization is built-in to support international markets. Users can make use of PS/2 keyboards
with Sun target and Sun keyboard transaction. This allows special Sun keys to be emulated using specific keystrokes
on the PS/2 keyboard.
One of the key features of the AutoView KVM switching systems is advanced cable management. The AVRIQ intelligent
modules with CAT 5 design dramatically reduce bulky cable clutter, while providing optimal resolution and
video settings. The AVRIQ intelligent modules also offer built-in memory which simplifies configuration by assigning
and retaining unique server names and Electronic ID (EID) numbers for each attached server. Every AVRIQ module
is powered directly from the server and provides Keep Alive functionality even if the AutoView switch
is powered down.
Also available with all AutoView KVM switching systems is a graphical / multilingual On-Screen Display (OSD) named
OSCAR®.
OSCAR is an advanced graphical OSD that eases system configuration and makes it easy for
users to switch, monitor, and locate target devices.
The OSCAR OSD supports multiple languages and is fast and easy to use because of its mouse-driven
functionality.
With the powerful user access control (controlled through OSCAR), an administrator has complete control over the KVM switch settings
and allows granting KVM access to only certain users. The administrator can also limit the user accounts KVM access
to only specific targets on the switch.
Avocent offers
a wide variety of AutoView models from single to dual
user support along
with 8-port and 16-port configurations. The table below presents all available
AutoView KVM switching systems - (seven at the time of this writing):
The Avocent AutoView 1415 is an 8-port single-user KVM switch which provides user support for
USB and/or PS/2 keyboards and mice for the user console. This KVM switch also provides support for
USB, PS/2, Sun, and serial target devices.
The AutoView 1415 has a graphical On-Screen Display (OSCAR) and supports high video
resolutions ideal for even the most demanding server room graphics applications. Achieve
video resolutions of up to 1280 x 1024 with a 100 foot (30 meter) cable and up to 800 x 600
with a 50 foot (15 meter) cable. Obviously the video resolution will vary depending on the
length of cable between the switch and target (server).
Installation Tasks
Installing the AutoView 1415 switch takes only minutes. The AutoView 1415 can be rack mounted
using the included brackets or used on a table top with the supplied rubber feet.
The first step is to connect the power cord into the back to the AutoView 1415 switch and then to an
appropriate power source. Turn on the power to the AutoView 1415 switch.
Next, connect the local keyboard, monitor, and mouse of the User Computer Console to the local analog port
labeled A on the rear of the AutoView 1415 switch.
This is the local computer
(sometimes called the console) users will utilize to access the servers connected to the AutoView 1415 switch.
The AutoView 1415 switch
provides two types of interfaces for the local keyboard and mouse — PS/2 and USB.
Finally, connect all of the servers to be managed to an available
Avocent Rack Interface (ARI) port on the back of the AutoView 1415 switch
using with an AVRIQ module or an IAC module. For more information about module and
cable options for the AutoView KVM switching systems, please see the section labeled
"AutoView Modules and Cables".
The AutoView switching system enables users to auto detect and manually configure each port
on the AutoView switch using the OSCAR interface setup and configuration.
Cascading AutoView Switches
As with the SwitchView 1000, the AutoView switching systems can
support up to 16 levels of attached switches providing users access up to
256 servers. Users can cascade multiple 1415/1515/2015 switches as well as
adding legacy switches. In a cascaded switching system, an
Avocent Rack Interface (ARI) port on the back of the main
AutoView switch will be connected to the Avocent Console Interface (ACI)
port on each cascaded AutoView switch. Each cascaded switch can then be connected
to a server with an AVRIQ module or IAC. Chapter 2 in the
AutoView Switch Installer/User Guide provides detailed instructions cascading
AutoView switches.
Basic Operations
Controlling target servers from the AutoView 1415 switch is done from the keyboard, video,
and mouse connected to the analog port in the rear of the switch. The
AutoView 1415 switch users the OSCAR GUI interface which features intuitive menus
to configure the system and selected servers.
To access the main dialog box, press Print Screen to launch the OSCAR interface.
From the OSCAR main window, users can view connected servers by name, port, or even by Electronic ID Number (EID)
which is enabled in each AVRIQ module and IAC. The Port column indicates the Avocent Rack Interface (ARI) port which the
server is connected to. Also available to the right of each server is a set of icons
representing the status of each connected server — online, offline and not available,
cascaded status, or the AVRIQ module is being upgrade. It also displays which server (or servers if broadcasting is enabled) is being
accessed.
Notice that OSCAR provides default names
for each server which can be which can be changed to reflect the actual name of the server
if desired.
Using the arrow keys from the Main dialog, select a server and press [ENTER] or double-click with the mouse.
After selecting a server, the switch will reconfigure the keyboard and mouse to the proper settings for that server.
Note that while this is the most popular way to select which server to work with, there are other
options. For example, pressing Print Screen and Backspace toggles the user between
the previous and current connections. Another method, referred to as Soft Switching, allows the user
to press Print Screen and then type the first few characters of the servers name or the port number.
To soft switch by name, the display order of the server list must be by name. To soft switch by port number,
the display order of the server list must be by port number.
Finally, users can completely disconnect from a server by pressing Print Screen followed by Alt+0.
This leaves the user in a free state, which no server selected. This option is also available from
the OSCAR main dialog window. Note that the status flag on the desktop displays as Free.
Using the OSCAR interface, users have access to a wide variety of setup and configuration options.
For example, providing a user friendly and unique name for each server in the server list, configuring security,
setting up custom scan patterns, choosing the language supported by the OSD, and choosing the appropriate
keyboard country code settings.
Other advanced features are also available like setting up
broadcasting to simultaneously control multiple servers through keyboard and mouse actions and identifying
the appropriate number of ports on an attached cascaded switch.
Chapter 3 in the AutoView Switch Installer/User Guide provides a wealth of information on configuring
as well as basic operations of the switch.
Flash Upgrades
Flash upgrades are available to all AutoView switching systems to ensure the
switch is always running the most current version of the firmware. All firmware
upgrade files are available from
http://www.avocent.com/support
under the section Popular Links / All Product Upgrades. Users will need
to connect the serial port (COM port) of an available PC (running Microsoft Windows)
to the serial port on the back of the switch using a null model serial cable (DB-male).
After downloading the upgrade file to
the connected Microsoft Windows PC, run it and select the appropriate COM Port from the COM Port menu. Clicking
Update will upgrade the firmware. After the firmware is updated, an Update Completed
message is displayed. Clicking the Close button exits the application and the
switch automatically reboots. Appendix A in the
AutoView Switch Installer/User Guide provides detailed instructions for upgrading
the firmware of the switch.
With a 1U high design, the compact AutoView 1415 switch does not compete for valuable rack
space in SMB server rooms.
Integrates with Avocent AutoView 3100 and 3200 KVM switches. Allows users to
add alternative method of access via an IP network Operating System (OS) independent. Ensures
connection to the attached servers regardless of the health or type of OS.
AutoView® 1415 Quick Facts
The AutoView switching solutions provide support for USB and/or PS/2 keyboards and mice for the user console
and USB, PS/2, Sun or serial support for target devices — all in a single solution switch.
All AutoView KVM switches include two unique and advanced cabling options for target devices:
Both cabling options automatically
assign and retain unique server names for each attached server, which simplifies installation and eases re-configuration.
Businesses of all sizes and even many home offices face the difficulty of managing an
ever growing number of servers. These may include mail servers, file servers, web servers, application
servers, and database servers. Although each server may be accessible through the network
for management purposes (Telnet or SSH), many administrators need direct access to the console. When managing a
very small number of servers, it might make sense to connect each server with its own
monitor, keyboard, and mouse in order to access its console. However, as the number of
servers to manage increases, this solution becomes unfeasible. A more practical solution
would be to configure a dedicated computer which would include a single monitor, keyboard,
and mouse that would have direct access to the console of each server. This solution is
made possible using a Keyboard, Video, Mouse Switch —
better known as a
KVM Switch
- (see Figure 1).
Figure 1 - Example KVM Switch Click to enlarge
See the article
"Erratic Mouse Behavior with Mouse on Linux and Belkin KVM Switch"
which discusses the difference between Basic PS/2 Mouse Mode and Advanced PS/2 Mouse Mode.
The Avocent SwitchView® 1000 switch is a 4, 8, or 16-port keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM)
device that supports both USB and PS/2 interfaces.
Figure 2 - Front of the SwitchView® 1000 Click to enlarge
The images included in this section are of the
SwitchView® 1000 8-port KVM Switch (8SV1000-001).
Figure 3 - Back of the SwitchView® 1000 Click to enlarge
Note that the PS/2 and USB interfaces for the local keyboard and mouse cannot be used simultaneously.
You must use either the PS/2 or USB interface — not both.
Although I have never experienced a problem with mouse failures when hot-plugging a Linux system
directly to the SwitchView 1000 switch, it can happen. If the mouse ever fails or becomes locked,
simply use the hotkey sequence ScrLk + ScrLk + M to reset the mouse or power off the Linux server
before connecting it to the SwitchView 1000.
The two consecutive ScrLk (Scroll Lock) keystrokes should be pressed within two seconds and then followed
by the command key which also must be pressed within two seconds.
The SwitchView 1000 is a single user, rack mount KVM switch with 4, 8 or 16-ports
specifically designed for SMB server rooms
1U design is a space saver in SMB server rooms
Supports PC, Mac, and Sun servers configured with a USB or PS/2 interface
Supports a local / single user console configured with either PS/2 or USB interface
Servers connect to the KVM switch using a three-in-one combo
KVM cable that supports PS/2 or USB target devices
On-Screen Display (OSD) provides simple control through an on screen menu
Supports 2048 x 1536 high video resolution which is ideal for
even the most demanding server room graphics applications
Daisy-chaining with auto initialization means users can connect
multiple switches together without complicated configuration
Time-out and password protection feature provides users
with the benefit of added security when accessing business-critical servers
Programmable autoscan allows users to customize scanning times between attached systems
Flash upgradeable means that the product never goes out of date
Cables for the SwitchView® 1000
Cable PS2/USB for SV1000
(6FT)Cable PS2/USB for SV1000
(9FT)Cable PS2/USB for SV1000
(15FT)
Click to enlarge Click to enlarge Click to enlarge
Focused primarily on midsize data centers,
Avocent offers the AutoView® line if KVM switches.
AutoView KVM switching systems provide users with advanced cabling options, local virtual media support,
and easier access to servers and other network devices.
Figure 4 - Front of the AutoView® 1415 Click to enlarge
For more information about module and cable options for the
AutoView KVM switching systems, please see the section labeled
"AutoView Modules and Cables".
Available AutoView® KVM Switching Systems
Users
Computers
Platforms
Key Features
AutoView 1415
Single
8
PS/2, USB, Sun and Serial
Provides support for user's USB and/or PS/2 keyboards and mice.
Support for USB, PS/2, Sun, and serial target devices.
AutoView 1515
Dual
8
PS/2, USB, Sun and Serial
Provides support for user's USB and/or PS/2 keyboards and mice.
Support for USB, PS/2, Sun, and serial target devices.
AutoView 2015
Dual
16
PS/2, USB, Sun and Serial
Provides support for user's USB and/or PS/2 keyboards and mice.
Support for USB, PS/2, Sun, and serial target devices.
AutoView 2020
Dual
16
PS/2, USB, Sun and Serial
Capable of Local virtual media, local USB and PS/2 peripheral support.
AutoView 2030
Dual
16
PS/2, USB, Sun and Serial
Local virtual media, local USB and PS/2 peripheral support.
AutoView 3100
Single
16
PS/2, USB, Sun and Serial
Single-user IP connectivity with on-board Web interface.
AutoView 3200
Dual
16
PS/2, USB, Sun and Serial
Dual-user IP connectivity with on-board Web interface.
This section and the images included describe the AutoView®
1415 8-port KVM Switch (AV1415-001).
Figure 5 - Back of the AutoView® 1415 Click to enlarge
To connect a server (target) using an AVRIQ module:
To connect a server (target) using an IAC module:
By default, the OSCAR interface can be initiated by pressing either Print Screen
or by pressing the Control key twice within one second. Using the Setup - Menu
option in OSCAR, users can also configure the OSCAR interface to be invoked by pressing
the Alt key twice or the Shift key twice. Turning off all options will leave
Print Screen as the default option.
The AutoView 1415 is a single user, rack mount KVM switch with 8 ports
specifically designed for SMB server rooms
1U design is a space saver in SMB server rooms
Supports PS/2, USB, Sun, and serial target (server) devices
Supports a local / single user console configured with either PS/2 or USB interface
Unique cable design based on CAT 5 to help reduce bulky cable clutter
Servers connect to the KVM switch using either an Integrated Access Cable (IAC)
or a AVRIQ Server Interface Module (with a user supplied CAT 5 cable up to 100 feet)
High-quality, multi-language, graphical On-Screen Display (OSD) named OSCAR®
making it easy for users to switch, monitor, and locate target devices
Time-out and password protection feature provides users with the benefit of added security when accessing business-critical servers
Programmable autoscan allows users to customize scanning times between attached systems
Flash upgradeable means that the product never goes out of date
Sun keyboard localization: Supports international markets
Sun keyboard translation: Allows users to use PS/2 keyboards with Sun targets
Integrates with Avocent AutoView 3100 and 3200 KVM switches
Operating System (OS) independent
Integrated Access Cables (IAC) provide keyboard, video and mouse connectivity
for both PS/2 and USB interfaces in one slim CAT 5 cable with lengths of
7, 10 and 15 feet. This unique cable design reduces cable bulk plus saves time and
money. The IAC is simply an AVRIQ Server Interface Module already wired with a CAT 5 cable.
The Avocent model number for PS/2 and USB integrated access cables are:
PS2IAC-7 - (7 feet - P2/2)
PS2IAC-10 - (10 feet - P2/2)
PS2IAC-15 - (15 feet - P2/2)
USBIAC-7 - (7 feet - USB)
USBIAC-10 - (10 feet - USB)
USBIAC-15 - (15 feet - USB)
Users can also purchase just the AVRIQ Server Interface Modules. These modules provide support for
PS/2, USB, Sun, and serial targets as well as cable lengths greater than 15 feet (but less than 100 feet)
between the target device and the switch. The AVRIQ server interface module connects to the target
server. Users then connect their own CAT 5 or CAT 6 network cable (up to 100 feet) from the
AVRIQ server interface module to the AutoView KVM switch.
Modules and Cables for the AutoView® 1415
AVRIQ-PS2
AVRIQ-SRL
AVRIQ-USB
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
Click to enlarge
AVRIQ-VSN
PS2IAC-X
USBIAC-X
Click to enlargePS2IAC-7 - (7 feet)
PS2IAC-10 - (10 feet)
PS2IAC-15 - (15 feet)USBIAC-7 - (7 feet)
USBIAC-10 - (10 feet)
USBIAC-15 - (15 feet)
Last modified on: Tuesday, 29-May-2007 15:26:19 EDT
Page Count: 20207
