We also use an Avocent here, but we use the 1000R model. It is more expensive than a standard KVM, but has many benefits. First off it allows two users simultaneous access to the KVM, one at a local console and one using a remote IP based connection. This allows you to do many things from a remote location that you are unable to do using server based remote administration tools. Also this KVM does not use standard KVM cables. Instead it uses modules that convert mouse, keyboard and video cables into a cat 5/6 cable. This is really great because it drastically cuts down on the cable mess in our racks and allows us much greater flexibility in where we place our equipment in relation to the KVM. There are modules for PS2, USB and Sun setups. The price is steep, but the payoff is worth it.
________________________________________________
Stephen Bogdanski Network Support, MSU-CVM
Michigan State University [log in to unmask]
A227 VetMed Center Phone: (517) 353-5551
East Lansing, MI 48824 Fax: (517) 432-2937
>>> Laurence Bates <[log in to unmask]> 02/23/05 09:16AM >>>
I like to use the Avocent Apex OutLook 4160ES 16 port KVM Switch that allows
up to four computers to be viewed simultaneously. They are way too
expensive to purchase new but can be purchased from Ebay at quite reasonable
prices - typically about $250 I have found them to be very reliable but
they can fail and so a standby unit is recommended. You can see one for
sale below:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5752831562
-----Original Message-----
From: MSU Network Administrators Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of John Gorentz
Sent: Tuesday, February 22, 2005 10:07 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MSUNAG] KVM Console
At 05:10 PM 2/22/2005, David Benjamin wrote:
>Any recommendations for a 16 port - 15" LCD KVM Switch Console? I'm looking
at a few options, but would like user reviews before making the big
purchase. Please advise.
>
>Thank you,
>
>
>David Benjamin
>Computer Hardware/Software Coordinator
>Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health Michigan State
>University Suite 202 Lansing, MI 48910 517-432-5840
I have a Raritan MXU216 2-user, 16-port KVM switch. I'm not sure what you
mean by a switch console. I use this with a 17" Dell LCD monitor. Are
there other products out there now that use a special console? Are we
talking about two different things?
I used a 1-user 8-port Raritan switch before getting this one. It was two of
them ganged together, actually. I am not aware of anything else I'd rather
have in place of Raritan KVMs, but I'm always interested in knowing what the
good options are.
One issue these days is computers that don't have PS2 ports, but do
everything with USB instead. Raritan sells an adapter for such computers.
It's expensive ($80?) and seems to work fine with some (but not all)
computers.
John Gorentz
W.K. Kellogg Biological Station
