KVM over IP: keyboard, video and mouse streamline systems management.

Today's distributed computing environment poses challenges for network administrators, to be sure. Computers, peripherals and networking equipment are often spread around the building, around the campus--even around the world in branch offices. And, the mission-critical nature of those computers and equipment for most businesses today means that downtime--or even slow time--is not tolerated. Nevertheless, the imperatives of network administration (security, reliability and cost-effectiveness) remain.

Centralize and Standardize

To help achieve centralization of control, many IT departments have implemented KVM (keyboard, video, and mouse) switching systems, which evolved from the impracticality of having separate keyboards, monitors and mice for each system within a server room. KVM facilitates access to connected devices from a single console station. Access that provides administrators a means to monitor and manage connected devices as if they were at the device--right down to the bios level. Early analog KVM units helped simplify administration of high-density server racks, but distance limitations required that they be placed near servers, handicapping their utility. And, they required proprietary cabling to all devices to be managed, adding a layer of complexity that made adding devices a chore, as well as using valuable space. And, with all that, the number of users for which the systems could provide access was limited.

Digital IP-Based KVM

Introduced in 2000, digital IP-based KVM systems overcome limitations in traditional KVM, and deliver many more benefits for managing heterogeneous distributed networks. IP-based connectivity delivers four major advantages. First, and most obviously, it eliminates the need for specialized cabling, as it leverages existing infrastructure. Second, IP-based connectivity removes distance and other limitations of analog KVM systems, for a more flexible centralization of control. Since digital KVM signaling is based on the IP protocol, network administrators can control servers and other devices in the data center--or across the globe--from any computer with a Web browser. It also means that almost any number of users and devices can be added or altered without complex reconfiguration, because it identifies devices by IP address. Finally, client software can leverage IP technology to provide substantial administrative control. This control includes session sharing, monitoring of server status, keyboard emulation of multiple platforms and centralized logging. Such software also supports administrative flexibility with macros, window resizing and graphical representations of KVM appliances and attached servers.

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How it Works

With a digital KVM over IP system, the administrator connects to the targeted remote computer via viewing software on the local machine. The remote system is connected to a KVM appliance that takes the analog video output of the target computer, digitizes it, and sends the data across the IP network to the administrator's screen. As the administrator presses keys or moves the mouse, the viewing software application transmits the information back across the IP network to the remote KVM appliance, which passes keystroke and mouse information to the target device. The target device acts on that keystroke and mouse information, resulting in a change in the video display--mouse movement, new windows, characters, etc.

Security is always a concern in networked environments. Encryption, bolstered by multiple levels of centralized network control based on the Windows NT security model, provides network-level security. Users can have varying levels of access and control--especially useful when employing outside contractors. Permissions and access levels can be set per user down to individual devices. The security model minimizes risks from intrusions or unauthorized access, and chronological audit logs can track users and activities for another level of security. Network downtime can cost companies hundreds of thousands of dollars per minute. The centralized control offered by a KVM over IP system speeds troubleshooting, minimizing downtime.

Other Alternatives

Some companies rely on remote control software installed on target devices for control access. Remote control software does enable network administrators to issue commands and retrieve performance and other information, but with serious limitations. These software-only solutions rely on the operating system, so if the target device has crashed, there's no access. Setup is an issue as well. The software must be installed on each device to be managed, affecting computing overhead and creating administrative burdens. And remote control software does not provide BIOS-level access to servers, as KVM does, so remote reboot is not possible. Nor can it offer the ability to initiate power cycles and interact with devices during power up sequences that KVM can. Routers and other devices must also be excluded from such remote control and management schemes.

Other remote access tools can also use IP networks, but closer examination reveals management, user and scalability limitations common to standalone solutions. For example, while information can be examined locally and even accessed directly, such systems cannot provide authentication, centralized audit logs or device visibility across the network. By contrast, IP-based KVM systems simplify administration of remote servers (and other devices) by enabling one-to-many control of computers, network hardware, and even serial devices through simple Web- or client-based software control consoles. Instead of software on the remote unit, all that's required is an IP address. With such software, administrators can view and control all devices through a single standard interface.

Results Count

KVM over IP systems make flexible centralized control possible, eliminating long-distance dispatch of technicians to remote locations for service or other action--all they need is access to a Web browser. It is even possible to add servers with a click of a mouse while supporting BIOS-level control of almost any number of servers or serial devices. The savings in time and personnel can be substantial.

Warranty Corporation of America (WaCA) determined that it had achieved 'payback' in less than six months after implementing an Avocent KVM over IP switching system. Reuters found that KVM over IP enabled them to resolve 80% of the server problems that occur on their network from the administrator's desk, freeing-up critical staff time. After they implemented KVM over IP, Gwinnett Health System immediately removed 24 sets of keyboards/monitors and mice, significantly reducing clutter and freeing up valuable data center space. PSCU Financial Services found that KVM over IP switching systems not only improved efficiency in the data center, but improved engineer morale by allowing engineers to resolve off-hours problems from home, rather than having to drive to the data center.

Network administrators with an eye on the future must also examine migration capabilities to accommodate network and other advancing technologies. Some KVM products may work well today, but are unable to cope with technology advances without forklift upgrades. By contrast, IP will be a communications standard for the foreseeable future. As long as a device can accommodate an IP address, it can be controlled and monitored with an Avocent digital KVM over IP system.

Administrators understand that centralization and standardization represent the best ways to deal with network growth and complexity. A vital element of any centralization and standardization strategy is a digital IP-based KVM system. By incorporating IP and Windows standards, a KVM over IP system can enable administrators to expand their reach over distributed systems, improve security and reduce costs and downtime. Telnet appliances can be added to extend that capability to connected serial devices. Alternative solutions may be incomplete or involve proprietary implementations or substantial administrative and other overhead. A good KVM over IP system can be cost-justified by its ability to improve reliability and increase reach and control within existing IP infrastructures. As a result, network administrators who are looking toward the future are looking closely at IP-based KVM switching systems.

RELATED ARTICLE: Benefits of KVM

* It allows multiple users access to thousands of servers of varying platforms from centralized keyboard/monitor/mouse 'stations'. Multiple users can access any attached server completely independent of other users.

* It supports multi-platform configurations, allowing administrators to integrate different brands of servers as well as additional hardware in the server room, including routers, hubs and other serial-based devices.

* It's scalable, allowing administrators to expand systems as user needs increase. Users can access any connected server from any location at any time.

C.C. Fridlin, P.E., is product marketing manager at Avocent (Huntsville, AL)

www.avocent.com