IP KVM notes

OSAF's operations (distributed servers, limited staff, and telecommuting) means that services are impacted when something serious happens (network stops responding or server is waiting at a boot prompt). While a difficult problem to solve fully, a combination of TCP/IP-accessible keyboard/video/mouse control plus remotely-accessible power switches provides a remarkable level of control and singificantly improves response time to critical failures.

There are a few models for providing this combination. We're rejecting integrated multi-port IP KVMs (a 8 or 16-console KVM with IP capabilities) as too expensive (~$4k/ea). A better alternative is a regular 8/16-port KVM ($600/ea) where the "local" console is plugged into a "single-port IP KVM". Single-port IP KVMs run about $1k/ea.

The standard way to control 120V power outlets is via a serial-controlled 15-Amp special power strip. These run about $500/ea.

A related, but separate concept is environmental monitoring. It's important to monitor and alert on temperature at the least. Expect about $400 per location.

Current best proposal

• 1x StarTech SV1100IPEXT ($650) + 1x StarTech 16-port StarView USB+PS2 KVM w/OSD ($510) + StarTech 8-outlet power switch (PCM815SHNA) ($390) + 8x 10-ft 3-way USB KVM cable ($31/ea) + TemPageR ($300) = $2100

Other candidates

Other IP KVM candidates:

• Switchview IP (need to find info; Java capable?) $750
• Replicom K-One. Dual serial, IPSEC, IPMI, dual local, 1/2U, built-in modem, Acquired by Minicom.
• Avocent.
• REJECTED: Aten CN6000. Basic IP KVM for $500; no passthrough, no serial.

Power switch candidates:

• RackIT Bay SPDU 12-15 (12 port, 15 amp, 0U) $439
• RackIT Bay SPDU 8-15 (8 port, 15 amp, 1U) $369
• StarTech 8 Outlet Remote Power Switch - RS232 Interface (PCM815SHNA) $600

Environmental sensors:

• Websensor EM01B (http://www.nagios.org/products/environmental/esensors/em01b.php) $450
• TemPageR (http://www.environmentmonitor.com/tempager-p-29.html) $300

Vendors:

• rackit
• www.zasmos.com
• http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/
• http://www.smartvm.com/KVM-Extenders-C1327.htm