Although network control of a KVM switch isn't exactly a new accomplishment, Avocent's DS1800 polishes the concept and moves it from option to application. Far outshining its competitors in the network control part of our tests, the DS1800 would have taken top honors if it weren't completely network-based. Despite being a truly revolutionary KVM product, the lack of local, direct, non-network control means that the DS1800's biggest strength will keep it from being deployed in environments where non-network control of the KVM is needed.

Our initial step in setting up the DS1800 KVM was to download 12 MB of application software and a 40-page system manual -- not a fun process. Avocent assures us, however, that purchasers will receive software on disk. After designating a Windows NT box that met Avocent's user-station requirements, we went to work installing DSAuthentication Server, DSAdmin and DSView. These programs work in concert to form the software cornerstone of Avocent's KVM-over-IP approach and provide almost transparent control for up to thousands of servers with no distance limitations. Though Raritan's TeleReach-Paragon comes closest in the quality of its network solution, it doesn't quite equal the DS1800 for functionality.

Configuration and management of the DS1800 begin with the proper setup of DSAuthentication Server, which dictates individual users' privileges and abilities for interacting with attached servers, as well as provisioning for communications between DSView and the individual DS1800s. DSAdmin is the administration package that allows for configuration of switches and servers in the controlled array, while DSView is the user's interface to the system. Because all are loaded in Windows NT, the feel of all three is mostly intuitive to anyone familiar with the Windows environment.

Once all software was installed on a network PC, we needed to assign the network-based DS1800 an IP address so the administration software could see it. Address configuration in the switch was quick and painless through direct terminal connection. After installing a standard Cat 5 patch cable between the switch and a 10/100 port on our network, communication was established between the switch and its control software running on our PC. Although we were in the same room as our DS1800, any authorized user with the DSView software could just as easily have accessed our switch from anywhere in the world.

We connected our test servers to two DS1800s. Typical KVM cabling runs between the network-connected switch and servers, at a distance of up to 60 feet. The eight ports on the DS1800 have corresponding LED indicators on the front of the switch, which accurately indicate port status and activity. The DS1800 switch is the only one of our entrants without panel push buttons or other on-board controls, further reflecting the migration from direct control.

Once our server farm was connected to the DS1800, we began our sessions in DSView by logging in and having our authorization verified. The DSView Node Manager found our servers quickly and accurately, and showed only those to which we had rights, given various security configurations. We added and deleted authorized users, as well as juggled who could do what within the framework of DSAdmin's security parameters. System administration was typical for a Windows application and easy to learn. The otherwise ideal Node Manager may get cumbersome when attaching to dozens of DS1800s, as there doesn't appear to be any easy way to search a specific server out of the pack of potentially thousands.

Because a KVM switch is all about control, we verified that all connected servers would respond to our remote control, which they did nicely. Disruptions to the DS1800 confirmed successful keep-alive recovery of mouse and keyboard signals.

Since information between the DS1800 and the remote (controlling) computer is packetized and sent over the network, we were curious how system interaction would feel. Our server reboots and BIOS changes made us feel as though we were connected directly to each machine, and they rapidly became routine using the DS1800. Default video settings were translated correctly to our monitor, and we stretched the resolution successfully to 1,280x1,024 (the DS1800's maximum) on servers that would accommodate us. On the low end, we went as low as 640x480, and enabled all settings in between. Screen repaints were near perfect for all resolutions, despite network traffic.

Mouse interaction is perhaps the only telltale sign that you are not directly connected to the server you are viewing and controlling, as a double mouse pointer is used. One represents the actual pointing device in your hand; the other is the pointer representation at the server end. This dual trace allows the operator to access the control fields beyond the server's display area and is effective once the technique is learned. Alignment of the two traces is provided in the users' on-screen tools and is more than satisfactory.

Convinced that as a network-based KVM the DS1800 would more than adequately perform typical switch functions, we also tested some of the more advanced features possible through the DSView software. We found that you can quickly forget about the typical KVM on-screen display when running the DS1800. For example, other KVM switches let you control a single server at a time, whereas the DS1800 lets you have as many connections as you want open in separate windows.

Through DSView, screenshot captures of servers are possible for saving to a file or the clipboard. A variety of keyboard macros come preloaded, with the option of creating more at the user's disposal, to form hot-key shortcuts. Using an Explorer-type view to see your entire switch array is a welcome change from conventional on-screen menu layouts, and nobody's product does it better than Avocent's.

DS1800, Avocent Corp., (256) 430-4000; fax (256) 430-4030. www.avocent.com or sales@avocent.com.