There's a groundswell in the KVM (keyboard video mouse) industry. The best of these handy switching appliances allow for more connectivity and better network functionality, and Avocent Corp.'s AutoView series of KVM switches is a perfect example. The AutoView 2000R I tested, designed for midsize enterprises, addresses many of the usual shortcomings of IP-based KVM switches via its tightly integrated, 1U chassis that allows for both analog (directly connected) server control and over-the-network command of machines while providing secure, user-friendly visual interfaces.
Pretty in 'Pigtails'
Positioned midrange in Avocent's IP KVM product line, the AutoView 2000R features hookups for a single, directly connected user via a standard monitor connection and PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports. Network connectivity is achieved through the 10/100-Mbps Ethernet port, which can use BootP/DHCP for IP assignment or can be statically addressed via a console interface.
The AV2000R allows for the single analog user and two network users to operate simultaneous server control sessions with no perceivable performance degradation. By not requiring an "add-on" for IP connectivity, the AV2000R saves both rack space and money compared with similar solutions that take a local-only box and add a server when IP connectivity is required. Now for the best part: The 16 connected servers are linked to the AV2000R by way of standard Category 5 cables. (Any KVM solution that can reduce the bulky cables traditionally used with server-switching hardware is welcomed by data center managers.) The key to eliminating the bulky wires that carry monitor, keyboard and mouse signals is the AVRIQ smart cable "pigtails" that integrate server keyboard, video and pointing device signals into a single assembly that connects from the server via a RJ-45 jack back to the AV2000R's modular ports.
AVRIQ assemblies are available for PS/2, Sun and USB connections, and are used in cascading configurations to extend the number of controlled servers to 384. Although analog connectivity to the local console user can reach to a respectable, directly connected 50 feet, the Cat 5 server connections cannot exceed 32 feet (10 meters) per run--a limitation that may disappoint server room designers as other Cat 5 KVM switches can reach hundreds of feet.
Good
• Solid IP/local server control in a single low-profile chassis.
• AVWorks software installs easily and is intuitive to use.
• Eliminates bulky KVM cables.
Bad
• Short cable lengths hamper installation flexibility.
• IP KVM control is "an acquired feel."
• Yet another network device to manage and secure.
OSCAR & AVWorks
Setting up the AV2000R is easy. I connected the requisite variety of Linux, Sun Microsystems and Microsoft Windows servers with the appropriate AVRIQ and Cat 5 cables, hooked up a Plain-Jane mouse, keyboard and monitor combination to the box, and away I went. The local on-screen GUI, known as OSCAR (On-Screen Configuration and Activity Reporting interface) is intuitive, effective and stable. Configuration options through OSCAR include server naming, security options, scan times and the usual raft of KVM-specific parameters. I tested the maximum rated resolution of 1,600 x 1,280, as well as a few other typical lower resolutions, without a hitch. After visiting OSCAR and setting it up to my liking in various configurations, I test drove the AV2000R's network functionality.
A remote user who wants to control Avocent's AV2000R appliances needs to install the free AVWorks program that ships with the unit. AVWorks is a robust management/user interface that raises the bar for the IP KVM experience through its intuitive functionality and elegant simplicity. After loading it on a Windows XP laptop and a Windows NT workstation (AVWorks is compatible with Win 98 and later, along with Linux Red Hat 7.1 and 7.2), I whipped up a few database combinations based on my limited test environment. If I had several AV2000R boxes and many more servers, I really would have had some fun. The experience of server control over the Internet can be strange, with a "local" cursor and "remote" cursor to coordinate, but the layout and feel of manipulating my boxes--including server resets--through the AVWorks front door was extremely comfortable. I enjoyed the full screen size, maximum resolutions supported and responsive cursor actions.
Solid hardware, effective network connectivity and a variety of local and remote administrative tools should make the AV2000R an attractive option for those charged with server upkeep.
Lee Badman is an IT analyst and project manager at Syracuse University. Write to him at lhbadman@syr.edu.
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