IP KVMs

[drebo]

I'm looking for a decent quality IP KVM. I only need 2 ports, if any exist. Price is somewhat of an object, but I don't want any SOHO gear. I don't need any kind of virtual media capabilities, although that would be kind of nice if it fits the budget.

Right now I'm looking at a Startech 4-port model that I can get for ~$550. I like the startech brand and have had great luck with them before, but I'm open to suggestions if anyone has one for a 2 port or 4 port (or potentially even two one port KVMs).

Thanks in advance!

 

[Plugers]

If you can get away with 2 monitors I've used http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/ and it works great.

It's just like having a dual screen setup but each is a PC.

Or if your monitor has 2 switchable inputs it could work with that also.

 

[kevnich2]

I haven't seen anything "cheap" for an IP KVM at all. Cheapest I've seen is around $400 for a 1 port IP KVM. What is your purpose for an IP KVM?

 

[JackMDS]

Depending on what is your functional goal, might be cheaper to use UltraVNC as a service on the remote computers.

 

[drebo]

I can remote access the machines no problem (one is linux, the other is Windows) via software. The issue comes in the fact that I'm going to be maintaining them and they're 1500 miles away, so I would like to have console access to them that does not rely on the operating system's ability to function. For instance, if the linux machine goes down uncleanly, I want to be able to get console access to run diagnostics, without having to have a pair of hands on the other side.

 

[netsysadmin]

What brand servers?

John

 

[drebo]

One is an HP ProLiant ML310 G5, the other is a Dell PowerEdge SC440. The ProLiant runs Server 2008, the PowerEdge is the phone system and runs Linux. The ProLiant does have ILO, however, I need to buy an IP KVM anyway for the Dell server (this is actually the more important one) and since ILO Advanced is $250ish anyway, an IP KVM to cover both of them makes more sense.

The main reason I'm asking is that I wanted to see if anyone had any experiences, good or bad, with any particular brand.

 

[netsysadmin]

Just buy a DRAC card from Dell for the Dell server.

John

 

[drebo]

Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Dell makes one for the SC440.

 

[kevnich2]

Dell makes an IP KVM for servers that connects with either PS2 or USB, we got one at one of my past jobs, I believe this was a 16 port one though but I know they also have 8 port ones. If they're all together in the same area, just get whatever port IP KVM you need and connect all the equipment to it. For your setup, I'd definitely recommend an IP KVM. You'll be able to look at BIOS info, etc just like you were in front of the computer as long as the internet connection stays up. I actually want a 1 port one for a few of my SMB setups but they're SO expensive