integrated KVMoIP and serial console terminal server

Fri Apr 24 17:40:05 UTC 2009

We have just implemented Avocent console and power concentrators.
Console servers are reachable via a highly customizable web interface.
The Avocent software can also be virtualized on VMWare. Console
connectivity can be provisioned to first try SSH via the IP network, and
automatically failover to a dial-up modem connection if the network is
down. For power both AC and DC power supplies are supported. With DC the
battery plant main fuse panel connects to the device that is used to
power cycle the electronic equipment using low amperage "grasshopper"
fuses for each device. I believe that Avocent is the only vendor with DC
power-cycle support.

The serial cables for the device consoles do not require power supplies
as indicated below.

-----Original Message-----
From: Owen DeLong [mailto:owen at delong.com] 
Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 9:52 AM
To: Joe Abley
Cc: NANOG list
Subject: Re: integrated KVMoIP and serial console terminal server

I haven't really found a combo unit I like as yet.

For KVM, I like the Raritan products.
For Serial, I prefer the Avocent line.

Owen

On Apr 23, 2009, at 3:17 PM, Joe Abley wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> What is everybody's favourite combination rack-mount VGA/USB KVM- 
> over-IP and serial console concentrator in 2009?
>
> I'm looking for something that will accommodate 8 or so 9600bps  
> serial devices and about 12 VGA/USB devices, all reachable over IP  
> via sane means (ssh, https, etc). Being able to trunk everything  
> through cat5E/RJ45 plant is not necessary; in this application  
> everything is in the same cabinet.
>
> Avocent seem to make a likely-looking box, but (a) it's a bit  
> insanely expensive, and (b) the adapters that you connect using RJ45  
> to the avocent and via RS232 to the serial devices *each seem to  
> require a power supply* which frankly makes me recoil in horror.  
> Perhaps I mis-read the glossy web page.
>
> Advice would be appreciated; direct mail is fine; I can summarise  
> back to the list if there is interest in me doing so.
>
>
> Joe