To maximize the use of costly floor space, many organizations are introducing blade servers into their environments (such as the high-performance, high-density Dell PowerEdge 1855 blade server). In addition to the traditional server components required for high performance environments - including processors, memory, and storage - high-density computing requires fully functional data center components integrated into a single form factor to provide manageability, such as connectivity to a keyboard, video monitor, and mouse. Avocent KVM modules offer the benefits of a KVM switch in a Blade form factor - providing full control of all blade server functions, including local operating system (OS) installation, server blade configuration, daily maintenance, and troubleshooting.
In addition, the Avocent KVM modules are completely independent of the OS, so the server blades can run whatever OS is required. Avocent offers the following Blade KVM Modules:
- The Avocent Analog KVM Module is an analog keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) switch integrated into a chassis. Local connections are made by connecting a local keyboard, screen and mouse directly to the module. For remote administrators, or to centralize security and management, connections can also be made to an external KVM switch (Avocent, Dell or other vendors are supported) by using a CAT5 cable. Selection of the specific Blade is accomplished via the On-Screen Configuration and Reporting graphical user interface (OSCAR®).
- The Avocent Analog KVM Module converts the same KVM signals but into digital packets, compressing them and transmitting them securely over TCP/IP connections. All an administrator needs is to use a Web browser to manage individual blades. Tiering to supported KVM switches allows additional administrators to connect and manage Blades in a secure manner. The Digital KVM module also supports Virtual Media.
