Chapter 1

Introduction

Overview

The KH98 KVM Switch offers multiple computer access and IPMI based monitoring from a single console (keyboard, monitor, and mouse).

IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) is quickly becoming the industry standard for remote network infrastructure troubleshooting and failure prevention.

IPMI provides server hardware health monitoring including CPU temperature, voltage, fan speed, etc., along with other remote maintenance features like system reset and power on/off. Best of all, IPMI can still be deployed remotely even if the system is down (Out of Band). For more information on enabling IPMI functionality, see F5 BMC:, page 31.

The KH98 allows users to manage and maintain company infrastructure in a cost effective manner. A single KH98 can manage up to 8 computers. Since units can be cascaded to three levels, in a full three stage installation up to 73 KH98 units can control and monitor up to 512 computers - all from a single console. See Installation, page 9 for additional information.

Setup is fast and easy; plugging cables into their appropriate ports is all that is entailed. There is no software to configure, so there is no need to get involved in complex installation routines or be concerned with incompatibility problems. Since the KH98 intercepts keyboard input directly, it works on any hardware platform and with all operating systems.

There are three convenient methods to access any computer connected to the installation: (1) using the pushbuttons located on each unit's front panel; (2) entering Hotkey combinations from the keyboard; and (3) selecting from menus provided by the On Screen Display (OSD). A powerful Auto Scan feature also permits automatic scanning and monitoring of the activities of all computers running on the installation one by one.

A KH98 installation: (1) eliminates the expense of having to purchase a separate keyboard, monitor, and mouse for each computer; (2) saves all the space those extra components would take up; (3) saves on energy costs; (4) eliminates constantly moving from one computer to another; and (5) cuts down Cost of Ownership by preventing system failure and reducing downtime.

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