8/16/32 PS/2 KVM over IP switch

5. Usage

5.1 Prerequisites

The PS/2 IP-KVM switch features an embedded operating system and applications offering a variety of standardized interfaces. This chapter will describe both these interfaces, and the way to use them in a more detailed manner. The interfaces are accessed using the TCP/IP protocol family, thus they can be accessed using the built-in Ethernet adapter.

The following interfaces are supported:

HTTP/HTTPS

Full access is provided by the embedded web server. The PS/2 IP-KVM switch environment can be entirely managed using a standard web browser. You can access the PS/2 IP-KVM switch using the insecure HTTP protocol, or using the encrypted HTTPS protocol. Whenever possible, use HTTPS.

Telnet

A standard Telnet client can be used to access an arbitrary device connected to the PS/2 IP-KVM switch's serial port via a terminal mode.

The primary interface of the PS/2 IP-KVM switch is the HTTP interface. This is covered extensively in this chapter. Other interfaces are addressed in subtopics.

In order to use the Remote Console window of your managed host system, the browser has to come with a Java Runtime Environment version 1.1 or higher. If the browser has no Java support (such as on a small handheld device), you are still able to maintain your remote host system using the administration forms displayed by the browser itself.

Important: We recommend installing a Sun JVM 1.4.

For an insecure connection to the PS/2 IP-KVM switch, we can recommend the following browsers :

Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.0 or higher on Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000 and Windows XP

Netscape Navigator 7.0 or Mozilla 1.6 on Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Linux and other UNIX-like Operating Systems

In order to access the remote host system using a securely encrypted connection, you need a browser that supports the HTTPS protocol. Strong security is only assured by using a key length of 128 Bit. Some of the old browsers do not have a strong 128 Bit encryption algorithm.

Using the Internet Explorer, open the menu entry “? ” and “Info” to read about the key length that is currently activated. The dialog box contains a link that leads you to information on how to upgrade your browser to a state of the art encryption scheme. Figure 5-1 shows the dialog box presented by the Internet Explorer 6.0.

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Avocent PS/2 IP user manual Usage, Prerequisites, Telnet

PS/2 IP specifications

The Avocent PS/2 IP KVM (Keyboard, Video, Mouse) switch is a sophisticated solution designed to provide remote access and management capabilities for servers and devices located in data centers or remote locations. As IT environments grow increasingly complex, the need for seamless and efficient management tools becomes essential. The Avocent PS/2 IP addresses this need by integrating high-end features and technologies that streamline operation and enhance productivity.

One of the standout features of the Avocent PS/2 IP is its ability to facilitate secure, remote access to connected devices through an IP network. This enables administrators to control servers and troubleshoot issues from virtually anywhere, eliminating the need to be physically present in the server room. The system supports multiple simultaneous user sessions, allowing multiple administrators to connect and manage devices at the same time, which is crucial for teamwork in large IT environments.

In terms of security, the Avocent PS/2 IP employs robust authentication mechanisms, including user-level access control and encrypted remote sessions. This ensures that only authorized personnel can access sensitive systems, significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.

The Avocent PS/2 IP is designed to support a wide range of operating systems and server hardware, making it an extremely versatile solution for diverse IT infrastructures. It is compatible with various PS/2 devices and incorporates advanced video quality technologies to deliver high-definition video output, ensuring that administrators receive a clear and accurate representation of the connected systems.

Additionally, the device features built-in monitoring and alerting capabilities. These functionalities allow IT teams to keep track of device status, receive notifications of potential issues, and proactively address problems before they escalate into major outages. The ease of integration with existing management software also enhances its effectiveness.

Another significant characteristic of the Avocent PS/2 IP is its scalability. Organizations can easily expand their KVM infrastructure as their needs grow, allowing for the addition of more servers or devices without requiring a complete system overhaul. This flexibility makes it a cost-effective choice for businesses aiming to future-proof their IT operations.

In conclusion, the Avocent PS/2 IP KVM switch combines advanced remote access capabilities, strong security features, and broad compatibility, making it an essential tool for efficient IT management in today’s fast-paced technological landscape. Its design focuses on enhancing productivity and minimizing downtime, proving beneficial for organizations seeking streamlined operations and superior control over their server environments.