Tripp Lite's Latest KVM Design: Is It An All-in-one Gem?

Many keyboard-video-mouse (KVM) switches are stand-alone units. However, a new trend in KVM design is to build all-in-one units that enclose the KVM, display, keyboard and mouse in a single rack-mount chassis. A good example of this design is Tripp Lite's new 16-port NetDirector 1U Rackmount Console KVM Switch.

KVM switches are used in test labs, PC burn-in centers, network control rooms and server closets to allow one person to control multiple remote computers; the computers can be just a few feet away, in other buildings or even in other countries. A typical KVM switch requires that a keyboard, display and mouse be plugged into the device, and those peripherals then behave as if they were plugged into the system that's being controlled.

The 16-port Tripp Lite NetDirector combines a 17-inch flat-panel display with a native resolution of 1,280 x 1,024, an 88-key keyboard, a touchpad and a 16-port KVM switch. The unit is primarily designed for controlling multiple rack-mount servers in an enterprise setting. The 16-port NetDirector Model B020-016-17 has a suggested retail price of $3,699, but its street price is as low as $2,300.

If equipment is to be mounted in a rack, conventional KVM switches and peripherals will take up more space than is typically available. Tripp Lite's all-in-one KVM switch will make the most efficient use of the scarce space available inside a rack. It will also make for a neat, high-tech and hassle-free installation. In a previous Test Center review (CRN, March 20,) we reviewed Aten Technology's KL1116L all-in-one KVM switch, which is very similar to Tripp Lite's product. Both units have the same OSD buttons below the display, the same keyboards and touchpads and the same PC boards inside their respective rear KVM sections. Differences can be found, however, in the machining of each chassis. Aten's keyboard and display slide out independently of one another while Tripp Lite's slide out as a single unit.

Tripp Lite's NetDirector arrives with ball-bearing slides that allow easy access to the unitthe switch slides out easily and stores neatly in the rack. When pulled out, the display panel folds up and away, revealing the keyboard and touchpad. Port status LEDs are located on the front of the unit. The 16 KVM ports can be selected or switched using the individual buttons right on the console, the touchpad and on-screen display (OSD) or the hotkey combinations on the keyboard. Two LEDs per port indicate which port is selected and whether the attached server or computer is turned on.

The KVM switch can directly control up to 16 servers, and up to 512 systems can be controlled by daisy-chaining multiple KVM switches. If more than 16 computers are to be controlled, additional 16-port KVM switches (ideally Tripp Lite's Model B022-016) can be daisy-chained to the back of the unit. If security is neededfor example, if the door on the rack isn't lockeda two-level pass-word system accommodates up to four users plus an administrator. Extra VGA and PS/2 ports on back of the KVM switch allow the connection of an IP remote-access unit (Tripp Lite Model B050-000) or another console.

The NetDirector KVM Switch is easy to install. No installation software is required, and the unit's hot-plug operation allows servers to be attached or removed without powering down the system.

Out of the box, the unit mounts in a standard four-post rack, while optional two-post mounting brackets allow it to be installed in a two-post open rack. Systems to be connected must have PS/2 mouse and keyboard ports; USB ports can be used with optional USB-to-PS/2 adapters.

Ideally, Tripp Lite's Super Flex 3-in-1 cables should be used with the KVM switch. Since the switch doesn't come with cables, solution providers must remember to purchase them before doing an installation. PS/2 cables come in lengths of 6 feet, 10 feet and 15 feet while USB cables come in lengths of 6 feet and 10 feet. Daisy-chain cables come in lengths of 2 feet and 6 feet.

Tripp Lite offers nonstandardized, individual marketing programs and custom solution provider programs. In other words, partner programs are created on a case-by-case basis. That style of channel management makes it difficult for prospective partners to gauge the advantages offered.

Partners can be assured that Tripp Lite is a channel-only organization, so all of the company's products are delivered exclusively via the channel. Partners can expect quarterly rebates, discounted demo units and SPIFs, all of which help to sweeten the pot.

Tripp Lite did not disclose margins.