Review: Aten KVM Switch Introduces Expansive Enterprise Control

infrastructure mouse display

The new KM0832 CAT5 Matrix KVM Switch is part of Aten's Altusen line of KVM solutions. The 32-port, eight-console KVM switch is an enterprise-class solution designed for medium and large network environments. The KM0832 allows eight administrators to independently control up to 32 servers simultaneously.

The real beauty of the KM0832 is that it's highly scalable to allow for future data center expansion. It has direct CPU connections for up to 32 servers or systems and eight console connections.

Up to seven more KVMs can be daisy-chained via an HPDB-50 female connector on the rear panel. These daisy-chain ports allow multiple KVM units to be ganged together. KVMs are typically linked together in a cascading manner, but the main KVM then loses the use of one CPU port for each cascaded KVM switch. By equipping the KVM switches with daisy-chain ports, none of the CPU ports have to be lost to cascading. With multiple daisy-chained KVMs, more than 8,000 servers can be managed from the eight main console ports.

Older KVMs use special cables that plug into a server's keyboard, video and mouse ports at one end and to the KVM at the other. But more modern KVMs, including the KM0832, allow the use of Ethernet cabling, which enables more functionality and greater distances without requiring special cables. With the addition of Aten's CN5000 IP access unit, the attached servers can be controlled anywhere there is Web access.

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Because CAT5 cables don't have keyboard, video or mouse connectors attached, special modules are required to use such cables. In addition to the KVM unit, at least one console module is required. A console module connects a keyboard, mouse and monitor to an Ethernet cable that then runs to the KVM unit, which can be up to 500 feet away from the console module. Console modules come in different styles depending on whether you have PS/2, USB, Mac or Sun peripherals (meaning keyboard, mouse and monitor). The console modules also have a port for connecting a local server or PC.

In a single-stage installation, one or more console modules are connected to a KVM unit—all via Ethernet cable—and up to 32 PCs or servers are connected to the KVM's CPU ports—also via Ethernet cable. Dongle-like CPU modules connect servers or PCs to the Ethernet cables that run to the CPU ports on the KVM switch. CPU modules are available in PS/2, USB, Mac and Sun versions. The CPU modules have plugs on one end that take the place of actual keyboards, mice and monitors, and an Ethernet jack on the other end, which the Ethernet cables coming from the KVM's CPU ports plug into. Here, too, the maximum distance between the KVM switch and a CPU module should not exceed 500 feet.

The KM0832 offers cross-platform control, where any supported console type can control any supported computer type. Mixed combinations of PS/2 and USB are supported on both the console and computer sides. No software is required to make the KVM work. The KVM supports LCD, VGA, SVGA, XGA and MultiSync displays, and video resolutions as high as 1,920 x 1,440 pixels.

The KM0832 is a half-depth 1U rack-mount unit and the front panel features LED status indicators and a duplicate of User Port 1. If the unit were to be mounted toward the front of the rack so that the LED indicators could be seen, the RJ-45 connectors on the back panel would be difficult to see and hard to reach. For that reason, the KM0832 has a detachable front panel so that the rear portion of the KVM can be mounted near the back of the rack with the front panel out in front. Coiled cables connect the front and rear sections of the KVM together. A rack-mount kit is included with the KVM.

Servers are selected using hot-key combinations or on-screen display menus. The OSD port list automatically expands and port names are automatically reconfigured when stations are added. A three-level password security system allows for super administrators, administrators and users to have individual access rights and permissions. The KVM supports up to 1,024 user accounts and up to 256 group accounts.

Aten's channel program includes three partner levels. The Silver partner program is aimed at the entry-level partner that maintains $25,000 in annual purchases. Silver partners receive 2 percent off distribution prices. Gold partners are expected to sell at least $50,000 in products annually and receive 5 percent off distribution prices. Platinum partners must exceed $100,000 in purchases annually and they receive 10 percent off distribution prices. All levels can receive up to $5,000 MDF at sign-up, volume discounts, free technical support, dedicated sales associates and more. Demo units are offered to prequalified partners.