KVM switch with VNC server

Question

Does anyone know of a KVM switch that is also a VNC (or other protocol like it) server?

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered Mar 31 '10 at 15:11

3

I used a 16 port Startech IP KVM that supported the VNC protocol. I could VNC into the IP of the device and switch to the desired machine. It was a little clunky, but that could be because it was over a T1 that I was connecting. Connecting locally was acceptable, but that's about all you need to issue a ctrl-alt-del on a hung machine anyhow. I will try to find the exact device I used.

HERE is the link.

answered Mar 31 '10 at 15:11

DanBig

11,393
1
28
53

"Product ID does not exist." – Andrew J. Brehm Mar 31 '10 at 15:36
Not sure whats happening for you, as the link works for me. Anyhow, its a Startech 16 port KVM, SV1641HDIE – DanBig Mar 31 '10 at 17:46
We have also used various StarTech KVMs and been fairly happy with them. We've had the SV1110IPEXT and SV1115IPEXT, which are "1 port" units which we then connect to their 16-port cascadable units for over 130 ports. They now have a consolidated unit that has the 16 ports and the VNC unit built together, for around $1K. The downside: it is picky about VNC versions, we have to use a specific version. Also, their support is not good, they don't really make them they just resell them. When a power brick went, their answer was "you're on your own". We ended up releasing the magic smoke... – Sean Reifschneider Nov 28 '10 at 21:39

score 3 · Answer 2 · answered Mar 31 '10 at 17:53

3

I have used Adder IPEPS, it works well enough. One uses VNC to connect to it. One has to sync the mouse quite often, I would give it 3.5 out 5 stars. Also it is quite expensive ($600???).

answered Mar 31 '10 at 17:53

Radim Cernej

443
3
12

score 2 · Answer 3 · answered Mar 31 '10 at 14:52

2

Depending on your configuration, you might be able to cobble together something using VNC in conjunction with Synergy, if the two machines are near each other. If you have Linux as your primary Synergy system I use QuickSynergy as the GUI to simplify things on my setup.

answered Mar 31 '10 at 14:52

Bart Silverstrim

31,092
9
65
87

This doesn't do anything KVM switchy. It just does what VNC or Microsoft Remote Desktop already do. – Andrew J. Brehm Mar 31 '10 at 15:37

score 2 · Answer 4 · answered Mar 31 '10 at 16:01

A quick Google search brought me to a page that listed a bunch of IP based KVM switches, which is what I believe you are looking for. I have not used them as they are pricey for my current needs, and back when I really needed them, they did not exist.

http://www.kvm-switches-online.com/kvm-switch-over-ip.html

score 1 · Accepted Answer · answered Mar 31 '10 at 16:05

1

We've always used Avocent and really like the built in web console:

http://www.avocent.com/Products/Category/KVM_Appliances/IP_Appliances/AutoView_Digital_KVM_Appliances.aspx

answered Mar 31 '10 at 16:05

einstiien

2,538
18
18

score 1 · Answer 6 · answered Sep 16 '11 at 19:10

You could get one of these http://www.lantronix.com/it-management/kvm-over-ip/ and plug it into any KVM

One gatcha : your KVM will have to allow keyboard macros to allow you to change to diffrent KVM ports (it wouldnt work if you have to push a physical button on the KVM to flip to diffrent machines)

KVM switch with VNC server

6 Answers6