We have just implemented Avocent console and power concentrators. Console servers are reachable via a highly customizable web interface. The Avocent software can also be virtualized on VMWare. Console connectivity can be provisioned to first try SSH via the IP network, and automatically failover to a dial-up modem connection if the network is down. For power both AC and DC power supplies are supported. With DC the battery plant main fuse panel connects to the device that is used to power cycle the electronic equipment using low amperage "grasshopper" fuses for each device. I believe that Avocent is the only vendor with DC power-cycle support. The serial cables for the device consoles do not require power supplies as indicated below. -----Original Message----- From: Owen DeLong [mailto:owen@delong.com] Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 9:52 AM To: Joe Abley Cc: NANOG list Subject: Re: integrated KVMoIP and serial console terminal server I haven't really found a combo unit I like as yet. For KVM, I like the Raritan products. For Serial, I prefer the Avocent line. Owen On Apr 23, 2009, at 3:17 PM, Joe Abley wrote:
Hi all,
What is everybody's favourite combination rack-mount VGA/USB KVM- over-IP and serial console concentrator in 2009?
I'm looking for something that will accommodate 8 or so 9600bps serial devices and about 12 VGA/USB devices, all reachable over IP via sane means (ssh, https, etc). Being able to trunk everything through cat5E/RJ45 plant is not necessary; in this application everything is in the same cabinet.
Avocent seem to make a likely-looking box, but (a) it's a bit insanely expensive, and (b) the adapters that you connect using RJ45 to the avocent and via RS232 to the serial devices *each seem to require a power supply* which frankly makes me recoil in horror. Perhaps I mis-read the glossy web page.
Advice would be appreciated; direct mail is fine; I can summarise back to the list if there is interest in me doing so.
Joe