WTB KVM over IP device

Forums › Offers and Wanted › WTB KVM over IP device - single PC

tek

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Topic # 201707 30-Aug-2016 20:05

By my understanding, these devices will allow me to view anything coming out of the VGA port of a PC over the network or internet via a browser or VNC and control it remotely. Is this correct?

I run a Plex and Hyper-V server that lives at my Boss's house, but I always get nervous when I process an update or install that requires a restart, as it doesn't always come back online or asks for input before the RDC service is started. In the past when this has happened I have physically gone over (2min walk) to recover it locally, but I'm moving further away soon, and this will no longer be an option.

So if anyone has one of these lying around I'd gladly take it off your hands. I am an IT student, so I am not prepared to pay the $500 PB Tech wants :) or anywhere near that really, but I'd thought no harm in asking in-case someone's willing to help a curious IT student out!

Thanks

PeterReader

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Reply # 1619846 30-Aug-2016 20:05

Hey, have you listed a price, location and how much shipping would be to other parts of New Zealand? Also if you are asking for a PM make sure your Privacy settings allow your account to receive PM otherwise people can't contact you. Also note if you are selling something we ask you to offer to other members first. Links to private sales (including Trade Me posts) aren't accepted anymore and will be removed.

I am the Geekzone Robot and I am here to help. I am from the Internet. I do not interact. Do not expect other replies from me.

solutionz

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Reply # 1619892 30-Aug-2016 20:43

I don't have a spare IP KVM however I can suggest some alternatives to a curious IT student:

Correct, there are devices which which will perform VGA / HID redirection over VNC. These are generally intended for LAN use so remote access via port forwarding may have security implications depending on the device, unless you have a VPN or can tunnel into another device on the network.

Many servers support an internal remote management module (i.e. Dell DRAC) which provides even greater hardware level access.

If your server is equipped with Intel vPro AMT you can use the free CIRA server https://meshcentral.com/ to gain remote KVM functionality.

A marginally cheaper option than an IP KVM is to use a USB-based crash cart adaptor connected to another PC you have remote access: https://www.amazon.com/Console-Portable-Laptop-Crash-Adapter/dp/B002CLKFTQ

However provided you have another PC connected you could also use Windows Emergency Management Services (EMS) to gain console access to the server over serial: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ff542282(v=vs.85).aspx

tek

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Reply # 1619914 30-Aug-2016 21:03

solutionz:

Many servers support an internal remote management module (i.e. Dell DRAC) which provides even greater hardware level access.

If your server is equipped with Intel vPro AMT you can use the free CIRA server https://meshcentral.com/ to gain remote KVM functionality.

I've actually come across Intel vPro and IPMI before but the hardware we have right now is just consumer gear (i7-4790K) so it doesn't have support for any of that sadly. But we do have a plan on paper to upgrade to a Supermicro and dual Xeon system with IPMI support in the future. But in the meantime I thought I'd look at this solution and was shocked to see how much these IP KVM devices cost!

I'm not too worried about the security aspect as I would never open one of these to the web, I'd just VPN in via the Router, and we both have 200/200 fiber connections, so bandwidth isn't an issue

Thanks for the meshcentral.com link though solutionz, I've saved that for later and hopefully someone else may have some 2nd hand devices around hopefully.

Lias

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Reply # 1619915 30-Aug-2016 21:04

I got rack IP KVM off ebay for about USD$50.. from memory the shipping was about that again, but it was still quite a bit cheaper than buying in NZ.

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tek

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Reply # 1619925 30-Aug-2016 21:23

Lias:

I got rack IP KVM off ebay for about USD$50.. from memory the shipping was about that again, but it was still quite a bit cheaper than buying in NZ.

I've been looking over the last few days on eBay and can only find them for $113 or above plus $60-$80 shipping. And they all seem to be 16 port ones which seems a bit overkill for what I need. All I'm looking for is a small device with VGA in and PS/2 out, and the ablility to create a VNC session that I can view without spending $300 haha

dimsim

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Reply # 1620007 31-Aug-2016 04:30

The IP KVM's are around it is the Interface adapters which seem to be comparatively expensive and I've also had several where the network ports have gone bad and have been left with an expensive KVM. In fact I might even have one that may suit, ill need to check.

If you can go with built-in out of band management like DRAC or iLO you'll find it works better, has more useful features for monitoring, logging and power control etc and is extremely reliable.