Central hardware management

Overview

Computer centres contain a mass of IT hardware, from servers to switches and other components. All these components need to be kept up to date in operation and in the ideal case administration should be possible round the clock. And all this as rationally as possible. If there are only a few components, it is often sufficient to log on the relevant hardware and carry out the administration. With a larger number, however, useful tools are available to allow access to all components. In this context, three current solutions have emerged.

KVM switches Administration of servers and PCs Analogue local access via VGA, PS2 and / or USB interface Remote IP access via VGA, PS2 and / or USB interface Security features Console servers Serial access via console port Remote IP administration Security features Administration of servers, PCs and other hardware with serial connection IPMI servers Direct remote login via IP Security features System data read-out BIOS flashes

KVM switches

KVM switches are the simplest method for the central administration of servers and PCs. Via a KVM switch, it is possible to log easily onto a number of systems and find oneself in the usual environment, as if working directly on the system. IP-capable KVM hardware forms an expansion. Here, remote administration is also possible via the internet. It is possible to log on securely to your systems from any PC or notebook with internet access. However, as complete image data is transferred, the connection needs to have a corresponding performance. One highlight is the virtual media function in some hardware. Here, a local disk drive is portrayed to servers and PCs, from which boot processes can be started.

Analogue KVM switches

• Local access
• User authentication
• Cascadable up to 256 system accesses

IP KVM switches

• Remote IP administration
• A number of digital users in parallel operation
• Safety features such as authentication, data encryption, rights administration
• Virtual media function

Console servers

Console servers look more deeply into the system than KVM switches. As access is via the serial interface, you are taken directly to command line level. The serial access offers two crucial advantages over the KVM switch. On the one hand, administration can be carried out on other hardware with serial connections, such as network switches and USV systems. On the other, it is easy to log in via a modem connection as in this case no image data needs to be transmitted.

Console servers

• Remote administration via IP
• Serial access
• Security features such as data encryption, rights administration and authentication
• Multi-user access

IPMI

IPMI takes the deepest look into the system. Server data can be read out through to the CPU temperature or fan speed. IPMI even works when the computer is switched off if there is a standby power supply to it. The systems can be accessed at any time via a local network or remotely. In the event of a failure, the error can usually be located remotely and the right spare part supplied.
With all transtec servers, IPMI can be integrated as an option

IPMI

• Remote administration via IP
• Remote software updates
• Virtual media function
• BIOS flashes