Avocent AMX Analog KVM Appliance Optimal Solution

Avocent, a division of Emerson (News - Alert) Network Power, has readied analog KVM matrix appliances for real-time user access to all major server platforms and serial devices. Labeled AMX, Avocent’s analog KVM switching solution features full-system management with an advanced Java-based administration tool, optimal video resolution and an on-screen graphical interface.

According to Avocent, the AMX analog KVM switching system simplifies access, increases control and delivers optimal real-time video to the user’s desktop. The user station connects to multiplatform KVM peripherals (PS/2 or USB) and sends the KVM signals over an industry-standard UTP cable to AMX 5000, AMX 5010, AMX 5020 and AMX 5030 analog matrix switches. This UTP connectivity and analog switching technology provides multiuser access and control to any server in the KVM matrix system, according to company officials.

Additionally, the AMX user stations automatically compensate for varying UTP cable types and lengths such as CAT-5, CAT-5e and CAT-6, including GigaFlex. The AMX 5121 and AMX 5130 user stations’ design adjusts for skew between RGB signals each time a switch is made to a server. The AMX 5130 user station provides for serial switching up to 38.4 Kbps and lets you switch stereo speakers and a microphone.

Another feature of the product is that by connecting two AMX matrix switches to the desktop user station for switch redundancy with automatic failover, one can maintain access to mission-critical servers and serial devices. Alternately, it permits you to access your local computer and an AMX matrix switch with the desktop user station for efficient, real-time use and management of connected servers and serial devices, stated the supplier.

In essence, the AMX analog KVM switching solution allows access to all cascaded computers without needing to access the corporate network and eliminates bulky cabling connections while delivering real-time, high bandwidth video up to 1,000 feet from the server. Moreover, it offers backup access to servers independent of the IP network.

Other key features include the ability to integrate legacy KVM switches into existing matrix KVM solution, versatile management software, built-in memory for easy configuration and installation, SNMP trap setup AMX switch for report alarms, and scalable architecture. For security, it can be integrated with other LDAP services for authentication.

Ashok Bindra is a veteran writer and editor with more than 25 years of editorial experience covering RF/wireless technologies, semiconductors and power electronics. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Carrie Schmelkin