SPECIAL FOCUS: LOCAL AREA NETWORKS
From the January 2003 issue of Communications News
KVM using IP
Digital
KVM solution for small to midsize data centers offers anytime, anywhere access to servers. The IP-Reach M Series comes in one- and two-port configurations and provides multiplatform, BIOS-level, KVM console access to multiple servers over IP. The 1U system features 128-bit SSL encryption, a dedicated modem port and real-time performance adaptation to bandwidth constraints. For users with multiple IP-Reach products, the Navigator feature enables one-click access to view real-time port status of all IP-Reach products in their data center operations. The M series is SNMP-enabled to interface with remote-management
software.—Raritan
Remote control
NetOp Remote Control, version 7.5, adds inventory, additional security and cross-platform support options. The remote-control software application supports virtually every Windows platform, as well as Linux and Solaris servers. In addition to encryption for security, a security-server module is available for fault-tolerant, centralized control of authentication and user rights, and event-based audit trails. An inventory function designed for asset management allows details of installed hardware and software to be gathered remotely, saved to an XML file, and displayed in a hierarchical view or exported to external applications for processing. Other features include a new host-user interface, XML configuration, setup wizard and mouse wheel support.—CrossTec
Access multiplexer
Linking one or two high-speed applications across a DS-3 or E-3 line, the Orion 4500 T-3/E-3 CSU/DSU access multiplexer serves a wide range of broadband applications. The device splits DS-3 or E-3 bandwidth between two high-speed serial ports. Each port can be configured in multiples of 3.158 Mbps (DS-3, Larscom Access-T45 compatibility), 3.759 Mbps (E-3 G.751) or 3.072 Mbps (E-3 G.832). As another option, one port can be used in clear-channel or unframed mode for the full payload line bandwidth. The 1U multiplexer can automatically reconfigure bandwidth allocation for peak and non-peak usage, and can be managed locally and remotely via serial port, built-in modem, Ethernet and
SNMP.—Larscom
Compact KVM switch
Offering features for network, PC and laptop users, the Model B004-004-R KVM switch comes in a compact, desktop housing. The four-port switch can operate off connected PC or server power, or from the included separate power supply, which provides notebook-ready capability with the appropriate cabling. LEDs show users which CPU is selected, and the unit can support most popular computer types, with PS/2, Macintosh, Sun and USB connectors
available.—Tripp Lite
Metro switch
The OMX optical-transport switch integrates multiple network elements into a single, consolidated footprint. It combines the functions of a wideband, broadband and super-broadband digital cross-connect system with SONET add/drop-based transport. The system’s architecture scales from 240-gigabit, fully redundant, non-blocking switch capacity, to 2 terabits. It is based on a single switch fabric that provides switching and grooming granularity extending from VT1.5/DS1 to STS-Nc levels.—Polaris Networks