KVM Switch White Papers

We offer 18 years of experience, knowledge and insight on implementing advanced switching and RMI solutions.

Understanding the complexity of design and implementation can be overwhelming. Comparing the economics of different deployments requires your vendor to configure multiple quotes with detailed explanations of the trade-offs between user throughput built into the RMI and improvements in productivity. These variables are dynamic and change for each type of data center based on how remote management resources are consumed by various types of users.

Call (800)808-4672 for general information and guidance, or to arrange a free on-site evaluation of how your existing switch and RMI systems may be integrated. Our solutions support a wide range of I/O switching solutions for data centers, conference rooms, presentation systems and technical support call centers.

Tron includes system schematics with each quote to help you better understand how deployment variables affect price and productivity gains. These configurations include extensive detail that can be used by your technicians as an installation guide.

White Papers and Presentations
Click + signs to view paper summaries. Continue here to register for your free downloads.

BASIC TRAINING & ECONOMIC ISSUES	KVM SWITCH NETWORK ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN
Open All Close All The Original KVM Switch White Paper The original Keyboard Video Switch (KVS) White Paper was written in 1994, the early days of KVM switches and focuses on the core savings related to power, cooling, space and console hardware. Only sixteen pages in its entirety, the original technology paper is perfect for those who just want to learn more about the basics of keyboard - mouse I/O and computer video. In addition, the discussion of KVM Switches mainly focuses on the technology found in today's single and dual console KVMS products. Extended KVM Switch White Paper This is a completely revised Keyboard, Video and Mouse Switch (KVMS) White Paper published in 2000. Eighteen months in the making, it brings a brand new focus on the technology of proprietary KVM switch systems. We include new information on the latest extension technology that has become an integral part of the backbone in many large KVM Network systems. The data of our our original writing has been reviewed and enhanced with the latest details of advanced proprietary analog switch systems right down to the ROI with an intense look at the economics of multi-console KVM switch systems. UTP Cable – Ethernet vs. KVM KVM switch products have used UTP cable to interconnect the various system components for many years. Today, the industry trend is towards using UTP to connect servers to the system components. Unsuspecting users need to know that Ethernet and KVM signals are very different. This paper describes the main differences of using UTP cable to pass keyboard, video and mouse data between KVM switch components when compared to an ethernet network. And, we alert you to the single biggest problem with cat 5/6 cable and KVM signals –how to identify it and how to avoid it! This issue will help you avoid the most common user errors and identify the associated symptoms that resolve poor video and erratic I/O operation. PCI & Embedded KVMoIP Uncovered * The cost of most analog and digital KVM switches are openly disclosed and easily calculated to find the total cost of ownership. On board KVM over IP (KVMoIP) solutions offer a very different picture because a great deal of the overall implementation cost is hidden in the network infrastructure many of us are accustomed to and equally take for granted. This paper provides a preliminary discovery of the hidden cost and requirements of Embedded KVMoIP solutions which originated as a PCI card (ie: Compaq’s Riloe). Along with their ancillary components Embedded KVMoIP do not offer the consistency of out-of-the-box KVMoIP solutions. We also find the support requirements for embedded KVMoIP solutions are much more dynamic in larger applications. The Truth - Cash is King These days we are looking at cost from all directions under the sun and finding the more we look, the more we can save our company's thousands of dollars. Knowing where the expense of various KVM technologies are applied, you can decide where and how to best deploy technology so you get the highest user throughput for the least amount of money. This paper examines the premium, and savings, of analog KVM compared with digital KVM circuits. Using three of the latest Cat 5 based KVM switches from Avocent Corporation as our model and the basis of comparison, in detail we fragment the cost of two different KVM technologies. And, we show you where the savings are. Tiered, Cascade and the Daisy Chain Will the industry every get together on the terminology used to describe the different methods of interconnecting KVM switches? Is there a benefit to users who understand how different KVM switches interconnect and interoperate? How much do you know about Tiered, Cascade and the Daisy Chain methods? While widely used interchangably there are definable characteristics that date back to the original KVM switches. There are different points of view as to the best approach but this is usually a factor of the operating environment. This paper reflects on Daisy Chain, Tiered, Cascade and Stacked chassis. KVM Industry Terminology Defined (Part I) This is the first of a two part paper on KVM industry terminology that defines key language used to describe the interconnection of dissimilar KVM switches. In Part I we decipher old school thinking that describes interconnections based on the characteristics of the hardware and how port selection is either integrated or disintegrated. The more you know the better you are prepared to make valuable decisions on your KVM device purchases. KVM Industry Terminology Defined (Part II) Tiered KVM Topologies This is part two of our technical papers on KVM industry terminology defining key language used to describe the interconnection of KVM switches. In Part II we describe the elements and charateristics of tiered KVM Switch Network based on the position of the switch hardware. The three primary layers refered to as "tiers" include System Chassis, Router Chassis and User Chassis. Do you need to know the function of each tier? Will servers or user consoles always be connected to a KVM switch? The answers are "yes and no" but we don't leave you guessing. KVMoIP - Is It Ready for Prime Time? (Part I) This is the complete paper that explores KVM over IP technology and ask the question "Is It Ready For Prime Time?" Find out what problems are associated when controlling KVMoIP networks. Learn the best practice for deployment including how, when and where they are best used. A clear focus understanding can save you thousands of dollars. We summarize video bandwidth demands on network throughput and performance issues in a graphical format. What demands resolution and refresh rates really place on your network. Discover what's going on behind the scenes, what KVMoIP does to compensate and what users can do to increase productivity. KVMoIP - - Is It Ready for Prime Time? (Part II) In Part 1 we discussed the difficulties associated with digital KVM technology and ask the question "Is It Ready For Prime Time?" We explored the problems associated with controlling KVM on the IP network and some of the the best practice deployment techniques - how, when and where they are best used. Part 2 explains video bandwidth demands and performance issues. In graphical format, this paper shows you what video really demands at different resolution and refresh rates. Discover what's going on behind the scenes - why dKVM downsamples video at 8 bit color - and what users can do to increase productivity. KVM over IP Software - API vs. Browser Java, browsers and proprietary applications. Each solution has their own pros and cons. We relate these pros and cons to application specific deployments. In the end, it will be your own environment which dictates which solution would be the best. Compare these remote access methods and how they influence the hardware choices. This paper will help you understand the working environments, protocols and how video quality is affected by the remote access application. Learn more about what's going on behind the scene independent of the hardware. Decide which software approach will be the best for your operation, compare the quality of the viewer and discover the internal features.	Open All Close All Bulding the KVM Network (On-Line Presentation) Here we offer an extensive overview of what you need to know and how this information affects the overall cost of your deployment. Deploying Three Tier Topologies (On-Line Presentation) From the initial conception through long term growth, we all tend to follow similar deployment strategies relative to early KVM switches. Enterprise KVM switch systems offer much more than thier older siblings. No longer limited to a single console, today's switches bypass local access restrictions and manual retreival methods of switching. Translated, it means increased productivity for the personnel using KVM switches. This presentation shows how legacy switch deployments influence your perspective. And, offers insight to the real value of advance KVM switching. Advanced Data Path Routing Techniques * KVM switches that use UTP (ie: Xtensis, AMX and Paragon) support more than eight thousand server devices on a common KVM network infrastructure. But how ?? This paper answers the hard questions. What do data center operators give up using topologies detailed in user manuals? How does the data center administrator offer support for more than two hundred users? Where does the KVM Network architect start and what does he need to know? Also view "Deploying Three Tier Topologies" Remote Console Solutions - User Throughput * Here we explore seemingly similar products in the discovery of an evasive and widely misunderstood aspect of remote management infrastructures - User Throughput. You’ll be surprised at how user throughput affects the bottom line and we think you’ll be amazed at the cost/benefit trade-offs associated with user productivity during both normal and more critical disaster recovery operations. This paper will help you generate new idea’s on how to approach KVM Network™ architecture implementations that meet the unique characteristics of many different types of data center operations. Limited Access Paths - Blocking Defined Limited Access Paths is a special report on the popular term "blocking". This guide identifies what it means to you, how it should be approached and why. Limited Access Paths (LAPs) - "Blocking" Defined provides the only available insight that quantifies the most skewed marketing term "BLOCKING". Where the KVMS White Paper leaves off, Limited Access Paths continues with a practical explanation. Once equipped with the knowledge on how to quantify the cause and effect of limited access, your equipped to make your own determination on how much access redundancy you need to build into your KVM Network System. In-Line Keyboard, Video & Mouse Switching This paper explores In-Line KVM technology. The early pioneer of this footprint is no longer the only competitor so who should you look at for products? What motivated the design and where are they typically used is not the only application. We also look at integrating In-Line KVM solutions with larger multi-console KVM Network solutions and note that desktop applications are a natural. However, integrated solutions require additional consideration to matters of user throughput. Find out what user throughput issues are associated in this three page review. Power over IP: Remote AC Power Management This paper introduces remote power management and distinguishes between power delivered in ethernet packets vs. power managed over a network infrastructure like IP. Power Over IP (PoIP) can suppliment other remote management tools and even replace KVM over IP devices when other services the primary remote management tools. Lights-Out operation means total remote management of the data center infrastructure - including AC power. What tools are available for equipment managers when the power switch must be activated. Power Over IP (PoIP) provides port grouping and management facilitates the highest level of discretion. Add remote KVM switching and we have a complete management of the maintenance networks. TCO - Benefits & Trade-Offs of KVM Technologies The total cost of any KVM Network includes much more than the expense of the hardware alone. Beware of those hidden cost because they are here for the long term. Whether these cost include ongoing system maintenance or mandatory early retirement, you need to know what hidden expenses are associated with the various KVM Network technologies. This paper highlights and provide side-by-side graphs of the most commonly overlooked expenses. And, we compare one of the most important trade-offs - User Access! The three primary KVM Network deployment techniques and technologies are graphed with a short explanation of the important facts. KVM Network Topology Break Points There is a point in most KVM topologies that we call the "break point," triggered by the addition of user throughput, user consoles, or system devices. It can have a direct affect on price or no affect at all. The dynamics of your data center usually determine when break points occur. Encountered during initial design, they can be easily overlooked. This discussion focuses on functional KVM Network system schematics that detail four different approaches to achieving a similar end result. These diagrams display what the typical user might be offered when requesting a quote based on numbers alone. Each configuration has its strengths and weaknesses; discover a few points on how to plan and budget for long term growth. Determining Cat 5 KVM Switch Chassis Requirements There are three identifiable types of chassis in any KVM switch topology. Even though we are using basic KVM switches, we can not excape the functions they represent in creating a clear consise definition of their use. We define these chassis as user, router and system chassis. And, while most data center applications may only use two, interconnecting a network operations center mandates the third as a router chassis. How do you select the best chassis for any application? We identify a systematic methodology to determine the best chassis to use. We also give you a heads up on the router chassis with a brief introduction of why KVM Network designers might use a KVM switch with neither user consoles or servers connected to it. Five KVM Switch Topologies w/Price Matrix The interconnection of KVM switches, the number of devices, components and how we approach the bottom line is affected by the products we choose. Detailed is the cost of five topologies related to a configuration consisting of six cabinets that house sixteen servers - or a total of 96 servers. The price matrix reveals a $25,000.00 price range differential. Not all solutions are suitable for every data center operation. But what will be the best approach for your data center? Should you segment the server racks? Do you need to segment user access? Where and how can you best leverage existing hardware to reduce the initial cost? A Fresh Look at User Throughput Does your productivity suffer because you are using a single console? Do you need multiple end users to justify the use of multi-user KVM switches. Or, KVM switches with multiple IP data paths? How much could you get done with twice as many access paths? This technology paper revisits the importance of user throughput and what it means to look beyond comparing the price of single users switches in a multi user environment. Those creating lights-out data centers managed by several users and individual users alike benefit from multi console access. Whether your access is local, local/remote or remote over ip - user productivity increases when multiple data paths are available for viewing multiple devices at the same time. Blade Servers and User Throughput Many IT departments are or will consider deploying blade servers but should hesitate to reconsider user throughput when deployed across multiple IT groups. This short paper discusses key access issues on how you integrate direct console management of blade servers. Design Perspectives KVM switch solutions can cost more, and become functionally restrained without the proper planning. Find out where to get started configuring your maintenance network and how to SAVE big money for your company in the process. In this paper we discuss the deployment options and configurations for remote AC power management and KVM switch systems.
*Recently revised and should be read together

PRODUCT REVIEWS & COMPARISONS

MISCELLANEOUS, CASE STUDIES AND DOWNLOADS

Open All Close All

Remote Network Management - Console Servers 2004: Is managing the network infrastructure a part of your job? Does your organization rely on Sun or similar architectures? Will you incorporate Windows EMS (Emergency Management Services) into your remote management options? These very different computer devices have at least one common denominator - low level access through an RS-232 port!

We looked at seventeen products from eight manufacturers. A 16 page Excel chart details and compares products side by side. An accompanying technical paper highlights the technology, where its used, the major vendors and their products. We dredged through the most common features to find those that stand-out the most!
The Progress of KVM Technology: Ten years later, enterprise keyboard, video and mouse switching technology has undergone extraordinary changes. Technology, once limited to a few hundred devices can now support 10,000 devices on a single backbone. The benefits of increased user throughput and system capacity is challenged only by a footprint and price that are a fraction of that for early technology.

Our comparison table details the resource requirements for FreeVision, ViewPoint, UltraView and XP4000 KVM switch systems compared to the latest AMX and Paragon Cat 5 KVM switches.
Paragon vs AMX – Compared Side-by-Side: This paper draws a direct comparison between Raritan’s Paragon and Avocent’s AMX – two KVM switch systems that compete head on for small, medium and large data center operations. These platforms support 16 to 64 ports with any mix of GUI and network devices that use ASCII consoles.

This new architecture easily claims “Best of KVM switches” in the industry. Simply by eliminating coax cables between your network hardware and the switch itself. Here we examine the similarities between the two solutions. We’ll show you how closely the two products appear to be in concept, and we detail differences that distinguish each product as a leader.
AMX Under Review - One Year Later: An Inside Look at the AMX KVM Switch Product

AMX, announced in mid 2002 had a turbulent year in 2003. After months of working out the kinks, where does AMX stand today? What makes AMX unique? And, who should consider purchasing AMX before all the features have been activated?

Despite the kinks, AMX progressed in a positive direction from our initial review promising more features and high powered video. Today, AMX doesn't offer the support you would expect for legacy products but a third party (Global Serv) offers a solution for integrated operation. Learn the pro's and con's and where AMX is best installed in this five 5 page product review.
Viewpoint - A Migration Path & Economics: This paper discusses the economics of and the replacement options Viewpoint users have over the next 24 months. One product stands out as a natural replacement. Any changeover will result in the release of a large portion of the infrastructure currently being consumed by Viewpoint installations.

When will the highest dollar value for those used components be available? How long should you wait based on the migration path you choose. If you replace this system now, can you recover enough of your investment to pay for the replacement components?
FreeVision - Where Do You Go Now?: In this paper we discuss the current status of FreeVision and further development, access to expansion or spares and the economics of replacement. The future looks bright for FreeVision users - if they are top of the game.

Are replacement components available and where do you get them? Now that the product has been discontinued, what are your options for replacement or migrating to a new KVM switch system? Find out which KVM products are similar and match the high server - user capacity of FreeVision.

You can throw away your maintenance contracts. The latest technologies match server capacity and user throughput without the maintenance demands.
Co-Existing KVM Switch Systems: All too often we find ourselves with the need to interconnect KVM switches of different brands, makes and models. This overview tells you what challedges are involved and how to overcome difficulties along the way.

Sidebar - Diasy Chain vs Cascade vs Teired
. . .
Seemingly interchangable, these terms have useful definitions that aid in your product selection. A natural sidebar to co-existing and interconnecting different KVM switches, Diasy Chain, Cascade and Teired can indicate how integrated the On-Screen-Menu (OSD) systems will be.
ATEN's - Altusen KMO432 Product Review: Aten announced their first Cat 5 KVM switch in 2003 and started shipping it in mid 2004. We spent four months picking it apart and detail our findings in the January 2005 KVM Newsletter. What does this product offer KVM switch users? Is it worth taking a look at and will it perform to your expectations? The January 2005 KVM Newsletter explores the inner workings of this new KVM switch and reveals some great features long forgotten by other KVM vendors. Those working in development and QA labs will want to take a close look.
Cat 5 KVM Switches - A Year End Summary: Raritan first introduced the Cat 5 KVM switch in 1999. It would be more than three years before Avocent announced the AMX in 2003. Many in the industry touted the coming of more UTP 5 solutions since its early introduction, but it wasn't until 2004 that they could actually deliver a product.

This year we see companies releasing new UTP based KVM switches but, are they worthy of consideration and do they really compete with Xtensis, AMX and Paragon switches? Where Xtensis, AMX and Paragon had been designed for large data center operations, newer solutions are being designed to offer a similar solution for smaller applications.
The Digital Mouse - UltraLink's Best Kept Secret: This is "Need To Know" information for any and all taking the plunge into digital KVM switch technology. See one of the greatest feature the industry has to offer, and learn why it's such a critical factor for users managing KVM signals over IP networks.

Why does your mouse seem to operate poorly? Is there anything you can do about it?Some products offer adjustments - others don't. Learn if your digital switch supports mouse resets, adjustments or other special features and how to activate them. Or, simply discover the features you would desire the most in a new dKVM switch.
DKX-DSR Features Side-by-Side Comparison: This side by side product comparison in excel format includes four tabs. We start with a summary by brand with an extensive detailed list of notes to deliniate where features ae available. Then, a complete list by model differentiates the different brand models with a price matrix on the last.

The original price matrix will be outdated in time as vendors compete for your business. This means the hardware cost of these products will seamingly be priced equally. But look close at the notes to see where some features require an additional purchase of software. Otherwise, your selection will or should be based entirely on the features offered and differences in the viewing methods.

Open All Close All

Making Your First Request For Proposal (A Case Study)

PLanning for and asking the right questions can have a profound affect on the expense of implementing KVM switches and simple remote management infrastructures. Providing enough information can be delineated into economic and functional realities. And, communicating the operating environment is just as important as describing the fundamental user console and server requirements.

Identifying your business model and real operating requirements of users allows your vendor to design solutions that can save more than 70% of the cost compared to broad request for proposal.

The outlines of two Tron customers detailed in this paper illustrates the pitfalls of presumptions made by following a broad RFQ.
Continue here...

Planning - Hardware Placement and Resource Requirements

Once the approach is planned, you'll understand the prerequisites associated with the installation and how early product selection will influence the resource requirements.

The number of servers per rack determine where switches should be placed. Where switches are placed and user throughput determine your structured cable requirements. See the illustrations in this brief to genertate new idea's.
Continue here...

The History of KVM over IP

Where did KVMoIP all start? There are a couple of different starting points that include software in the ealy 1990s, software integrated with hardware (mid '90s) and if we go back far enough, with the CTTY command inherent in the earliest DOS operating systems.

Out-of-band KVMoIP for managing graphical user interfaces doesn't require replacement of your existing analog solutions. See how these technologies emerged and which device is right for your budget and data center.
Continue here...

An Introduction to KVM over IP

Today's network bandwidth facilitates most network throughput needs but this wasn't always the case. We published this paper in the early days of KVMoIP. The core fundamentals (what you really need to know about operation) continue to hold true. Initial testing on a local area network (LAN) may mask falacies of remote console management for a graphical interface like Windows that won't be visible until your team is accessing servers overs a wide area netwrk (WAN). Be prepared and prepare users to make small modifications in the way they operate computer I/O over TCP/IP. Also read PArt II of KVM over IP - Is it Ready for Prime Time so users know what keyboard and mouse operations to change.
Continue here...

KVM over IP (KVMoIP) Devices Demystified

This paper details each of the available KVMoIP technologies identified by the four types hardware devices. Most of these products have been tested in-house, we identify their classification and how they are deployed. Our editors expose the direct and indirect cost of the various solutions and explain how to determine the real cost per port. This technical paper compares the price, personality and features providing an easy to follow outline for the reader.

Managing Satellite Office Equipment

One of the highest growth area's for digital KVM over IP technology is remote management of computer equipment located in satellite offices.

Digital KVM appliances (out-of-band KVM solutions) have been around since 1995. However, the earliest solutions limited your options with little functionality, poor compression rates and difficult operation - not to mention a high price tag. Contributing to the slow adoption of dKVM appliances was the infancy of the internet when only dial-up connections existed. The internet, video compression, price and even the possible business models differentiate current technology from those early days.

Early KVM Switch Pays Off (A Case Study)

This case study illustrates the long term benefits of spending a few extra dollars in the early stage of KVM switch deployment. Based on a switch from a simple switching solution to a more expensive device at LeapFrog, the long term expense of expansion was reduced to a few dollars per server during growth of the data center operation.

Calculating Video Bandwidth Requirements

This simple excel sheet provides a quick calculation for determining the video bandwidth requirements across the KVM switch hardware's backplane to achieve a different levels of resolution at various refresh rates

Compliments of Network Technologies Inc. (NTI)

Power over IP (PoIP) Guides

This isn't about "Power over Ethernet". Power over IP devices are becoming an integral part of a light's out data center infrastructure.

Download the Power Connector (NEMA) Guide and RFQ Worksheet (pdf) as a continuous reference. Use the RFQ Worksheet to calculate and communicate power distribution unit requirements to your vendor.
Power Connector (NEMA) Guide
RFQ Worksheet

KVM and Ethernet Cable Harness Calculators

We created the KVM and Ethernet Cable Harness Calculators to help our own IT technicians create custom cable harneses during the installation of KVM switches. Three versions are available and calculate cable lengths based on where the switch (or patch panels) are placed within the vertical axis of the rack. We also take into consideration the horizontal axis a single switch or patch panel may service across multiple cabinets.
Harness Design 1
Harness Design 2
Harness Design 3

DVI/USB KVM Switch Supported Protocols

	USB	DVI	Max Res
Adder	PS/2	D-I	1600 x 1200
ATEN	1.1	I	1600 x 1200
Avocent	2.0	I	1600 x 1200
Belkin	1.1	D-I	1600 x 1200
Gefen	2.0	D	1920 x 1200
NTI	2.0	D	1600 x 1200

Tron KVM Switch Network Systems Simple Remote Management Infrastructures

Copyright © 1994-2008 Tron International, Inc. | All Rights Reserved.
KVM Networks™ and KVM Switch Networks™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of Tron International, Inc. and/or its affiliates. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Send questions and comments on this site via e-mail to