Raritan Computer DKSXII-V2.3.0-0D-E Switch User Manual


 
Appendix D: FAQs
315
General Questions
What is KSX II?
The KSX II is a second generation digital KVM (Keyboard, Video Mouse)
switch that enables IT administrators to access and control 8, 16, 32, or
64* servers over the network with BIOS-level functionality. The KSX II is
completely hardware and OS-independent; users can troubleshoot and
reconfigure servers even when servers are down.
At the rack, the KSX II provides the same functionality, convenience,
space savings, and cost savings as traditional analog KVM switches.
However, the KSX II also integrates the industry's highest-performing
KVM-over-IP technology, allowing multiple administrators to access
server KVM consoles from any networked workstation.
The KSX II is completely hardware and OS-independent; users can
troubleshoot and reconfigure servers even when servers are down.
How does the KSX II differ from remote control software?
When using the KSX II remotely, the interface, at first glance, may seem
similar to remote control software such as pcAnywhere
, Windows
Terminal Services/Remote Desktop
®
, VNC, and so forth. However,
because the KSX II is not a software but a hardware solution, it's much
more powerful. Specifically:
OS- and hardware-independent - The KSX II can be used to manage
servers running many popular operating systems, including Intel
®
,
Sun
, PowerPC running Windows
®
, Linux
®
, Solaris
, etc.
State-Independent/Agentless - The KSX II does not require the
managed server's operating system to be up and running, nor does it
require any special software to be installed on the managed server.
Out-of-Band - Even if the managed server's own network connection
is unavailable, it can still be managed through the KSX II.
BIOS-Level Access - Even if the server is hung at boot up, requires
booting to safe mode or requires system BIOS parameters to be
altered, the KSX II still works flawlessly to enable these
configurations to be made.
OS- and hardware-independent - KSX II can be used to manage
servers running many popular operating systems, including Intel,
Sun, PowerPC running Windows, Linux, Solaris, and so forth.
How do the new features of the KSX II compare to the KSX I?
The KSX II has many new and exciting features, including virtual media,
dual gigabit Ethernet, next generation local port, enhanced support for
serial ports, and so forth.
How do I migrate from the Dominion KSX I to the KSX II?