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KVM Over IP
I’m in the process of buying a KVM over IP solution for my rack at BYU and it occurred to me, that I’d like this technology to be standard on every computer. I’d love for my keyboard, mouse, and monitor to just plug into the network instead of routing bulky cables. More than that, however, I’d love to get rid of a few of the connector types that plug into my laptop. The network is my docking station!
Posted by Phil Windley on September 21, 2005 7:31 AM
Comment from Tyler Larson at September 21, 2005 11:12 AM
That's what VNC is for :)
No, seriously. They even sell a KVM-over-IP solution based on VNC. Plus, the free client and server: (a) Run on virtually every reasonable platfrom out there (b) Start as a service, so it comes up on its own after reboot (under both Unix and Windows) (c) Fast as you want it to be, or you can tunnel over SSL if you're that paranoid (or you're working over the Internet). (d) Comes with a java client which is served from the VNC server, so all you need is a web browser to connect. (e) Oh, and did I say free?
A KVM solution is great for a server-room sort of environment where you might need to see the POST screen, but otherwise, this is definately the way to go.
Comment from Superpat at September 21, 2005 11:55 AM
I agree - VNC is great, but, as Tyler mentions, you sometimes still have to go prod the machine.
I assume you've already got your servers for your rack, but it's worth mentioning that Sun's new 'Galaxy' x86 (AMD Opteron) servers - http://www.sun.com/servers/entry/ - come with a service processor that not only gives you KVM over ethernet, but also gives full 'lights-out' management - you can bring the main processor up from cold.
Comment from Michael Neale at September 21, 2005 3:27 PM
Yeah that would be much more convenient when I am trying to install a secret keylogger. No more messing round with low level drivers anymore. Heck, it doesn't even have to be on the same machine !
Comment from Phil Windley at September 21, 2005 6:39 PM
What I'm suggesting isn't the same as VNC, which I've used. I'm suggesting that my keyboard, mouse, and monitor have a network connection (perhaps through some interface). Now, keyboards and mice almost do at this point, at least Bluetooth versions--if only it were a bit more reliable.
I'm not sure this makes it easier to install keyloggers. In fact, I suspect it makes it more difficult since I could use ssh or something like it as the point to point between the devices. There's no protection whatsoever right now.
Comment from Aaron at September 22, 2005 11:14 AM
It sounds like you want a thin client. I think sun is really pushing a solution like this.
http://www.sun.com/desktop/index.jsp?tab=1
Comment from Mike Kruckenberg at September 23, 2005 2:03 PM
I'll be interested to see what you choose. We've been wanting one for the kruckenberg servers for a long time as a way to be able to get at the machines when the power has blinked off too long for the UPS to keep the machine up. Haven't yet found one we really like.
Comment from Pete Kruckenberg at September 24, 2005 9:52 PM
IP-enabled keyboard, mouse and monitor would definitely break some old assumptions about the security of those peripherals (a keylogger could run on the keyboard independently of the CPU, and a man-in-the-middle attack on your monitor could intercept and change the video signal).
But it would also be incredibly cool that you could connect your keyboard/mouse/monitor to any IP-accessible machine. No more need for KVM switches. They could also communicate with each other, so when you switch to a different CPU (from the keyboard), the keyboard can tell the mouse and monitor to change, too.
Would be cool...
Comment from Blammo at September 26, 2005 10:16 AM
VNC on the server itself breaks down for things like reboots, bios changes, "Press F1 to continue", OS installs, etc.
KVM over IP (aka ILO) is the only way to accomplish this without a drive to the location.
Comment from Jake Rich at September 26, 2005 5:45 PM
I think that the author is looking for something like this product: http://www.peppercon.com/onlinelab.html
Basically, it is a PCI card that "becomes" your video card, keyboard, mouse, etc... that has an ethernet connection. It is very cool looking! You can see the bios screens and do power resets via a web browser.
Comment from rmac at September 26, 2005 11:20 PM
Give Synergy a try @ http://synergy2.sourceforge.net/
I use it on my workstation to control my laptops when they come home, and on my laptops to control each other when I am somewhere with more than one. That being said, only should use it on a lan, and with its inherent security issues in mind. Well done blog btw. Thanks!
Comment from Brian Vicary at September 29, 2005 2:01 PM
I am looking for the ability to see the output of a KVM switch remotely. There are some things that can only be accomplished when connected directly to a server or PC, especially if it is a POST error or similar. I want to be able to deal with these WITHOUT having to visit the office.
It strikes me that what is required is a KVM that also houses an embedded processor running VNC, flash upgradeable natch! This would display the currently selected video output and transmit the mouse and keyboard signals to the selected PC or server. Control keys could be used as normal to select which connection to view.
This has distinct advantages over any software based remote admin system as it would still work even if the OS had failed to load. Anything you could then do via a keyboard or mouse would be possible.
The existing KVM/VNC solutions are all very well, but IMO too expensive for home or small business use. I suspect there should be cheaper ways of achieving this objective.
Anyone know anything about VNC on embedded systems?
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