KVM over IP

[TechOneCS]

I have a small computer repair shop that is now no longer located in my home, as it was before. Occasionally, I have computers on the bench that I would like to check on in the evening (when I'm at home) periodically, that are not booted into Windows (so I can't use LogMeIn), but are booted into a rescue disk or something.

I currently have a regular (non IP) KVM switch that I use, but I can't connect to it via the internet.

I know there are KVM over IP switches available, but I know nothing about them. Is this a possible solution for this? Would I also still be able to use the KVM switch as a local switch? Would I be able to get in and make BIOS changes on an individual computer (via the internet/network) with a KVM over IP switch?

Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[NYJimbo]

I have a small computer repair shop that is now no longer located in my home, as it was before. Occasionally, I have computers on the bench that I would like to check on in the evening (when I'm at home) periodically, that are not booted into Windows (so I can't use LogMeIn), but are booted into a rescue disk or something.

I currently have a regular (non IP) KVM switch that I use, but I can't connect to it via the internet.

I know there are KVM over IP switches available, but I know nothing about them. Is this a possible solution for this? Would I also still be able to use the KVM switch as a local switch? Would I be able to get in and make BIOS changes on an individual computer (via the internet/network) with a KVM over IP switch?

Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jeff

You should google "kvm over ip", there is a huge amount of info on this. The use of KVM over IP (iKVM) is usually more expensive but I would look more towards the "server remote control" kind of units.

 

[TechOneCS]

I've googled vigorously, and I have an understanding of what it does.

Sorry, I should have been more clear:

What I'm looking for is advice from people who have and/or are using them as to whether KVM over IP will do what I want it to, and any caveats I should look out for when purchasing.

 

[tkrabec]

that makes it easier
its basically a website/application that interacts with a machine(the IP KVM) which allows you to interact as if you were there

I'd recommend getting a KVM that has 2xN which is 2 users with N connections
or a 1 local + 1(or more) IP/virtual users

My plan is to get a 2x8 or 2x16 with 1 remote and at least 1 local

 

[TechOneCS]

Will a KVM over IP switch also operate as a standard KVM (for when I'm in the shop, right in front of the machines)?

Also, I saw KVM over IP access boxes, which (I believe) would allow IP access to a standard KVM switch, but I'm not entire sure if that's the case with any KVM switch, or just enterprise-type. (Mine is just a 4-port TrendNet.)

 

[tkrabec]

I'm not sure but I'd have to say no, I've not seen any IP KVM's that are local and remote, unless it's the KVM + remote, not just the "remote" addon

 

[TechOneCS]

Thanks for your help!

 

[tkrabec]

I take that back
http://www.42u.com/raritan-kx2101.htm
Looks like it does remote and local for a "server"
So provided your current KVM can switch via keyboard signals you'd be set