Tripp Lite Introduces IP KVM Switches

Power protection and connectivity specialist Tripp Lite announced a line of IP-capable Cat5 KVM (keyboard, video and mouse) switches with features including virtual media capability, redundant dual power supplies and energy-saving temperature sensors. Occupying 1U of rack space, these NetDirector KVM switches can control a maximum of 128 (16-port models) or 256 computers (32-port models), with full-screen graphical OSD and multilevel authentication, including super administrator, administrator and user.

Key features include simultaneous support for one local user and up to four remote users; virtual media capability, which enables connected computers to access flash drives and other storage media as if they were directly connected to the computer; redundant dual power supplies that keep the KVM switch running if the primary power supply fails; and built-in sensors that save energy and prolong fan life by regulating fan speed according to the unit's temperature. In addition, the switches are compliant with the Federal Trade Agreements Act (TAA) for GSA Schedules and other government contracts.

Other features include built-in IP access to allow secure access to multiple computers from a single KVM console, distant PC/server control up to 500 feet on Cat5 models, PS/2 and USB compatibility, an on-screen display (OSD), password security and convenient port selection.

David Posner, Tripp Lite's director of connectivity products, said the IP-capable KVM switches provide a new level of flexibility for server management in enterprise IT environments. "Their Virtual Media capability makes external storage devices such as hard drives, flash drives and DVD/CD drives available across the network," he explained. "This, plus their ability to monitor and control multiple servers from any distance over LAN or Internet, makes them ideal for applications requiring advanced network monitoring and control."

Earlier this month, the company introduced a four-port KVM switch capable of controlling multiple computers, audio and USB peripherals from a single console. Up to four computers can be connected to the B006-VUA4-K-R KVM switch, with additional provision for sharing USB peripheral devices and audio among the connected computers. The KVM console, connected peripherals and audio can be independently switched, making it possible to work on one computer while printing from a second computer and listening to audio from a third.

Features include the ability to control up to four computers from a single monitor, keyboard and mouse, a two-port USB 2.0 hub that enables connected computers to share peripheral devices, built-in 3.5mm audio jacks to allow connected computers to share speaker/microphone audio and an on-screen display (OSD) for providing two-level security for one administrator and up to four users. The switch is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Sun, Unix, Novell and DOS, and four USB KVM cable kits are included. The company noted the switch is compact enough to be used on the desktop and can also be mounted in any standard 19-inch rack with included brackets.